Search Results (1,729)

Background/Objectives: Pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI) often results in persistent challenges that extend beyond motor impairments, affecting quality of life (QoL), social participation, and engagement in physical activity. Given the complexity and chronicity of these outcomes, there is a pressing need for multidimensional interventions grounded in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Sport-based exercise interventions, when developmentally adapted and tailored to individual interests, may promote intrinsic motivation, peer connection, and sustainable engagement—factors especially relevant in pediatric ABI populations, who often experience reduced physical activity and social isolation. However, standardized, replicable protocols specifically tailored to this population remain scarce. This study presents the protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of a 16-week sport-based intervention on QoL, social participation, physical activity engagement, and motor functioning tailored for adolescents with pediatric ABI. Methods: Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group receiving usual care. The intervention consists of one weekly 60-minute session, led by trained professionals in adapted physical activity and pediatric neurorehabilitation. It combines sport-based motor skill training, cooperative games, and group activities specifically tailored to each child’s developmental level, motor abilities, and preferences. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and following the 16-week intervention period, focusing on QoL, participation, physical activity engagement, and motor functioning. Discussion: This study introduces a structured, child-centered model that bridges clinical rehabilitation and community-based sport. By integrating motor and psychosocial targets through a group sport-based intervention, it aims to enhance recovery across ICF domains. Findings may inform interdisciplinary practice and support the development of sustainable strategies to promote long-term engagement and well-being in adolescents with ABI. Full article

Natural resource assets inherently integrate tripartite synthesis of legal, economic, and ecological attributes. They serve dual critical functions as foundational elements supporting the evolution of new-quality productive forces and pivotal mechanisms safeguarding ecosystemic integrity. It has become a global consensus and direction of action to advance comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets and practice the concept of “Community of Life for Human and Nature”. Under the background of the super-ministry system restructuring in China, comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets remains challenged by system fragmentation in supervision objectives and multifaceted interest conflicts among stakeholders. In light of this, this research focuses on the theoretical justification and system optimization of the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets in China. Using comparative analysis and normative analysis methods, we validate the system’s function on the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets, summarize foreign experiences, and ultimately aim to explore the optimization pathway of the legal system for the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets. The results show the following: (1) The choice of the legal system for the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets emerges as the functional product aligning societal objectives, the rational paradigm for achieving efficient resource allocation, and the adaptive response to the external effects of common property. (2) The system supply of comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets in foreign countries is characterized by normative convergence in conceptual elements and typological categorization in objectives and objects. Therefore, this research recommends that, in order to optimize the system of the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets in China, (1) in terms of protection of source, natural resource assets should be categorized, with operational natural resource assets focusing on management and public welfare natural resource assets focusing on conservation. (2) In terms of valuation, the economic valuation of natural resource assets should be integrated with ecosystem service assessments to enhance fair market equity. (3) In terms of method, the big data center should be established to enable the synergistic integration of technological innovation and system reforms. (4) In terms of subject, requiring the participation of various government departments, non-governmental organizations, the general public, and other parties could realize the connection of different legal bases for the comprehensive supervision of natural resource assets and the balance of multiple rights and interests, which should help to achieve balanced resource efficiency and biodiversity conservation and safeguard national ecological security. Full article

Background: Loneliness and social isolation among older people are currently widespread and recognized as the foremost public health problems globally and locally. Hong Kong, which exhibits a rapid aging trend and an expanding elderly population, is inevitably facing these issues. This study explored the lived experiences of loneliness among older adults in Hong Kong. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted among older adults in the community aged 60 or above who were cared for by migrant domestic workers and presented varying levels of loneliness. Purposive sampling was used to select subjects for face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews, with consent for audio recording, which led to the inclusion of 19 older adults, among whom five were male, nine lived with a spouse, and three lived with their children. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted. Results: We identified a core theme, “Should I stay at home alone?”, and the following four interrelated themes: (1) experience of inadequate social support and networks, (2) altered family dynamics and support, (3) deterioration in physical functions and mobility limitations, and (4) experience of negative and complex emotions. Conclusions: Based on our investigation into the lived experience of loneliness among older adults locally, we recommend that the government, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare institutions establish appropriate strategies and integrated services to address the social, physical, familial, and emotional issues in this population to foster healthy aging, improve their quality of life, and encourage support from families and communities. Full article

Visual information is crucial in human life, not only providing critical support for communication, learning, and decision-making, but also playing a key role in psychology, medicine, and science. Eye-tracking and gaze estimation have promoted the development of foveated rendering in wearable virtual reality and augmented reality glasses. This review summarizes the recent development on gaze estimation and discusses the impacts of head posture, illumination, occlusion, blur, and individual bias on the accuracy of eye-tracking. The prospective development on eye-tracking employing unsupervised learning, self-supervised learning, and meta-learning have also been discussed. Full article

The 1.5-degree lifestyles aim to reduce household carbon footprints across six areas (food, housing, mobility, consumer goods, leisure, and services), as identified by IGES, relying on public efforts. This study seeks to understand Japanese university students’ perceptions of 1.5-degree lifestyles, their preferred actions for implementation at the individual, family, and community levels, and the top three enablers and barriers they face. Using a questionnaire based on the KIDA (knowledge, interest, desire, action) framework, which aligns with IGES’s six sectors, data from 244 responses collected via snowball sampling were analyzed. Results reveal low awareness of 1.5-degree lifestyles among Japanese university students, along with a moderate desire to learn more. Gender differences were significant, with females showing higher awareness, desire, and action compared to males. Three common barriers identified include challenges with work–life balance, economic concerns, and gaps between knowledge and action. Recommendations emphasize increasing youth awareness and encouraging action on 1.5-degree lifestyles through early environmental education, youth-focused communication (such as social media), and securing strong political support to help address practical challenges. Full article

Non-contact vital signs detection of the survivors based on bio-radar to identify their life states is significant for field search and rescue. However, when transportation is interrupted, rescue workers and equipment are unable to arrive at the disaster area promptly. In this paper, we report a hovering airborne radar for non-contact vital signs detection to overcome this challenge. The airborne radar system supports a wireless data link, enabling remote control and communication over distances of up to 3 km. In addition, a novel framework based on blind source separation is proposed for vital signals extraction. First, range migration caused by the platform motion is compensated for by the envelope alignment. Then, the respiratory waveform of the human target is extracted by the joint approximative diagonalization of eigenmatrices algorithm. Finally, the heartbeat signal is recovered by respiratory harmonic suppression through a feedback notch filter. The field experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of precisely extracting vital signals with outstanding robustness and adaptation in more cluttered environments. The work provides a technical basis for remote high-resolution vital signs detection to meet the increasing demands of actual rescue applications. Full article

This study evaluates the viability of a specific hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) installation designed for a remote community as a case study in Cuba. The system integrates solar, wind, and biomass resources to address localised challenges of energy insecurity and environmental degradation. Rather than offering a generalised evaluation of HRES technologies, this work focuses on the performance, impacts, and viability of this particular configuration within its unique geographical, social, and technical context. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) and input–output modelling, the research assesses environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The proposed HRES reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60% (from 1.14 to 0.47 kg CO₂eq/kWh) and fossil energy consumption by 50% compared to diesel-based systems. Socioeconomic analysis reveals that the system generates 40.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, with significant employment opportunities in operation and maintenance. However, initial investments primarily benefit foreign suppliers due to Cuba’s reliance on imported components. The study highlights the potential for local economic gains through workforce training and domestic manufacturing of renewable energy technologies. These findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple renewable sources to enhance energy resilience and sustainability in Cuba. Policymakers should prioritise strategies to incentivise local production and capacity building to maximise long-term benefits. Future research should explore scalability across diverse regions and investigate policy frameworks to support widespread adoption of HRES. This study provides valuable insights for advancing sustainable energy solutions in Cuba and similar contexts globally. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study conducted a secondary and integrative analysis of qualitative data on adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with biliary atresia who survive with their native livers. These individuals struggle with independence and self-care due to prolonged parental involvement. Prior studies have insufficiently clarified how AYAs and parents jointly navigate daily responsibility transitions during this period. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate this process and develop a practical model to support nursing care. Methods: Semi-structured interview data from eight adolescent–parent dyads (one male and seven females, aged 17–25; one father and seven mothers, aged 40–60) were reanalyzed using the modified grounded theory approach. By reframing the analytical focus on dyadic interactions, four transition phases were identified, which were then integrated with the findings of two prior studies to construct an integrative process model. Results: The transition comprised four phases: (1) parent-led recuperation, (2) a vicious cycle of control and rebellion, (3) passing the axis of responsibility, and (4) aligning the parent–child rhythm to create a patient-centered life. The transition processes were shaped by changes in cognition and behavior. The model illustrates mutual adaptation through communication, negotiation, and reflection, identifying opportunities for nursing intervention. Conclusions: This process model offers a practical framework for nurses to assess readiness for care transitions, support transitional role shifts, and co-develop care strategies. The model provides insights into relationship-based communication and shared decision-making in transitional care by capturing the relational dynamics between AYAs and their parents. Full article

Background: This systematic review aims to summarize the most recent data from the literature on the psychological aspects of parents of children prenatally diagnosed with congenital heart defects (CHDs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies on the psychological issues faced by parents of children prenatally diagnosed with CHD. Searches were performed in multiple scientific databases, including PubMed, Science direct, Embase, Scopus, Medline, Clarivate, to ensure the broad coverage of the literature. The search was limited to studies published up until February 2025. The search strategy included the following terms and combinations: “congenital heart defect” OR “CHD” AND “prenatal diagnosis” AND “psychological impact” OR “parental distress” OR “coping”. Results: Eighteen studies involving the 673 parents of fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart defects were included. Studies spanned four continents and employed both qualitative (n = 14) and quantitative (n = 4) designs. Key psychological outcomes reported were anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress, coping strategies, maternal–fetal attachment, and life satisfaction. Anxiety and depression were the most frequent issues, with maternal anxiety reaching 65% and depression up to 45.7%. Stress related to diagnostic uncertainty was common. While some parents used adaptive coping (social support, emotional regulation), others experienced maladaptive patterns such as avoidance. One study reported increased maternal–fetal attachment following prenatal CHD diagnosis. Predictors of psychological distress included time of diagnosis, parental gender, education level, social support, and severity of the defect. Recommended interventions included early psychological screening, empathetic communication, structured counseling, and long-term emotional support. Despite heterogeneity in design and moderate overall bias, findings highlight a consistent psychological burden among parents, underscoring the need for integrated psychosocial care following a prenatal CHD diagnosis. Conclusions: Parents whose children have been prenatally diagnosed with a congenital heart defect are at an increased risk for psychological distress. To improve the quality of care, a multidisciplinary team is needed to provide parents with the necessary information on diagnosis, interventions, and potential outcomes. Full article

As a rare edible mushroom, Dictyophora rubrovolvata possesses remarkable anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, continuous-cropping obstacles during cultivation significantly reduce soil reuse efficiency and adversely affect yield. To reveal a potential mechanism of continuous-cropping soil obstacles and propose some green precision cultivation strategies, the soil samples throughout the five growth stages of D. rubrovolvata were collected and systematically analyzed, including soil nutrient contents, pH, and dynamic changes in soil microbial communities. The results showed that soil organic carbon consumption was relatively high during the whole growth cycle. The total nitrogen consumption was greater during mycelial and primordium stages. The total phosphorus content began to exceed control from the egg stage. The total potassium and pH levels were both higher than control, exhibiting an upward trend. The bacterial species in the soil gradually increased with the growth of fruiting bodies, while the fungal species showed a declining trend. Moreover, there were significant differences in dominant bacteria and fungi in the soil during different growth stages. Further analysis revealed a dynamic coupling relationship among the soil microbial community, soil nutrient content, and pH during whole life cycle. This research would provide theoretical and technical support for the sustainable development of the edible mushroom industry. Full article

Older adults with a refugee life experience have a disproportionate burden of mental health problems compared to non-refugee aging populations. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a promising approach to identify the challenges and strengths of older refugee adults and identify solutions to mental health disparities. We present a case study of one such CBPR program of research with older ethnic Nepali Bhutanese adults resettled in North America, Project Bhalakushari. We highlight the many opportunities to integrate older adults and members of the broader Bhutanese community in activities throughout the research process, starting with forming academic–community partnerships, identifying the needs and strengths of the community, conducting research, and sharing study findings with a broad audience of community members, health practitioners, policy-makers, and academics. Our case study emphasizes that a successful, culturally informed partnership should consider the involvement of the entire community, regardless of age, in the initiative to secure buy-in and support and maximize the positive impact of the work. We identify concrete strategies to overcome challenges specific to conducting research, with a focus on recruitment, outreach, and data collection. Full article

Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the most prevalent and life-threatening malignancies worldwide, marked by significant heterogeneity and complex mechanisms of progression. Despite major advances in understanding its molecular and cellular basis, the processes driving tumor progression and metastasis continue to challenge effective treatment. Among the emerging research areas, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained considerable attention for their key role in intercellular communication and their contribution to cancer biology. In BC, tumor cell-derived EVs are implicated in multiple processes that promote disease progression, including tumor growth, remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, and facilitation of metastasis. By transferring oncogenic signals to recipient cells, EVs critically shape the metastatic niche and support the spread of cancer cells to distant organs. Recent studies highlight the diverse functions of BC-derived EVs in modulating immune responses, inducing angiogenesis, and enhancing cancer cell invasiveness. This review explores the role of BC-derived EVs in tumor progression and metastasis. We discuss their molecular composition, mechanisms of action, and impact on the tumor microenvironment, aiming to provide insights into their role in BC pathophysiology and discuss potential clinical applications. A deeper understanding of the complex interplay between EVs and cancer progression may pave the way for innovative strategies to combat BC and improve patient outcomes. Full article

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery in urban communities in the Arctic have been substantial, but their gendered aspects remain largely unknown. The goal of this study was to enhance the understanding of the gender-based impact on women in the urban areas of Alaska by exploring strengths and constraints to resilience in the social and economic domains of gender equality during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on grounded theory methodology, this study is based on 29 in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The study methodology utilized a conceptual framework that integrated deficit-based and strength-based analytical perspectives. The paper implemented a voice-centered approach that drew on thematic interviews conducted with women in Anchorage and Nome. Alaska’s urban women demonstrated resilience rooted in self-empowerment and community caregiving. This was reflected in their critical re-evaluation of social and economic gendered structures, a reassessment of priorities in family and social relationships, and the mobilization of support networks. These acts of reflection and care transformed into processes of constructing new meanings of life during dramatic events and became a source of personal strength. The crisis also enabled a re-evaluation of entrenched gender dynamics and women’s ability to challenge gendered divisions in both the workplace and at home. Despite signs of resilience, the pandemic signified a setback for gender equality. It exacerbated pre-existing gender disparities within households, disrupted established pre-pandemic social support networks, increased unpaid domestic labor and a motherhood penalty, and deepened unemployment and income gaps. To further adapt to post-pandemic conditions, women need empowerment and greater representation in decision-making roles, which are critical to strengthening resilience in both the social and economic domains of gender equality. Full article

By 2040, more than 80 million Americans will be aged ≥65, yet contemporary senior living communities still operate on a hospitality-first model developed for healthier cohorts three decades ago. This commentary argues that the next generation of senior living must pivot from hotel-style amenities to person-centric health platforms that proactively coordinate medical, functional, and social support. We outline four mutually reinforcing pillars. (1) Data infrastructure that stitches together clinical, functional, and social determinants of health enables continuous risk stratification and early intervention. (2) Ambient and conversational artificial-intelligence tools can extend sparse caregiving workforces while preserving resident autonomy. (3) Value-based contractual arrangements—for example, Medicare Advantage special-needs plans embedded within senior living sites—can realign financial incentives toward prevention rather than occupancy. (4) Targeted policy levers, including low-income housing tax credits for the “forgotten middle” and outcomes-based regulatory frameworks, can catalyze adoption at scale. Ultimately, re-architecting senior living around integrated technology, value-based financing and supportive regulation can transform these communities into preventive-care hubs that delay nursing home entry, improve quality of life, and reduce total cost of care. Full article

Landslides pose persistent threats to mountainous regions in Taiwan, particularly in areas such as Nanfeng Village, Nantou County, where steep terrain and concentrated rainfall contribute to chronic slope instability. This study investigates spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation change as a proxy for identifying potential landslide-prone zones, with a focus on the Tung-An tribal settlement in the eastern part of the village. Using high-resolution satellite imagery from SPOT 6/7 (2013–2023) and Pléiades (2019–2023), we derived annual NDVI layers to monitor vegetation dynamics across the landscape. Long-term vegetation trends were evaluated using the Mann–Kendall test, while spatiotemporal clustering was assessed through Emerging Hot Spot Analysis (EHSA) based on the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic within a space-time cube framework. The results revealed statistically significant NDVI increases in many valley-bottom and mid-slope regions, particularly where natural regeneration or reduced disturbance occurred. However, other valley-bottom zones—especially those affected by recurring debris flows—still exhibited declining or persistently low vegetation. In contrast, persistent low or declining NDVI values were observed along steep slopes and debris-flow-prone channels, such as the Nanshan and Mei Creeks. These zones consistently overlapped with known landslide paths and cold spot clusters, confirming their ecological vulnerability and geomorphic risk. This study demonstrates that integrating NDVI trend analysis with spatiotemporal hot spot classification provides a robust, scalable approach for identifying slope hazard areas in data-scarce mountainous regions. The methodology offers practical insights for ecological monitoring, early warning systems, and disaster risk management in Taiwan and other typhoon-affected environments. By highlighting specific locations where vegetation decline aligns with landslide risk, the findings can guide local authorities in prioritizing slope stabilization, habitat conservation, and land-use planning. Such targeted actions support the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by reducing disaster risk, enhancing community resilience, and promoting the long-term sustainability of mountain ecosystems. Full article