Search Results (1,551)

This paper examines Krivelj, a copper mining village in Serbia, as a critical yet overlooked node within global extractive networks. Despite supplying copper essential for renewable energy and sustainable architecture, Krivelj experiences severe ecological disruption, forced relocations, and socio-spatial destabilization, becoming a “sacrifice zone”—an area deliberately subjected to harm for broader economic interests. Employing a hybrid methodology that combines ethnographic fieldwork with Geographic Information Systems (GISs), this study spatializes narratives of extractive violence collected from residents through walking interviews, field sketches, and annotated aerial imagery. By integrating satellite data, legal documents, environmental sensors, and lived testimonies, it uncovers the concept of “slow violence,” where incremental harm occurs through bureaucratic neglect, ambient pollution, and legal ambiguity. Critiquing the abstraction of Planetary Urbanization theory, this research employs countertopography and forensic spatial analysis to propose a counter-cartographic framework that integrates geospatial analysis with local narratives. It demonstrates how global mining finance manifests locally through tangible experiences, such as respiratory illnesses and disrupted community relationships, emphasizing the potential of counter-cartography as a tool for visualizing and contesting systemic injustice. Full article

Given the severe global traffic safety challenges—including threats to human lives and socioeconomic impacts—this study analyzes visual behavior to promote sustainable transportation, improve road safety, and reduce resource waste and pollution caused by accidents. Four typical road sections, namely, turning, straight ahead, uphill, and downhill, were selected, and the eye movement data of 23 drivers in different driving stages were collected by aSee Glasses eye-tracking device to analyze the visual gaze characteristics of the drivers and their transfer patterns in each road section. Using Markov chain theory, the probability of staying at each gaze point and the transfer probability distribution between gaze points were investigated. The results of the study showed that drivers’ visual behaviors in different road sections showed significant differences: drivers in the turning section had the largest percentage of fixation on the near front, with a fixation duration and frequency of 29.99% and 28.80%, respectively; the straight ahead section, on the other hand, mainly focused on the right side of the road, with 31.57% of fixation duration and 19.45% of frequency of fixation; on the uphill section, drivers’ fixation duration on the left and right roads was more balanced, with 24.36% of fixation duration on the left side of the road and 25.51% on the right side of the road; drivers on the downhill section looked more frequently at the distance ahead, with a total fixation frequency of 23.20%, while paying higher attention to the right side of the road environment, with a fixation duration of 27.09%. In terms of visual fixation, the fixation shift in the turning road section was mainly concentrated between the near and distant parts of the road ahead and frequently turned to the left and right sides; the straight road section mainly showed a shift between the distant parts of the road ahead and the dashboard; the uphill road section was concentrated on the shift between the near parts of the road ahead and the two sides of the road, while the downhill road section mainly occurred between the distant parts of the road ahead and the rearview mirror. Although drivers’ fixations on the front of the road were most concentrated under the four road sections, with an overall fixation stability probability exceeding 67%, there were significant differences in fixation smoothness between different road sections. Through this study, this paper not only reveals the laws of drivers’ visual behavior under different driving environments but also provides theoretical support for behavior-based traffic safety improvement strategies. Full article

Grounded in health behavior theory, this study examined patterns of preventive health behavior in a culturally diverse, multilingual region of northern Italy using data from a representative population survey (n = 2090). Preventive behaviors were assessed using the 16-item Good Health Practices (GHP-16) scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five behavioral profiles, ranging from ‘Globally Low Engagers’ to ‘Comprehensive High Engagers’. Binary logistic regression compared ‘Globally Low Engagers’ to ‘Broadly Moderate Preventers’, examining predictors including gender, age, education, language, chronic disease status, health literacy (HLS-EU-Q16), patient activation (PAM-10), mistrust of health information, living situation, and healthcare employment. The results showed that men, younger adults, individuals with low patient activation, those living alone, and respondents with high mistrust of health information had higher odds of belonging to the low engagement group. Health literacy and language group membership were not significantly associated with the profile membership. Item-level comparisons revealed gender differences in information-seeking, oral hygiene, and dietary behaviors, with men reporting lower engagement. These findings support a segmentation-based understanding of preventive health behavior and highlight the need to address personal capacities and contextual barriers in interventions while challenging assumptions of uniformly higher female health vigilance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the importance of parent mental health for child health, there are no global prevalence data on parental mental health symptoms when children are hospitalized. We aimed to describe depression and anxiety symptom prevalence and associated factors among parents of hospitalized children. Methods: We conducted this 14-country prospective cohort survey with parents/primary caregivers staying at a nearby Ronald McDonald House^® during their child’s hospital treatment. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to measure depression and anxiety symptoms and validated scales and theory-based questions to measure parent, family, and child covariates. We calculated the prevalence of clinically significant or concerning symptoms of depression and anxiety, and used multivariable regression analyses to examine associations between covariates and outcomes. Results: Among 3350 participants, 1789 (49.7%) reported depression symptoms and 2286 (69.0%) reported anxiety symptoms. Worry about housing and poorer ratings of their child’s health were associated with increased risk of depression symptoms. Poorer rating of the child’s health, living with a partner, and discrimination in daily life were associated with increased risk of anxiety symptoms. Higher levels of self-care, hospital family-centered care, and social support were associated with reduced risk of depression symptoms. Higher levels of self-care and social support were associated with reduced risk of anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Clinically significant or concerning depression and anxiety symptoms are common among parents of hospitalized children globally. Hospitals should consider offering routine mental health symptom screening and preventative mental health and support services to all parents. Full article

In this position paper, we argue that the conventional understanding of ‘information’ (as generally conceived in science, in a digital fashion) is overly simplistic and not consistently applicable to living systems, which are open systems that cannot be reduced to any kind of ‘portion’ (building block) ascribed to the category of quantity. Instead, it is a matter of relationships and qualities in an indivisible analogical (and ontological) relationship between any presumed ‘software’ and ‘hardware’ (information/matter, psyche/soma). Furthermore, in biological systems, contrary to Shannon’s definition, which is well-suited to telecommunications and informatics, any kind of ‘information’ is the opposite of internal entropy, as it depends directly on order: it is associated with distinction and differentiation, rather than flattening and homogenisation. Moreover, the high degree of structural compartmentalisation of living matter prevents its energetics from being thermodynamically described by using a macroscopic, bulk state function. This requires the Second Principle of Thermodynamics to be redefined in order to make it applicable to living systems. For these reasons, any static, bit-related concept of ‘information’ is inadequate, as it fails to consider the system’s evolution, it being, in essence, the organized coupling to its own environment. From the perspective of quantum field theory (QFT), where many vacuum levels, symmetry breaking, dissipation, coherence and phase transitions can be described, a consistent picture emerges that portrays any living system as a relational process that exists as a flux of context-dependent meanings. This epistemological shift is also associated with a transition away from the ‘particle view’ (first quantisation) characteristic of quantum mechanics (QM) towards the ‘field view’ possible only in QFT (second quantisation). This crucial transition must take place in life sciences, particularly regarding the methodological approaches. Foremost because biological systems cannot be conceived as ‘objects’, but rather as non-confinable processes and relationships. Full article

This paper explores the complex power dynamics of UK social work higher education through an autoethnographic account of a Black woman course leader’s experiences over a period of two years, focusing on issues related to race, internalized oppression, and class. Drawing on Critical Race Theory (CRT), narrative analysis, and lived experience, it examines how systemic inequities manifest through three interlinked themes: (a) academic contrapower harassment (ACPH), (b) internalized oppression and toxic team dynamics, and (c) the interplay of harassment, institutional failure, managerial inaction, and the marginalization of social work as a discipline. This study illustrates how the intersectionality of multiple identities—namely, race, gender, and professional identity—impacts career progression, well-being, and institutional inclusion. This study examines the tensions between social work’s ethical foundations and performance-driven academic environments, advocating for systemic and policy interventions to stimulate institutional reform and cultivate a more equitable culture that enhances educational outcomes and, ultimately, improves social work practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore how stressors and facilitators within the work–family interface (WFI) influence mental health outcomes among farming women in rural Chile. The research sought to identify key relational patterns and contextual determinants shaping psychological well-being in this population. Methods: An exploratory mixed-methods design was employed, involving 41 semi-structured interviews analyzed using grounded theory. Qualitative themes were quantified by calculating the percentage of occurrence per interview, allowing for comparative analysis. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to examine associations among WFI dimensions and mental health-related variables. Results: Strong and statistically significant correlations emerged between institutional and community facilitators (r = 0.664, p < 0.01) and between gender facilitators and family workload stressors (r = 0.609, p < 0.01). PCA revealed two distinct patterns: women who rely on institutional support often resist traditional family roles, while others find balance through familial support systems. The gendered distribution of caregiving and productive tasks was a key factor in psychological well-being, with some women reporting physical discomfort linked to triple workloads. Conclusions: The dynamics of the WFI in rural contexts are shaped by both sociocultural and institutional factors. The findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health policies that acknowledge and respond to the lived experiences of farming women. Full article

In the stage of high-quality development, the functional coordination between transportation systems and territorial space is a key issue for improving urban spatial efficiency. This paper breaks through the traditional volume-to-capacity ratio analysis paradigm and innovatively integrates the “production-living-ecological space” theory. By introducing an improved accessibility evaluation model and developing a coordination measurement algorithm, a three-dimensional evaluation mechanism covering development potential assessment, service efficiency diagnosis, and resource allocation optimization is established. Empirical research indicates that the improved accessibility indicators can precisely identify the transportation location value of regional functional cores, while the composite coordination indicators can deconstruct the spatiotemporal matching characteristics of “transportation facilities—spatial functions,” providing a dual decision-making basis for the redevelopment of existing space. This measurement system innovatively realizes the integration of planning transmission mechanisms with multi-scale application scenarios, guiding both overall spatial planning and urban renewal area re-optimization. The methodology, applied to the urban villages of Guangzhou, can significantly increase land utilization intensity and value. The research results offer a technical tool for cross-scale collaboration in land space planning reforms and provide theoretical innovations and practical guidance for the value reconstruction of existing spaces under the context of new urbanization. Full article

The “Baby Ubuntu” programme is a well-established, low-cost, community-based intervention to support caregivers of children with complex neurodisability, like cerebral palsy, in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts. This process-focused paper describes our utilisation of the ADAPT guidance to adapt “Baby Ubuntu” for use in ethnically and linguistically diverse, and economically deprived urban boroughs in the United Kingdom (UK). The process was guided by an adaptation team, including parents with lived experience, who explored the rationale for the intervention from local perspectives and its fit for this UK community. Through qualitative interviews and co-creation strategies, the perspectives of caregivers and healthcare professionals substantially contributed to the “Encompass” programme theory, drafting the content, and planning the delivery. Ten modules were co-produced with various topics, based on the “Baby Ubuntu” modules, to be co-facilitated by a parent with lived experience and a healthcare professional. The programme is participatory, allowing caregivers to share information, problem solve, and form supportive peer networks. The “Encompass” programme is an example of a “decolonised healthcare innovation”, as it aims to transfer knowledge and solutions developed in low- and middle-income countries to a high-income context like the UK. Piloting of the new programme is underway. Full article

Solar lentigines, commonly caused by prolonged ultraviolet exposure, raise the risk of skin disorders and remain challenging to manage due to their complex mechanisms. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving the progression of solar lentigines is crucial for developing effective protective strategies. In this study, we introduced a novel method, Dynamic Network Driver (DND), which identifies upstream regulators that drive disease progression by integrating the Dynamic Network Biomarker (DNB) approach with network control theory. By applying DND to multi-omics data from solar lentigines subjects, we (1) identified the key drivers associated with solar lentigo progression, with their functions involved in differentiation and dermal–epidermal junction; and (2) highlighted ARNT2 and TBX2 as significant master factors supported by in vitro validation in melanocytes and pigmented 3D living skin equivalent models. These results demonstrate the potency of DND for uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind solar lentigines and informing therapeutic strategies. In summary, the DND approach identified novel drivers of solar lentigo progression, acting as new markers for spot mitigation in 3D spot mimic models. Full article

Standard arguments for open borders draw on cosmopolitan premises. By contrast, statism as a theory of global justice seems to be at odds with open borders. If states are only responsible for protecting the autonomy of citizens and do not owe foreigners equal consideration of their claims, it appears to follow that they may legitimately exclude unwanted immigrants as long as their human rights are not at stake. In this article, I argue that one can be a statist and still defend open borders. Even though moral equality gives rise to demands of distributive justice only in the context of shared subjection to the authority of the state, such that foreigners are not entitled to equal treatment, moral equality demands that the state shows equal respect for their autonomy. Immigration restrictions that are not aimed at protecting the autonomy of citizens are incompatible with equal respect for foreigners’ autonomy, since they subject the latter to unilateral coercion without it being necessary for the former to lead autonomous lives. Full article

This study investigates how demographic characteristics, severity of intimate partner violence (IPV), social support, gender equality awareness, and demographic factors (e.g., living with children at home) influence help-seeking behaviors among 2527 IPV-experienced women in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Drawing on the help-seeking model and conservation of resource theory, the study distinguishes between formal (e.g., police, legal aid) and informal (e.g., family, friends) help-seeking. Logistic regression results reveal that greater violence severity, stronger perceived social support, and higher gender equality awareness significantly increase both formal and informal help-seeking. Notably, living with children is associated with a higher likelihood of seeking formal help, possibly due to increased concerns for children’s safety and the desire to change the abusive environment. While help-seeking behavior is on the rise overall, particularly among women with strong support networks and progressive gender attitudes, structural and cultural barriers remain. The findings underscore the need to improve public education, reduce stigma, and enhance accessibility of support systems. This study contributes to the growing literature on IPV in China and provides evidence for refining policy interventions and service delivery. Full article

This study investigates the theological function of the contemporary worship song “The Blessing” by addressing the following guiding research question: in what ways does “The Blessing” function as a form of prophetic declaration and communal prayer in contemporary congregational worship? Drawing on frameworks from Pentecostal theology, lyrical theology, and performative speech-act theory, this study analyzes how the song’s language, structure, and performance embody Spirit-enabled proclamation and intercession. Engaging Rice’s Evagrian–LAPT grammar, Glenn Packiam’s theology of worship as encounter, and Steven Félix-Jäger’s model of New Testament prophecy, the textual analysis focuses on the song’s present-tense verbs of divine action and its lyrical constructions. Scripturally grounded in Numbers 6:24–26, “The Blessing” operates as a sung benediction that invokes God’s blessing, sanctification, divine favor and protection, covenantal presence, and peace. The repetitive use of “Amen” functions as a communal seal of affirmation, turning passive reception into active, prophetic participation when sung. This study contends that the song exemplifies how contemporary congregational song serves as primary theology—Spirit-inspired, embodied, and sounded—where proclamation and prayer are nurtured in lived worship. Ultimately, “The Blessing” functions as a pneumatological and ecclesial act of sung prophecy and intercession—an instance of primary theologizing that nurtures the worshiping community and mediates a Spirit-empowered encounter with divine hope. Full article

Microplastics (MP) have been found not only in the environment but also in living beings, including humans. As an initial step in MP detection, a method is proposed to measure the effective refractive index of a solution containing 5 µm diameter spherical polystyrene particles (SPSP) in distilled water, based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique and Mie scattering theory. The reflectances of the samples are obtained with their resonance angles and depths that must be normalized and adjusted according to the reference of the air and the distilled water, to subsequently find their effective refraction index corresponding to the Mie scattering theory. The system has an optical sensor with a Kretschmann–Raether configuration, consisting of a semicircular prism, a thin gold film, and a glass cell for solution samples with different concentrations (0.00, 0.20, 0.05, 0.50, and 1.00%). The experimental result provided a good linear fit with an R² = 0.9856 and a sensitivity of 7.2863 × ${10}^{-5}$ RIU/% (refractive index unit per percentage of fill fraction). The limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined to be 0.001% and 0.0035%, respectively. The developed optomechatronic system and its applications based on the SPR and Scattering enabled the effective measurement of the refractive index and concentration of solutions containing 5 µm diameter SPSP in distilled water. Full article

Background: This article introduces the development and application of a life review program designed to support the psychological well-being of middle-aged and older adults living with HIV. Grounded in Swanson’s Theory of Caring, the program emphasizes culturally sensitive, narrative-based reflection and group sharing. Methods: This study employed a qualitative exploratory design, implementing an eight-week life review program based on Swanson’s Theory of Caring. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observations and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that participants experienced emotional engagement, renewed self-understanding, and a sense of connection fostered by the caring-based narrative process. Participants also expressed positive attitudes toward reinterpreting their past and envisioning the future. Conclusions: Rather than evaluating intervention outcomes, this study focuses on the development and implementation of a caring-based life review tool. Findings illustrate its feasibility and cultural acceptability, offering a foundation for future adaptation across diverse supportive care settings. This culturally sensitive intervention represents one of the first applications of a caring-based life review program tailored to aging PLWHIV in Taiwan. Full article