bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of cervical transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (ctVNS) on military cognitive performance during sleep deprivation
Authors: Bottenheft C. , Fonken Y. M. , Hendrikse L. F. , Koedijk M. , Landman A. , Binsch O. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMaintaining cognitive performance during sleep deprivation is of vital importance in many professions, especially in high-risk professions like the military. It has long been known that sleep deprivation diminishes cognitive performance. To mitigate the negative effects on cognitive performance during crucial military tasks, new interventions are necessary. Non-invasive cervical transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (ctVNS) has gained traction as a method to boost alertness and cognitive functioning.MethodsWe investigated the effects of a 2 × 2 minute ctVNS stimulation protocol on three cognitive tasks applied during conditions of sleep-deprivation: a psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), a multitasking task (SynWin), and an inhibitory control task (stop-signal task; SST). In addition, participants also performed a close-quarter-battle (CQB) test in virtual reality (VR) to examine if potential effects of ctVNS translate to operational military contexts. A total of 35 military operators from Special Operations Forces (SOF) and SOF support units participated. They were randomly assigned to an active stimulation group or sham group. Before stimulation at 19:00 h, participants performed baseline tests. Participants stayed awake through the night and performed the cognitive tasks every 3 h. The last round of cognitive tasks was followed by the VR test.ResultsThough sleep deprivation was successfully induced, as evident from a decline in performance on all three cognitive tasks (effect of session: p &lt; 0.001 SynWin; p &lt; 0.001 PVT; p &lt; 0.001 SST; Linear Mixed Model), no significant effects of ctVNS were found on cognitive task performance, as well as on the military operational VR task. However, the influence of stimulation intensity on SynWin performance showed a trend, indicating that higher stimulation intensities could have a negative impact on cognitive performance.DiscussionA 2 × 2 minute stimulation protocol may not be sufficient to elicit beneficial effects on cognitive-and operational military performance. Moreover, correct stimulation intensity may be critical to induce effects on cognitive performance, as stimulation effects may follow an inverted-u dose-response curve. Stimulation intensities in the current study are higher compared to a similar study that reported beneficial effects of ctVNS, which may explain this null finding. Further research is recommended to optimize stimulation protocols and investigate robustness of effects.
Altered leptin signaling and attenuated cardiac vagal activity in rats with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Evans Anthony J. , Tu Huiyin , Li Yu , Shabaltiy Boris , Whitney Lauren , Carpenter Kassidy , Li Yu-long 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe leading cause of death in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is cardiovascular-related events, including myocardial infraction-induced ventricular arrhythmia. Previous studies have shown that T2DM-induced functional remodeling of cardiac vagal postganglionic (CVP) neurons contributes to ventricular arrhythmogenesis. As leptin resistance is common in T2DM patients, and CVP neurons are located in epicardial adipose pads, a tissue that secretes leptin, in this study we aimed to elucidate a correlation between leptin resistance and CVP neuronal dysfunction in T2DM.MethodsA high fat-diet/low dose streptozotocin-induced T2DM rat model was used in this study to characterize T2DM-induced alterations in cardiac parasympathetic tone, determined by changes in baroreflex sensitivity and CVP neuronal excitability. The impact of leptin resistance on CVP neurons was also studied by examining the expression of leptin in epicardial adipose pads, and leptin receptors and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in CVP neurons.ResultsT2DM rats exhibited diminished baroreflex sensitivity, and decreased CVP neuronal excitability, demonstrated by a reduced frequency of action potentials, diminished nAChR currents, and an attenuated response to nicotine stimulation. Additionally, compared to sham animals, the expression of leptin receptors and UCP2 in CVP neurons was reduced as early as 4 weeks post-T2DM although the leptin levels in epicardial adipose pads was increased during the progression of T2DM, which demonstrated the occurrence of leptin resistance in T2DM CVP neurons.ConclusionCardiac parasympathetic dysfunction in T2DM rats is due, in part, to functional remodeling of CVP neurons. As leptin resistance develops as early as 4 weeks post-T2DM induction, diminished leptin receptors-UCP2 signaling may contribute to CVP neuronal dysregulation.
Emotional resiliency and life satisfaction among teachers of Chinese as a foreign language: mediating chain model with grit and employability and gender moderation
Authors: Jia Yicun 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationships between emotional resilience, grit, employability, and life satisfaction among Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) teachers in China, with a focus on gender differences.MethodsA sample of 1,003 CFL teachers participated in a survey assessing emotional resilience, grit, employability, and life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and mediation and moderation models with the PROCESS macro.ResultsEmotional resilience did not have a significant direct effect on life satisfaction but showed substantial indirect effects through grit and employability. Emotional resilience positively influenced grit, which in turn enhanced employability and increased life satisfaction. Gender differences were observed grit was a more critical mediator for males, while employability was a stronger mediator for females.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of grit and employability in enhancing life satisfaction among CFL teachers. Gender-specific interventions to bolster these mediating factors are recommended to support the wellbeing and professional success of CFL teachers.ImplicationsEducational institutions should develop professional development programs and support systems that foster emotional resilience, grit, and employability, with attention to gender-specific needs, to improve job satisfaction and effectiveness among CFL teachers.
Applying virtual reality to sail education: an innovative strategy to enhance knowledge learning for student novices
Authors: Zhao Shan , Ji Fa 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundSailing has been proved beneficial for physical and mental health promotion, which has made it a prevalent sport among children and adolescents. Nevertheless, the existing pedagogical strategies cannot satisfy students’ demands for learning. To bridge this gap, virtual reality (VR) is considered an innovative approach to addressing the challenges in sailing education.ObjectiveThe study aimed at designing an education program to examine effectiveness of VR technology in sail knowledge learning.MethodsUniversity students with no prior experience or knowledge in sailing were recruited and randomly allocated to either experimental group (N = 32) using VR in lectures and self-practice or control group (N = 34) attending traditional lectures. The sail education program consisted of 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Sailing knowledge test was developed from an official manual by American Sailing Association to assess outcomes of learning in overall performance, sailboat structure, sailing skills, and navigation rules. The Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS) was used to assess the constructs of intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, external regulation, and amotivation. A 2 × 2 MANOVA was conducted for statistical analysis.ResultsBoth groups improved accuracy rate after the program, with significant time effects in all outcome measures. Particular advantages of VR were identified in facilitating knowledge learning on sailing skills and navigation rules. Significant interaction effects suggest that application of VR induced greater improvement than traditional lectures. Comparable performance between the two groups was found in sailboat structure, with non-significant results in group effect and interaction effect. What’s more, VR could better improve students’ intrinsic motivation and identified regulation while better reduce external motivation and amotivation in sailing lessons.ConclusionThe findings verified feasibility of applying VR to promote sail education for student novices. To enhance effects of VR in teaching and learning, course design should focus on reflective connections between knowledge and experience, which stimulate students in active, engaging, and insightful learning.
Compassion Scale: factor structure and scale validation in Hong Kong adolescents
Authors: Ngai Steven Sek-yum , Cheung Chau-kiu , Ng Yuen-hang , Guo Hao-yi , Du Han-lei , Chen Chen , Wong Laing-ming , Zhou Qiu-shi , Pang Wing-tsam 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThis study aimed to validate the 16-item Compassion Scale (CS) for use with Hong Kong adolescents. 1,193 secondary school students in grades 7 to 11 (M = 13.80 years, 43.3% female) completed the questionnaire survey.MethodsWe used EFA and CFA to examine the factor structure of the CS and assessed its convergent and discriminant validity through CR, AVE, AIC, and BIC calculations. We also evaluated the concurrent validity by analysing partial correlations between the CS and its subscales with social connectedness and self-efficacy. In addition, we employed multigroup analysis to determine the model fit of the CS across demographic subgroups.ResultsFactor analyses showed a three-factor structure combining mindfulness and kindness into one factor that we named benevolence, together with common humanity and indifference. Satisfactory model fit was found in different subgroups across age, gender, grade, and school type. Findings suggested that girls, on average, showed a higher level of compassionate concern for others than boys, and younger adolescents were more compassionate than their older counterparts. The CS and its subscales were significantly and positively correlated with social connectedness and self-efficacy, supporting concurrent validity.DiscussionThe findings signify the unique sociocultural context in Hong Kong, which is deeply affected by Chinese traditions, Western individualism, and neoliberal ideals. Overall, the study provides robust support for the CS as a reliable and valid measure for cross-cultural research on compassion and yields evidence-based implications for compassion interventions.
Experiential knowledge of expert coaches and expert athletes can help identify constraints on the performance of run-up in competitive sport tasks
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Behrouz , Mohammadi Orangi Behzad , Yaali Rasoul 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionUnderstanding athletes’ performance in competitive environments helps practitioners design practice environments to improve athletes’ skills. This study investigated the experiential knowledge of 30 elite coaches and athletes from track and field, gymnastics, and soccer, aimed at increasing understanding of individual, environmental, and task constraints on expert athletes’ performance.MethodsThe interviews were conducted in a semi-structured manner and based on ecological dynamics.ResultsResults show that while some constraints on run-up performance are common across all three sports, others are sport-specific. Focus, readiness, self-confidence, speed, and decision-making were identified as individual constraints. Environmental constraints included spectators, coach role, practice facilities, and competition stakes. Task constraints comprised performance order, markers, significant others in the competition, and competition timing and results.DiscussionThe findings support the ecological dynamics perspective that athlete performance emerges from the interaction of environmental, task, and personal constraints. Athletes must maintain focus during run-up while managing various pressures, including crowd noise and competition stress. Coaches provide crucial technical and psychological support that enhances confidence and focus. Quality practice facilities and consistent training environments aid athletes’ spatial awareness and situational resilience. Task-specific constraints, such as performance order and timing, present unique challenges that athletes must navigate through dynamic adjustments based on real-time changes in conditions. The results contribute to the design of training environments and consequently to athletes’ performance improvement. The study suggests that coaches should design training environments that simulate real-world competitive constraints to help athletes develop adaptive skills under pressure. These findings have practical implications for designing training programs that enhance athletes’ ability to perform consistently in high-stakes competitive situations.
The relationship between interpersonal security and social media dependence: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Li Jinglin , Tan Jiajia , Zhang Shang , Wang Haihong , Yi Xinfa 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundInterpersonal security is an important psychological factor influencing social media use. However, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms linking Interpersonal security and social media dependence.ObjectiveThe present study explored the mediating role of negative rumination between interpersonal safety and social media dependence, as well as cohort differences in sibling conditions as moderators.MethodsA total of 986 college students were surveyed using a cross-sectional design. Participants completed the Interpersonal Security Questionnaire, the Social Media Dependence Scale, and the Negative Rumination Scale.ResultsThe results showed that a significant interrelationship between interpersonal security, negative rumination, and social media dependence. In addition, the role of negative rumination as a mediator of interpersonal security and social media dependence was supported, and the mediating effects were different between the only-child and non-only-child cohorts.ConclusionsFindings of the study provide a psychological basis for the treatment of social media dependence behavior in college students, with the aim of increasing their interpersonal security and reducing their dependence on social media.
Premature mortality patterns among American Indians in North Dakota, 2010–2019 (pre-pandemic)
Authors: Nadeau Melanie , Steele Joel S. , Lyon-Colbert Amber , Kelliher Allison , Barnett Joshua , Begay Andria , Warne Donald 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAccording to the National Center for Health Data, in 2017 American Indians in North Dakota experience the highest age-adjusted mortality rate in the United States. Data shows that the age-adjusted death rate for all North Dakotans has steadily declined since 1979. However, mortality remains high among American Indians in North Dakota.PurposeAssess pre-pandemic disparities and age-specific mortality patterns to better inform and guide communities and providers on prevention, planning, and policy efforts to advance health equity.MethodsDeath certificate data from 2010–2019 were obtained and analyzed, evaluating the decade prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to assess pre-pandemic age-specific mortality rates and rate ratios for 3,369 American Indian and 57,778 White residents in North Dakota. Premature mortality is defined as death &lt;65 years of age.ResultsThe median age at death for American Indian males in North Dakota from 2010 to 2019 was 55 compared to 77 years for White males, and the median age at death for American Indian females was 62 compared to 85 years for White females. Consistent patterns for leading causes of death showed that American Indians suffer disproportionately compared to White residents in North Dakota. The three leading causes of death for American Indians in North Dakota, accounting for approximately 55.4% of all deaths were diseases of the heart (21.7%), cancer (18.5%), and accidents (15.2%). From 2010 to 2019, all cause mortality rates were higher in every age and sex stratum for American Indians compared to White residents in North Dakota. American Indians die 22.5 years younger on average compared to White residents in North Dakota starting at birth and continuing over the lifespan.ConclusionTo best address the health and wellbeing of the American Indian population in North Dakota, multisectoral efforts focused on prevention, improved policies, and cultural humility and safety in the health systems are needed. Solutions should center American Indian voices, cultures and spaces, and include Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribal health, Indian Health Service and Urban Indian Health Centers. Additionally, standards for death certificates in the United States could benefit populations by accurately reflecting race and rates of illness and death.
Spatio-temporal evolution and driving factors of the coupling and coordinated development of China's digital economy and older adult care services
Authors: Liu Hui , Wang Wei , Li Sha 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThis study aims to examine the level of coupled and coordinated development between China's digital economy and older adult care services, analyzing their spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and key influencing factors, with the goal of providing feasible recommendations and scientific bases for the development of the digital economy and older adult care services in China.MethodsThis study uses publicly available panel data from China for the years 2015–2022. It employs the entropy method to measure the weights of various indicators in the digital economy and older adult care services. The study analyzes the level of coordinated development between the two using the coupling coordination degree model, and measures the main driving factors using the geographical detector model.Results(1) The overall level of coupling and coordinated development between China's digital economy and older adult care services shows an upward trend, but the growth rate is uneven, exhibiting an “M-shaped” pattern, with rapid growth followed by gradual slowdown, a bottoming-out rebound, and then a continuous decline. (2) There are significant spatial differences in the coupling and coordinated development of China's digital economy and older adult care services. Coastal areas are developing rapidly, inland areas have great potential, while peripheral areas are relatively lagging behind. Additionally, neighboring regions show regional linkage dynamics. (3) The main factors driving the coupling and coordinated development of China's digital economy and older adult care services include enterprise website ownership, technological contract turnover, the proportion of information technology service income, the building area of older adult care institutions, daily in-house visits, and the number of professional technical personnel.ConclusionTo achieve coordinated development between the digital economy and older adult care services, efforts should focus on policy, market, technology, and talent. The government should support technological innovation and new service models, while tailoring strategies to regional market demands. Additionally, accelerating the industrialization of innovations and promoting intelligent upgrades in older adult care services are crucial. Finally, more investment is needed to cultivate composite talents in both the government and older adult care institutions.
Evaluation of the Power Up program: a health promotion program encouraging healthy lifestyle habits among youth in summer day camps—study protocol
Authors: Larose David , Chih-Shing Chen Melvin , Paracini Tania , Panahi Shirin , Yessis Jennifer , Tremblay Angelo , Drapeau Vicky 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionDuring the summer holidays, children often demonstrate reduced physical activity and poorer dietary habits, largely attributed to the lack of structured routines and supervision that school provides. Summer camps have the potential to offer youth engaging and organized activities and serve as an environment for promoting healthy lifestyle habits. This paper presents the protocol for the evaluation of the Power Up program, a study which aims to evaluate counselors' satisfaction with the Power Up services, trainings, and tools, their engagement in the program, as well as their self-efficacy and intention to promote physical activity, nutrition, and well-being through the camp environment. The secondary aim is to assess the program's effectiveness on physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and healthy eating among counselors and campers, along with the determinants of these behaviors.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study will evaluate the efficacy of implementing Power Up, a healthy lifestyle promotion program in summer camps. Power Up offers a range of services, trainings, and tools designed to assist camps in promoting healthy lifestyle habits, all developed based on the Social Cognitive Theory. Camps can choose from various services based on their needs, including personalized support, funding, challenge-based activities and contests. Training for camp counselors is provided with additional advanced workshops and webinars available. The program also includes over 150 tools to promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and healthy eating. This study plans to enroll counselors aged 15 to 21 and campers aged 8 to 12 in two Canadian provinces from multiple summer camps over 3 years. Due to constraints that complicate the inclusion of a control group, an implementation score will be used to document the program's effects based on its degree of implementation in the camps. Descriptive statistics and MIXED linear models for repeated measures will be used to assess the effects of time, group (high vs. low implementation) and their interactions on behaviors and their determinants.ConclusionsThe results will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of implementing Power Up to promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits among counselors and campers and its effect on the camp environment.
Virtual reality for emergency medicine training on traffic accident injury treatment: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Zhe , Wang Wei , Huang Zheng-Zhuang 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based training program in improving emergency physicians’ ability to manage multi-casualty traffic injuries, compared to conventional training methods.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted with 76 emergency physicians from a single hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VR group (n = 38) or the control group (n = 38). The VR group underwent immersive training using a VR simulation of multi-casualty traffic accidents, while the control group received traditional lectures and mannequin-based simulations. Primary outcomes included on-site assessment, triage accuracy, and decision-making in transportation, assessed immediately post-training. Secondary outcomes were participant satisfaction and confidence levels.ResultsThe VR group performed significantly better in on-site assessments (P &lt; 0.05), triage accuracy (P &lt; 0.05), and transportation decision-making (P &lt; 0.05) compared to the control group. The VR group also reported higher satisfaction and confidence in applying learned skills in real-world situations (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionVR-based training enhances emergency physicians’ performance in managing multi-casualty traffic accidents, demonstrating its potential as a scalable and effective educational tool for emergency medical training.