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Search Results (707)

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Keywords = mindfulness strategies

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21 pages, 2818 KiB  
Review
Structuring the Future of Cultured Meat: Hybrid Gel-Based Scaffolds for Edibility and Functionality
by Sun Mi Mi Zo, Ankur Sood, So Yeon Yeon Won, Soon Mo Mo Choi and Sung Soo Soo Han
Gels 2025, 11(8), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080610 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Cultured meat is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture, with scaffolds playing a central role in supporting cellular attachment, growth, and tissue maturation. This review focuses on the development of gel-based hybrid biomaterials that meet the dual requirements of biocompatibility [...] Read more.
Cultured meat is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture, with scaffolds playing a central role in supporting cellular attachment, growth, and tissue maturation. This review focuses on the development of gel-based hybrid biomaterials that meet the dual requirements of biocompatibility and food safety. We explore recent advances in the use of naturally derived gel-forming polymers such as gelatin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and plant-based proteins as the structural backbone for edible scaffolds. Particular attention is given to the integration of food-grade functional additives into hydrogel-based scaffolds. These include nanocellulose, dietary fibers, modified starches, polyphenols, and enzymatic crosslinkers such as transglutaminase, which enhance mechanical stability, rheological properties, and cell-guidance capabilities. Rather than focusing on fabrication methods or individual case studies, this review emphasizes the material-centric design strategies for building scalable, printable, and digestible gel scaffolds suitable for cultured meat production. By systemically evaluating the role of each component in structural reinforcement and biological interaction, this work provides a comprehensive frame work for designing next-generation edible scaffold systems. Nonetheless, the field continues to face challenges, including structural optimization, regulatory validation, and scale-up, which are critical for future implementation. Ultimately, hybrid gel-based scaffolds are positioned as a foundational technology for advancing the functionality, manufacturability, and consumer readiness of cultured meat products, distinguishing this work from previous reviews. Unlike previous reviews that have focused primarily on fabrication techniques or tissue engineering applications, this review provides a uniquely food-centric perspective by systematically evaluating the compositional design of hybrid hydrogel-based scaffolds with edibility, scalability, and consumer acceptance in mind. Through a comparative analysis of food-safe additives and naturally derived biopolymers, this review establishes a framework that bridges biomaterials science and food engineering to advance the practical realization of cultured meat products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Hydrocolloids and Hydrogels: Rheology and Texture Analysis)
22 pages, 3013 KiB  
Review
Role of Micronutrient Supplementation in Promoting Cognitive Healthy Aging in Latin America: Evidence-Based Consensus Statement
by Carlos Alberto Nogueira-de-Almeida, Carlos A. Cano Gutiérrez, Luiz R. Ramos, Mónica Katz, Manuel Moreno Gonzalez, Bárbara Angel Badillo, Olga A. Gómez Santa María, Carlos A. Reyes Torres, Santiago O’Neill, Marine Garcia Reyes and Lara Mustapic
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2545; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152545 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern in Latin America, driven by rapid aging, widespread micronutrient inadequacies, and socioeconomic disparities. Despite the recognized importance of nutrition, many older adults struggle to meet daily dietary micronutrients requirements, increasing the risk of mild [...] Read more.
Background: Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern in Latin America, driven by rapid aging, widespread micronutrient inadequacies, and socioeconomic disparities. Despite the recognized importance of nutrition, many older adults struggle to meet daily dietary micronutrients requirements, increasing the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the role of Multivitamin and Mineral supplements (MVMs) in promoting cognitive healthy aging among older adults in Latin America. Methods: A panel of nine experts in geriatrics, neurology, and nutrition applied a modified Delphi methodology to generate consensus statements. The panel reviewed the literature, engaged in expert discussions, and used structured voting to develop consensus statements. Results: Consensus was reached on 14 statements. Experts agreed that cognitive aging in Latin America is influenced by neurobiological, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors, including widespread micronutrient inadequacies (vitamins B-complex, C, D, E, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, chromium, copper, iron and selenium), which were identified as critical for global cognitive function and brain structures, yet commonly inadequate in the elderly. While a balanced diet remains essential, MVMs can be recommended as a complementary strategy to bridge nutritional gaps. Supporting evidence, including the COSMOS-Mind trials, demonstrate that MVM use improves memory and global cognition, and reduces cognitive aging by up to 2 years in older adults. Conclusions: MVMs offer a promising, accessible adjunct for cognitive healthy aging in Latin America’s elderly population, particularly where dietary challenges persist. Region-specific guidelines, public health initiatives, and targeted research are warranted to optimize outcomes and reduce health inequities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Neuro Sciences)
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18 pages, 1518 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness of Psychological Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Sabrina Giguère, Alexandra Fortier, Julie Azrak, Charles-Édouard Giguère, Stéphane Potvin and Alexandre Dumais
J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(8), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15080338 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 158
Abstract
Background: Depression that is resistant to two or more adequate treatment trials—treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—is a prevalent clinical challenge. Although psychotherapies have been recommended by clinical guidelines as an alternative or adjunctive treatment strategy, the effectiveness of psychotherapy in individuals with TRD has not [...] Read more.
Background: Depression that is resistant to two or more adequate treatment trials—treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—is a prevalent clinical challenge. Although psychotherapies have been recommended by clinical guidelines as an alternative or adjunctive treatment strategy, the effectiveness of psychotherapy in individuals with TRD has not yet been evaluated through meta-analytic methods, primarily due to a limited number of trials. This highlights the necessity of personalized research targeting this specific population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on psychotherapy in treating TRD. Methods: A systematic search was conducted following the Guidelines from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Articles were included if they quantitatively examined the efficacy of psychotherapy on depression symptoms in individuals diagnosed with depression who had not responded to at least two prior treatments (i.e., pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy). Results: A total of 12 studies were included. The quality of evidence was evaluated as being globally moderate. When pooling all psychotherapies, a small-to-moderate, but significant, effect on depressive symptoms was observed compared to the control group (SMD = −0.49, CI = −0.63; −0.34). The observed effect remained unchanged after removing the outlier (SMD = −0.47, CI = −0.62; −0.32). When examining depressive symptoms by type of psychotherapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (SMD = −0.51, CI = −0.76; −0.25), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (SMD = −0.53, CI = −0.92; −0.14), and Cognitive Therapy (SMD = −0.51, CI = −1.01; −0.01) showed a moderately significant effect on depressive symptoms compared to the control group. Conclusions: Although this potentially represents the first meta-analysis in this area, the number of studies specifically addressing this complex population remains limited, and the existing literature is still in its early stages. Research focusing on TRD is notably sparse compared to the broader body of work on depression without treatment resistance. Consequently, it was not possible to conduct meta-analyses by type of psychotherapy across all treatment modalities and by type of control group. Due to several study limitations, there is currently limited evidence available about the effectiveness of psychotherapy for TRD, and further trials are needed. Beyond the treatments usually offered for depression, it is possible that TRD requires a personalized medicine approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry: Challenges and Opportunities)
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9 pages, 159 KiB  
Article
The Mask and the Giant: Shakespearean Acting and Reputation Management
by Darren Tunstall
Humanities 2025, 14(8), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/h14080159 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 101
Abstract
I use Shakespeare to teach acting to students. A key to my work is impression management: what Shakespeare called reputation. I view the management of reputation as a route into Shakespearean character, which I present to students as a mask attuned to sacred [...] Read more.
I use Shakespeare to teach acting to students. A key to my work is impression management: what Shakespeare called reputation. I view the management of reputation as a route into Shakespearean character, which I present to students as a mask attuned to sacred values. The physical basis from which the actor can discover the mask is what Hamlet calls ‘smoothness’, which I explain with an acting exercise. We discover the force of sacred values by noticing the ubiquity of keywords in the text such as honor, virtue, reason, shame and faith. By holding characters to the fire of their sacred values, I shift the actor’s attention from an individualist idea of authentic representation towards a sense of character as a battleground of mind-shaping. The resulting performance work is scaled up to a more expansive and energized degree than the actor may be used to delivering in a social media-saturated environment in which what is often prioritized is a quasi-confessional self-revelation. The revelation of an inner life then emerges through a committed exploration of antithetical relations, a strategy basic both to mask work and to Shakespeare’s poetics. The actor finds their personal connection to the material by facing the contradiction between the objective standards of behavior demanded of the character and the character’s attempt to control their status, that is, how they are seen. The final value of the performance work is that the actor learns how to manage their reputation so that they come to appear like a giant who is seen from a distance. Full article
11 pages, 1219 KiB  
Article
The Church and Academia Model: New Paradigm for Spirituality and Mental Health Research
by Marta Illueca, Samantha M. Meints, Megan M. Miller, Dikachi Osaji and Benjamin R. Doolittle
Religions 2025, 16(8), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16080998 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 110
Abstract
Ongoing interest in the intersection of spirituality and health has prompted a need for integrated research. This report proposes a distinct approach in a model that allows for successful and harmonious cross-fertilization within these latter two areas of interest. Our work is especially [...] Read more.
Ongoing interest in the intersection of spirituality and health has prompted a need for integrated research. This report proposes a distinct approach in a model that allows for successful and harmonious cross-fertilization within these latter two areas of interest. Our work is especially pertinent to inquiries around the role of spirituality in mental health, with special attention to chronic pain conditions. The latter have become an open channel for novel avenues to explore the field of spirituality-based interventions within the arena of psychological inquiry. To address this, the authors developed and implemented the Church and Academia Model, a prototype for an innovative collaborative research project, with the aim of exploring the role of devotional practices, and their potential to be used as therapeutic co-adjuvants or tools to enhance the coping skills of patients with chronic pain. Keeping in mind that the church presents a rich landscape for clinical inquiry with broad relevance for clinicians and society at large, we created a unique hybrid research model. This is a new paradigm that focuses on distinct and well-defined studies where the funding, protocol writing, study design, and implementation are shared by experts from both the pastoral and clinical spaces. A team of theologians, researchers, and healthcare providers, including clinical pain psychologists, built a coalition leveraging their respective skill sets. Each expert is housed in their own environs, creating a functional network that has proven academically productive and pastorally effective. Key outputs include the creation and validation of a new psychometric measure, the Pain-related PRAYER Scale (PPRAYERS), an associated bedside prayer tool and a full-scale dissemination strategy through journal publications and specialty society conferences. This collaborative prototype is also an ideal fit for integrated knowledge translation platforms, and it is a promising paradigm for future collaborative projects focused on spirituality and mental health. Full article
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16 pages, 628 KiB  
Article
Beyond the Bot: A Dual-Phase Framework for Evaluating AI Chatbot Simulations in Nursing Education
by Phillip Olla, Nadine Wodwaski and Taylor Long
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(8), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15080280 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 152
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The integration of AI chatbots in nursing education, particularly in simulation-based learning, is advancing rapidly. However, there is a lack of structured evaluation models, especially to assess AI-generated simulations. This article introduces the AI-Integrated Method for Simulation (AIMS) evaluation framework, a dual-phase [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The integration of AI chatbots in nursing education, particularly in simulation-based learning, is advancing rapidly. However, there is a lack of structured evaluation models, especially to assess AI-generated simulations. This article introduces the AI-Integrated Method for Simulation (AIMS) evaluation framework, a dual-phase evaluation framework adapted from the FAITA model, designed to evaluate both prompt design and chatbot performance in the context of nursing education. Methods: This simulation-based study explored the application of an AI chatbot in an emergency planning course. The AIMS framework was developed and applied, consisting of six prompt-level domains (Phase 1) and eight performance criteria (Phase 2). These domains were selected based on current best practices in instructional design, simulation fidelity, and emerging AI evaluation literature. To assess the chatbots educational utility, the study employed a scoring rubric for each phase and incorporated a structured feedback loop to refine both prompt design and chatbox interaction. To demonstrate the framework’s practical application, the researchers configured an AI tool referred to in this study as “Eval-Bot v1”, built using OpenAI’s GPT-4.0, to apply Phase 1 scoring criteria to a real simulation prompt. Insights from this analysis were then used to anticipate Phase 2 performance and identify areas for improvement. Participants (three individuals)—all experienced healthcare educators and advanced practice nurses with expertise in clinical decision-making and simulation-based teaching—reviewed the prompt and Eval-Bot’s score to triangulate findings. Results: Simulated evaluations revealed clear strengths in the prompt alignment with course objectives and its capacity to foster interactive learning. Participants noted that the AI chatbot supported engagement and maintained appropriate pacing, particularly in scenarios involving emergency planning decision-making. However, challenges emerged in areas related to personalization and inclusivity. While the chatbot responded consistently to general queries, it struggled to adapt tone, complexity and content to reflect diverse learner needs or cultural nuances. To support replication and refinement, a sample scoring rubric and simulation prompt template are provided. When evaluated using the Eval-Bot tool, moderate concerns were flagged regarding safety prompts and inclusive language, particularly in how the chatbot navigated sensitive decision points. These gaps were linked to predicted performance issues in Phase 2 domains such as dialog control, equity, and user reassurance. Based on these findings, revised prompt strategies were developed to improve contextual sensitivity, promote inclusivity, and strengthen ethical guidance within chatbot-led simulations. Conclusions: The AIMS evaluation framework provides a practical and replicable approach for evaluating the use of AI chatbots in simulation-based education. By offering structured criteria for both prompt design and chatbot performance, the model supports instructional designers, simulation specialists, and developers in identifying areas of strength and improvement. The findings underscore the importance of intentional design, safety monitoring, and inclusive language when integrating AI into nursing and health education. As AI tools become more embedded in learning environments, this framework offers a thoughtful starting point for ensuring they are applied ethically, effectively, and with learner diversity in mind. Full article
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21 pages, 695 KiB  
Review
Physicians’ and Residents’ Well-Being in Ecological System: A Scoping Review of Positive Deviance Strategies
by Hyoseon Choi, Janghee Park, Sanghee Yeo, Seung-Joo Na and Hyojin Kwon
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1856; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151856 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
Background/Objectives: It is essential to explore and disseminate positive deviance strategies that promote resilience, mindfulness, and well-being beyond stress and burnout reduction strategies for residents and physicians who experience high levels of occupational stress. This scoping review maps studies that investigate positive [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: It is essential to explore and disseminate positive deviance strategies that promote resilience, mindfulness, and well-being beyond stress and burnout reduction strategies for residents and physicians who experience high levels of occupational stress. This scoping review maps studies that investigate positive deviance strategies to enhance the well-being of residents and physicians. Methods: A scoping review was conducted by PRISMA guidelines to identify English-language studies on strategies for physician well-being. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and ERIC were searched using terms related to well-being, coping, and medical education. Results: Among the 38 studies included, 17 (44.7%) targeted physicians in graduate medical education (GME), while 19 (50%) focused on continuing medical education (CME). Positive deviance strategies were identified in 26 studies and were most frequently implemented at the microsystem level, such as small group interventions (e.g., coaching, mentoring, and workshops). These strategies addressed individual and organisational factors that contribute to physician well-being and were associated with improvements in life satisfaction, resilience, professional identity, and psychological safety. The review found that positive deviance strategies were often proactive, values-driven, and disseminated organically over time, emphasising the importance of longitudinal engagement and sustained institutional support. Conclusions: This scoping review highlights the growing use of positive deviance strategies, especially at the microsystem level, to promote physician well-being. These approaches emphasise sustainable, values-driven practices and may offer effective, context-sensitive solutions within healthcare systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Stress: Support, Coping, and Control)
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18 pages, 301 KiB  
Review
Restoring a Healthy Relationship with Food by Decoupling Stress and Eating: A Translational Review of Nutrition and Mental Health
by Alison Warren and Leigh A. Frame
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152466 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
Psychological stress and dietary behavior are interdependent forces that greatly influence mental and physical health. Thus, both what and how we eat impact our well-being. Maladaptive eating patterns, such as eating in response to emotional cues rather than physiological hunger, have become increasingly [...] Read more.
Psychological stress and dietary behavior are interdependent forces that greatly influence mental and physical health. Thus, both what and how we eat impact our well-being. Maladaptive eating patterns, such as eating in response to emotional cues rather than physiological hunger, have become increasingly common amid modern stressors and an ultra-processed food environment. This narrative review synthesizes interdisciplinary findings from nutritional psychiatry, microbiome science, and behavioral nutrition to explore how stress physiology, gut–brain interactions, and dietary quality shape emotional regulation and eating behavior. It highlights mechanisms (e.g., HPA-axis dysregulation, blunted interoception, and inflammatory and epigenetic pathways) and examines the evidence for mindful and intuitive eating; phytochemical-rich, whole-food dietary patterns; and the emerging role of precision nutrition. Trauma-informed approaches, cultural foodways, structural barriers to healthy eating, and clinical implementation strategies (e.g., interprofessional collaboration) are considered in the context of public health equity to support sustainable mental wellness through dietary interventions. Ultimately, restoring a healthy relationship with food positions nutrition not only as sustenance but as a modifiable regulator of affect, cognition, and stress resilience, central to mental and physical well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Interdependence of Nutrition and Mental Well-Being)
18 pages, 392 KiB  
Article
Semantic Restoration of Snake-Slaying in Chan Buddhist Koan
by Yun Wang and Yulu Lv
Religions 2025, 16(8), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16080973 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
In the Chan Buddhism koan (gong’an 公案) tradition, the act of “slaying the snake” functions as a signature gesture imbued with complex, historically layered cultural meanings. Rather than merely examining its motivations, this paper emphasizes tracing the semantic transformations that this motif has [...] Read more.
In the Chan Buddhism koan (gong’an 公案) tradition, the act of “slaying the snake” functions as a signature gesture imbued with complex, historically layered cultural meanings. Rather than merely examining its motivations, this paper emphasizes tracing the semantic transformations that this motif has undergone across different historical contexts. It argues that “snake-slaying” operated variously as an imperial narrative strategy reinforcing ruling class ideology; as a form of popular resistance by commoners against flood-related disasters; as a dietary practice among aristocrats and literati seeking danyao (elixirs) 丹藥 for reclusion and transcendence; and ultimately, within the Chan tradition, as a method of spiritual cultivation whereby masters sever desires rooted in attachment to both selfhood and the Dharma. More specifically, first, as an imperial narrative logic, snake-slaying embodied exemplary power: both Liu Bang 劉邦 and Guizong 歸宗 enacted this discursive strategy, with Guizong’s legitimacy in slaying the snake deriving from the precedent set by Liu Bang. Second, as a folk strategy of demystification, snake-slaying acquired a moral aura—since the snake was perceived as malevolent force, their slaying appeared righteous and heroic. Finally, as a mode of self-cultivation among the aristocracy, snake-slaying laid the groundwork for its later internalization. In Daoism, slaying the snake was a means of cultivating the body; in Chan Buddhism, the act is elevated to a higher plane—becoming a way of cultivating the mind. This transformation unfolded naturally, as if predestined. In all cases, the internalization of the snake-slaying motif was not an overnight development: the cultural genes that preceded its appearance in the Chan tradition provided the fertile ground for its karmic maturation and discursive proliferation. Full article
26 pages, 850 KiB  
Article
Impact of Virtual Reality Immersion in Biology Classes on Habits of Mind of East Jerusalem Municipality High School Students: Examining Mediating Roles of Self-Regulation, Flow Experience, and Motivation
by Nader Neiroukh and Abedalkarim Ayyoub
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15080955 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
This quantitative study investigates the effects of virtual reality immersion on enhancing scientific habits of mind (critical and creative thinking) through the mediation of flow experience, motivation, and self-regulation in high school biology classes in East Jerusalem. The random multi-stage cluster sample consisted [...] Read more.
This quantitative study investigates the effects of virtual reality immersion on enhancing scientific habits of mind (critical and creative thinking) through the mediation of flow experience, motivation, and self-regulation in high school biology classes in East Jerusalem. The random multi-stage cluster sample consisted of 347 high school students from three schools who learned biology concepts constructively during the first semester using VR-based instruction, complying with the principles of the Cognitive Affective Model of Immersive Learning (CAMIL). The results of PLS-SEM revealed that VRI significantly affected critical and creative thinking directly and indirectly. Cases of partial and complete mediation intervened, showing the effects of mediators on enhancing habits of mind through a sequence of mediation flowing from flow experience through motivation to self-regulation, which functioned as a key intermediary factor in the relationship between virtual reality immersion and habits of mind. Based on the results of the study, the complex structure warrants further investigation. The results of the study suggest that VRI’s impact on critical and creative thinking was intensified through mediation effects. In addition, the findings confirm that flow experience and motivation played essential roles in fostering a conducive learning environment that supports cognitive skill development. The results highlight that the enhancement of self-regulation was a necessary step for the enhancement of critical and creative thinking. The study recommends integrating VRI into teaching biology to enhance students’ higher-order thinking skills. Further studies on self-regulation should explore adaptive interventions that strengthen self-regulatory strategies to maximize the cognitive benefits of virtual reality immersion. Full article
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24 pages, 9734 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Influence of PWM-Driven Cascaded H-Bridges Multilevel Inverter on Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Power Losses
by Claudio Nevoloso, Gioacchino Scaglione, Giuseppe Schettino, Antonino Oscar Di Tommaso, Fabio Viola, Ciro Spataro and Rosario Miceli
Energies 2025, 18(15), 3911; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18153911 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 240
Abstract
This paper presents an accurate analysis of the power losses of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor fed by a cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter. The main goal of this study is to investigate the impact of the cascaded h-bridge inverter, multicarrier PWM strategies, [...] Read more.
This paper presents an accurate analysis of the power losses of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor fed by a cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter. The main goal of this study is to investigate the impact of the cascaded h-bridge inverter, multicarrier PWM strategies, and inverter switching frequency on the synchronous motor power losses. With this aim in mind, a detailed frequency domain power analysis was carried out on motor power losses at different operating points in the frequency–torque plane. Motor power losses were further categorized into fundamental and harmonic power losses. This evaluation involved driving the power converter using six distinct multicarrier PWM strategies at four different switching frequencies. Additionally, a comparison was conducted with a conventional two-level PWM inverter to quantify the reduction in motor power losses. The experimental results show that the cascaded h-bridge inverter guarantees a notable increase in the motor efficiency, up to 7%, and losses in segregation at the fundamental frequency, if compared to the standard two-level PWM inverter, especially at low speed and with partial-load conditions. Such results mark out the cascaded H-bridge inverter as a valuable choice, also with regard to low-voltage drive applications. Full article
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13 pages, 438 KiB  
Study Protocol
A Smartphone Application Based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills for Binge Eating Episodes: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
by Telma Cruz, Tiago B. Ferreira, Debra L. Safer, Cristiana Duarte and Mariana V. Martins
Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141749 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Background/Objectives: With the rapid progression of technology, applications have been proposed as a promising alternative to conventional psychotherapeutic treatment. Nonetheless, research on unguided self-help applications for binge eating remains scarce, with most existing studies utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. Therefore, this [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: With the rapid progression of technology, applications have been proposed as a promising alternative to conventional psychotherapeutic treatment. Nonetheless, research on unguided self-help applications for binge eating remains scarce, with most existing studies utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. Therefore, this paper presents the protocol for a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of eMOTE, a standalone application designed specifically for women in Portugal who binge eat. eMOTE, adapted from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), is unique in that it focuses on teaching emotion regulation skills while also integrating core CBT strategies. Methods: At least 68 females who self-report binge eating episodes will be randomized into an intervention group with access to eMOTE for eight weeks or a delayed waitlist, which will have access to eMOTE after the T1 assessment. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and at 2-month follow-up (T2). The primary outcomes will include objective and subjective binge eating frequency and binge eating symptomatology, while secondary outcomes will assess global levels of ED psychopathology, shape concern, weight concern, eating concern, dietary restraint, compensatory behaviors, mindfulness, emotion regulation difficulties, intuitive eating, psychological distress, and body mass index. Conclusions: This study will contribute to the limited literature on the use of smartphone technology as an alternative to traditional psychotherapy. Furthermore, this standalone application will offer insights into the use of emotion regulation and food monitoring components designed for adult females experiencing binge eating episodes. Full article
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25 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
Psychological Flexibility and Inflexibility of University Students: An In-Depth Qualitative Study
by Wendy Cervantes-Perea, Jone Martínez-Bacaicoa and Manuel Gámez-Guadix
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071141 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 310
Abstract
In the Hexaflex model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychological flexibility refers to the ability to openly embrace difficult thoughts and emotions while acting in alignment with personal values. In contrast, psychological inflexibility involves rigid avoidance and control strategies that hinder adaptive [...] Read more.
In the Hexaflex model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychological flexibility refers to the ability to openly embrace difficult thoughts and emotions while acting in alignment with personal values. In contrast, psychological inflexibility involves rigid avoidance and control strategies that hinder adaptive functioning. Although previously studied, more culturally relevant evidence is needed to inform interventions that promote well-being and mental health among Latin American students. This study explored manifestations of psychological flexibility and inflexibility in 15 undergraduate students from the University of Magdalena in Colombia (mean age = 20.13 years; 53.33% female) through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews (~45 min each). Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), focusing on how participants described and made sense of their experiences. A total of 25 emergent themes were identified and grouped into 12 subordinate themes, mapped onto the 6 core ACT processes. The participants reported efforts to control or avoid distressing internal experiences, often resulting in difficulty acting in accordance with their values. The findings highlight a recurring ambivalence between avoidance and acceptance, and barriers to committed action, underscoring the dynamic interplay between flexibility and inflexibility. These results support the relevance of ACT-based interventions, such as structured group sessions that foster acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based behavior. Integrating this training into counseling and academic support services could enhance students’ well-being and performance. Future research should examine these dynamics longitudinally and across diverse contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral and Mental Health)
21 pages, 550 KiB  
Review
Management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: An Integrative Approach
by Francesca Andreazzoli, Ilana Levy Yurkovski, Krisstina Gowin and Massimo Bonucci
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 5080; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14145080 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 875
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are chronic blood cancers characterized by overproduction of blood cells, leading to increased thrombotic and ischemic risk. Patients frequently experience symptoms including fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and complications from thrombotic events, which significantly impact the quality of life (QoL). Many patients [...] Read more.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are chronic blood cancers characterized by overproduction of blood cells, leading to increased thrombotic and ischemic risk. Patients frequently experience symptoms including fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and complications from thrombotic events, which significantly impact the quality of life (QoL). Many patients inquire about complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) approaches, including nutritional interventions and supplements, creating opportunities for healthcare providers to engage in meaningful discussions guided by the principle of safety. This review examines the current evidence for integrative approaches in MPN management, focusing on nutrition, microbiota, supplements, mind–body techniques, and acupuncture. We analyze the available data on anti-inflammatory interventions, QoL improvement strategies, and treatment tolerance enhancement. The review provides clinicians with evidence-based guidance for safely integrating complementary therapeutic approaches with conventional MPN treatment. This integrative approach represents an opportunity to develop more comprehensive and personalized therapeutic paradigms in hematology while ensuring that complementary interventions serve as adjuncts to evidence-based medical treatment. Full article
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25 pages, 1591 KiB  
Review
Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Alzheimer’s Disease, and the MIND Diet: A Narrative Review from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Outcomes
by Amirhossein Ataei Kachouei, Saiful Singar, Amber Wood, Jason D. Flatt, Sara K. Rosenkranz, Richard R. Rosenkranz and Neda S. Akhavan
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142328 - 16 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests connections between CVD risk factors―including hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLP), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and physical inactivity―and AD. The Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests connections between CVD risk factors―including hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLP), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and physical inactivity―and AD. The Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) dietary pattern has recently garnered considerable attention as a key preventive strategy for both CVDs and AD. While previous studies have examined the connections between CVD risk factors and AD, they have not thoroughly explored their underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the current literature review aims to synthesize the literature and highlight underlying mechanisms from preclinical to clinical studies to elucidate the relationship between CVD risk factors, AD, and the role of the MIND dietary pattern in these conditions. The MIND dietary pattern emphasizes foods rich in antioxidants and brain-healthy nutrients such as vitamin E, folate, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. These components have been associated with reduced amyloid-β accumulation in preclinical studies and may contribute to the prevention of AD, either directly or indirectly by affecting CVD risk factors. Despite the extensive evidence from preclinical and observational studies, few clinical trials have investigated the effects of the MIND dietary pattern on cognitive health. Therefore, long-term clinical trials are required to better understand and establish the potential role of the MIND dietary pattern in preventing and managing AD. Full article
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