Search Results (5,659)

Background: As a disease with a still largely unknown course, post-COVID requires a comprehensive multidimensional perspective and structured monitoring, as offered by the C19-YRSm. There has not yet been a German version of the scale. Methods: After the translation of the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (modified version, C19-YRSm) into German, we conducted an online survey with it between 23 May 2023 and 10 May 2024 for patients with post-COVID condition. Participation took place twice; people received either only the German version or both the German and the original English versions of the scale at one-week intervals. Based on the results, reliability and validity of the German version of the C19-YRSm were extensively tested. Results: Data of 414 participants were analysed, 156 of whom took part twice at least seven days apart. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the subscales of the German version ranged from 0.75 to 0.93. In the English version, it ranged from 0.82 to 0.93. All the subscales correlate with each other with p < 0.001. For the overall scale and for three of the four subscales, the intraclass coefficients, as a measure of the agreement between measurement results at two points in time, showed good consistency. Conclusions: This study confirmed the reliability, applicability, and clinical utility of the C19-YRSm, aligning with previous studies. With its multidimensional structure and excellent quality criteria, the C19-YRS is a valuable asset for clinical practice and research. The validated German C19-YRSm holds significant potential to facilitate tailored interventions, destigmatise post-COVID conditions, and enhance patient care in medical contexts. Full article

Accepting a certain degree of investment loss risk is essential for long-term portfolio management. However, overconfidence bias within financial literacy can prompt excessively risky behavior and amplify susceptibility to other cognitive biases. These tendencies can undermine investment loss tolerance beyond the baseline level shaped by sociodemographic, economic, psychological, and cultural factors. This study empirically examines the association between overconfidence and investment loss tolerance, which is measured by the point at which respondents indicate they would sell their investments in a hypothetical loss scenario. Using a large-scale dataset of 161,765 active investors from one of Japan’s largest online securities firms, we conduct ordered probit and ordered logit regression analyses, controlling for a range of sociodemographic, economic, and psychological variables. Our findings reveal that overconfidence is statistically significantly and negatively associated with investment loss tolerance, indicating that overconfident investors are more prone to prematurely liquidating assets during market downturns. This behavior reflects an impulse to avoid even modest losses. The findings suggest several possible practical strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of overconfidence on long-term investment behavior. Full article

Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for diagnosing cardiac disease in children, with quantitation largely based on nomograms. Over the past decade, significant efforts have been made to address the numerical and methodological limitations of earlier nomograms. As a result, robust and reliable pediatric echocardiographic nomograms are now available for most two-dimensional anatomical measurements, three-dimensional volumes, and strain parameters. These more recent nomograms are based on adequate sample sizes, strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and rigorous statistical methodologies. They have demonstrated good reproducibility with minimal differences across different authors, establishing them as reliable diagnostic tools. Despite these advances, some limitations persist. Certain ethnic groups remain underrepresented, and data for preterm and low-weight infants are still limited. Most existing nomograms are derived from European and North American populations, with sparse data from Asia and very limited data from Africa and South America. Nomograms for preterm and low-weight infants are few and cover only selected cardiac structures. Although diastolic parameter nomograms are available, the data remain heterogeneous due to challenges in normalizing functional parameters according to age and body size. The accessibility of current nomograms has greatly improved with the development of online calculators and mobile applications. Ideally, integration of nomograms into echocardiographic machines and reporting systems should be pursued. Future studies are needed to develop broader, more comprehensive, and multi-ethnic nomograms, with better representation of preterm and low-weight populations, and to validate new parameters derived from emerging three- and four-dimensional echocardiographic techniques. Full article

This paper builds on place theory and the psycho-social approach to the study of perceived residential environmental quality to examine the relationship between environmental perceptions and residential action in the neighborhood. An exploratory study on (N = 185) Italian respondents assessed the role of perceived residential environmental quality (i.e., perceived quality of green areas and perceived maintenance levels within the neighborhood), awareness of neighborhood environmental problems, neighborhood descriptive norms, and place attachment (attachment to the neighborhood) as predictors of self-reported individual residential engagement (engagement in improving the environmental quality of the neighborhood). Likert-type measures of the corresponding constructs were included in a structured questionnaire and used to carry out an online survey. Findings showed problem awareness and descriptive norms to directly predict residential engagement. Problem awareness mediated the relationship between perceived maintenance levels and residential engagement. Place attachment was directly predicted by perceived residential quality (quality of green areas), but did not show an independent predictive power vis-à-vis residential engagement. Results suggest new possible research avenues for modelling the individual commitment to improve the environmental quality of one’s own residential architectural and green environment. Full article

The “That Girl” self-optimization trend on TikTok, promoting beauty and productivity, had over 17.4 billion views by August 2024. “That Girl” video clips showcase perfectly organized daily routines, fitness activities, and healthy eating—allegedly to inspire other users to aspire to similar flawlessness. Based on social comparison theory, the “That Girl” archetype serves as an upward comparison target. We expected detrimental effects of viewing “That Girl” content on young women in terms of positive and negative affect and body satisfaction. Expanding other research in this area, possible effects on self-discipline and dieting intentions were explored. Focusing on immediate intraindividual changes, a preregistered two-group online experiment using a pre–post measurement design was conducted. Female participants (N = 76) watched four minutes of either 16 video clips showing “That Girl” content or nature videos (control condition). Mixed ANOVAs provided evidence of a significant adverse influence of watching “That Girl” videos on female recipients regarding all dependent variables with medium or large effect sizes. Post-hoc analyses revealed that these effects were driven by participants who reported upward comparisons to “That Girls”. Based on these results, the positive impact on self-improvement—as proclaimed by contributors of the “That Girl” trend—is critically questioned. Full article

Throughout the generations, traditional academic writing skills development has taught students in socio-human programs to express their knowledge and thoughts with an evidence-based foundation, helping them make a special connection with their professional fields. However, a lack of digital learning and writing resources in this process has been identified. This study of the social work field connects digital academic writing, social protection functionality, and research innovations, identifying and exploring open-access (OA) educational and social resources for social work higher education (SWHE). Applying content analyses to online documents and websites, we identified key terms characteristic of social work, following a standard approach on formulating research questions, identifying categories, creating a code book, sampling, and measuring information. The research questions were as follows: How is digital academic writing being developed in social work education programs in Romanian universities? Where do researchers, students, teachers, and professionals gather OA digital information and data for academic innovation? What kind of OA information and data are contained in websites for academic writing? We also used OA socio-educational resource analysis to derive digital, evidence-based, and academic writing codes. The frequencies of these elements in documents and websites were examined. Professional samples of four OA documents and five academic and non-academic Romanian websites with extensions were processed. Furthermore, information from a non-academic official website concerning social protection functionality was observed, identified, and measured. We concluded that academic writing is not included as an independent course in the curricula of Romanian social work programs at universities; this topic is rarely researched. Digital and evidence-based education is also a marginalized topic in socio-human scientific resources. OA information, laws, reports, and statistics were identified. Information on scientific research, academic–non-academic partnerships, descriptions of good practices, and human resources information was lacking. In conclusion, this study contributes to increasing productivity and developing digital academic skills in social work education and research. Full article

In this study the objective was to morphologically characterize fruits, seeds and seedlings of Cereus fernambucensis Lem., as well as evaluate the seed germination and phenological dynamics of these columnar cacti, native to Brazil, which occur in restinga ecosystems. Biometric and morphological determinations were performed using 100 fruits, describing seed morphology in external and internal aspects and considering five stages of development for the characterization of seedlings. In the study of seed germination, two light conditions (12 h photoperiod and complete darkness) were tested under 25 °C, in a completely randomized design with four replicates of 50 seeds each. In the estimation of reproductive phenology, information was collected from herbarium specimens on the SpeciesLink online platform, and the exsiccatae were analyzed for the notes on their labels to evaluate reproductive aspects. Fruits showed an average mass of 21.11 g, length of 44.76 mm, diameter of 28.77 mm and about 336 seeds per fruit. Seeds behave as positive photoblastic, with a high percentage of germination under controlled conditions (94%). Germination is epigeal and phanerocotylar, with slow growth and, at 30 days after sowing, the seedling measures approximately 2 cm, which makes it possible to visualize the appearance of the epicotyl and the first spines. The species blooms and bears fruit throughout the year, with peaks of flowering and fruiting in January and March, respectively. The various characteristics make C. fernambucensis a key species for maintaining the biodiversity of restingas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Muscle dysmorphia (MD), a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder, is prevalent among males who engage in the non-medical use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). These individuals often experience severe psychopathology, including mood instability, compulsivity, and a distorted body image. Despite its clinical severity, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated structured psychological treatments in this subgroup. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol in reducing MD symptoms and associated psychological distress among male steroid users. Results: Participants in the CBT group showed significant reductions in MD symptoms from the baseline to post-treatment (MDDI: p < 0.001, d = 1.12), with gains sustained at follow-up. Large effect sizes were also observed in secondary outcomes including depressive symptoms (PHQ-9: d = 0.98), psychological distress (K10: d = 0.93), disordered eating (EDE-Q: d = 0.74), and exercise addiction (EAI: d = 1.07). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Significant group × time interactions were found for all outcomes (all p < 0.01), indicating CBT’s specific efficacy. Discussion: This study provides the first RCT evidence that CBT significantly reduces both core MD symptoms and steroid-related psychopathology in men engaged in AAS/PED misuse. Improvements extended to mood, body image perception, and compulsive exercise behaviors. These findings support CBT’s transdiagnostic applicability in addressing both the cognitive–behavioral and affective dimensions of MD. Materials and Methods: In this parallel-group, open-label RCT, 59 male gym-goers with DSM-5-TR diagnoses of MD and a history of AAS/PED use were randomized to either a 12-week CBT intervention (n = 30) or a waitlist control group (n = 29). CBT sessions were delivered weekly online and targeted distorted muscularity beliefs, compulsive behaviors, and emotional dysregulation. Primary and secondary outcomes—Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI), PHQ-9, K10, EDE-Q, EAI, and BIG—were assessed at the baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. A repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-tests were used to analyze time × group interactions. Conclusions: CBT offers an effective, scalable intervention for individuals with muscle dysmorphia complicated by anabolic steroid use. It promotes broad psychological improvement and may serve as a first-line treatment option in high-risk male fitness populations. Future studies should examine long-term outcomes and investigate implementation in diverse clinical and cultural contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food allergy (FA) is a growing concern in pediatric care, requiring effective avoidance strategies and timely emergency responses. The role of caregivers is central to the daily management of FA. This study aimed to assess parental knowledge, preparedness, and behaviors regarding pediatric FA management, focusing on both prevention and emergency readiness. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2024 to April 2025 through the SurveyMonkey^® platform, promoted by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). The anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed online and in two Italian university hospitals. A total of 129 fully completed responses from caregivers of children with FA were analyzed. The survey explored self-perceived knowledge, symptom recognition, preventive actions, emergency preparedness, and communication practices. Results: Only 9.3% of parents considered themselves “very informed,” while 54.3% reported limited or no knowledge. Just 16.0% recognized all symptoms of an allergic reaction, and only 24.0% could distinguish mild reactions from anaphylaxis. Notably, 67.4% reported not knowing how to respond to anaphylaxis, and 83.7% did not possess an epinephrine auto-injector. Preventive measures at home were inconsistently applied, and 41.1% took no precautions when eating out. Communication with external caregivers was often informal or absent. Only 33% updated physicians regularly. Conclusions: The findings reveal significant gaps in parental preparedness and highlight critical areas for educational intervention. Enhanced caregiver training, standardized communication protocols, and improved clinical follow-up are essential to strengthen pediatric FA management and safety. Full article

Most research on work addiction has focused on Western countries, often overlooking cultural and religious influences. This study examines work addiction in Sri Lanka, a predominantly Buddhist country, and explores whether gender and age moderate the relationship between religiosity and work addiction. A sample of 176 full-time employed Buddhists (66.5% women, mean age = 41.84 years) completed an online survey, including the International Work Addiction Scale and a self-rated religiosity measure. The prevalence of work addiction was around 10%, aligning with Western estimates. No direct link was found between religiosity and work addiction. However, age significantly moderated this relationship: among younger participants, higher religiosity was associated with lower work addiction, while in older participants it was linked to higher work addiction. Gender showed no moderating effect. These findings suggest that work addiction is prevalent even in cultural contexts emphasizing moderation and non-attachment. The age-related differences may reflect generational shifts in how religion is perceived and integrated into work life, as well as varying interpretations of Buddhist principles. This study highlights the importance of considering cultural and generational contexts when examining behavioral addictions like work addiction. Full article

In this work, a model-based approach to inferentially obtaining information about the 3D fractal dimension of agglomerates produced in spray fluidized beds is presented. The method utilizes high-detail but scarce offline information from X-ray microcomputed tomography for establishing and training an inferential relationship with online information that is easy and fast to obtain. The online measurement information is the geometric roundness of the single agglomerate. To investigate the interpolation capability of the inferential approach, three different strategies are evaluated: correlation with individual process conditions; correlation with parameters adjusted to process parameters; and correlation with respect to a range of process conditions. It is shown that the approach incorporating process conditions provides sufficient accuracy over a wide range of conditions. The inferential evaluation of single agglomerate 3D fractal dimension is achieved in 5 ms on average. This enables the measurement of the distribution of 3D fractal dimension in an online setting for product quality monitoring and control. Several examples illustrate the capabilities of the approach, as well as current limitations. Full article

Given that student entrepreneurship contributes to the intensification of economic activities and the improvement of the social well-being of the parties involved, evaluating and fostering students’ entrepreneurial intentions can be a step in moving from intention to action in the entrepreneurial process. From this perspective, the present study assesses students’ entrepreneurial intentions and measures the impact of the most important determinants based on online questionnaires addressed to students from two different fields of study: economics and engineering. Using the collected data (N = 392 students) and analysis methods based on correlation and stratified multiple regression as well as non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U), the study reveals that students’ entrepreneurial intentions are influenced by mindset and resilience. The study indicates that the influences can vary significantly when the analyses include control variables, such as gender, field of study, year of study, professional experience, age, and country of origin. It is also important to note that the statistical significance of the results regarding the impact of resilience varies depending on the specifics of the control variables. This study considered both analyses of resilience (as a synthetic indicator) and its subcomponents. The results of this study have both theoretical and practical utility. Full article

Adaptive learning tailors learning to the specific needs and preferences of the learner. Although studies focusing on adaptive learning systems became popular decades ago, there is still a need for empirical evidence on the usability of adaptive learning in various educational environments. This study uses LMS log data to elucidate an adaptive course design explicitly developed for formal educational environments in higher education institutions. The framework utilizes learning analytics and machine learning techniques. Based on learners’ online engagement and tutors’ assessment of course activities, adaptive learning paths are presented to learners. To determine whether our system can increase learner engagement and prevent failures, learner success and engagement are measured during the learning process. The results show that the proposed adaptive course framework can increase course engagement and success. However, this potential depends on several factors, such as course organization, feedback, time constraints for activities, and the use of incentives. Full article

In response to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and the parallel rise of deceptive green marketing practices, this study examines the impact of greenwashing awareness and green perceived benefits on consumers’ propensity to purchase green products, with a focus on the mediating role of green consumer confusion. Drawing upon data collected from 300 consumers in Greece through an online questionnaire, this study employed validated measurement scales and used multiple regression analyses to test its hypotheses. The findings reveal that both greenwashing awareness and green perceived benefits positively influence green purchase propensity. Additionally, green consumer confusion mediates the relationship between greenwashing awareness and green purchase propensity, indicating that the awareness of greenwashing reduces confusion and enhances consumers’ likelihood to choose genuinely green products. This study contributes to the literature by offering an integrated model that connects greenwashing awareness, green consumer confusion, and green perceived benefits in shaping green purchase propensity. Finally, the findings offer valuable insights for organizations to design clearer, more trustworthy green marketing strategies that minimize consumer confusion and foster informed green purchasing decisions. Full article

Numerous investigations have revealed elevated rates of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) following COVID-19 infection. This study examined the relation between illness-related and psychosocial variables in the severity of PTSS in individuals previously infected with COVID-19. The study sample included 381 individuals who had been infected with COVID-19 within the previous 4 months. Participants completed online measures of infection symptom severity, ongoing COVID-19 symptom burden, fear of dying and catastrophic thinking. Age, infection severity, ongoing COVID-19 symptom burden, and fear of dying and catastrophic thinking were significant correlates of the severity of PTSS. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that age, gender, ongoing COVID-19 symptom burden, fear of dying and catastrophic thinking each made unique significant contributions to the prediction of the severity of PTSS. The results of the present study suggest that fear of dying and catastrophic thinking about COVID-19 symptoms might contribute to the development of PTSS following COVID-19 infection. Interventions aimed at reducing death fears and modifying negative and alarmist appraisals of COVID-19 symptoms might contribute to more positive recovery outcomes in individuals who are infected with COVID-19. The cross-sectional design of this study precludes statements about causality, and conclusions about temporal relations among variables must await replication in a longitudinal design. Full article