Peer-reviewed Literature Research Articles

Interventions to Improve HIV Care Continuum Outcomes for People with HIV Who Have Incarceration Experience: A Narrative Review

Abstract People with HIV who are re-entering the community after incarceration encounter multiple barriers to engagement in HIV care and treatment. We conducted a narrative review of recent interventions (2020-2023) developed to address barriers and improve HIV-related health outcomes for people with HIV and incarceration experience in the U.S. This review yielded six interventions published in the peer-reviewed literature, and four interventions from the gray literature (i.e., informally published interventions). Eight of the interventions used the strategy of providing re-entry services to support engagement in HIV care and social services after release from incarceration. Of the peer-reviewed studies, only two reported statistically significant improvements in HIV-related outcomes. Gray literature interventions lacked the methodological details necessary to interpret findings. Systems-level and multi-level interventions were promising but need more rigorous study. To end the HIV epidemic, more innovation is needed to address barriers to care for people with HIV and incarceration experience.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordination in Wartime (Ukraine): Lessons from a Humanitarian Perspective

Introduction: The ongoing war in Ukraine has triggered a large-scale humanitarian crisis, significantly affecting the mental health and psychosocial well-being of the population. In this context, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) has become a vital component of humanitarian response, requiring coordinated and integrated systems aligned with global standards, such as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) framework. Purpose: This research explores how MHPSS coordination mechanisms operate in wartime Ukraine, identifies key actors and systemic barriers, and evaluates the impact of coordinated approaches on access, resilience, and psychosocial well-being. Approach: The study employs a desk-based narrative synthesis methodology, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, humanitarian reports, and policy documents, including the Ukrainian government’s Concept for the Development of Mental Health Care until 2030. Analytical lenses include the IASC MHPSS intervention pyramid and localization theory. The study also proposes visual tools to analyze coordination structures and service delivery pathways. Results: The study finds that Ukraine’s MHPSS coordination system demonstrates notable adaptability and well-developed structures. Core activities such as 4W mapping, non-specialist training programs, and policy alignment initiatives have expanded access, particularly to community-based care. However, challenges including stigma, provider burnout, insufficient funding, and limited rural access continue to constrain effectiveness. Innovative strategies like telehealth platforms and mobile clinics reflect adaptive resilience. Overlapping mandates and data fragmentation further complicate service alignment. Nonetheless, coordinated efforts have reached over 1.2 million individuals in 2023, with early evidence suggesting reductions in psychological distress among internally displaced populations. These findings underscore the critical role of context-sensitive, decentralized approaches in building sustainable MHPSS systems in conflict-affected settings. Conclusions: Ukraine’s MHPSS coordination system demonstrates adaptability and effectiveness in crisis settings, but enduring structural challenges remain. Future priorities should include strengthening local leadership, ensuring long-term financing, and integrating services to ensure sustainable support in crisis contexts.

A Scoping Review of Youth Overdose Prevention Interventions.

Opioid overdose deaths among youth (those 24y of age and younger) significantly increased in recent years despite a decline in the overall prevalence of substance use. The 2 key objectives of this study were (1) to identify and summarize existing youth overdose prevention interventions and (2) to delineate what is needed to refine, implement, and disseminate this critical information to prevent youth overdose. Using the adapted PRISMA Checklist for Scoping Reviews, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed descriptions of youth overdose prevention education interventions from 2010 to 2023. We searched US government institutions and news outlets to identify youth overdose prevention interventions in the gray literature. We synthesized key characteristics of programs. We identified a total of 16 unique programs that fit our inclusion criteria, 9 from the peer-reviewed literature and 7 from the gray literature. Half of the studies (n=8) described overdose prevention interventions with some evaluation component that indicated an improvement in overdose prevention knowledge. However, most programs do not have evaluation data available on whether they are effective in reducing opioid overdoses. In this scoping review, we identified a small number of youth-specific overdose prevention interventions. There is an urgent need to develop, implement, and test interventions that address gaps in the youth overdose prevention landscape.

AI ethics strategies and practices in organizations: a scoping review

Purpose This scoping review aims to categorize and analyze the academic literature on promoting the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics within organizations. Design/methodology/approach The screening process assessed 216 peer-reviewed publications published from 2012 to April 2023. The first research question was: Where and in what form can we find contributions to promoting the implementation of AI ethics in organizations within the peer-reviewed literature? We summarized the basic characteristics of the included publications (type of journal, study design and sectors). The second question was: What strategies and practices for promoting the implementation of AI ethics in organizations are proposed in the academic literature? By inductively synthesizing the results, this study categorized them using a robust theoretical and conceptual classification. Findings The author discovered that the healthcare sector is at the forefront of the discussion compared to other areas, such as business ethics and organizational management. Our results also reveal a gap in translating theoretical and conceptual propositions into practice. Supporting our endorsement of a pluralistic ethical perspective, our findings illustrate the various approaches organizations can adopt to enhance their implementation of AI ethics. Although we deliberately excluded publications that solely focused on policy solutions without including organizational ones, nearly 25% of the recommendations addressed AI ethics initiatives established, formalized, imposed, and regulated by an external entity relative to the organization. Originality/value Originality/value – These results may mitigate the risk of AI ethics-washing and highlight the critical role of public engagement and social license in monitoring this risk.

A dataset of pre-pandemic African protected area visitation

When people visit protected areas, their presence can amplify public support for conservation and their spending closes conservation finance gaps and feeds local economies. Across Africa, protected areas are often presented as engines for poverty alleviation and rural development. Yet visitation data remains scarce for most of the continent. Here we present a dataset of African protected area visitation obtained from government sources as well as peer-reviewed and grey literature. The spatially explicit dataset includes 4,216 records from 341 protected areas in 34 countries. The earliest visitor counts date back to 1965, but the majority (78%) stem from between the years 2000 and 2020. While 22% of protected areas only have visitation data for a single year, the median protected area has six years of visitation data, facilitating temporal analyses. Moreover, the dataset is compatible with the World Database of Protected Areas, making it possible to compare visitation across governance types and management categories. Ultimately, the dataset provides baselines for post-pandemic nature tourism recovery and enables analyses of the factors determining protected area visitation.

Gastronomy Tourism and Sustainable Development: A Desk-Based Study of Global Best Practices and Their Applicability in India

Gastronomy tourism has emerged as a vital facet of global travel, reflecting the increasing interest of tourists in exploring local food cultures as a means of experiencing destinations authentically. This study seeks to examine the intersection of gastronomy tourism and sustainable development through a comprehensive desk-based analysis of international best practices. Drawing upon reports from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and relevant peer-reviewed literature, the research highlights initiatives from diverse cultural and geographical contexts that effectively integrate local cuisine, heritage, and community participation into sustainable tourism models. Key themes include environmental stewardship in food sourcing, preservation of culinary traditions, support for local economies, and the role of food-related experiences in fostering cross-cultural understanding. The findings underline that gastronomy tourism, when thoughtfully managed, can be a driver for inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly in rural and heritage-rich regions. This study offers insights that are especially relevant for policymakers, educators, and tourism planners aiming to develop responsible culinary tourism strategies, even in areas with limited immediate gastronomic tourism potential.

Ocular Manifestations in Children with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, recurrent, and frequently severe allergic ocular condition predominantly impacting children and adolescents in tropical and subtropical areas. It profoundly affects patients’ quality of life owing to its chronic symptoms and possible vision-threatening effects. Notwithstanding progress in comprehending VKC, its ocular symptoms and therapeutic approaches necessitate ongoing assessment. Aims: This review summarizes the main factors to consider when diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with VKC based on the current literature in this field. Methods: This comprehensive review examined peer-reviewed literature from 2010 to 2024 obtained from PubMed. The selection criteria encompassed research addressing the clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties, and therapy of visual symptoms in pediatric patients with VKC. The publications chosen were those focusing on those that elucidate the pathophysiology, consequences, and innovations in treatment methodologies. Results: The ocular manifestations of VKC are varied and characterized by prominent symptoms such as severe itching, photophobia, lacrimation, and a viscous mucoid discharge. Clinical manifestations range from conjunctival hyperemia and limbal thickening to severe consequences that jeopardize vision, including shield ulcers and keratoconus. Improvements in imaging techniques such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy have enhanced diagnostic accuracy. The pharmacological approach has transitioned to steroid-sparing techniques, prioritizing mast cell stabilizers, antihistamines, and immunomodulators such as cyclosporine. Novel therapies, including biologics that target interleukin pathways, demonstrate potential in refractory instances. Nonetheless, access to modern medicines is restricted in resource-limited environments. Conclusions: VKC poses considerable diagnostic and treatment difficulties due to its chronic nature and possible consequences. This review emphasizes the necessity for prompt diagnosis and customized management approaches to avert vision impairment. Despite considerable advancements in comprehending VKC’s etiology and therapy, inequalities in access to sophisticated care highlight the necessity for global activities to guarantee equitable treatment alternatives.

Wearable Artificial Intelligence for Sleep Disorders: Scoping Review.

Worldwide, 30%-45% of adults have sleep disorders, which are linked to major health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Long-term monitoring with traditional in-lab testing is impractical due to high costs. Wearable artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions offer accessible, scalable, and continuous monitoring, improving the identification and treatment of sleep problems. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of AI-powered wearable devices used for sleep disorders, focusing on study characteristics, wearable technology features, and AI methodologies for detection and analysis. Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Google Scholar, and Scopus) were searched for peer-reviewed literature published before March 2024. Keywords were selected based on 3 domains: sleep disorders, AI, and wearable devices. The primary selection criterion was the inclusion of studies that utilized AI algorithms to detect or predict various sleep disorders using data from wearable devices. Study selection was conducted in 2 steps: first, by reviewing titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection and data extraction, resolving discrepancies by consensus. The extracted data were synthesized using a narrative approach. The initial search yielded 615 articles, of which 46 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. The majority of studies focused on sleep apnea. Wearable AI was widely deployed for diagnosing and screening disorders; however, none of the studies used it for treatment. Commercial devices were the most commonly used type of wearable technology, appearing in 30 out of 46 (65%) studies. Among these, various brands were utilized rather than a single large, well-known brand; 19 (41%) studies used wrist-worn devices. Respiratory data were used by 25 of 46 (54%) studies as the primary data for model development, followed by heart rate (22/46, 48%) and body movement (17/46, 37%). The most popular algorithm was the convolutional neural network, adopted by 17 of 46 (37%) studies, followed by random forest (14/46, 30%) and support vector machines (12/46, 26%). Wearable AI technology offers promising solutions for sleep disorders. These devices can be used for screening and diagnosis; however, research on wearable technology for sleep disorders other than sleep apnea remains limited. To statistically synthesize performance and efficacy results, more reviews are needed. Technology companies should prioritize advancements such as deep learning algorithms and invest in wearable AI for treating sleep disorders, given its potential. Further research is necessary to validate machine learning techniques using clinical data from wearable devices and to develop useful analytics for data collection, monitoring, prediction, classification, and recommendation in the context of sleep disorders.

Integrating Media Literacy into TESOL Curriculum for Adult Learners in Community Colleges

Aim: This study investigates how media literacy is integrated into the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) curriculum and how its incorporation could encourage adult learners in U.S. community colleges to learn more effectively, enhance cultural consciousness, and become better critical thinkers. Study Design: A thorough peer-reviewed literature review was conducted to examine recent studies on media literacy practice in TESOL programs for adult learners. Methodology: The study employed systematic literature review methodology in analyzing peer-reviewed scholarly journals between 2020 and 2025 from repu pic academic databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and the TESOL Quarterly. The reviewed studies analyzed media literacy pedagogy, adult education, and intercultural communication in community college settings. The inclusion criteria emphasized peer-reviewed publications documenting teaching methods, learning outcomes, and program implementation concerns. Results: The study shows that integrating media literacy into TESOL instruction improves learners' critical evaluation of digital content, cross-cultural awareness, and engagement with real English language use. Different studies cite increased learner confidence, classroom participation, and use of English in daily digital communication. Conclusion: The incorporation of media literacy into TESOL curriculum facilitates linguistic and cognitive growth of adult learners. It also enables students to engage with media-rich environments in thoughtful and responsible ways. The study encourages TESOL teachers and curriculum developers to incorporate media literacy practices into teaching planning in an effort to foster balanced, holistic, and relevant language learning.

Missing the input: the underrepresentation of plant physiology in global soil carbon research

Abstract. Plant processes regulating the quantity and quality of soil organic carbon inputs such as photosynthesis, above- and below-ground plant growth, and root exudation are integral to our understanding of soil carbon dynamics. However, based on a bibliometric analysis including more than 55 000 scientific papers, we found that plant physiology has been severely underrepresented in global soil organic carbon research. Less than 10 % of peer-reviewed soil organic carbon research published in the last century addressed plant physiological processes relevant to soil carbon inputs. Similarly, plant physiology was overlooked by the overwhelming majority (>90 %) of the peer-reviewed literature investigating linkages between soil organic carbon, climate change, and land use and land management. These findings show that our understanding of both soil carbon dynamics and the carbon sequestration potential of terrestrial ecosystems is largely built on research that neglects the fundamental processes underlying organic carbon inputs. We maintain that the active engagement of plant scientists in soil carbon research is imperative for shedding light on this blind spot. Long-term interdisciplinary research will be essential for developing a comprehensive perspective of soil carbon dynamics and informing and designing effective policies that support soil carbon sequestration.

USE OF AI POWERED DIAGNOSTICS IN EARLY DETECTION OF CARIES AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Purpose: The aim of this research is to examine the application of AI-based diagnostic systems for early dental caries and periodontal disease detection and their benefits compared to conventional diagnosis. Methodology: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2024 on studies using AI models such as CNNs and YOLO in dental diagnosis was done. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were contrasted across studies chosen. Results: AI models exhibited excellent performance with caries detection sensitivities of 0.88–0.96 and periodontal disease detection accuracy of up to 94.4%, in many cases, equalling or exceeding clinician performance. Conclusion: AI-aided diagnostics greatly enhance the early detection of dental diseases, although issues such as data privacy and clinical integration need to be resolved for wide-scale adoption.

A Systematic Mapping Literature Review on Two-Eyed Seeing in P-20 Education

Two-Eyed Seeing (TES) is a pedagogical approach with the potential to interweave Indigenous ways of knowing and Western sciences into P-20 education to increase Indigenous students’ engagement with the content. Presented here is a systematic mapping literature review on the TES pedagogical approach in P-20 educational settings to examine the trends in peer-reviewed literature on the subject. Specifically, the systematic mapping literature review sought to: 1) better characterize the peer-review literature in terms of publication outlets, geographic locations, content, and educational contexts; 2) determine what peer-reviewed literature reveals about the effectiveness of using a TES approach in a P-20 educational setting; and 3) determine what peer-reviewed literature suggests as guidelines and challenges for P-20 educators to using a TES approach. The completed search revealed 13 articles, and those articles were analyzed via content analysis and analyzed for patterns. The result is a detailed listing of guidelines to aid educators in incorporating TES into the P-20 classroom.

Influence of Permissive Parenting Style on Development of Emotional Regulation in Children

Aims: The present research investigates the influence of permissive parenting style on the development of emotional regulation in children. It aims to explore whether the high levels of warmth and freedom, and low levels of control and lack of boundaries have negative or positive effect on child’s emotional regulation, one of the crucial skills acquired in the process of development. Study Design: Minireview of peer-reviewed literature on the relationship between permissive parenting and emotional regulation in children. Place and Duration of Study: The review used research from variety of countries and settings, covering literature from 1966 to 2023. Methodology: The paper reviews and integrates literature on parenting styles, particularly permissive parenting, and its effect on emotional regulation. The review focuses on peer-reviewed studies, theoretical frameworks, and real-world applications, exploring both positive and negative effects, as well as moderating factors. Results: Findings suggest that emotional regulation is heavily shaped by a parenting style. The absence of discipline and structure that are associated with the permissive parenting style are often linked to the emotional dysregulation in children. This dysregulation can appear as problems with impulsivity, difficulty in stress management, and poor coping mechanisms. However, the outcomes are not uniform and can be influenced by factors such as cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and individual temperament. Future Research: Future studies should examine how cultural, socioeconomic, and individual factors shape the relationship between permissive parenting and emotional regulation.

Chronic Work Stress and Health Promotion: A Narrative Review of Japan, South Africa, and the Netherlands

This paper aims to enhance our understanding of how work stress and burnout manifests across Japan, South Africa, and the Netherlands, drawing primarily on peer-reviewed literature and authoritative reports. Japan’s work culture has contributed to high levels of occupational stress and burnout, including karoshi (death by overwork). South African professionals face stressors linked to job insecurity, resource constraints, and workload imbalances, while the Netherlands, despite its progressive labor policies, experiences sector-specific stressors. The review highlights the role of self-care and health promotion initiatives in mitigating work-related stress, focusing on occupational health policies, workplace support structures, and stress management strategies. This paper proposes strategies such as enhancing workplace autonomy, implementing structured health promotion programs, improving task-sharing practices, and advocating for legislative action to mitigate workplace stress and improve employee well-being. This review employs a narrative approach, offering a broad overview of diverse perspectives and insights that capture the complexities of the topic. This method allows for an in-depth exploration of the literature, highlighting the richness of the findings while acknowledging the study's limitations. Recommendations for future research are also made to further explore these strategies in diverse contexts.

Reconsideration of the Mass and Condensate Sources for the Tropical Cyclone Outflow

Abstract The widely accepted view of the secondary circulation of a mature tropical cyclone (TC) consists of boundary layer inflow that turns upward through the eyewall and then turns outward to form the outflow layer and the cirrus shield. This view can be traced to schematics shown in several foundational studies of TCs and persists in both the peer-reviewed and popular literature in numerous diagrams and cartoons. Updrafts in rainbands are nearly always depicted as not supplying the primary outflow. However, examination of the mass and moisture budgets of the cirrus outflow shield - i.e., the outflow layer from about 100 to 300 km radius - in mesoscale model simulations of hurricanes reveals a different picture. A significant fraction of the dry air mass flux (varying widely but around 50%) and even larger fraction of the condensate in the outflow comes from rainbands. The mass flux from the eyewall is limited by its small size, and condensate is falling out rapidly. Instead, the condensate shield and outflow mass flux are significantly supplied by deep convection in the surrounding rainbands. These findings are consistent with the recently developed appreciation of the diurnally forced rainband complexes that have been shown to expand the cirrus shield. The simulations show that moist air and condensate can be lifted into the outflow in either narrow convective towers or in mesoscale ascending updrafts, and these features can be found in airborne Doppler radar observations. These findings update our understanding of the physical significance of changes in size and thickness of the cirrus shield.

Indigeneity and emergency management: an emic “gaze” on the role of traditional knowledges and cultural practices in emergency management contexts

There is increasing recognition within disaster research and practice that Indigenous cultural technologies may be drawn on to strengthen disaster risk reduction. This rapid review presents an emic and discursive analysis of Indigenous emergency management noted in disaster research literature between January 2000 and July 2022. There is a limited body of peer-reviewed research literature that specifically discussed Indigenous Peoples’ engagement with emergency management. Review findings indicate that Indigenous knowledges and practices are shaping emergency management initiatives locally, regionally and nationally. Yet epistemological tensions between Western European science and Indigenous understandings of emergency management have impacted effective uptake of Indigenous knowledges within disaster science and emergency management sectors. Despite challenges due to deeply embedded colonial practices worldwide, there are opportunities for the advancement of Indigenous Peoples to have greater autonomy in emergency management research, policy and practice.

Una revisión sistemática de los efectos del COVID-19 sobre las cadenas agrolimentarias en Latinoamérica

The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic generated large effects on global supply chains. These effects are especially relevant in agriculture, as they compromised food security. The present study is a systematic review of peer-reviewed scientific literature to understand the effects of the pandemic on agro-food chains and links in Latin America. The documented effects are mainly negative (81.5 %) and translated into impacts on production systems (32.3 %) and markets (24.6 %). It was reported that the impacts on production were due to difficulties in labor mobility, interruption of the supply chain, closure of external markets and increased transportation costs. Transportation was the link with the most difficulties due to restrictions on mobilization, even though it was the least referenced. There were negative impacts on processing, due to the shortage of raw materials and the interruption or closure of industries. On the other hand, some positive effects were reported, such as the development of local markets, the emergence of alternative products and digital markets with direct home delivery, as well as a shift towards healthy consumer habits. Agricultural policy makers should take these results into account when proposing strategies to develop more resilient agrifood chains to face challenges such as those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

To Evaluate the Effectiveness of Innovative Care Models in Improving Patient Outcomes and Operational Efficiency in Healthcare

Innovative care models have emerged as a critical strategy for addressing the growing complexity and demands of modern healthcare systems. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these models in enhancing patient outcomes and improving operational efficiency across various healthcare settings. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and health system performance data, the analysis focuses on widely adopted models such as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs), Telehealth, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and Integrated Care Systems. The findings reveal that innovative care models contribute significantly to improved clinical outcomes, including reduced hospital readmissions, better chronic disease management, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Simultaneously, they promote operational gains such as cost reduction, streamlined workflows, and more effective use of healthcare resources. However, outcomes vary based on implementation strategies, workforce readiness, and technological infrastructure. The study underscores the need for evidence-based implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and ongoing evaluation to sustain long-term impact. This evaluation offers practical insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and administrators aiming to optimize healthcare delivery through innovation.

Systematic Review on the Behaviour of Carbon and Stainless Steel Reinforcing Bars in Buildings Under High Temperatures

Carbon and stainless steel reinforcing bar behaviour at high temperatures and subsequent cooling is central to fire safety for buildings. This systematic review examines the peer-reviewed literature between 2015 and 2024, concentrating on mechanical performance, microstructural transformation, and responses under various cooling conditions. Since experimental studies on some reinforcing steels in building construction are scarce, based on the selection criteria, they were selected on different standards. Austenitic stainless steels like show better thermal stability, here determined by their ability to preserve mechanical strength and ductility after exposure to fires, compared with carbon steel. Several studies indicate that rapid cooling, especially after exceeding critical transformation temperatures, can induce the formation of martensitic structures in carbon steel. These structures can increase toughness but often lead to reduced ductility and a more brittle mechanical response. These effects are particularly relevant in contexts where structural elements remain in service after a fire. The methodology adheres to PRISMA guidelines, providing transparency and an easily traced choice process. Key gaps in the post-fire performance of reinforcing bar in buildings are established by this review, with future directions in standard fire tests and an examination of effects from cooling under conditions that mimic building settings.

Rapid review on healthy ageing interventions that incorporate action on climate change and sustainability in cities and communities.

Rapid review on healthy ageing interventions that incorporate action on climate change and sustainability in cities and communities.