Search Results (87)

Addressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality requires convergence competencies that enable learners to devise sustainable solutions. Such competencies have been emphasized in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) fields, but empirical research and assessment tools tailored to Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) remain scarce. This study aimed to develop and validate a self-assessment tool to measure convergence competencies among HASS learners. A three-round Delphi survey with domain experts was conducted to evaluate and refine an initial pool of items. Items with insufficient content validity were revised or deleted, and all retained items achieved a Content Validity Ratio (CVR) of ≥0.800, with most scoring 1.000. The validated instrument was administered to 455 undergraduates participating in a convergence education program. Exploratory factor analysis identified five key dimensions: Convergent Commitment, Future Problem Awareness, Future Efficacy, Convergent Learning, and Multidisciplinary Inclusiveness, explaining 69.72% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the model’s goodness-of-fit (χ² (160) = 378.786, RMSEA = 0.054, CFI = 0.952), and the instrument demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.919). The results confirm that the tool is both reliable and valid for diagnosing convergence competencies in HASS contexts, providing a practical framework for interdisciplinary learning and reflective engagement toward sustainable futures. Full article

This study examines whether China’s rapid spread of internet and mobile information technologies has translated into greater household support for government air-quality programs. Using nationally representative data from the Chinese General Social Survey (2018), this study estimates the causal impact of digital media use on residents’ willing to pay (WTP) each month for one additional “good-air” day. Ordinary least squares shows that individuals who rely primarily on the internet or mobile push services are willing to contribute CNY 1.9–2.7 more—about 43 percent above the sample mean of CNY 4.41. To address potential endogeneity, we instrumented digital media adoption using provincial computer penetration; two-stage least squares yielded roughly CNY 10.5, confirming a causal effect. Mechanism tests showed that digital access lowers complacency about local air quality, strengthens anthropogenic attribution of pollution, and heightens the moral norm that economic sacrifice is legitimate, jointly mediating the rise in WTP. Heterogeneity analyses revealed stronger effects among high-income households and renters, while extended tests showed that (i) the impact intensifies when the promised environmental gain rises from one to three or five clean-air days, (ii) attention to international news can crowd out local WTP, and (iii) digital media raise not only the likelihood of paying but also the amount paid among existing contributors. The findings suggest that targeted digital outreach—especially messages with concrete, locally salient goals—can substantially enlarge the fiscal base for air-quality initiatives, helping China advance its ecological-civilization and dual-carbon objectives. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medical students experience significant mental stress during clinical internships. This study aimed to assess the levels of uncertainty stress among medical interns, evaluate its temporal changes and associations with doctor–patient conflict and reference norm, and provide insights for stress-alleviating policies and educational initiatives. Methods: A prospective longitudinal panel study was conducted; 131 medical students preparing for clinical internships were recruited via WeChat social media groups from June 2023 to June 2024. Data were collected at three time points using an online survey on Wenjuanxing: before the internship, three months into the internship, and after the internship. Variables such as uncertainty stress, doctor–patient conflict, and reference norm were measured, and data were analyzed using GEE and the GLMM program. Results: A total of 122 students completed all three waves of the study. Uncertainty stress decreased over the internship period (W = 7.25, p < 0.05), while doctor–patient conflict increased (W = 6.65, p < 0.05). Uncertainty stress was positively associated with the reference norm from teachers (β = 0.856, p < 0.05) and doctor–patient conflict (β = 1.068, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although uncertainty stress reduces as internships progress, doctor–patient conflict rises. A supportive learning environment, especially from teachers, is crucial for mitigating stress. Medical schools and hospitals should implement comprehensive strategies to address individual stressors and institutional factors, considering the associations between uncertainty stress, doctor–patient conflict, and reference norm. However, the study has limitations such as a small sample size and reliance on self-reported measures, indicating a need for further research. Full article

This innovative study focuses on identifying the primary trends in citizens’ decision-making regarding sustainable and healthy water use and the promotion of tap water options. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether there was a connection between citizen-consumer choices of tap water versus bottled water and their socio-demographic attributes or environmental awareness and consciousness, which both influence the access to and quality of drinking water. The availability, safety and quality of drinking water is a basic human right and an important public health issue. Water plays a crucial role in terms of increasing geo-political and socio-economic importance. Several researchers have examined the multiple elements influencing customers’ opinions about the quality of water and services, finding that a variety of internal and external factors play a role. To accomplish the study goals, a variety of research methodologies were applied to the use case of Kilkis city, Region of Central Macedonia, Greece. Gaining insight was first facilitated via communication with a focus group of local professionals and policy-makers. Then, a social survey of 407 randomly chosen citizens was conducted to collect the data. The key determinants influencing citizens’ drinking water choices were investigated using multivariate data analysis. Specifically, cluster analysis was employed to group customers exhibiting similar water usage patterns, resulting in the identification of two groups: (a) individuals who favored bottled water and (b) individuals who favored tap water with no filtration. The comparison of the distribution of water consumers between these two clusters, via a Chi-Square test with cross tabulation analysis, showed that customers’ drinking water buying habits were not influenced by their socio-demographic traits. On the other hand, the choice of tap water was found to be positively connected to citizens’ increased level of environmental consciousness. The outcomes of this study can help the stakeholders involved to assist in making improvements to customer service programs for encouraging tap water use, as a more sustainable and healthy water option. Moreover, the population could potentially be motivated to adopt updated technologies for recycling water down the line, moving towards sustainable water resource management. Full article

This paper examines the societal, demographic, and health-related determinants of online stress management information-seeking (OSMIS) behavior in Hungary. We processed the International Social Survey Program: Health and Healthcare (n = 1008) dataset of 2021. Relationships between variables were assessed using weighted multiple logistic regression. The bootstrapping method was applied to gauge the robustness and reliability of the estimates. Subgroup analyses were also utilized to explore potential confounding effects between OSMIS behavior and various socioeconomic and health-related lifestyle factors. Empirical findings indicate that socially excluded strata were the most likely to seek online stress management information to cope with stressful situations. OSMIS behavior was significantly associated with divorced marital status (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: [1.92–5.17]), unemployment (OR = 2.22 [1.64–2.99]), living in a rural village (OR = 1.39 [1.12–1.93]), and distrust in the healthcare system (OR = 2.03 [1.33–3.11]). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of techquity played a pivotal role in Hungary, bridging gaps in health access. Policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and digital health developers may harness our results to enhance digital health tools within integrated healthcare systems, prioritizing equitable access to ensure that marginalized populations can fully benefit from the advantages of techquity and digital inclusion. Full article

Academic adaptation is crucial for the success and well-being of international students, especially in rural areas where cultural and social support resources may be limited. This study aimed to identify predictors of academic adaptation among international students in the rural southern United States, focusing on social support, cultural integration, alcohol use, and acculturative stress. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 141 international students from two universities: the University of Mississippi/Oxford campus and the University of Alabama. Data were collected through a web-based survey using validated scales to measure cultural integration, acculturative stress, social support, alcohol use, and academic adaptation. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of academic adaptation. The sample consisted of 54.6% male and 45.4% female students, with a mean age of 29.4 years. The majority were graduate students (89.4%), with the majority being funded by graduate teaching or research assistantships (78.7%). Correlation analyses showed that social support was positively correlated with academic adaptation (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Also, cultural integration was positively corelated with academic adaptation (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). However, acculturative stress was negatively correlated with academic adaptation (r = −0.20, p < 0.05). The fully adjusted regression analyses identified social support as a positive predictor of academic adaptation among international students in rural U.S. universities. The model demonstrated that each unit increase in the social support score was associated with a 0.61 increase in the academic adaptation score (95% CI [0.44, 0.79], p < 0.001). These findings highlight the need for tailored support programs addressing the unique challenges faced by this population to enhance their academic success and overall well-being. Full article

Understanding the factors influencing the age of sexual initiation among adolescents is crucial for addressing risky behaviours and supporting healthy development. This study aimed to identify determinants of sexual initiation age among Polish adolescents, focusing on gender differences and 15 factors related to lifestyle, family, school, and social environment. The analysis involved 3296 Polish adolescents aged 15–17 who participated in the international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in 2018. The Cox proportional hazard model (aligned with censored data) revealed that frequent use of psychoactive substances is the main predictor of the age of sexual initiation (HR = 5.20; 95% CI: 3.66–7.38), with even moderate use having an impact (HR = 2.81; 95% CI: 2.04–3.86). Gender was not found to significantly influence the age of initiation, but the determinants did vary by gender. For boys, high physical activity and intensive socialising with peers are important factors influencing the age of sexual initiation. For girls, a positive self-assessment of appearance is more strongly associated with earlier initiation, while good academic performance and family support have a delaying effect. Effective intervention programs should consider these diverse determinants since they significantly shape adolescents’ decisions about sexual activity and their ensuing psychological experiences. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern exacerbated by inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing practices, particularly in low-resource settings such as Uganda. The research aimed to develop a culturally sensitive behavioral intervention, leveraging a “nudge” strategy, to improve healthcare provider adherence to the 2016 Uganda Clinical Guidelines (UCG 2016) in five Ugandan hospitals. This intervention formed part of broader antimicrobial stewardship initiatives led by the United States Agency for International Development Medicines, Technologies, and Pharmaceutical Services Program. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining formative research and behavioral intervention. Guided by the Deloitte Behavioral Insights Framework, the research team conducted key informant interviews to identify prescribing barriers and motivators and developed three suitable behavioral interventions: perceived monitoring, ward leaderboards, and educational workshops. The study evaluated the interventions’ impact through point prevalence surveys (PPS), using the World Health Organization PPS methodology at three stages: pre-intervention, immediate post-intervention, and one-month post-intervention. Results: Key behavioral themes across individual, social, environmental, and organizational elements informed the intervention design and implementation. The behavioral intervention package increased antimicrobial prescription compliance with the UCG 2016 from 27% at baseline to 50% immediately post-intervention, though these effects diminished at one-month post-intervention. Conclusions: Our study addresses an existing gap in behavioral nudges-based operational research on antimicrobial prescribing in low- and middle-income countries. These results showed an immediate improvement in adherence to the UCG 2016 among healthcare providers in Ugandan hospitals, though the effect was attenuated at one-month follow-up. Despite the attenuation, behavior change presents a feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to improving antimicrobial prescribing practices and addressing AMR. Full article

From 2008 to 2024, the Newborn Screening Translational Research Network (NBSTRN), part of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening Program, served as a robust infrastructure to facilitate groundbreaking research in newborn screening (NBS), public health, rare disease, and genomics. Over its sixteen years, NBSTRN developed into a significant international network, supporting innovative research on novel technologies to screen, diagnose, treat, manage, and understand the natural history of more than 280 rare diseases. The NBSTRN tools and resources were used by a variety of stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, state NBS programs, parents, families, and policy makers. Resources and expertise for the newborn screening community in ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) has been an important area of focus for the NBSTRN and this includes efforts across the NBS system from pilot studies of candidate conditions to public health implementation of screening for new conditions, and the longitudinal follow-up of NBS-identified individuals to inform health outcomes and disease understanding. In 2023, the NBSTRN conducted a survey to explore ELSI issues in NBS research, specifically those encountered by the NBS community. Since NBS research involves collaboration among researchers, state NBS programs, clinicians, and families, the survey was broadly designed and disseminated to engage all key stakeholders. With responses from 88 members of the NBS community, including researchers and state NBS programs, the survey found that individuals rely most on institutional and collegial resources when they encounter ELSI questions. Most survey responses ranked privacy as extremely or very important in NBS research and identified the need for policies that address informed consent in NBS research. The survey results highlight the need for improved collaborative resources and educational programs focused on ELSI for the NBS community. The survey results inform future efforts in ELSI and NBS research in the United States (U.S.) and the rest of the world, including the development of policies and expanded ELSI initiatives and tools that address the needs of all NBS stakeholders. Full article

Public satisfaction is an important indicator of the success of environmental policies and management practices. China’s sponge city development (SCD) initiative was launched in 2014 and has received international attention for its technical advancements and environmental achievements. Public satisfaction, however, has not been fully investigated in cities transformed by SCD. This study uses public surveys and structural equation modeling to evaluate people’s satisfaction with SCD in four pilot sponge cities, and how familiarity with SCD, perceived benefits, concerns about adverse effects, and trust in government influence satisfaction levels. The results show that people in the four cities were, on average, slightly satisfied with SCD. Familiarity, perceived benefits, and trust in government were significant determinants of public satisfaction. On the contrary, concerns about the adverse effects of SCD did not significantly influence people’s satisfaction. Moreover, a mismatch was found between government-led evaluation outcomes and satisfaction measured here. This study highlights the importance of social and perceived values in shaping people’s satisfaction with SCD and provides suggestions for management strategies for enhancing public satisfaction, ultimately supporting the long-term effectiveness of urban stormwater management programs. Full article

To explore the mediating effect of emotion regulation strategies on the correlation between parental emotion socialization and internalizing problems in adolescents, as well as the moderating effect of gender, a questionnaire survey was administered to 1078 junior high school students (M_age = 13.96 ± 1.00). The results revealed that supportive parental emotion socialization was negatively correlated with adolescents internalizing problems, whereas non-supportive parental emotion socialization was positively correlated with such problems. Cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression strategies functioned as parallel mediators in the relationship between supportive parental emotion socialization and adolescent internalizing problems, while only expressive suppression mediated the correlation between non-supportive emotion socialization and adolescent internalizing problems. Gender did not exhibit a moderating effect on the mediation model. These findings suggest that supportive parental responses to adolescents’ negative emotions can reduce the incidence of depression and anxiety by cultivating increased utilization of cognitive reappraisal strategies and decreased reliance on expressive suppression strategies among adolescents, whereas non-supportive responses exacerbate the occurrence of depression and anxiety by promoting greater utilization of expressive suppression strategies. In addition, no significant gender differences were observed in the mediation effects. These findings emphasize the importance of prevention programs focusing on parental emotion socialization in adolescence. Full article

This paper surveys the energy literature and systematically reviews the path to an inclusive and sustainable energy transition by exploring factors that drive the current energy transitions, countries with advanced energy transition programs, and the roles of energy literacy and justice in energy transition. Utilizing an exhaustive literature search from 2001 to 2023 via the Scopus database, the study identifies strong policy frameworks, technological advancements, economic incentives, and international collaborations as pivotal factors in successful energy transitions. Case studies from the Nordic countries, Germany, and Poland highlight diverse approaches and significant progress, revealing valuable lessons for global application. Although energy literacy emerges as crucial for public acceptance and participation, fostering informed decision-making and supportive behaviors toward renewable energy initiatives, energy justice ensures equitable access to the benefits of energy transitions, addressing socio-economic impacts on marginalized communities. The study identifies a scarcity of research that articulates and integrates energy literacy and justice concurrently within the purview of energy transition. The paper recommends the adoption, integration, and institutionalization of frameworks that concurrently propagate energy literacy and guide fair and equitable energy transitions. The frameworks should encourage active community involvement, promote community ownership of renewable energy projects, ensure transparency and inclusivity, implement measures for equitable economic benefits, protect livelihoods, address historical distrust, and leverage social media to promote energy literacy and justice. Finally, the continuous monitoring and evaluation of energy transition initiatives are crucial to ensure that they meet evolving societal needs and environmental goals. Full article

Low-income students from underrepresented communities experience significant educational inequalities, including chronic absenteeism, mental health crises, trauma exposure, and social injustices. These conditions escalate risks of dropping out and justice system involvement. Middle-school youth must navigate intense social and emotional change. To address such challenges, The Arthur Project (TAP) provides intensive, in-school, therapeutic mentoring and family support. The program teaches students essential life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and academic engagement. Students are empowered to strengthen their resilience, perseverance, self-actualization, and confidence. TAP provides up to 500 h of therapeutic mentoring yearly over three years, delivered individually and in small groups by social work interns. The research question was as follows: Does structured, intensive in-school therapeutic mentoring with social work interns increase the socioemotional, cognitive, noncognitive, and academic skills and engagement of underserved middle-school students? This evaluation for the school year 2022–2023 is based on the program of 200 students and 30 mentors, with quantitative mentee, mentor, teacher, and caregiver surveys and qualitative interview data. The program and evaluation methodology are described, with results and conclusions. Students showed significant improvement in all domains; mentors reported student increases in confidence, perseverance, problem-solving, and communication; and teachers and caregivers reported students’ increased academic engagement. The Arthur Project program can become a national middle-school mentoring model to address widespread student inequalities. Full article

This study investigated lifestyle factors among Hungarian and international students, utilizing lifestyle medicine principles to enhance overall well-being. Conducted at the University of Debrecen through a cross-sectional survey, we examined selected lifestyle factors, more specifically sleep patterns, weight management, nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, and alcohol use. Hungarian (N = 122) and international (N = 139) students were compared, revealing significant differences. Hungarian students slept less (p = 0.041), desired weight loss (p = 0.040), ate more fruits and vegetables (p = 0.014), exercised longer (p = 0.002), and reported higher purpose and social support (p = 0.009), with higher alcohol use (p < 0.001). These findings highlight distinct experiences and challenges faced by these student groups including variations in sleep, weight management, diet, exercise, and social support. Targeted interventions and tailored support are essential to address their specific needs. To promote the well-being of both Hungarian and international students, educational programs addressing various facets of a healthy lifestyle are crucial. This study offers valuable insights into lifestyle factors and health outcomes among Hungarian and international students and underscores the importance of addressing the unique needs of each group through tailored interventions. Full article

Previous research in Western nations has established a clear connection between pro-environmental public opinion and clean energy transition policies aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. However, little is known about this relationship in East Asia, the most important region of the world in terms of carbon emissions. Using the International Social Survey Program and Taiwan Social Change Survey results from 2010 and 2020, this study examines public opinion in Taiwan on environmental issues, comparing it with opinion in a group of 18 OECD countries. Results show high but stable support for the environment and the energy transition in Taiwan over this period, with no indications of climate denial. However, willingness to make sacrifices for the environment is sharply lower among the lower half of the income distribution, highlighting existing socioeconomic disparities and inequality. Further, political engagement around environmental issues remains relatively low in Taiwan compared to engagement in the OECD comparison group. This disjunction suggests a unique model of public opinion and policy outcomes in Taiwan, which is clearly distinct from patterns in the West. Comprehending this model is vital, considering East Asia’s necessary role in a global clean energy transition. Full article