Directing self-compassion toward maladaptive self-beliefs in social anxiety

Inducing self-compassion has shown benefits for social anxiety. Typically, individuals focus on a past or upcoming stressful social situation generally with self-compassion writing prompts. The present research evaluated the possible benefits of focusing self-compassionate writing on maladaptive self-beliefs. Across both Study 1 ( N  = 442 students) and Study 2 ( N  = 229 students pre-selected for high social anxiety), during a single online session (30 minutes), participants reported their endorsement of maladaptive self-beliefs and then were randomly assigned to reflect on the beliefs within a potential future social situation with self-compassion or control writing prompts. Participants then reported their predicted thoughts and behaviors if the situation were to occur. In both studies, participants in the self-compassion condition reported greater expected state self-compassion and positive affect, lower expected anxiety/distress, and fewer expected safety behaviors, compared to controls. Further, participants in the self-compassion condition showed significant reductions in endorsement of maladaptive self-beliefs from pre- to post-induction in both studies. Finally, in Study 1, the reduction in the endorsement of maladaptive self-beliefs for the self-compassion condition, led to reduced anxiety, which was further associated with lower predicted safety behaviors. Directing self-compassion to maladaptive self-beliefs specifically appears fruitful for socially anxious individuals.

Health evaluation of street dogs in Guarapuava, Brazil

Free-roaming dogs are removed from the street by the Municipal Animal Control division/shelter and NGOs to safeguard public health as well as to prevent any suffering dogs may face and to find them homes. However, adoption rates are low and there is a lack of public programs aimed at humane control causing increased numbers of street dogs and overcrowding in shelters, compromising health and welfare. We aimed to evaluate the health of dogs from municipal shelters and independent shelters, and community dogs in the city of Guarapuava through clinical examination and complete blood cell count tests. The main changes found in the clinical examination of 297 dogs were hyperthermia in 4.0%, tachypnea in 20.5%, ocular and oral mucosa hypocorada in 6.4%, and ectoparasite infestation in 42.7%. Changes found in the erythrogram were anemia in 15.1% and polycythemia in 3.4%. In the platelet count, thrombocytopenia was found in 10.1% and thrombocytosis in 10.4%. On the leukogram, leukocytosis was observed in 14.8% and leukopenia in 3%. The results reveal the compromised health of some animals, requiring better diagnostic investigation, since certain clinical and complete blood cell count alterations may be caused by zoonotic agents that can endanger human and animal health.

Contextualizing HPV vaccination intention among Haitian immigrant and migrant women through exploring cultural worldviews and affective risk perception: a qualitative study

Haitian women experience high rates of cervical cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages. Although the HPV vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer, limited data exists regarding factors influencing HPV vaccine uptake among Haitian women. Our study explored HPV vaccination knowledge, awareness, and intentions through the domains of cultural worldviews and risk perception among Haitian immigrant and migrant women who recently arrived to the United States. These qualitative data are from a larger exploratory sequential mixed-methods study evaluating HPV vaccination intention among Haitian immigrant and migrant women. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with N = 25 participants. Interviews contained questions exploring health beliefs and knowledge, women’s cervical cancer experiences, cultural worldviews, affective evaluations of cervical cancer risk perception, and HPV vaccination intention. Qualitative descriptive methodology using thematic analysis was employed for data analysis on Atlas.ti software. HPV vaccination knowledge and awareness were exceptionally low in our sample. Women endorsed maintaining cultural practices and beliefs upon migrating to the U.S. which shaped their decision to engage in health promotion behaviors. In response to affective risk perception, women believed that the unpredictability of cervical cancer increased their susceptibility to the disease. Participants endorsed cervical cancer as a fatal illness, with this perception being partly driven by superstitious beliefs toward cervical cancer, along with women’s prior experience with the health system in Haiti. These factors demonstrated potential relevance toward women’s decision making to engage in HPV vaccination behaviors. Culture, affective risk perception, and past experiences may be relevant toward Haitian women’s decision making to engage in HPV vaccination practices. Our results underscore the importance of using alternative methods in understanding HPV vaccination intention and scaling up HPV vaccination efforts for Haitian women both in the U.S. and in Haiti.

Spatial density, externalities, and productivity of salmon aquaculture farms

This paper estimates the effect of spatial proximity to other salmon farms on aquaculture firms’ costs. Open cage salmon aquaculture farms cause and face externalities, such as various diseases and salmon lice. Hydrodynamic forces and the spatial density of farms influence the transmission of these externalities. We analyze the effects of salmon farm proximity on production cost using a translog cost function estimated from a panel data set of Norwegian aquaculture farms. We employ two indicators of the spatial density of aquaculture production. The first indicator is the mean distance to the nearest farm, and the second indicator is the number of farms within 20 km distance for all the farms. We find that increased proximity to other farms is associated with significant cost increase. The results imply that there are economic welfare effects due to the farm location structure and the spatial biological externalities between farms.

How does using generative AI for essay writing impact peer assessment patterns? Insights from early adopters

In this study, we explore the effects of self-reported or suspected generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) use in essay writing on peer assessment and revision patterns among a group of early student adopters. The data were collected from a higher education course, where students engaged in a group peer assessment activity, and analysed using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics, along with Epistemic Network Analysis. The results indicate that early adopters of GenAI tools had lower grades and self-assessments, suggesting they relied on the tools due to writing challenges. GenAI use did not improve final grades, but students made more revisions. Peer feedback was less specific and more positive for GenAI-assisted essays, with lower-quality feedback when GenAI use was suspected. These findings highlight how GenAI use can alter PA dynamics and underscore the need for further research to better understand these changes and develop targeted strategies to support students.

Can the research experience impact students’ perception of primary health care in rural areas? A qualitative analysis

Participation in research activities during undergraduate education can enhance health students’ understanding of Primary Health Care (PHC) and encourage future practice in underserved rural areas. To explore the perceptions of health sciences students regarding PHC after their involvement in data collection for a research project in rural communities of Amazonas, Brazil. A qualitative study was conducted with 17 nursing and physiotherapy students who participated in data collection for the SAPPA project. Four focus groups were held, recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti 9®. The analysis generated one central category – Influence of the SAPPA Study on Student Training – and four subcategories: Contribution to Professional Life, Contribution of the Research, Facilitators for Data Collection, and Challenges and Barriers. Students reported that their involvement provided a deeper understanding of PHC, fostered critical reflection, and stimulated professional growth. Direct interaction with users in rural communities contributed to a shift in perspective regarding healthcare practice and the importance of humanised care. Despite logistical and infrastructural challenges, the students highlighted the value of the experience for their academic and professional development. The study demonstrated that engaging students in rural PHC research strengthens their practical skills and promotes social commitment. Such initiatives can help shape professionals more prepared to work in remote and underserved contexts, highlighting the relevance of including field research in health education curricula.

Development, Chemical, and Sensory Characterization of Cashew Nut Paste with Cupuaçu Seed

Cashew nuts kernels (CN) are known for their composition of unsaturated fatty acids, considered “healthy fats.” Agro-industrial residues, such as cupuaçu seed (CS), have great potential for use as raw material in the elaboration of products, as they have a good nutritional composition. This study aimed to elaborate CN pastes with powdered CS (cream similar to peanut butter), and their chemical, microbiological, and sensory characterization. Three formulations were prepared: (A) CN and CS in similar proportions, (B) the highest concentration in the proportion of CS, and (C) the highest CS concentration in the CN ratio. Some differences were observed in the total soluble solids and ash concentration related to the higher amount of CN added. The result revealed that sample B had the best result in terms of sensory properties for the following parameters: aroma, flavor, texture, and appearance. In addition, this sample also showed greater purchase intention. In its composition, paste B has a higher amount of CN (67.5%) and about 20% of CS. CN and CS proved to be the best raw materials for making the paste.

Evaluation of the Diameter, Heat Resistance, and Absorbability of Sheep Wool Originated from Selected Polish Breeds

Sheep’s wool is a renewable, constantly growing resource, so it needs to be developed. Originally, it was mostly used in the textile industry, but the replacement by other materials resulted for some breeds in the deterioration of its quality and the need to look for alternative uses. Today, thanks to its properties, in addition to its traditional uses in a wide range of textiles, sheep’s wool is also used as an insulating material, fertilizer, or sorbent. In this research, wool originated from 3 Polish breeds of sheep, Olkuska, Pomeranian, and Polish Pogórza sheep was evaluated. Diameter, coefficient of variation, comfort and prickle factors, % of medullated fibers, heat resistance, and absorption were evaluated. It was shown that the breeds differed in diameter and heat resistance. No differences were shown between the absorption properties of the wool. This research has shown that the wool characteristic with the greatest variation is its diameter. Understanding the properties of the wool of local breeds will allow it to be better managed, instead of treating it as waste.

Enhanced Biodegradability and Thermal Stability of Epoxy Resin Composites Reinforced with Modified Bacterial Cellulose

The presented article discusses the preparation of polymer composites from bacterial cellulose (BC) and epoxy resin (EP), emphasizing their potential use as bio-based construction materials replacing traditional glass fiber composites. The key objective was to enhance the compatibility of BC with epoxy resin through chemical modification using N -2-Aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AAPS) and plasma treatment. BC/EP composites obtained by hot pressing were subjected to surface analysis (FTIR, contact angles, optical microscopy) and thermal tests (TGA). The studies demonstrated that plasma treatment altered the surface topology of cellulose, thereby enhancing the integration of BC with EP. Thermogravimetric results confirmed satisfactory thermal stability of the composites, with the greatest resistance demonstrated by composites with plasma modification. Solar aging tests showed minor damage, but the material remained structurally stable. Biodegradation tests showed that BC composites degraded faster than glass fiber-reinforced composites, making them environmentally friendly. The presented research indicates that BC can be used as a natural reinforcing material for composites and potentially replace traditional materials in industrial applications.

Reimagining school-university partnerships in physical education: a collaborative design to approach democratic professionalism