Mental Changes Research Articles

The Effects of Body Awareness on Fall-Related Behaviors and Fall Risk in Geriatric Individuals

Aims Aging is an inevitable stage in which in addition to physiological and mental changes, perception and awareness decline, and memory functions gradually deteriorate. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of body awareness on fall-related behaviors and fall risk in geriatric individuals. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 176 individuals over 65 years of age who presented to family health centers. Body awareness (BAQ), fall-related behaviors (FaB) and fall risk (Morse) were examined. Statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05 in the analyzes. Results There was a moderate, negative, and statistically significant relationship between the Morse and BAQ scores of the participants (r=-0.576) (p < 0.05). There was a moderate, positive, and statistically significant relationship between the BAQ and FaB scores of the participants (r = 0.235) (p < 0.05). Conclusions The results showed a significant relationship between body awareness levels and fall-related behaviors and fall risk in geriatric individuals.

Age-Related Diversification and Specialization in the Mental Lexicon: Comparing Aggregate and Individual-Level Network Approaches.

The mental lexicon changes across the lifespan. Prior work, aggregating data among individuals of similar ages, found that the aging lexicon, represented as a network of free associations, becomes more sparse with age: degree and clustering coefficient decrease and average shortest path length increases. However, because this work is based on aggregated data, it remains to be seen whether or not individuals show a similar pattern of age-related lexical change. Here, we demonstrate how an individual-level approach can be used to reveal differences that vary systematically with age. We also directly compare this approach with an aggregate-level approach, to show how these approaches differ. Our individual-level approach follows the logic of many past approaches by comparing individual data as they are situated within population-level data. To do this, we produce a conglomerate network from population-level data and then identify how data from individuals of different ages are situated within that network. Though we find most qualitative patterns are preserved, individuals produce associates that have a higher clustering coefficient in the conglomerate network as they age. Alongside a reduction in degree, this suggests more specialized but clustered knowledge with age. Older individuals also reveal a pattern of increasing distance among the associates they produce in response to a single cue, indicating a more diverse range of associations. We demonstrate these results for three different languages: English, Spanish, and Dutch, which all show the same qualitative patterns of differences between aggregate and individual network approaches. These results reveal how individual-level approaches can be taken with aggregate data and demonstrate new insights into understanding the aginglexicon.

The Shift Toward Imperialist Mentality and America’s China Policy:A Study Centered on The Open Door Policy

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, American foreign policy underwent a major shift toward expansionism and imperialism. This transformation was not only a natural result of the increase in American power, but also largely influenced by the mentality of national identity, American exceptionalism, cultural superiority, etc. The American images of China, influenced by this shift, had also undergone significant changes. China in the 19th century was seen as a byword for barbarism, but in the early 20th century, Americans began to talk about China’s awakening. A variety of changes in mentality and expansionist policies had turned the national imagination of Americans to imperialism, which was the driving force behind the change in China’s image. The change in China’s image had in turn affected U.S. policy toward China. However, on the other hand, the tradition of Orientalism had led American to regard China as a passive and static entity. China as a nation and Chinese laborers led the United States to view China as a “double other” rather than a free subject of thought or action. This ideology promoted the formation of the consensus of Open Door Policy and Chinese Exclusion.

Opportunities and challenges in the implementation of the Community Environment Conservation Fund: Implications for conservation of endangered tree species

AbstractThe shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), one of the indigenous tree species in sub‐Saharan Africa, is facing extinction because of its hardwood, which provides the best fuel wood, and its charcoal is the best amongst all tree species in Uganda. To conserve these trees in Northern Uganda, the Community Environment Conservation Fund was implemented to help communities harness its benefits, such as carbon sequestration, microenvironment regulation and income generation through the sale of shea nuts and shea butter. As a result, there was a need to understand the opportunities and challenges in the implementation of the Community Environment Conservation Fund. Qualitative methods like the key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used and a participatory process mapping tool called the Process Net‐Map was applied to identify the actors involved and assess their level of influence in the implementation process, eliciting the opportunities and challenges faced. The research findings showed multiple opportunities in the conservation efforts, including enhanced adoption of community‐conservation by‐laws, positive mindset change towards shea tree and environmental conservation, improved credit access, diversification of income‐generating alternatives and asset creation. However, some challenges existed during the implementation phase, including moral hazard, strategic defaulting, free riding and limited financial resources. Each of these challenges significantly impacted the effectiveness and sustainability of the fund, enlightening the need for adaptive strategies. Some strategies identified were enhancing training, especially regarding fund management and enterprise selection; increasing the startup funds to at least UGX 3,000,000 ($790) per group; incorporating the declining balance approach; and lengthening the gestation period to at least 6 months. By addressing these challenges, more resilient and sustainable conservation efforts can be made, safeguarding the invaluable shea trees for future generations.

Building bridges in Climate Pact activities and Climate Action - example from Serbia

Abstract The European Climate Pact is a movement of citizens united around a common cause, each taking steps in their own worlds to build a more sustainable Europe. Launched by the European Commission, the Pact is part of the European Green Deal and is helping the EU to meet its goal to become climate-neutral by 2050. This work presents examples of activities of the EU Climate pact ambassador in different directions (international and national/local level), with an unique goal, to increase awareness of importance of action, change of mindset, and exchange positive experiences. Climate Action is presented: • through educational activities in EUGLOH project (European Global Health Universities Alliance) - by organizing Course Climate Action for Health and presenting to students at international level different Climate actions activities. • engagement of citizens through Rotary Climate Action in RD 2483 and wither in Rotary international community - as citizens activities - Rotary Climate Action with the aim to increase awareness of climate change and health consequences. • as mentorship activities with PhD students in the field (climate change and air pollution impact on respiratory diseases) - as a research activities. • as an example of cooperation with media in Serbia - increasing of awareness among journalists. There are a lot of possibilities to work in the long-term in the community, using glocal principles and trying to find a way to change the behaviour of citizens towards acceptance of climate neutrality as an important goal. Key messages • Climate Action is citizens action. • Climate action is a way to change the behaviour of citizens towards acceptance of climate neutrality as an important goal.

Innovation and Adaptation of Islamic Religious Education in Madrasahs in the Context of Society 5.0 Era

The Society 5.0 era presents challenges and opportunities for Islamic religious education in madrasas. This study aims to analyze the innovations and adaptations needed to face this era. Using a qualitative method with a Library Research approach and content analysis, this study examines various related literature sources. The results show that the main challenges include limited technological infrastructure and lack of human resource readiness. Many madrasahs still rely on traditional methods and show resistance to change. In conclusion, a comprehensive strategy is needed, including infrastructure improvement, teacher digital competency development, curriculum update, and mindset change. Recommendations include technology training programs, collaboration with the technology sector, and education policy reforms to support digital transformation in madrasahs

Promoting healthy ageing at work through the development of coping strategies among senior workers

Abstract Background In France, the employment rate for individuals aged 50-64 has risen to almost 67% by 2023, with projections indicating that nearly one in three citizens will be over 60 by 2040. This demographic shift presents a significant labour challenge. To address this, the study explores how senior workers tackle workplace challenges and how their coping strategies influence healthy ageing at work. Methods This study explores critical factors in healthy ageing at work using a mixed QUAL/Quant methodology. 15 interviews provided insight into senior workers, while 28 participants from a French company completed an online questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed using template analysis, and quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results The interviews revealed that senior workers’ problem-solving methods were grouped into three approaches: technical solutions (ergonomic adjustments, supportive equipment), coping strategies (help-seeking, utilisation crafting and developmental crafting), and mindset changes (metacognition, positive reappraisal). Among the senior group, the survey results showed that developmental crafting was a significant positive predictor of work engagement (β = 1.52, p&amp;lt; .05). Utilisation crafting and relational crafting were significant positive predictors of general health (β=.53, p&amp;lt; .05, and β=.50, p= .05, respectively). Conclusions This study not only emphasizes the significance of technological solutions but also underscores the critical roles of help-seeking, utilisation crafting, developmental crafting, metacognition, and positive reappraisal in fostering healthy ageing at work. These insights emphasize the need for ongoing development of human resource management strategies to address the challenges associated with ageing at work. Key messages • Our study finds senior workers employ diverse strategies - technical solutions, coping strategies, mindset shifts - to promote healthy ageing at work. • The insights highlight the importance of human resource strategies for addressing challenges of the ageing workforce, emphasizing proactive approaches.

From Technology Acceptance to Platform Attachment: Hospitality Training in Metaverse

ABSTRACT Evolving from augmented and virtual reality environments, the metaverse offers unique immersion, presence, interaction, and persistence, setting it apart from other online platforms. This study employs an experimental design to test a model examining how technology acceptance and platform attachment, driven by situatedness in the metaverse, impact learning in hospitality education. We propose a framework combining technology acceptance with place attachment theory to explore the metaverse’s role in hospitality training. Statistical analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between technology acceptance and platform attachment (β = 0.399, p < .001), which in turn positively influences mental model change (β = 0.758, p < .001). These findings highlight the metaverse’s transformative potential in hospitality education by influencing cognitive frameworks, specifically mental model changes, and enhancing task performance during virtual training. The study also identifies the mediating role of platform attachment in shaping user experiences, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the metaverse’s impact and practical insights for improving hospitality training.

Critical factors to adopt sustainable agrifood supply chain management in developing countries: The case of Ethiopian coffee industry

AbstractGlobal agrifood supply chains are under increasing pressure to address sustainability issues due to growing concerns. However, numerous organizations within the agrifood industry are struggling to incorporate sustainable supply chain management practices and address the concerns. Therefore, this research is designed to identify the key critical factors, such as drivers, enablers, and barriers to adopting sustainable practices. This study considers the Ethiopian coffee industry, which is an important sector not only for the Ethiopian economy but also for the global agrifood supply chain. To accomplish the objectives of this study, we applied a systematic literature review and empirical survey. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify critical factors for adopting sustainability in agrifood supply chains. An empirical survey was then undertaken in the Ethiopian coffee industry to rank the key critical factors. Hence, the study has revealed that economic and productivity improvement, cost effectiveness and improvement in the overall performance, and difficulty in mindset and cultural changes as the key critical factors that determine the adoption of sustainability initiatives from the perspectives of the Ethiopian coffee supply chain. The findings can be used as input by government regulatory bodies and policymakers to craft strategies and policies to adopt sustainability initiatives and ensure sustainable development. Furthermore, the research is expected to contribute to the existing literature by bringing in the perspective of suppliers in developing countries.

Adolescents Perceptions of Factors Causing Anxiety

Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adulthood, most of them will experience various changes. Changes that occur in adolescents can be physical, mental and social changes. Some factors that cause anxiety that have been studied include fear of change, thinking too much about something, not having friends to talk to, and many more. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that cause anxiety based on their experiences. The exploratory qualitative research method was used in this study to reveal the experiences of adolescents who have excessive anxiety. The results of the study showed that adolescents have various perceptions about the factors that cause anxiety in themselves, including; 1) Loss, 2) Thinking too much about something, 3) Broken family, 4) Verbal bullying, 5) Trauma, 6) Failure to do something, 7) Economic problems in the family and 8) Too sensitive.

The Unique Impacts of COVID-19 on Low-Income and Diverse Canadian Women's Mental Health Profiles: A Latent Transition Analysis.

There is evidence of an overall decline in women's mental health, particularly those with young children, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, research has also found heterogeneity in women's mental health responses. This longitudinal study sampled low-income women with young children by recruiting from the government's child care financial subsidy waitlist. To examine heterogeneity in women's mental health responses to COVID-19, a latent transition analysis was employed to identify profiles of anxiety, depression, and stress among 289 low-income mothers. Using these identified profiles, we examined the transitional patterns between profiles before and during COVID-19 and the sociodemographic and familial factors related to these profiles. A three-profile solution was identified prior to COVID-19 and a four-profile solution during COVID-19, with some profiles exhibiting qualitatively different defining characteristics. Latent transition analyses found diverse patterns of mental health changes after the onset of COVID-19. Mothers with better mental health prior to COVID-19 tended to have the most stable mental health during COVID-19. In contrast, mothers who were highly stressed prior to COVID-19 were equally likely to improve or decline after the onset of the pandemic. In addition, the relationships between race, parenting practices, child temperament, and child mental health were significantly related to mothers' mental health profiles. These findings describe mothers' experiences and areas where policymakers and practitioners can tailor support to low-income women with young children.

Effect of healthy dietary intention-behavior (in)consistency on depression and anxiety in the process of behavior change.

Although an increasing number of people are now committed to pursuing a healthy diet, it remains unclear how mental health changes during this process. The present study aimed to examine the combined effect of healthy dietary intention and behavior on depression and anxiety across two sub-studies. This study consisted of two parts: a cross-sectional survey (Study 1) involving 1,433 college students and an 11-day daily diary study (Study 2) with 117 college students. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis indicated that in cases of congruence, individuals' intention and behavior align at a high level and were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety in the motivational phase but were not found similar association in the volitional phase. In cases of incongruence, individuals with high intention-low behavior tend to experience lower levels of depression and anxiety in the motivational phase. However, individuals with high intention-low behavior tend to experience higherlevels of depression and anxiety in the volitional phase. These findings not only enrich the current understanding of diet and health but also contribute to the development of holistic strategies for promoting a healthy diet.

Long Term Physical and Mental Health Outcomes of Older Adults Following a Major Burn Injury: A Burn Model System Investigation.

Older adults are at a higher risk of complications after burn injuries since many physical and mental changes are compounded by increasing age. Few studies have targeted the long-term effects of burns on older adults. Therefore, this study will investigate the long-term physical and mental health outcomes in older adults. 3129 participants from the Burn Model System Database were divided into 3 cohorts based on their age at injury (18-54, 55-64, and 65+). Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were derived from the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) and the Veterans RAND 12-item (VR-12) health surveys and analyzed to measure recovery at preinjury, discharge, 2-year follow-up, and 5-year follow-up. ANOVA, T-score analysis, and linear mixed-effects models were utilized to assess for significant differences in outcome scores. PCS scores were significantly different between the 18-54 cohort and 65+ cohorts at the preinjury and 2-year time intervals (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), but not at the 5-year follow up (P=0.28). MCS scores were significantly different between the 18-54 cohort and 65+ cohorts at all time intervals measured (p=0.001, p<0.001, P<0.001, and p=0.005 respectively), though the change in MCS scores over time were not significantly different between age cohorts across time (p=0.088). This supports that patients 65 years and older have a different physical function recovery trajectory when compared to patients under 64 years. These findings underscore the belief that for physical recovery after a burn injury, individualized physical rehabilitation plans will provide the most benefit for patients across all ages.

Improvement of public management mechanisms in the direction of countering hybrid threats to national security

The article represents an attempt of conceptual comprehension of the phenomenon of hybrid threats, which, although inextricably linked with hybrid warfare, still may not include armed conflict even with participation of only irregular combatants. Rather, hybrid threats are aimed at undermining adversary’ infrastructure or gaining much control over it, and sow internal societal tension. Geopolitical components, drivers and factors of hybrid threats are analyzed. Based on analysis of literature sources and practical cases, it is concluded that anticipatory approach is the only way of effective combatting hybrid threats, but implementation of this approach could be backed by a collective change in mentality and a stronger national narrative, while the initiative should be suggested by public administration. There is a need for fresh thinking while expanding the traditional enemy-centric threat assessment and response.

‘Does the Environment Only Exist Here?’ Hyper-Environmentalism and Eco-Infantilisation on Mayotte Island

ABSTRACT Based on extensive ethnographic research on Mayotte (Indian Ocean), this article presents a case study on how environmentalism manifests in one of the world's richest biodiversity sites. It illustrates how Mayotte, the last and poorest French overseas department, is shaped by ‘hyper-environmentalism’ – where residents are forced to be ‘hyper-aware’, ‘hyper-educated’, and ‘hyper-committed’ to environmental issues. The paper discusses how Mayotte is constructed by the Wazungu ("white people") as a tropical ‘otherness’ and describes the process of ‘eco-infantilisation’, where the Maorais people are paternalistically portrayed as ‘children’ who need to be taught to ‘see’, ‘read’, and protect their environment. Finally, it shows how this effort to ‘change mindsets’ fails because it doesn't integrate new scientific knowledge with local expertises, which are often not recognised. The aim of this paper is to provide insights into the diverse manifestations of environmentalism in a post-colonial, tropical, insular, and ‘southern’ territory like Mayotte.

&lt;b&gt;Analysis of State Changes in English Causative Constructions: Insights from Construction Grammar&lt;/b&gt;

This research aims to explore how English causative constructions convey changes in state, using the frameworks of Construction Grammar and Radical Construction Grammar. The 310 English language samples were selected based on their relevance to illustrating transitions caused by internal or external factors, sourced from reliable texts, diverse contexts, varied grammatical constructions, and common usage patterns. Through a thorough examination of syntax and semantics, the study aims to illustrate how causative constructions effectively capture dynamic processes and cognitive perceptions. Emphasis is placed on the roles of the agent and patient, with the analysis seeking to uncover how these structures deal with causality and, crucially, changes in state. The findings show that causative structures in English mainly depict physical changes, although there is still a significant representation of emotional and mental changes. This analysis reveals the universal and language-specific aspects of causative constructions and provides insights into how they are used in everyday conversations and cognitive activities.

Unlocking Potential With Multimodal Learning and Assessment

In the current dynamic education landscape, equipping students with flexible, critical and creative digital literacy skills is essential. Higher education plays a key role in this endeavour, as changes in the use of digital technology and academic practices have created an increasing need for teachers and students to develop multimodal competencies. To develop these skills, educational institutions should embrace and utilise multimodality in both teaching and assessment. Aside from meeting students’ expectations to develop their digital literacy skills, multimodal approaches provide an engaging, interactive and creative experience of education. They also constitute a more inclusive method of learning, as neurodivergent students can access information and demonstrate knowledge in different ways. This article provides a synthesis of research into the barriers and benefits of multimodal learning and assessment. The paper calls for a change in mindset among education stakeholders, advocating for the recognition of learning as multimodal, and the implementation of multimodal assessment.

Diseminasi Teknologi Mesin Feed Grinder dan Pelatihan Pembuatan Silasi Berbahan Limbah pertanian untuk Menghasilkan Pakan Domba Bernutrisi

This community service activity aims to disseminate feed grinder machine technology and provide training on making silage from agricultural waste as an alternative, nutritious feed for sheep in collaboration with the Sumber Mendho Nusantara livestock group. The implementation method involves four stages: preparation, which focuses on identifying the partner's problems and needs; training, which includes socializing the use of agricultural waste and demonstrating the feed grinder machine; mentoring, which focuses on follow-up and monitoring previous activities; and reporting and sustainability to ensure that the program continues to be implemented by the partner. The outcomes of this community service are that the partners are able to understand and apply appropriate technology to process waste, such as cassava and corn cobs, into quality feed. This activity not only reduces the farmers' dependence on commercial feed but also increases operational efficiency and opens up new opportunities in agropreneurship. The results also indicate a positive change in the partners' mindset, skills, and ability to manage agricultural waste. Furthermore, the increased knowledge of operating and maintaining appropriate technology provides a strong foundation for the program's sustainability in the future. With the support of proper technology and training, the livestock group can improve the quality of animal feed and optimize local economic potential.

Perspective on pathways towards responsible surface engineering

In this perspective sustainability-relevant aspects of modern surface engineering technologies, which enable improved structural and functional surface properties, are critically evaluated. Although plasma-assisted physical vapour deposition (PVD) is increasingly employed to address global challenges, such as energy efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions, their inherently resource-intensive nature is often not considered.Surface engineering research should thus embrace sustainability-relevant aspects from a processes and materials design point of view. While we are convinced that sustainability-relevant surface engineering has to be based on synchronised process and materials solutions, we will discuss processes and materials separately.In terms of processes, we are going to describe the challenges of state-of-the-art technology, including energy and mass balances as well as product cycles. With respect to materials, the coating and process purity as well as chemical and microstructural complexity are discussed.Such approaches are fully in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production. We expect that the here discussed urgently needed pathways towards responsible surface engineering will become important for the surface engineering community and adopted within the near future. Responsible surface engineering includes the human behaviour and necessitates a change in mindset of materials scientists and process engineers. Hence, two main questions are critically evaluated in this perspective:1)What are sustainability-relevant aspects of PVD processes and materials?2)Which pathways are available to move towards responsible surface engineering?

Therapeutic Porphyrin “Hemin” Binds and Unfolds Hen Egg White Lysozyme: Experimental and In Silico Approaches to Study the Interaction

AbstractHemin is an important iron‐containing porphyrin that has important therapeutic properties to control the symptoms of porphyria attacks that include pain, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, mental changes, and so forth. Lysozyme has many applications, which include from therapeutic to preservation of foods. The interaction of hemin with an important model protein, hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), has been observed in this study through hybrid in silico with biophysical studies. There was a strong 1:1 cooperative binding between hemin and HEWL, which was revealed from the strong quenching of the latter by the former. The binding was favored by the decrease in temperature, which is due to the involvement of static type of quenching mechanism in the interaction. Experimental analyses suggested that the major forces involved in the binding were polar ones, and there was an efficient energy transfer from the fluorophore to the ligand. The combination of far‐UV CD spectroscopy and Rayleigh light scattering experiments established that hemin has the strong tendency to unfold HEWL. An extensive molecular docking investigation involving 2000 docking runs recognized the preferred binding site of hemin within HEWL, and also suggested that apart from the polar forces, hydrophobic interactions have also played an important role in the binding.