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This paper presents a scientometric review that provides a quantitative perspective on the evolution of Automation in Construction Journal (AICJ) research, emphasizing its developmental paths and emerging trends. The study aims to analyze the journal’s growth and citation impact over time. It also seeks to identify the most influential publications and the cooperation patterns among key contributors. Furthermore, the study explores the journal’s primary research themes and their evolution. Accordingly, 4084 articles were identified using the Web of Science (WoS) database and subjected to a multistep analysis using VOsviewer version 1.6.18 and Biblioshiny as software tools. First, the growth and citation of the publications over time are inspected and evaluated, in addition to ranking the most influential documents. Second, the co-authorship analysis method is applied to visualize the cooperation patterns between countries, organizations, and authors. Finally, the publications are analyzed using keyword co-occurrence and keyword thematic evolution analyses, revealing five major research clusters: (i) foundational optimization, (ii) deep learning and computer vision, (iii) building information modeling, (iv) 3D printing and robotics, and (v) machine learning. Additionally, the analysis reveals significant growth in publications (54.5%) and citations (78.0%) from 2018 to 2023, indicating the journal’s increasing global influence. This period also highlights the accelerated adoption of digitalization (e.g., BIM, computational design), increased integration of AI and machine learning for automation and predictive analytics, and rapid growth of robotics and 3D printing, driving sustainable and innovative construction practices. The paper’s findings can help readers and researchers gain a thorough understanding of the AICJ’s published work, aid research groups in planning and optimizing their research efforts, and inform editorial boards on the most promising areas in the existing body of knowledge for further investigation and development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Construction Project Management and Infrastructure Sustainability)

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14 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photodegradation of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Terephthalate Using Excimer Lamps and Hydrogen Peroxide: A Strategy for PET–Derived Waste Treatment

by Ángel Navarro-García, María Gómez, María D. Murcia, Elisa Gómez, Asunción M. Hidalgo, Luis A. Dorado and Josefa Bastida

Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3302; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153302 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a widely used polymer whose accumulation in the environment poses a significant pollution challenge. This study explores the degradation of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) and terephthalic acid (TPA)—two monomers commonly produced during PET hydrolysis and widely used as intermediates in PET recycling—through Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) employing KrCl (222 nm) and XeBr (283 nm) excimer lamps in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The effects of the H₂O₂/monomer mass ratio, initial monomer concentrations, and reaction volume on degradation efficiency were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrate that excimer lamp technology, particularly KrCl, holds promising potential for the effective degradation of both BHET and TPA, and thus represents a viable strategy for PET waste treatment. Full article

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21 pages, 13405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Nonresonant Intense Laser and Electric Fields on a Low-Dimensional CdTe/CdSe Type-II Cone

by Fredy Amador Donado, Fernando Guerrero Almanza, Camilo Frías Viña, Juan Alejandro Vinasco, J. Sierra-Ortega, Gene Elizabeth Escorcia-Salas, R. V. H. Hahn, M. E. Mora-Ramos, O. Mommadi, A. El Moussaouy, R. Boussetta, D. Duque, A. L. Morales, S. Uran-Parra and C. A. Duque

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151208 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

In this work, a theoretical study on the combined effects of an external electric field and a nonresonant intense laser field on the electronic properties of a quantum dot with a truncated cone shape is presented. This quantum dot was made from a type-II CdTe/CdSe heterostructure (core/shell). Using the effective mass approximation with parabolic bands and the finite element method, the Schrödinger equation was solved to analyze the confined states of electron, hole, and exciton. This study demonstrates the potential of combining nonresonant intense laser and electric fields to control confinement properties in semiconductor nanodevices, with potential applications in optoelectronics and quantum mechanics-related technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)

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21 pages, 4164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Functional Analysis of the FBN Gene Family in Cotton: Insights into Fiber Development

by Sunhui Yan, Liyong Hou, Liping Zhu, Zhen Feng, Guanghui Xiao and Libei Li

Biology 2025, 14(8), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081012 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Fibrillins (FBNs) are indispensable for plant growth and development, orchestrating multiple physiological processes. However, the precise functional role of FBNs in cotton fiber development remains uncharacterized. This study reports a genome-wide characterization of the FBN gene family in cotton. A total of 28 GhFBN genes were identified in upland cotton, with systematic analyses of their phylogenetic relationships, protein motifs, gene structures, and hormone-responsive cis-regulatory elements. Expression profiling of GhFBN1A during fiber development revealed stage-specific activity across the developmental continuum. Transcriptomic analyses following hormone treatments demonstrated upregulation of GhFBN family members, implicating their involvement in hormone-mediated regulatory networks governing fiber cell development. Collectively, this work presents a detailed molecular characterization of cotton GhFBNs and establishes a theoretical foundation for exploring their potential applications in cotton breeding programs aimed at improving fiber quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioinformatics)

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15 pages, 788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy and Nutrient Intakes of Public Health Concern by Rural and Urban Ghanaian Mothers Assessed by Weighed Food Compared to Recommended Intakes

by Prince K. Osei, Megan A. McCrory, Matilda Steiner-Asiedu, Edward Sazonov, Mingui Sun, Wenyan Jia, Tom Baranowski, Gary Frost, Benny Lo, Christabel A. Domfe and Alex K. Anderson

Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2567; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152567 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Previous studies assessing dietary intake have used self-report methods, prone to misreporting. Using researcher-conducted weighed food records, we assessed rural and urban mothers’ energy and nutrient intakes of concern and compared them to recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural (Asaase Kokoo) and urban (University of Ghana Staff Village) communities. Dietary data were collected from fifty-four mothers (26 rural, 28 urban) on 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day, analyzed with software, and programmed with West African, FNDDS, Kenyan, Ugandan, and USDA food composition databases. Results: Mean (SD) ages (years) were 35.8 (11.6) and 44.4 (7.6), and mean energy intakes (kcal) were 2026 (461) and 1669 (385) for rural and urban mothers, respectively. Mean percentage contributions of macronutrients to energy intake were within recommended ranges for rural and urban mothers. All participants met or exceeded vitamin A RNI, irrespective of location. While all rural mothers met or exceeded iron RNI, some urban mothers (14.3%) did not. Few rural (7.7%) and urban mothers (10.7%) did not meet zinc RNI. About half of rural (46.2%) and urban mothers (53.6%) did not meet folate RNI. Most rural (96.1%) and urban mothers (92.8%) met or exceeded fiber RNI. Conclusions: Overall, rural mothers had higher energy and nutrient intakes than urban mothers. While most met RNIs, there were some micronutrient inadequacies, particularly folate, where almost half of rural and urban mothers consumed below RNI. Our findings indicate the need for tailored interventions to prevent nutrient deficiencies or excesses in Ghanaian mothers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Maternal Nutrition and Reproductive Health)

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13 pages, 1560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of the Early Sensitive Stage and Natural Resistance of Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.) Against Black Bean and Cowpea Aphids

by Fouad Meradsi, Adel Lekbir, Oussama A. Bensaci, Abdelkader Tifferent, Asim Abbasi, Assia Djemoui, Nazih Y. Rebouh, Abeer Hashem, Graciela Dolores Avila-Quezada, Khalid F. Almutairi and Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah

Insects 2025, 16(8), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080817 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Broad bean is one of the most important leguminous crops worldwide. However, its productivity is greatly affected by the infestation of Aphis fabae and Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The main objective of the current study was to identify the most susceptible phenological stages of the broad bean variety (Histal) against black aphids’ herbivory. This had been achieved through an evaluation of plant resistance mechanisms such as antixenosis and antibiosis. The results regarding an antixenosis test revealed that the four tested phenological stages of V. faba did not have a significant effect on the preference of A. craccivora and A. fabae towards the crop plant. Overall, a slightly higher number of adults settled on the three and four unfolded leaves’ stage of the crop plant. Similarly, the highest number of developed embryos were found in the four leaves’ stage of the crop, and the lowest in the second leaf stage. The adult body size of A. craccivora was slightly larger in the case of the three unfolded leaves. Furthermore, the maximum body size of A. fabae adults was recorded in the case of the first unfolded leaf stage crop. Linear correlations between the biological parameters for both species revealed only one significant relationship between developed and total embryos for A. craccivora. The results of the current study highlight the need to protect broad bean crops against infestations of black aphids, i.e., A. craccivora and A. fabae. This is essential for reducing direct damage and preventing the transmission of phytoviruses. However, future studies should aim to evaluate the susceptibility of all developmental phenological stages of the crop against black aphids to mitigate potential crop losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Behavior and Pathology)

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10 pages, 1284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ibisia marginata (Fabricius, 1781) (Diptera, Athericidae): Distribution and Perennial Emergence Patterns in Croatia

by Marija Ivković, Jelena Fajdetić and Viktorija Ergović

Insects 2025, 16(8), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080816 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Ibisia marginata (Diptera, Athericidae) is an important species in macrozoobenthic communities in freshwater streams and rivers of Europe. It is a merolimnic insect whose larvae live in aquatic habitats and are predators. Pupation takes place out of water, mainly in moss, and adults live in terrestrial habitats in close proximity to water. The goals of this study were to determine the distributional patterns of I. marginata in Croatia, both as larvae and adults. Additionally, a goal was to recognize emergence patterns through the 16 years of research at Plitvice Lakes NP. The preference of larvae towards the different substrates represented at Plitvice Lakes NP was also analyzed. Samples of larvae and adults were collected at 50 sampling sites. Adults of I. marginata were collected monthly using pyramid-type emergence traps at four sampling sites in Plitvice Lakes National Park. At two of these sites, samples were collected from 2007 to 2008, while at the other two sites, sampling was conducted from 2007 to 2022. A total of 374 adult specimens were collected during the 16 years of the emergence study. Ibisia marginata is a univoltine species with a peak emergence in July and a flight period lasting from June to August, depending on the year. Preferred larval substrates were moss and gravel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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13 pages, 778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Infection and Pregnancy Probability in Wild Female White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Northern Illinois, USA

by Jameson Mori, Nelda A. Rivera, William Brown, Daniel Skinner, Peter Schlichting, Jan Novakofski and Nohra Mateus-Pinilla

Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080786 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a cervid species native to the Americas with ecological, social, and economic significance. Managers must consider several factors when working to maintain the health and sustainability of these wild herds, including reproduction, particularly pregnancy and recruitment rates. White-tailed deer have a variable reproductive capacity, with age, health, and habitat influencing this variability. However, it is unknown whether chronic wasting disease (CWD) impacts reproduction and, more specifically, if CWD infection alters a female deer’s probability of pregnancy. Our study addressed this question using data from 9783 female deer culled in northern Illinois between 2003 and 2023 as part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ ongoing CWD management program. Multilevel Bayesian logistic regression was employed to quantify the relationship between pregnancy probability and covariates like maternal age, deer population density, and date of culling. Maternal infection with CWD was found to have no significant effect on pregnancy probability, raising concerns that the equal ability of infected and non-infected females to reproduce could make breeding, which inherently involves close physical contact, an important source of disease transmission between males and females and females and their fawns. The results also identified that female fawns (<1 year old) are sensitive to county-level deer land cover utility (LCU) and deer population density, and that there was no significant difference in how yearlings (1–2 years old) and adult (2+ years old) responded to these variables. Full article

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20 pages, 4891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Behavior of Thermomechanically Processed UNS S41003 Steel in Acidic Chloride Media: Assessing Martensitic Transformation Effects

by Carlos H. B. Queiroz, Davi A. Marques, Otílio B. F. Diógenes, Daniel de C. Girão, Roberta B. Vasques, Adolfo K. do N. Viana, Gemma Fargas, Mauro A. C. Florez and Walney S. Araújo

Metals 2025, 15(8), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15080880 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

UNS S41003 is a low-cost, low-carbon ferritic stainless steel that exhibits moderate corrosion resistance but limited mechanical performance. This study evaluates the electrochemical behavior of untreated and thermomechanically treated UNS S41003 samples. Corrosion tests were conducted in acidic electrolytes with varying pH to simulate aggressive environments relevant to industrial and structural applications where exposure to acidic media and corrosive pollutants occurs. Potentiodynamic polarization curves for all samples displayed passive regions typically associated with protective oxide film formation; however, localized pitting corrosion was detected post-test. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated a marked decrease in corrosion resistance as pH decreased. The corrosion resistance of the treated alloy remained comparable to that of the untreated condition, indicating that thermomechanical processing did not detrimentally affect passivity or corrosion performance under the tested conditions. The literature suggests that the applied treatment enhances mechanical properties, supporting the potential use of this alloy in structural components subjected to acidic environments requiring a balance of mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corrosion Behavior of Alloys in Water Environments)

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20 pages, 2267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alterations in the Platelet Transcriptome Mediate Prenatal Thirdhand Smoke Exposure Associated Thrombogenicity via Integrated miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Networks

by Hamdy E. A. Ali, Ahmed B. Alarabi, Fatima Z. Alshbool and Fadi T. Khasawneh

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157633 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is acknowledged as the most preventable risk factor for thrombogenesis-associated cardiovascular disease. Mice prenatally exposed to the thirdhand smoke (THS) form of tobacco exhibited a higher tendency to develop occlusive thrombosis, along with enhancement of several platelet functional responses. Our objective was to investigate whether prenatal (in utero) THS exposure impacts the platelet transcriptome, resulting in enhanced platelet functional responses, thereby underlying THS-associated thrombogenicity. Blood samples obtained from twenty male mice prenatally exposed to THS, along with an equal number of age-matched male mice exposed to clean air (CA) as a control, were divided into pools of five animals and used to prepare leukocyte and red blood cell-depleted platelets. RNA sequencing for mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) was utilized to analyze and compare the platelet expression profiles of the two exposure groups. RNA seq analyses revealed distinct changes in both gene expression and miRNA profiles, with 448 coding genes and 18 miRNAs significantly altered between the two groups. miRNA–mRNA interaction analysis highlighted 14 differentially expressed miRNAs that potentially target 120 of the differentially expressed genes in our data set. Interestingly, altered genes in miRNA–mRNA pairs were functionally enriched into pathways associated with platelet physiology, including platelet activation, signaling and aggregation, and cellular response to chemical stimuli. Our findings establish—for the first time—that prenatal exposure to THS modifies the platelet transcriptome, thereby rendering platelets hypersensitive to stimuli and more prone to thrombogenicity. Additionally, we illuminate the coordinated function of platelet miRNA and mRNA targets in mediating this response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNAs and mRNA in Human Health and Disease)

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15 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Structuring and Connectivity of European Squid Populations in the Mediterranean Sea Based on Mitochondrial COI Data

by Vasiliki Pertesi, Joanne Sarantopoulou, Athanasios Exadactylos, Dimitrios Vafidis and Georgios A. Gkafas

Fishes 2025, 10(8), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10080394 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Understanding population connectivity and genetic structure is crucial for the effective management of exploited marine species. This study investigates the population genetics of the common European squid (Loligo vulgaris) across the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on samples from the Aegean Sea and comparative sequences from Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, and Atlantic coasts. A total of 67 COI mitochondrial sequences were analyzed, identifying 12 haplotypes and 27 polymorphic sites. Population-level genetic diversity, pairwise F_ST values, and haplotype network analyses revealed pronounced genetic differentiation in the eastern Mediterranean contrasting with the genetic homogeneity observed among Western populations. The low haplotype diversity observed in the Greek populations of L. vulgaris may be influenced by a combination of ecological and historical factors, as the Aegean region is recognized as a hotspot of endemism and historical population fragmentation. The results indicate the existence of at least two genetically differentiated clusters within the Mediterranean basin. This study advances current knowledge of the genetic structure of Loligo vulgaris by providing novel genetic data on populations from the eastern Mediterranean, offering valuable insights for future conservation and management strategies for the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Biotechnology)

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20 pages, 2823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pro-Reparative Effects of KvLQT1 Potassium Channel Activation in a Mouse Model of Acute Lung Injury Induced by Bleomycin

by Tom Voisin, Alban Girault, Mélissa Aubin Vega, Émilie Meunier, Jasmine Chebli, Anik Privé, Damien Adam and Emmanuelle Brochiero

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157632 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a complex and devastating form of respiratory failure, with high mortality rates, for which there is no pharmacological treatment. The acute exudative phase of ARDS is characterized by severe damage to the alveolar–capillary barrier, infiltration of protein-rich fluid into the lungs, neutrophil recruitment, and high levels of inflammatory mediators. Rapid resolution of this reversible acute phase, with efficient restoration of alveolar functional integrity, is essential before the establishment of irreversible fibrosis and respiratory failure. Several lines of in vitro and in vivo evidence support the involvement of potassium (K⁺) channels—particularly KvLQT1, expressed in alveolar cells—in key cellular mechanisms for ARDS resolution, by promoting alveolar fluid clearance and epithelial repair processes. The aim of our study was to investigate whether pharmacological activation of KvLQT1 channels could elicit beneficial effects on ARDS parameters in an animal model of acute lung injury. We used the well-established bleomycin model, which mimics (at day 7) the key features of the exudative phase of ARDS. Our data demonstrate that treatments with the KvLQT1 activator R-L3, delivered to the lungs, failed to improve endothelial permeability and lung edema in bleomycin mice. However, KvLQT1 activation significantly reduced neutrophil recruitment and tended to decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavages after bleomycin administration. Importantly, R-L3 treatment was associated with significantly lower injury scores, higher levels of alveolar type I (HTI-56, AQP5) and II (pro-SPC) cell markers, and improved alveolar epithelial repair capacity in the presence of bleomycin. Together, these results suggest that the KvLQT1 K⁺ channel may be a potential target for the resolution of the acute phase of ARDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lung Diseases Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapy)

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16 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Automated Grading Method of Python Code Submissions Using Large Language Models and Machine Learning

by Mariam Mahdaoui, Said Nouh, My Seddiq El Kasmi Alaoui and Khalid Kandali

Information 2025, 16(8), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16080674 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Assessment is fundamental to programming education; however, it is a labour-intensive and complicated process, especially in extensive learning contexts where it relies significantly on human teachers. This paper presents an automated grading methodology designed to assess Python programming exercises, producing both continuous and discrete grades. The methodology incorporates GPT-4-Turbo, a robust large language model, and machine learning models selected by PyCaret’s automated process. The Extra Trees Regressor demonstrated superior performance in continuous grade prediction, with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 4.43 out of 100 and an R² score of 0.83. The Random Forest Classifier attained the highest scores for discrete grade classification, achieving an accuracy of 91% and a Quadratic Weighted Kappa of 0.84, indicating substantial concordance with human-assigned categories. These findings underscore the promise of integrating LLMs and automated model selection to facilitate scalable, consistent, and equitable assessment in programming education, while substantially alleviating the workload on human evaluators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Artificial Intelligence-Supported E-Learning)

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21 pages, 864 KiB

Open AccessReview

Health Education in Mass Gatherings: A Scoping Review to Guide Public Health Preparedness and Practice

by Rania Zaini, Altaf A. Abdulkhaliq, Saleh A. K. Saleh, Heba M. Adly, Salwa Abdulmajeed Aldahlawi, Laila A. Alharbi, Hani M. Almoallim, Nahla H. Hariri, Ismail Ahmad Alghamdi, Majed Sameer Obaid, Amar Mohammad A. Alkhotani, Aous Sami Hayat Alhazmi, Anas A. Khan, Fahad A. Alamri and Mohammed A. Garout

Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151926 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Objectives: In view of a lack of evidence on the subject, we aimed to perform a scoping review to understand the impact of health education among people attending mass gatherings. Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 2025 to identify eligible studies. Observational and interventional studies that reported the impact of health education on any health-related outcome among those attending a mass gathering were considered. A narrative synthesis of review results was performed to gather evidence. Recommendations were framed in the context of this evidence. Results: Of the 1731 records, only 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. These included cross-sectional (n = 10), pre-post design (n = 3), quasi-experimental (n = 2), randomized controlled trial (n = 1), and ethnographic (n = 1) studies. These studies involved participants attending hajj, umrah, and basketball events. The current evidence on health education in mass gatherings is highly varied in its objectives, intervention strategy, educational plan, mode of delivery, design, and reported outcomes. Most studies agreed that health education should be initiated by the country of origin and continued throughout the event. It is recommended that this education should be tailored to patient needs based on age, medical condition, and other personal factors, and given in the local language for better acceptability. Such sources can be provided in various forms, either online or offline, as per the participant’s convenience. Conclusions: The current evidence on the effectiveness of health education during mass gatherings, particularly in pilgrimage settings, is varied and inconsistent. Participant-tailored health education should be provided, preferably in the local language, through convenient formats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Education and Prevention: New Healthcare Perspectives for Emerging Challenges)

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23 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trauma and Activism: Using a Postcolonial Feminist Lens to Understand the Experiences of Service Providers Who Support Racialized Immigrant Women’s Mental Health and Wellbeing

by Judith A. MacDonnell, Mahdieh Dastjerdi, Nimo Bokore and Wangari Tharao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081229 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

The global Black Lives Matter movement and COVID-19 pandemic drew attention to the urgency of addressing entrenched structural dynamics such as racialization, gender, and colonization shaping health inequities for diverse racialized people. Canadian community-based research with racialized immigrant women recognized the need to enhance service provider capacity using a strengths-based activism approach to support client health and wellbeing. In this study, we aimed to understand the impacts of this mental health promotion practice on service providers and strategies to support them. Through purposeful convenience sampling, three focus groups were completed with 19 service providers working in settlement and mental health services in Toronto, Canada. Participants represented varied ethnicities and work experiences; most self-identified as female and racialized, with experiences living as immigrant women in Canada. Postcolonial feminist and critical mental health promotion analysis illuminated organizational and structural dynamics contributing to burnout and vicarious trauma that necessitate a focus on trauma- and violence-informed care. Transformative narratives reflected service provider resilience and activism, which aligned with and challenged mainstream biomedical approaches to mental health promotion. Implications include employing a postcolonial feminist lens to identify meaningful and comprehensive anti-oppression strategies that take colonialism, racialization, gender, and ableism and their intersections into account to decolonize nursing practices. Promoting health equity for diverse racialized women necessitates focused attention and multilevel anti-oppression strategies aligned with critical mental health promotion practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Promotion)

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