Emotion regulation difficulties and problematic mukbang watching: the mediating role of psychological distress and impulsivity

There is accumulating evidence that mukbang (i.e., eating broadcasts) watching may be another emerging online behaviour that has the potential to become uncontrolled and harmful among a small number of individuals. However, there is still a large gap in the literature regarding the psychological and mental health predictors of problematic mukbang watching. Due to the paucity of research, the present study investigated the emotional and psychological correlates of problematic mukbang watching (PMW) including emotion regulation difficulties (ERDs), impulsivity facets (i.e., negative urgency, positive urgency, sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance), and psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress). A total of 513 adults (54% female; Mage = 32.05 years, SD = 11.14) who watched mukbang in the past seven days completed a survey including psychometric assessment tools for the aforementioned variables. ERDs were directly and indirectly related to PMW via anxiety and positive urgency. Daily time spent watching mukbang was also moderately positively associated with PMW. Consequently, the present study suggests that individuals with emotional and psychological impairments may use PMW as a maladaptive coping strategy

Human‐material interaction enabled by FFF 4D printing

This review delves into four-dimensional printing (4DP) through fused filament fabrication (FFF) and its implications for human-material interaction (HMI). FFF 4DP's emergence in HMI represents a nascent and evolving concept worthy of deeper exploration. The article introduces FFF 4DP's fundamental principles, methodologies, materials, and associated benefits and challenges. Its primary focus is the intersection between FFF 4DP and HMI, investigating the potential of employing FFF 4D printed objects as interactive interfaces. Various HMI scenarios are examined, including applications in soft actuators, smart toys, household devices, smart consumer products, 4D textiles, and customizable wood-based items. Moreover, the article discusses the current state-of-art and development in the field, highlighting notable projects that integrate FFF 4DP into HMI to advance environmental sustainability. It also identifies key challenges/limitations requiring attention for the widespread adoption of 4DP in HMI applications. This work offers an in-depth analysis of FFF 4DP within the HMI context, underscoring its potential to transform human interactions with machines and smart devices. It introduces innovative features for dynamic and adaptable interfaces, promising to revolutionize user experiences. The article serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and designers interested in exploring the exciting possibilities of FFF 4DP in the realm of HMI

Burnout, resilience, and coping among esports players: a network analysis approach

Burnout among esports players is a serious issue affecting competitive and professional players. The present study investigated the relationship between resilience, coping, and burnout among esports players using network analysis. Esports players (N = 453; Mage = 23.0 years, SD = 4.18; in the top 40% of in-game rank) who competed in one of seven popular team-based esports completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), Coping Functions Questionnaire (CFQ; assessing problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance coping), and Athlete Burnout Scale (ABO-S; assessing a reduced sense of accomplishment, physical exhaustion, and negative feelings towards esport). Responses were assessed with Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regularised partial correlations (EBICglasso). Findings showed a distinct network of resilience factors, coping skills, and symptoms of burnout. More specifically, resilience factors were negatively associated with symptoms of burnout and positively associated with problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance coping. Problem-focused coping had a strong expected influence on the network and was positively associated with multiple resilience factors. Moreover, avoidance coping had a strong influence on the network but was positively associated with multiple symptoms of burnout. Finally, a reduced sense of accomplishment (burnout) was negatively associated with multiple resilience factors and positively associated with avoidance coping. The combined results of the present study suggest that resilience and coping are important factors for understanding burnout among esports players

Theory of Constraints and Bitcoin: introducing a new fulcrum

Much of the attention on bitcoin relates to its ability to store value over time or whether you will one day by able to buy a cup of coffee with it. Much less attention is given to bitcoin’s potential role as a unit of account. This opinion piece proposes that bitcoin has potential to provide a consistent unit of account for organisations to adopt, but also to assist them in making and measuring meaningful business developments. The paper draws from the business improvement philosophy of Theory of Constraints to propose that unit of account, particularly within high inflation environments, is critical to consider. An illustrative case of a well-known publicly traded company, Microstrategy, provides an example and logic for a company choosing to integrate bitcoin into a business. The paper also gives attention to how the adoption of bitcoin can promote the development of renewable energy infrastructure and provide staff with opportunities for personal development to support their well-being. Opportunities for further research are identified to explore the integration of bitcoin within a business as well as with Theory of Constraints

Family functioning styles and exercise addiction: disengaged, enmeshed, and rigid family patterns are associated with exercise addiction

Physical exercise is a widely recommended practice for promoting health, but for some individuals, this activity can result in pathological and morbid behaviour. Therefore, the study of the factors contributing to the onset, development, and progression of exercise addiction is particularly relevant. Within this framework, the present study assessed the effect of family functioning, body image concerns, age, and gender on exercise addiction. A sample of 300 regular exercisers (M age = 30.3 years, SD = 11.6; 69.7% females, 30.3% males) participated in the study and completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-IV, Body Image Concern Inventory, and Exercise Addiction Inventory. Data were analysed by implementing a series of moderated moderated-mediations. Results showed that three significant models were relevant. First, positive associations of disengaged (p < 0.05), enmeshed (p < 0.05), and rigid (p < 0.01) family functioning with exercise addiction were found. Furthermore, body image concerns mediated all these relationships, and the interaction between gender and age significantly moderated the effects of body image concerns on exercise addiction (p < 0.05). Such data may be useful for a deeper understanding of the variables associated with the development of exercise addiction, suggesting key elements on which it might be useful to focus in clinical and/or preventive activity

Combined turmeric, vitamin C, and vitamin D ready-to-drink supplements reduce upper respiratory illness symptoms and gastrointestinal discomfort in elite male football players

Elite football is associated with the increased risk of illness, although targeted supplementation can reduce illness risk. This study assessed the effects of a supplement containing turmeric root within a black pepper and fat-soluble blend, vitamin C and vitamin D, on upper respiratory symptoms (URS), gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), muscle soreness, and markers of inflammation and gut permeability in elite male footballers. Twenty-three footballers completed 3 weeks of no intervention (CON), followed by 16 weeks of daily consuming 60 mL of a commercially available supplement containing raw turmeric root (17.5 g, estimated to contain 700 mg of curcumin), vitamin C (1000 mg), and vitamin D3 (3000 IU/75 mcg) (SUP). URS and GIS were measured daily. Immediately (0 h), 40, and 64 h after six competitive matches (two in CON, four in SUP), the subjective soreness and plasma concentrations of creatine kinase [CK], c-reactive protein [CRP], and intestinal fatty-acid binding protein [I-FABP] were assessed. URS incidence (p < 0.001), GIS (p < 0.05), and plasma [I-FABP] at 0 h (p < 0.05) were greater during CON versus SUP. At 40 h, [CRP] was greater than 0 h during CON (p < 0.01) but not SUP (p = 0.204). There were no differences in soreness or [CK]. This study indicates that turmeric root, vitamin C, and vitamin D supplementation over 16 weeks can reduce URS, GIS, and post-match [I-FABP] in elite footballers

Evaluating the impact of an incentive scheme to encourage pregnant people to set a quit-smoking date

Purpose: This study aims to demonstrate the evaluation of an incentive scheme to encourage pregnant people to set a quit-smoking date. Design/methodology/approach: The paper outlines a collaborative approach, working with pregnant people, clinicians, tobacco dependency practitioners and academics to gain insights into their perspectives and experiences. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. Findings: The incentive scheme and appropriate support from clinicians have been shown to encourage pregnant people to set a quit date. The tobacco dependency practitioners helped remove barriers, such as the perception of the stigmatisation of smoking when pregnant. The practitioners also helped pregnant people make informed decisions to support successful behaviour change. The impact of the scheme resulted in improved infant health indicators. The scheme’s evaluation also supported establishing stakeholder knowledge exchange and learning processes. Research limitations/implications: This is a single-site study among a relatively small group of people designed to achieve a specific evaluation objective. Caution in generalising to wider settings should be exercised. Practical implications: This study highlights the efficacy of an incentive scheme, complemented with support from clinicians, and the significance of knowledge exchange and collaboration between stakeholders in health care with significance in similar settings. Originality/value: The paper details the incentive scheme input, actions, output, outcomes and impact involving a wider range of stakeholders, including the emotional consequences for participants, clinicians and academics

COVID-19 and challenging working environments: experiences of Black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) front-line health care professionals amid of COVID-19 pandemic in the English Midlands region

Purpose: The impact of COVID-19 is challenging for many health and social care workers. The impact has been more felt by all ethnic groups, but during the course of its tenure, it has become more apparent that the black community has been affected more than others. They have been reported to suffer more fatalities from the pandemic compared to their white counterparts. Blacks are reported to make a significant percentage of health care workers. They are sometimes undervalued, lowly paid, with many on insecure contracts and experiencing professional inequality. This study sought to explore the challenges experienced by Black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) front-line workers in health care during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The study utilised an explorative qualitative approach (EQA). Forty research participants were recruited for the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data through online platforms which included Zoom, WhatsApp and Teams. A thematic approach was used to analyse data. Results: Following data analysis, the research found that the research participants experienced undermining of expertise, lack of appreciation and unfair allocation of tasks and were overlooked for promotion and perceived as carriers of COVID-19. Conclusion: This group was over-represented in agency and self-employed roles. There is need for a strong government commitment to prevent discrimination through enacting a comprehensive legislation to support tackling the problem. Race equality training awareness needs to be rolled out into healthcare organisations and empower managers to deal with equality issues at work