Intelligence Research Articles

A novel approach to sustainable behavior enhancement through AI-driven carbon footprint assessment and real-time analytics

This research introduces an Artificial Intelligence-driven mobile application designed to help users calculate and reduce their Carbon Footprint (CFP). The proposed system employs an Intelligent Sustainable Behavior Tracking and Recommendation System, analyzing users' carbon emissions from daily activities and suggesting eco-friendly alternatives. It facilitates sustainability discussions through its chat community and educates users on sustainable practices via an intelligent chatbot powered by a sustainability knowledge base. To promote social engagement around sustainability, the application incorporates a competition and reward system. Additionally, it aggregates behavioral data to inform government sustainability policies and address challenges. Emphasizing individual responsibility, the proposed system stands out from other systems by offering a comprehensive solution that integrates recommendation, education, monitoring, and community engagement, contributing to the cultivation of sustainable communities. The results of a user study (n = 10) employing paired sample t-tests across the three dimensions of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) revealed varying effects of using the application on attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions related to promoting sustainable human behavior. While the application did not yield significant changes in attitudes (t (9) = 1.7, p = 0.123), or behavioral intentions (t (9) = 0.6, p = 0.541), it did produce a significant increase in subjective norms (t (9) = 4.2, p = 0.002). This suggests that while attitudes towards using this application for sustainability and behavioral intentions remained relatively stable, there was a notable impact on the perception of social influence to engage in sustainable behavior through the use of the application attributed to the sustainability reward system.

Diet predicts mind and moral concern towards a broad range of animal categories

A compelling body of research demonstrates that diet (e.g. vegetarianism) plays an important role in the moral concern people grant to animals. However, this research has focused mostly on ‘food’ animals, leaving us with limited understanding of the scope of this effect. We investigated how vegans/vegetarians (veg*ns) and omnivores attribute mind (Study 1) and moral standing (Study 2) across a wide range of animal categories. In Study 1, veg*ns perceived greater mental capacities for most animal categories. Both veg*ns and omnivores gave some categories lesser ratings than others (e.g. evolutionarily distant vs. close to humans), suggesting that veg*ns and omnivores follow similar patterns of mind perception. In Study 2, however, veg*ns both attributed animals greater moral standing overall and gave similar ratings across categories (e.g. toward ‘liked’ animals such as rabbits and ‘disliked’ animals such as rats), whereas omnivores drew sharper distinctions between categories. These studies demonstrate that meat avoidance is a meaningful factor not only in the perceptions of animals that people eat, but also other animals.

Systematization and Rationalization of Training for under 17 Female Volleyball Players through Specialized Plyometric Programs

The main scope of this study is to use plyometric means in volleyball training, individualized according to the training period, in order to improve the strength-speed capacity from the point of multidimensional perspective. The longitudinal experiment took place during the competitive year 2022-2023 and consisted in the introduction of plyometric means in training, depending on the training period, the time allocated to the improvement of strength-speed capacity being 20 minutes. We mention that the research was carried out in the gym of Dacia Pitesti Technological High School. The statistical data were collected by using the “Kistler Force Measurement Platform - Quattro Jump v1.1.1.x”. According to the results, we mention that through the use of specialized plyometric programs during training, we obtained significantly improved values in the final evaluation of the applied tests, through a significant percentage increase with a value between 7% and 25% in the group subjected to the experiment. Sports training for U17 female volleyball players is a systematic and continuous pedagogical process with the objective of improving the general motor capacity and in particular the strength-speed capacity, the functional and mental capacity, based on the adaptation of the body to the intense and maximum efforts. In conclusion, the use of specialized plyometric programs in the training of cadet female volleyball players (15-17 years), determines a faster and more extensive development of general physical training, ensures a good rest for the athletes and reveals a more efficient use of the time allocated to the training.

Neuropsychology of chronic fatigue syndrome in civilian population in war conditions

This study examines the impact of chronic fatigue on cognitive, neurocognitive, and mental functioning in civilians living in Ukraine under the prolonged stress of the current war. The study involved 487 people aged 27 to 38 years, 63 % women and 37 % men. The Fatigue Assessment Scale was used to measure fatigue, while cognitive activity, passive neurocognitive activity, and mental abilities were evaluated using three validated scales that allow for the analysis of critical aspects of mental functioning. In our study, correlation analysis revealed important gender differences. In women, the strongest relationship was observed between fatigue and mental capacity. Women with higher levels of fatigue also demonstrated a decrease in cognitive abilities. A weaker but still significant correlation was found between fatigue and passive neurocognitive activity, suggesting that passive cognitive processes, such as introspection, are somewhat less affected by fatigue. Men showed a similar pattern, but with slightly different emphases. The correlation between fatigue and cognitive performance was moderate, indicating that men’s cognitive function declines with increasing fatigue, but not as much as women’s. The relationship between fatigue and passive neurocognitive activity was stronger in men than in women. These findings are consistent with previous research on the differential impact of fatigue and stress on cognitive and mental functions, especially in conflict-affected people. Theories of the neuropsychological response to prolonged trauma suggest that the default mode network, which is responsible for passive cognitive processes, is highly sensitive to stress and fatigue, especially in men, while women tend to experience more significant impairments in the frontoparietal network, which supports executive functioning and emotional regulation. These findings emphasize the need for gender-sensitive therapeutic interventions. Our findings suggest that fatigue interventions should be tailored to the unique needs of men and women, with a focus on improving mental resilience and cognitive function. For women, interventions aimed at emotional regulation and stress management may be appropriate, while men may need help maintaining passive cognitive functioning and reflective thinking. Future research should examine the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these gender differences in order to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for populations experiencing chronic fatigue under high stress conditions.

Comportamientos emocionalmente inteligentes docentes y su papel en la relación entre la cibervictimización y los factores de riesgo de suicidio en adolescentes

Psychological distress is an increasing concern among adolescents worldwide. Cybervictimization is considered one of the stressors that adolescents may face, and it significantly impacts various indicators of suicide risk (i.e., symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and suicidal ideation). However, teacher emotionally intelligent behaviors (TEIB) might mitigate the links between cybervictimization experiences and suicide risk factors. This study aimed to examine the relationships between cybervictimization and several suicide risk indicators, as well as the potential moderating role of TEIB in these links. A sample of 1,866 (996 girls) adolescents (Mage=13.99, SD=1.44) participated in this study and completed widely validated measures. Moderation analyses revealed that TEIB moderated the positive associations between cybervictimization and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, even after controlling for the effects of sociodemographic factors (i.e., age and gender) and emotional intelligence. However, TEIB did not moderate the link between cybervictimization and suicidal ideation. These novel findings both underscore the significance of students’ perceptions of TEIB in shaping their psychological well-being and highlight potential avenues for research aimed at mitigating the consequences of cybervictimization.

Https://www.tasambo.com/2024/08/the-menagerie-of-majesty-analysing.html

The paper examines the animal symbolism in the Hausa Songs of Sa’idu Faru; limiting itself to two songs: Gwabron giwa uban galadima ɗan sambo ginshimi: ganshiƙan amadu na maigandi kai a uban zagi and Koma shirin yaƙi: jan damishin gidan kure shehu. The selection of the songs was due to the occurrences or use of many forms of animal symbolism in them. The analysis has been done on some instances showcasing animal symbolism derived from these songs. Different names of animals have been mentioned in the songs which carry meanings and portray different qualities attributed to human beings to show the innermost intended meaning of the singer. The instances reflect connotative meanings that symbolize power, strength, wisdom, braveness, leadership, tolerance etc, and some other ones which describe laziness, wickedness, fear, stinginess etc. Animal symbolism is an important tool used in many languages to illustrate the power of language in communicative discourse. The instances in the songs of Sa’idu Faru reflect how Hausa poets use their wisdom and poetic ability to manipulate language and ascribe meanings related to animals on human beings based on their physical or mental capacity. Words such as Kura(hyena), Zaki (lion), and Doki (horse) reflect many different intended meanings from the poet in the song. It is evident, that there is a great important symbolic value associated with each animal mentioned in the song.

Intelligent Agent and NPC Behavior Modeling: From Traditional Methods to AI Driven Interactive Game Design

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) related technologies have been widely applied in the gaming industry, bringing enormous commercial value. Research has shown that non-player characters (NPCs) embedded with AI technology are more intelligent, popular among players, and can make them feel challenged and amused. Major game companies have established their own AI studios to invest energy in designing more intelligent NPCs, making the NPCs deployed in games increasingly superior. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive induction and summary of the behavior modeling design methods for NPCs. Therefore, this article focuses on providing a more comprehensive summary of this field, by searching and comparing relevant examples in existing game and research results of NPC design, summarizing and generalizing different types of methods, then analyzing and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of traditional algorithms and AI algorithms, as well as their usage scenarios, and proposing potential methods for the future in the end.

Female CEO and Carbon Emission Reduction

Objective: This research aims to examine the effect of female CEO on the effect of female proportion on carbon emission reduction. Theoretical Framework: This research uses gender socialization theory to capture research context. Gender socialization theory hypothesis clarifies that there's a mental capacity diverse between females and males, particularly within the perspectives of ethical and morals. Method: Data analysis uses logistic regression. Results and Discussion: The result indicates that Ha is accepted where female CEO affects carbon emission reduction. Research Implications: This research implies female directors to gain more knowledge of environmental responsibilities including carbon emission reduction. Originality/Value: The results confirm gender socialization theory where females tend to perform ethical and risk-averse behavior, such as reduce carbon emission.

Are human brain organoids cloned human individuals? An ethical analysis

In recent years, there has been much ethical debate about human brain organoid research. However, the possibility that human brain organoids might be human individuals has not been examined. This is an important issue because if human brain organoids are human individuals, then the creation of human brain organoids could be a form of human reproductive cloning. We examine the implications of two mainstream bioethical views on the nature of human individuals for human brain organoids: (1) Functional Integration Theory, the view that the capacity to integrate vital functions is the criterion for human individuality, and (2) Mental State Theory, the view that some mental capacity is the criterion for human individuality. We find that under either theory of human individuality, human brain organoids could be human individuals in the future. According to a version of Functional Integration Theory that locates the integrative function in the human brainstem (Brainstem Theory), a well-developed human brainstem organoid can be a human individual. Further, on Mental State Theory, a human brain organoid with certain mental capacities can be a human individual. Our results, combined with the ban on human reproductive cloning, may provide some reasons to be more cautious in human brain organoid research. Alternatively, in light of the progress in human brain organoid research, it may be necessary to reconsider the ethics and laws surrounding human reproductive cloning. This research paves the way for the first time to examine the question of great ethical importance whether human brain organoids can be human individuals, and encourages further consideration.

Stakeholder perceptions of mangrove ecosystem services across scales of conservation focus.

Conservation faces a chronic shortage of resources, including time, funding, mental capacity, and human capital. Efforts to make the expenditure of these resources more efficient should, therefore, support more equitable and effective conservation prioritization. To achieve this, it is necessary to ensure the integration of the knowledge and perceptions of local stakeholders into larger scale conservation decisions. We used fuzzy cognitive mental modeling to assess the perceptions of mangroves and the prioritization of ecosystem services across 3 groups of stakeholders: representatives from 3 coastal Fijian villages, the national office of an international nongovernmental organization (NGO), and the US office of that same NGO. We found different topologies and valuations among the resultant mental models, with the US NGO office having the most terms. However, when comparing models from local villages with the US NGO office, scale-dependent perceptions shifted, including the relative devaluation of locally important cultural valuations of mangroves. Despite these variations in perceptions, however, 3 key components of the mental models-women's livelihoods, men's livelihoods, and fisheries supplementation-all appeared as consistently important in multiple models, suggesting areas around which potential collaboration among stakeholders could be forged. By focusing on system-wide, rather than stakeholder-specific, optimal solutions within the system, new opportunities for collaboration may emerge. In doing so, these system-wide solutions may increase efficiency and collaboration. Moreover, we found that boundary-spanning organizations, such as the national-level conservation organizations, played a role in facilitating information transfer and mediating conservation goals in a culturally appropriate fashion. Finally, although the specific example used here is mangrove conservation, our methodologies and findings are broadly applicable across a variety of conservation scenarios.

Elevated core temperature in addition to mental fatigue impairs aerobic exercise capacity in highly trained athletes in the heat

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of elevated core temperature by exposure to heat stress vs. heat exposure without elevated core temperature (mean skin temperature only) in addition to mental fatigue on aerobic exercise capacity in the heat. Seven highly trained athletes completed two experimental conditions: elevation in core and skin temperatures (hyperthermia: HYP), and skin temperatures (SKIN). Participants performed the AX-Continuous Performance Task and Stroop Task to induce mental fatigue during a warm water immersion at 40 °C (HYP) and a passive seated heat exposure in a climatic chamber at 35 °C and 60% relative humidity (SKIN) for 45 min before exercise. Thereafter, participants performed running trial at 80% maximal oxygen uptake until voluntary exhaustion in the same chamber as the SKIN. Exercise time to exhaustion was significantly shorter in the HYP trial (538 ± 200 s) than in the SKIN trial (757 ± 324 s). Rectal temperature at the end of tasks in the HYP trial increased by 0.86 ± 0.26℃ and was significantly higher (37.69 ± 0.18℃) than that of the SKIN trial (36.96 ± 0.13℃), albeit no significant differences in mean skin temperature. Self-reported mental fatigue using visual analog scale was significantly higher after tasks in both trials, but no significant difference between trials was found. Throughout the trial, salivary cortisol concentration and perceptual responses were not affected by hyperthermia. This study demonstrated that a combination of high core temperature and mean skin temperature, and mental fatigue limit aerobic exercise capacity in highly trained athletes in hot environments compared with heat exposure without an elevation of core temperature.

Flexible Learning and Re-ordering of Context-dependent Object Sequences in Nonhuman Primates.

Intelligent behavior involves mentally arranging learned information in novel ways and is particularly well developed in humans. While nonhuman primates (NHP) will learn to arrange new items in complex serial order and re-arrange neighboring items within that order, it has remained contentious whether they are capable to re-assign items more flexibly to non-adjacent positions. Such mental re-indexing is facilitated by inferring the latent temporal structure of experiences as opposed to learning serial chains of item-item associations. Here, we tested the ability for flexible mental re-indexing in rhesus macaques. Subjects learned to serially order five objects. A change of the background context indicated when the object order changed, probing the subjects to mentally re-arrange objects to non-adjacent positions of the learned serial structure. Subjects successfully used the context cue to pro-actively re-index items to new, non-adjacent positions. Mental re-indexing was more likely when the initial order had been learned at a higher level, improved with more experience of the re-indexing rule and correlated with working memory performance in a delayed match-to-sample task. These findings suggest that NHPs inferred the latent serial structure of experiences beyond a chaining of item-item associations and mentally rearrange items within that structure. The pattern of results indicates that NHPs form non-spatial cognitive maps of their experiences, which is a hallmark for flexible mental operations in many serially ordered behaviors including communication, counting or foraging.

Correlation between the physical activity volume and cognitive and mental capacity among older adult people in China: a cross-sectional study based on the 2020 CHARLS database.

Currently, due to the progress of the aging population in China and the government's attention to healthy aging, there is an increasing emphasis on the cognitive function and psychological function of older adult people. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the relationships between physical activity and cognitive and psychological function in order to provide recommendations for exercise guidance. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) was used to assess mental capacity, and cognitive function was evaluated across three domains: orientation, memory and calculation. Total physical activity data were obtained via interviews. Ability of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Ability of Daily Living (IADL) scores were used to determine the presence or absence of daily physical function impairment. Finally, we conducted correlation analysis and logistic regression on participants' physical activity volume (PAV) and their cognitive and psychological functions, respectively. A total of 5,871 participants who met the inclusion criteria were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The prevalence of depression was 8.1, and 31.6% of the older adult participants reported experienced depressive symptoms. Additionally, 15.6% of the older adult individuals had insufficient weekly physical activity, while 3.9% had daily physical function (DPF) impairment. Physical activity volume (PAV) was negatively correlated with the CESD-10 score, as well as with orientation, calculation, and memory. Our study confirmed that inactive weekly physical activity was associated with an increased risk of depression, cognitive impairment, and DPF impairment among older adult individuals in China.

Особливості розумової працездатності студентів під час запровадження нових форм державної атестації

Objective. The purpose of this research is the study of mental features student’s ability to work during the introduction of new forms of state attestation (of the integrated test exam "Krok 2" and the objective structured clinical exam) during the period of emergency situations in the country. Materials and methods. We started a study of the impact of new forms of state certification on the body of graduates and, in particular, studied the peculiarities of the response of the central nervous system of students during the integrated test exam "Krok 2" and an objective structured clinical exam. In order to assess the state of the central nervous system, the study of mental performance according to Anfimov's tables, was conducted in students of the control (84 people) and the studied (133 people) groups. Results. During various forms of final control (integrated test "Krok 2" and an objective structured clinical exam) a significant decrease in the mental capacity of students was established: in the studied groups, compared to the control group, a decrease in the number of revised marks during the proofreading was observed samples, the indicators increased the number of missed characters, indicators of the efficiency coefficient, which characterizes the increase in fatigue, decreased. At the same time, the number of errors made by students of the studied groups significantly decreased, and the accuracy coefficient increased, which may indicate an increase in concentration during the test. Gender differences were revealed: the number of correct actions decreased only in men, and the accuracy coefficient increased only in women. Conclusions. Research results indicate that introduction into the educational process of new forms of state certification is ambiguous. In the course of research on the impact of new forms of state certification of medical university graduates, changes in the functional state of the central nervous system of the body were revealed in comparison with the control group of students. It is necessary to continue and deepen the study of the impact of innovative forms state certification of the integrated test exam "Krok 2" and objective structured clinical exam) as a new hygienic factor and take them into account during the next reforms of higher medical education. Keywords. Graduates, state certification, mental capacity.

A multi-strategy boosted bald eagle search algorithm for global optimization and constrained engineering problems: case study on MLP classification problems

The Bald Eagle Search (BES) algorithm is an innovative population-based method inspired by the intelligent hunting behavior of bald eagles. While BES shows promise, it faces challenges such as susceptibility to local optima and imbalances between exploration and exploitation phases. To address these limitations, this paper introduces the Multi-Strategy Boosted Bald Eagle Search (MBBES) algorithm. MBBES enhances the original BES by incorporating an adaptive parameter, two distinct mutation strategies, and replacing the swoop stage with a fall stage. We rigorously evaluate MBBES against classic and improved algorithms using the CEC2014 and CEC2017 test sets. The experimental results demonstrate that MBBES significantly improves the ability to escape local optima and achieves superior convergence accuracy. Moreover, MBBES ranks first according to the Friedman test, outperforming its counterparts in solving five practical engineering problems and three MLP classification problems, underscoring its effectiveness in real-world optimization scenarios. These findings indicate that MBBES not only surpasses BES but also sets a new benchmark in optimization performance.

Swarm Intelligence and Unmanned Systems: The Potentıal Impact of The Principles of Swarm Intelligence and Collective Behaviour in Nature On Unmanned Systems and Autonomous Organizational Structures

This paper examines the potential implications of the principles of swarm intelligence and collective behavior in nature for unmanned systems and autonomous organizational structures. Swarm intelligence is inspired by natural systems in which individual units interact according to simple rules to form a complex and organized whole. These principles can be observed in a wide range of situations, from the synchronized flight of flocks of birds to the harmonized swimming behavior of schools of fish. The study emphasizes that swarm intelligence principles have the potential to create more flexible, resilient and efficient systems with decentralized control mechanisms and autonomous decision-making processes. Furthermore, it is suggested that these approaches can find applications in many fields, from military operations to agricultural and environmental monitoring, from disaster response to urban planning. The study provides a detailed analysis of swarm behavior in nature and discusses how these behaviors can be emulated and optimized in unmanned systems. In this context, the potential impacts of swarm intelligence and collective behavior principles on unmanned systems are evaluated in terms of increasing their adaptability, optimizing energy efficiency and maximizing mission success. It is also argued that these principles can contribute to making unmanned systems more resilient to contingencies and changing environmental conditions. This theoretical study suggests that swarm intelligence principles can provide innovative solutions for future unmanned systems and autonomous organizational structures.

The weight of office? A scoping review of mental health issues and risk factors in elected politicians across democratic societies.

The mental health and capacity to govern of democratically-elected politicians have become burgeoning topics of interest. Notably, in fulfilling demanding and high-stress roles, political officeholders could encounter distinctive risk factors, yet existing research literature about these subpopulations remains underexplored. This scoping review aimed to systematically examine the breadth of available evidence on mental health issues and risk factors affecting democratically-elected politicians internationally and to identify future research needs. Using pre-defined eligibility criteria based on JBI guidelines, a systematic keyword search was conducted in May 2024 of MEDLINE, Scopus, and APA PsycNet, supplemented by snowballing techniques. Only those studies reporting primary, empirical evidence on mental ill-health or risk factors with psychological correlates from serving politicians in "Full" or "Flawed" democracies (per Democracy Index) were included from 1999 to 2024. Titles and abstracts were screened and the full-texts of potentially eligible literature were assessed before extraction and synthesis. Eighteen sources met the eligibility criteria, cumulatively encompassing ~3,500 national, state, and municipal politicians across seven democracies (Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Cross-sectional surveys were predominantly utilized, with lesser use of mixed-methods approaches, qualitative interviews, and longitudinal cohorts. Violence emerged as a key concept, with twelve sources (66.7%) underlining its psychological toll and certain data indicating a disproportionate impact on female officeholders. Furthermore, four sources (22.2%) explored general psychopathology trends, revealing varying but sizeable mental ill-health and high-risk alcohol consumption rates, and two studies (11.1%) demonstrated adverse effects from specific occupational conditions. Current literature suggests that democratically-elected politicians can face complex mental health challenges. However, significant research gaps remain, including a paucity of prevalence estimates, longitudinal data, and intervention studies. Equally, the underrepresentation of most democratic countries accentuates the need for a more diverse evidence-base to better support the mental wellbeing of politicians worldwide.

Thought Experiments in Design Ethics

How is the designer to approach questions of responsibility, obligation, or right and wrong in relation to their role in creating, sustaining and altering the complex worlds which we inhabit together? Every design decision stands as the first teetering domino at the head of an infinitely complex fractal chain reaction of consequences, the full repercussions of which are ultimately unforeseeable. The moment of ethical crisis – being faced with a range of possible options and lacking a fully adequate knowledge of which path is best to choose – is an unavoidable component of the design process. Ethical theories, principles, codes and rules always lag one step behind the frontier of the new, the territory in which design operates. Recognising that ethical crisis is an integral reality of the design process, how can designers be best supported and equipped for this challenge? This paper explores one path towards this aim, presenting the case for the use of philosophical thought experiments as appropriate and useful devices for developing capacities for ethical thinking and for nurturing a transformed ethical mindset within practising designers. Thought experiments do not directly guide or provide knowledge or answers as to the ‘right’ thing to do in any given situation. Rather, the argument is presented here that thought experiments can stimulate productive conditions in which designers can learn not to ‘know ethics’ but to ‘think ethics’. By playing these mind games, the designer can exercise and strengthen their mental capacities for responding to ethical encounters within the complexity of real-world design practice.

Abstract 4137594: Intrinsic Capacity Trajectories and Cardiovascular Disease Among Chinese Older Adults: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study

Background: WHO defined intrinsic capacity (IC), a composite of physical and mental capacities, is a marker of healthy aging. Monitoring IC trajectories in older adults may guide preventative strategies and delay negative health outcomes. With the rapidly increasing proportion of older adults and the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China, this study aimed to identify IC trajectories over time and determine whether IC trajectories can predict CVD outcomes. Hypothesis: The IC trajectory among Chinese older adults is heterogeneous; the decline of IC will be associated with increased CVD. Methods: The study used data from five waves (2011 to 2020) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 3,336 adults aged 60 years or older without CVD during the baseline survey in 2011 (T1), who completed the follow-ups in 2013 (T2) and 2015 (T3) were included to determine IC trajectory. IC was assessed through five domains (locomotion, sensory, vitality, cognition, and psychology) using the WHO framework. The CVD outcomes were determined by self-reported diagnoses of heart disease or stroke in the 2020 (T5) wave. A group-based trajectory model (GBTM) was used to identify IC trajectory, and logistic regression was employed to explore the association between IC trajectory groups and CVD outcomes adjusting for covariates. Results: Three IC trajectory groups were identified (Fig 1): high IC-stable group (13.40%), medium IC-stable group (56.12%), and low IC-decline group (30.48%). By the 2020 follow-up, 1204 participants (36.1%) reported CVD diagnosis. Adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking), and cardiovascular metabolic factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia), compared to the high IC-stable group, the low IC-decline group had 63.7% higher odds of CVD (OR=1.637, 95%CI=1.268-2.114), and medium IC-stable group had 7.1% higher odds of CVD (OR=1.071, 95%CI=0.851-1.349). Conclusion: IC trajectory among Chinese older adults is heterogeneous, and IC declines predict higher odds of CVD onset. Regular monitoring of IC and tailored intervention to improve IC may facilitate CVD prevention.

Voices from the ground: Qualitative perspectives on Ugandan national mental health system strengths, challenges, and recommendations

Mental health capacity building is a growing priority in Ugandan healthcare systems. Despite increased governmental attention to community mental health and mental healthcare needs, no empirical assessments document qualitative perspectives from stakeholders in the Ugandan mental health system. The goal of the current needs assessment study was to systematically explore stakeholders’ perceptions of strengths, challenges, and recommendations for enhancing capacity in the national mental health system in Uganda. Using ethnographic research methods, data were collected from 15 key informant interviews and four community focus groups with a total of 44 stakeholders involved in mental healthcare in Uganda. Thematic analyses of data yielded several themes in each domain, including 1) system strengths reflected in the existing policy and action plan, free medications, growing private sector, and partnerships and collaborations; 2) system challenges including socioeconomic constraints, stigma, and limited family engagement; and 3) recommendations surrounding enhanced education and training, integrating systemic approaches, and policy advocacy. We describe clinical, research, and policy implications that can inform systemic mental health efforts in Uganda and comparable global settings.