Search Results (113)

T1D and CD commonly occur together. This association has received increasing attention from researchers and is considered in detail in this review. Since CD is over-represented in T1D, it may cause ill health with attendant complications, but because there is an effective dietary treatment, screening has been recommended in children and adults. However, there are many unknowns regarding this association, and understanding the why, when, and how with regard to screening and managing those with dual diagnoses requires thorough consideration when introducing the concept of screening to patients. It is important that patients and, where appropriate, carers are put at the heart of the decision-making process with careful discussion of the issues involved before undertaking screening that might uncover a second life-changing diagnosis, for which, without preparatory preparation and support, individuals may be ill-prepared, causing mental health issues. For some patients, an initial policy of monitoring rather than moving to immediate small bowel biopsy and exposure to a gluten-free diet (GFD) will be appropriate. The correct management of patients will ultimately improve their quality of life medically and socially. Full article

This study investigates how differing educational frameworks across Lebanon, Turkey, and Australia influence the perceived educational performance of Syrian refugee children. The legal status granted to refugees in each country fundamentally shapes their respective education systems’ responses. In Lebanon, refugees are generally classified as temporarily displaced persons, resulting in an emergency-based approach to education for the approximately 500,000 Syrian children present. By contrast, Australia has offered permanent resettlement opportunities to selected Syrian refugees, integrating them directly into mainstream schools. Turkey, meanwhile, has progressively shifted from emergency-based measures to policies oriented toward long-term integration. This research is based on survey data from 1298 Syrian refugee children across the three contexts. Findings from ordered probit regression analyses indicate that, beyond the legal duration of residency and the prevailing educational policy model (emergency versus long-term integration), variables such as the extent of educational segregation, the availability of preparatory and language support programmes, and the socioeconomic status of families are also pivotal in shaping students’ self-perceived academic performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Grief in cancer patients represents a multidimensional psychological response encompassing anticipatory, existential, and identity-related distress. While the recent literature has examined grief in caregivers, family members, and even healthcare professionals, the psychological grief experienced by patients themselves following a cancer diagnosis remains comparatively understudied and insufficiently characterized in empirical research. This systematic review aims to evaluate observational studies that used validated psychometric instruments to measure grief in adult cancer patients and to synthesize findings on the significance of grief in this population. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was conducted to identify observational studies that employed validated tools to assess grief among adult cancer patients. The inclusion criteria required the use of psychometrically validated grief instruments and the collection of quantitative data. Fifteen studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. Results: Grief symptoms were consistently present at moderate to high levels across diverse cancer types, care settings, and geographic regions. Preparatory Grief in Advanced Cancer (PGAC) scores often exceeded thresholds associated with clinical concern, with correlations observed between grief and psychological variables such as anxiety (r = 0.63), depression (r = 0.637), hopelessness (r = 0.63), and dignity (r = 0.654). Demographic factors (e.g., younger age, female gender) and illness perceptions (e.g., identity centrality, stigma) further intensified grief. Grief was a predominant psychological concern even when general distress measures failed to capture its presence. Conclusions: Future research is essential to identify an effective public health strategy for addressing grief through structured screening conducted in primary care and outpatient medical settings, coupled with accessible referral pathways to community-based support groups and coordinated follow-up services to facilitate grief management. Full article

The current study examines the determinants influencing preparatory year (PY) students’ intentions to adopt AI-powered natural language processing (NLP) models, such as Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini, and how these intentions shape their conceptions of digital sustainability. Additionally, the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was integrated with a diversity of educational constructs, including content availability (CA), learning engagement (LE), learning motivation (LM), learner involvement (LI), and AI satisfaction (AS). Furthermore, responses of 274 PY students from Saudi Universities were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate both the measurement and structural models. Likewise, the findings indicated CA (β = 0.25), LE (β = 0.22), LM (β = 0.20), and LI (β = 0.18) significantly predicted user intention (UI), explaining 52.2% of its variance (R² = 0.522). In turn, UI significantly predicted students’ digital sustainability conceptions (DSC) (β = 0.35, R² = 0.451). However, AI satisfaction (AS) did not exhibit a moderating effect, suggesting uniformly high satisfaction levels among students. Hence, the study concluded that AI-powered NLP models are being adopted as learning assistant technologies and are also essential catalysts in promoting sustainable digital conceptions. Similarly, this study contributes both theoretically and practically by conceptualising digital sustainability as a learner-driven construct and linking educational technology adoption to its advancement. This aligns with global frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 9. The study highlights AI’s transformative potential in higher education by examining how user intention (UI) influences digital sustainability conceptions (DSC) among preparatory year students in Saudi Arabia. Given the demographic focus of the study, further research is recommended, particularly longitudinal studies, to track changes over time across diverse genders, academic specialisations, and cultural contexts. Full article

This study examines the effects of two plyometric training interventions over an eight-week preparatory period on straight punch impact force, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength in national-level boxers. Twenty male professional boxers participated voluntarily, with an average age of 22.64 ± 3.12 years and an average training experience of 5.11 ± 0.88 years. Their mean body weight and height were 70.20 ± 10.13 kg and 184.28 ± 5.38 cm, respectively. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1, the Plyometric Stair Jump group, consisted of ten male boxers, while Group 2, the Plyometric Reaction Box Jump group, also included ten male boxers. To assess maximum punching velocity (PVmax), an accelerometer was embedded within the boxing glove, capturing data during three maximal-speed jabs with each arm to evaluate both rear-arm (RA) and lead-arm (LA) punches. Upper-body strength was assessed using a one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press (BP) test, while maximum velocity at various percentages of 1RM was recorded via a linear encoder. Significant correlations were observed between the right arm punch velocity maximum (RA PVmax) and the bench press velocity at all submaximal intensities in both intervention groups (p < 0.05). However, no correlation was found between left arm punch velocity maximum (LA PVmax) and bench press velocity at any intensity within the Plyometric Reaction Jump (PRJ) group. Conversely, in the Plyometric Stair Jump (PSJ) group, a velocity at 80% of 1RM was the sole significant predictor of RA PVmax at submaximal bench press intensities. Adjusting for the strength-to-weight ratio significantly influenced the predictive values in intergroup comparisons (p < 0.005). These findings suggest that high-load bench press exercises (e.g., at 80% 1RM) may serve as reliable predictors of performance in specific boxing movements. However, since no significant relationship was observed with LA PVmax in this study, further research is warranted to identify exercises and intensities that may explain left arm punch velocity. Full article

Forest management and tree felling in the stand change the structural characteristics, which causes changes in the microclimate conditions. The microclimate is a key in sustainable forest management because soil temperature and moisture regimes regulate nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The aim of this research was to determine the changes in air and soil temperatures in pedunculate oak forest stands in different stages of shelterwood that stimulate natural regeneration. The research was conducted in pedunculated oak forests in Spačva area. The microclimatic parameters were measured in a mature old forest stand without shelterwood cutting and in stands with preparatory cut, seed cut, and final cut. The intensity of shelterwood had an impact on the amplitudes and values of air and soil temperatures. The highest average air temperature was in the stand with a preparatory cut. Extreme values of air and soil temperatures were measured in the stands with a final cut. The highest air and soil temperature amplitudes were in the stand with a final cut, with the exception of most of the winter, when the highest soil temperature amplitude was in the stand with a seed cut. The highest number of icy, cold, and hot days was in the stand with a final cut. SARIMA models establish that the difference between microclimatic parameters is not accidental. Full article

Youth pastoral care is a part of the Church’s pastoral mission directed towards men and women who can be categorised as young people. Young people were the central theme of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, held in Rome from 3 to 28 October 2018, under the motto Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment. Based on an analysis of the preparatory and final documents of the Synod—particularly the Preparatory Document, Instrumentum Laboris, Final Document, Christus Vivit—as well as relevant scientific analyses and interpretations, we have identified the most significant societal challenges facing the youth, along with the key guidelines and recommendations of the Synod for working with them. The motivation for writing this article arises from the fact that the Synod on Youth, which took place in Rome from 3 to 28 October 2018, under the theme “Youth, Faith, and Vocational Discernment,” did not generate significant interest within the Church in Croatia. This is evidenced by several indicators: the responses of young people to the questionnaire sent to all bishops’ conferences were never published; there has been a lack of relevant commentary, articles, or academic studies on the Synod; and among the many pre- and post-synodal documents, only “Christus vivit” has been translated into Croatian. Given that youth ministry plays an important role in the pastoral activities of the Church in Croatia, we sought to explore whether, and to what extent, the core recommendations of the Synod on Youth continue to be reflected in current pastoral work with young people in the country. Our approach involved analysing the pre- and post-synodal documents from the Synod on Youth to identify key recommendations for youth ministry. We then examined the current youth pastoral programs in seven (arch)dioceses, as well as the pastoral plans of the Youth Office of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, through the lens of the Synod’s main recommendations. Analytical, descriptive, and critical methods were used in the research. The analysis of the aforementioned youth pastoral programs confirmed that the most important guidelines and recommendations of the Synod, although some only partially, are integrated into youth pastoral care in Croatia. Full article

(1) Background: Self-control is an essential capacity in educating young generations for the good management of personal resources and a healthy life adapted to the constantly changing demands of technological society. Artificial intelligence is an economical and efficient solution for designing medical education programs aimed at optimizing this capacity, which can be personalized according to each personal needs and characteristics. (2) Methodology: This research is a sequential intervention study that aims to investigate if the level of impulsivity decreases and consequently the self-control in adolescents studying drama can be improved by using an online program designed for this purpose. The program’s effectiveness is evaluated by analyzing its impact on vocational performance and the reduction in unhealthy lifestyle habits. A sample of 90 subjects aged between 14 and 17 years, enrolled in the compulsory vocational education system was included in this study. The study was conducted over a five-month period and was organized in three stages: 1. The preparatory stage in which the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale was initially applied (pre-test scores); 2. Selecting the tasks for the online self-control education program and uploading the artificial intelligence network; the application of the program lasted for three months; 3. Applying Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (post-test scores). (3) Results: The results indicated both a statistically significant decrease in self-reported impulsivity and an improvement in the self-control of the sample of adolescents after three months of training on the online platform, compared to the pretest scores of impulsivity. (4) Conclusion: A comparative analysis between the initial and the final BIS scores showed a statistically significant decrease in teens‘ impulsivity, suggesting that the program was effective for this sample of adolescents. Consequently, the study findings indicate significant improvements in adolescents’ self-control after completing the three-month training program, which included cognitive-behavioral games. Full article

This study examines a social-justice-focused environmental education program serving marginalized students through fostering engagement with local communities and natural environments. It presents a focused ethnographic case study of teachers of color who designed and implemented an ethnic studies and environmental education curriculum intended to address the educational alienation experienced by many students as well as the intersection of social justice and environmental stewardship. The study considers how teachers at two very different urban schools—one a continuation school, the other a traditional college preparatory high school—provided a venue for students to advocate on behalf of oppressed communities with which they identified. Researchers collected qualitative data from a variety of sources: field notes from participant observation of outdoor and classroom activities, document review of curriculum and student projects, focus group interviews with 86 students, and semi-structured individual interviews with teachers and alumni. Students in this innovative program did not fit the classic climate justice activist profile by engaging in climate marches, raising money for environmental organizations, or lobbying Congress for better environmental legislation. However, a key finding from the program and the teachers who lead it is to broaden our understanding of what it means to be a climate activist. Full article

Researchers have long focused on the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides in the brain as a primary pathological hallmark driving cognitive decline. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of Rosa rugosa (RR) root extract and its key bioactive constituent, oleamide, against amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity. Initially, an ethanolic extract of RR root was screened via in vitro assays to assess antioxidant and cytoprotective potential in rat pheochromocytoma cells. Subsequent fractionation, open-column chromatography, and preparatory thin-layer chromatography led to the isolation of oleamide, confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and ¹H/¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. In vivo experiments using intracerebroventricularly injected Aβ in male mice demonstrated that both RR root extract and oleamide significantly improved cognitive performance in the Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. Additionally, oleamide restored acetylcholine levels and reduced malondialdehyde concentrations in brain tissue, indicating mitigation of oxidative stress and support of cholinergic function. No significant toxicity was observed, as evidenced by stable serum transaminase levels and unaltered body or brain weights. These findings highlight oleamide’s potential to protect against Aβ-driven pathology through multiple mechanisms, including reduced lipid peroxidation and improved neurotransmission. Further investigations into oleamide’s molecular targets and synergy with existing therapies may advance its development as a novel candidate for Alzheimer’s disease prevention or adjunct treatment. Full article

This study investigates the kinematic characteristics of the free vertical split with 720° turn (C 807). C 807 is the international designation in rhythmic gymnastics for a free vertical split with a 720° turn. This research holds significant importance in enhancing the technical proficiency of gymnasts and reducing their risk of injury. Eight national-level female gymnasts (age = 20 ± 3 years) performed the C 807. Kinematic data were collected using a 3D motion capture system. The movement was divided into four phases, and Visual 3D (V6.0, CMotion, Germantown, MD, USA) software was used for data processing and analysis. The joint angles of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the torsion angles of the lower limb joints, were analyzed. Key findings included tibial torsion, knee hyperextension in the support leg, and changes in elbow flexion during each phase. The center of mass (COM) trajectory showed that, during the backward preparatory swing phase, COM height gradually decreased and slightly increased before the initiation phase. In the initiation phase, COM height initially decreased and then increased, while the rotation phase showed fluctuating but stable COM height. The results highlight the importance of joint angle control and COM fluctuations during movement. Training should focus on leg swing speed, lower limb strength, knee stability, and upper limb coordination to enhance balance, improve rotation speed, and prevent injuries. Full article

Geostatistical methods are important in analyzing natural resources providing input data for complex mathematical models that address environmental processes and their spatial distribution. Ten interpolation methods and one empirical-based classification grounded in empirical knowledge, with a total of 929 soil samples, were used to create the most accurate spatial prediction maps for clay, sand, humus, and soil depth in Montenegro. These analyses serve as a preparatory phase and prioritize the practical application of the obtained results for the implementation and improvement of the MEDALUS model. This model, used to assess sensitivity to land degradation, effectively integrates into broader current and future research. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating auxiliary variables, such as topography, climate, and vegetation data, enhancing explanatory power and accuracy in delineating the environmental characteristics, ensuring better adaptability to the studied area. The results were validated by the coefficient of determination (R²) and root mean square error (RMSE). For the clay, EBKRP (empirical Bayesian kriging regression prediction) achieved R² = 0.35 and RMSE = 6.95%, for the sand, it achieved R² = 0.34 and RMSE = 17.38%, for the humus, it achieved R² = 0.50 and RMSE = 3.80%, and for the soil depth, it achieved R² = 0.76 and RMSE = 5.36 cm. These results indicate that EBKRP is the optimal method for accurately mapping soil characteristics in future research in Montenegro. Full article

Landslides are one of the most severe geohazards globally, causing extreme financial and social losses. While InSAR time-series analyses provide valuable insights into landslide detection, mapping, and monitoring, AI is also implemented in a variety of geohazards, including landslides. In the present study, a machine learning (ML) landslide susceptibility map is proposed that integrates the geotectonic units of Greece and incorporates various sources of landslide data. Satellite data from Persistent Scatterer Interferometry analysis, validated by geotechnical experts, resulted in an extremely large dataset of more than 3000 landslides in an area of interest, including the most landslide-prone area in Greece. The gradient-boosted decision tree was employed in the landslide susceptibility mapping. The model was trained on three geotectonic units and five prefectures of Western Greece and performed well in predicting landslide events. Finally, a SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis verified that precipitation and geology, which are the main landslide-triggering and preparatory factors, respectively, in Greece, positively affected landslide characterization. The innovation of the proposed research lies in the uniqueness of this newly created dataset, comprising a remarkably large number of landslide and non-landslide locations in Western Greece. By adopting a strict machine learning methodology, the spatial autocorrelation effect, which is overlooked in similar studies, was reduced. Also, leveraging the unique features of the geological formations, the model was trained to incorporate differences in the landslide susceptibility of formations located in different geotectonic units with variant geotechnical characteristics. The proposed approach facilitates the generalization of the model and sets a strong base for the creation of a national-scale landslide susceptibility mapping and forecasting system. Full article

This research aimed to identify optimal performance needs based on physiological tests of kayakers, revealing body adaptations and critical training periods within a yearly training cycle. It sought to develop performance selection protocols for teams and provide evidence-based strategies for future training. Methods: The male athletes underwent routine physiological testing, considering medical limitations. A preparation year plan was established: six months for preparation, one month for the first competition, two months for further preparation, one month for the second competitor, and two months for transition. The athletes faced twelve tests at the start of each month. Results: A certain intensity and duration of training effort during preparatory cycles (approximately 22–42% in the third intensity zone, 24–28% in the fourth intensity zone, and 3–4% in the fifth intensity zone) were necessary for athletes to achieve a high level of aerobic metabolism (64.00 and 69.40 mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹). Heart rate, work capacity at the second ventilatory threshold, the critical intensity limit, and maximum oxygen consumption were all shown to be vital indicators for predicting competition results. Conclusions: The identified indicators of physical development and functional capacity could aid in forming a team capable of reaching an elite level in the future. Full article

This action research examines the transition from audio- to video-based tasks in the final Medical Hungarian exam for international medical students, aiming to better align assessment with real-life language needs and enhance student motivation. Conducted at a Hungarian medical university with 61 second-year students, the study uses a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data from a questionnaire and qualitative insights from focus group interviews reveal students’ experiences with the video-based exam tasks and preparatory materials. The results indicate a positive reception of the Practice Test Book and the new video exam format, with visual cues like body language aiding in comprehension and engagement. Students found that the video-based tasks closely mirrored clinical interactions, strengthening the relevance of language skills in professional contexts. Preparatory materials, including lead-in exercises, were well-received by students and seen as effective in improving readiness for the exam. The study suggests that the shift from audio- to video-based assessment can bridge classroom learning with real-world application, potentially serving as a model for other non-traditional study abroad settings in Languages Other Than English (LOTEs), especially as purely audio-based communication has become less prevalent in today’s world. Full article