Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Md Kamruzzaman, Katherine Anne Daniell, Ataharul Chowdhury, Steven Crimp
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of Extension and Advisory Services in enhancing innovation networks to adapt to flash flooding in rice cultivation. It found that the efforts of the Department of Agricultural Extension primarily focused on the development of agronomic networks, while neglecting the efficacy of harvesting networks. Insufficient support and timely updates from the organization indicate that farmers are still at significant risk. Including both formal and informal actors in the innovation network is shown to be valuable for ensuring diversity of information access.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Juan Carlos Bazo-Alvarez, Janina Bazalar-Palacios, Jahaira Bazalar, Elaine C. Flores
Summary: The study reveals that farmers are more likely to have mental disorder symptoms compared to non-farmers, with heavy workloads and longer working hours per day independently associated with an increased risk of mental disorder symptoms.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Christian J. Wiedermann, Verena Barbieri, Barbara Plagg, Pasqualina Marino, Giuliano Piccoliori, Adolf Engl
Summary: In recent times, global crises have significantly impacted pupils' mental health. This article presents evidence-based recommendations to bolster mental health support within educational systems, emphasizing the integration of mental health education into the core curriculum and the training of educators and staff. Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaboration involving various stakeholders is highlighted, along with the importance of continuously evaluating and refining mental health support policies. By implementing these comprehensive recommendations, this article seeks to prioritize mental health support and empower pupils to thrive during tumultuous times.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vivien Swanson, Joanne Hart, Lucie Byrne-Davis, Rowena Merritt, Wendy Maltinsky
Summary: Maternal and infant nutrition are problematic in Ethiopia, but health extension workers play a crucial role in improving health outcomes through nutrition interventions and health education. This study demonstrated that adapting communication and behavior training with local contextual information can positively impact the skills and motivation of health extension workers in promoting behavior change for better nutritional practices among women. Moving forward, cultural adaptation and careful assessment of psychological constructs are key factors for the success of similar interventions.
Article
Geography
Micaela L. Riethmuller, Peta L. Dzidic, Peter M. McEvoy, Elizabeth A. Newnham
Summary: Western Australia is a diverse region in terms of geography and agriculture, however, the mental health challenges faced by farmers in this area have not been studied. Factors such as weather variability, unpredictable commodity markets, and declining rural communities pose significant challenges for farmers. This qualitative research explores the risk and protective factors for farmers' mental health and highlights the need for community awareness and initiatives to support farming communities.
JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fisseha Alebachew, Muluken Azage, Genet Gedamu Kassie, Muluken Chanie
Summary: This study aimed to assess pesticide use safety practices and associated factors among farmers in the Fogera district wetland area in Northwest Ethiopia. The study found that the proportion of farmers with good safety practices was low in the study area. Factors associated with good safety practice included education, experience with pesticide spraying, knowledge of pesticide usage, access to safety materials, and receiving pesticide use training. However, challenges identified qualitatively included limited material access, lack of government attention, insufficient training opportunities, weak law enforcement, limited access to guidelines, and a shortage of media coverage.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Berta Ortiz-Crespo, Jonathan Steinke, Carlos F. Quiros, Jeske van de Gevel, Happy Daudi, Majuto Gaspar Mgimiloko, Jacob van Etten
Summary: Sustainable intensification (SI) is crucial for rural development in sub-Saharan Africa, requiring smallholder farmers to access context-specific information to enhance their decision-making capacities. Through User-Centered Design, a new digital service called Ushauri was developed to assist smallholder farmers in implementing SI by providing them with the necessary information.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Geography
Kurt B. Waldman, Stacey A. Giroux, James R. Farmer, Bradi M. Heaberlin, Jordan P. Blekking, Peter M. Todd
Summary: The research finds that farmers perceive environmental threats as less concerning than immediate socioeconomic threats, with long-term economic issues being most significant. Factors affecting farm exit include farmer identity, views on trade war, and stress levels. The trade war with China is a major source of stress for soybean farmers, and federal payments may not prevent farm exits.
JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, Norrina B. Allen, Cheryl A. M. Anderson, Terrie Black, LaPrincess C. Brewer, Randi E. Foraker, Michael A. Grandner, Helen Lavretsky, Amanda Marma Perak, Garima Sharma, Wayne Rosamond
Summary: In 2010, the American Heart Association introduced a new concept of cardiovascular health, aiming to shift focus from disease treatment to health promotion and preservation. However, subsequent evidence revealed limitations in the original approach, leading the association to convene a writing group to recommend enhancements and updates. This article introduces an enhanced approach to assessing cardiovascular health, called Life's Essential 8, which evaluates an individual's cardiovascular health.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lisa Wittenhagen, Christopher Doran, John Brady, Edward Heffernan, Carla Meurk
Summary: This research aims to understand the characteristics and help-seeking pathways of individuals working in the construction industry who experience distress. It also aims to quantify the costs and benefits of different help-seeking pathways. The study will utilize data linkage and analyze sociodemographic characteristics, health services utilization, and contacts with non-clinical services.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sonja Motteli, Barbora Provaznikova, Stefan Vetter, Matthias Jager, Erich Seifritz, Florian Hotzy
Summary: Compared to the general population, people with severe mental illness (SMI) have a higher risk of weight gain and metabolic syndrome, as well as malnutrition due to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. This study aimed to identify barriers to healthy eating, including nutrition knowledge and skills, in individuals with SMI. The results showed that patients with SMI had worse nutritional status and lifestyle compared to healthy controls, but their levels of nutrition knowledge, cooking and food skills, and motivation to eat healthily were not significantly lower.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Kate Lister, Kyle Andrews, Jo Buxton, Chris Douce, Jane Seale
Summary: Student mental wellbeing is a growing concern in distance learning, and universities need to take a compassionate approach to support students. This study identified the barriers and enablers to student mental wellbeing, with assessment and life circumstances being the main barriers and study skills, interpersonal relationships, and curriculum content being the main enablers.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohammad Tanvi Newaz, Helen Giggins, Udara Ranasinghe
Summary: This research critically analyzes mental health risk factors and identifies strategies to mitigate risks and promote employees' mental health in the construction industry. The findings highlight gaps in mental health research in the construction industry and suggest areas for future research. This information is valuable for industry practitioners and can assist in making decisions to improve the mental wellbeing of construction workers.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eugenio Proto, Anwen Zhang
Summary: The study reveals that during the COVID-19 period, individuals with more extravert and open personality traits are more likely to experience mental health deterioration, while those scoring higher in agreeableness are less affected. For females and non-British White respondents, cognitive skills and openness play a strong role in predicting mental health deterioration. Neuroticism predicts worse mental health, but does not significantly worsen during the pandemic. The study's results are robust even after controlling for potential confounding variables such as changes in physical health and job status.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carlos Ewerton Palheta, Vitor Ciampolini, Fernando Santos, Sergio Jose Ibanez, Juarez Vieira Nascimento, Michel Milistetd
Summary: This case study examined the challenges faced by coaches and technical directors in a nationwide youth sports program in Brazil, revealing issues such as unclear program goals, lack of structured methodology, and difficulties in the assessment process.