National Status Research Articles

The role of neighborhood on preterm birth among a high-risk group of birthing people in Boston, MA.

Preterm birth (PTB) is associated with adverse short- and long-term health. There are known racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in PTB. Because of historical de jure and modern-day de facto segregation and neighborhood divestment, neighborhoods are a source of structural racism and disenfranchisement and a potential target for policies and interventions to reduce PTB inequity. However, the role of neighborhoods on PTB, specifically among high-risk birthing people, is largely unexplored. The Boston Birth Cohort is a longitudinal birth cohort of birthing people-infant dyads at a safety-net hospital in Boston, MA between 2000 and 2018. The primary outcome was preterm birth at 35 weeks or prior. The primary predictor was neighborhood defined by census tract. We used generalized linear mixed effects models to test our hypothesis that neighborhood accounts for a signficiant proportion of PTB risk among socially at-risk birthing people. In multilevel models, neighborhoods were a significant predictor of preterm birth, yet accounted for only 3% of the variability in outcome. In models stratified by race, individual-level factors such as prior preterm birth, nativity status, and advanced birthing person age were significant predictors of PTB. Neighborhood is a significant, though small, predictor of preterm birth in a high-risk birthing population. These findings suggest that individual-level interventions, rather than neighborhood-level policies, may be more effective in reducing preterm birth among high-risk birthing populations.

The Center for Health Outcomes in Medicine Scholarship and Service (HOMES): Fostering and Supporting Physician-Initiated Research

Abstract Problem The U.S. physician scholar workforce, currently comprising less than 1.5% of U.S. physicians, continues to decrease, threatening national status as a global biomedical research leader. Academic medical center (AMC) trends away from tenure-track physician faculty appointments toward clinical faculty appointments have contributed to this decrease, but AMCs have limited strategies to equip clinical faculty to conduct research. Infrastructure fostering clinical faculty research may establish new mechanisms for expanding physician scholar workforce and supporting academic goals of clinical faculty. This article presents one such model, the Center for Health Outcomes in Medicine Scholarship and Service (HOMES), from the Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Approach Established in 2019, HOMES provides research infrastructure, support, and mentorship tailored to clinical faculty needs. Multidisciplinary core faculty support research across 5 cores: clinical networks, biostatistics and secondary data, qualitative methods, mixed methods, and research ethics. HOMES services include research consultation, mentorship, microgrants, a training toolkit, and symposia. Outcomes In 4 years, HOMES supported 50 faculty on 99 projects. Forty-five (90%) of these faculty have reported scholarly output, including 127 national presentations, authorship on 41 peer-reviewed articles, and 53 grant submissions. Forty HOMES-supported grant submissions have received funding, and 4 HOMES-supported physicians in training have pursued or plan to pursue AMC research careers. Next Steps HOMES has fostered scholarly productivity among AMC physicians, competitive grant applications, and research focus among physicians in training. As demand for HOMES services increases, HOMES will prioritize projects based on their innovation and research skill development potential. Academic medical centers can apply HOMES lessons through fostering clinical faculty collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and increasing research training opportunities for residents and fellows. National expansion of funding opportunities dedicated to building biomedical research capacity and expertise among clinical faculty can facilitate sustainable scaling of HOMES-like models.

Nearly half of Colombian artisan craft plant species lack national and international vulnerability assessments

ABSTRACT Humanity has maintained cultural connections with our environments from time immemorial. Plants and artisan crafts are a prime example, as craft purpose, skill, design and species used can vary greatly between communities and the loss of a critical plant species can result in a loss of access to cultural craft practices. To mitigate global biodiversity loss, conservationists are faced with the challenge of assessing species vulnerability to extinction and prioritizing species for conservation funding using information instruments, like the IUCN red list. This process does not necessarily consider a species’ cultural importance. In this paper, we address this gap for plant species used in artisan crafts in Colombia. We aim to answer the following: (1) how represented are endemic species in artisan crafts; (2) how threatened are artisan craft species according to (a) international and (b) national vulnerability status? We used the number of species-associated common names as a proxy for cultural awareness. We found that continentally regional species were far more represented in Colombian artisan crafts than national endemics. We also found a strong positive relationship between the number of common names and national vulnerability assessment status, but no statistically significant relationship for international vulnerability status. Based on our results, well-known plants used in Colombian artisan crafts are more likely to be assessed nationally than internationally. While the IUCN is thorough in their recommendations, more can be done to prioritize the inclusion of conservation assessments for species based on their contributions to cultural diversity.

Cancer Epidemiology in Hispanic Populations: Needs and Opportunities.

This report provides a summary of the identified evidence gaps and a general discussion of the next steps to advance cancer epidemiology research in Hispanic/Latino (H/L) populations based partly on the workshop, "Cancer Epidemiology in Hispanic Populations," convened by the NCI in September 2021. The cancer burden among H/L populations varies greatly by nativity and country of origin, yet this variation is not often captured due to systemic challenges in how racial/ethnic data have been collected and often reported in aggregate for this heterogeneous population. Developing culturally relevant assessment tools, increasing the representation of H/L participants, and adopting appropriate methodologic approaches are critical to enhancing cancer research. There is a variety of current funding mechanisms that may be used to address these evidence gaps and priorities, including investigator-initiated mechanisms. Cancer epidemiologic research in H/L populations should leverage existing resources where possible. New and ongoing studies should collect information on nativity status, country of origin, and related measures, use culturally specific assessment tools, engage in collaborative science, and maintain strong community engagement to build studies that will meaningfully address the cancer burden experienced by the growing H/L population.

Understanding factors that impact the acquisition of independent living skills (ILS) among young people transitioning from out-of-home care

Background and AimsIndependent Living Skills (ILS) are essential to support young people as they enter adulthood. Negative outcomes are consistently observed across a variety of different independent living areas of life for care experienced young people. This study aimed to understand ILS measure scores across eight ILS domains and overall, completed by young people from Western Australia (WA), how they differ between participants who were still in-care (n = 49) and who had left-care (n = 73), and what factors (such as care experience and personal characteristics) moderate the acquisition of ILS. For this paper, the overarching concept of ILS is defined by young people’s ILS measure scores, where higher self-reported scores are interpreted as greater confidence and competence in ILS (overall and for each of the eight ILS domains). MethodsParticipants (N = 122) aged between 15 and 25 years completed an ILS measure as part of the Navigating Through Life, longitudinal, mixed-method, population-based study. This present study considers data from wave 1 (of 5) of the NTL study, where eight ILS domains were identified: Financial Management, Knowledge of Accessing Available Supports, Managing Housing, Education Planning, Job Seeking, Health Risk Management, Domestic and Self-help Task, and Managing Relationships. This study explored how dependent variables (the ILS overall scores and 8 ILS domain scores) are associated with participants’ care experience and demographic characteristics (the independent variables) via linear regression and an exploratory multivariate moderator analysis. ResultsThe in-care and left-care groups’ ILS measure scores were comparable. Of the independent variables, care status, self-determination, and regionality were significant (p-value=<.05), predicting greater ILS measure scores across the ILS domains and/or overall. Whereas the independent variables of placement stability, longest placement type, gender, taking part in an enhanced leaving care scheme (ELCS), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status were not significant predictors of higher ILS measure scores. Moderator analyses were conducted for the overall ILS scores, the Health Risk Management, and the Domestic and Self-help Task domain scores (dependent variables). No significant interaction effects were found for care status, self-determination, and regionality, which were identified as significant factors in and of themselves. Discussion and ConclusionThis study emphasises that ILS domains are interlinked, and findings should be utilised to further highlight the significance of the transition to adulthood stage, especially given the similarities in scores for both in-care and left-care groups. Future research could look at transition pathways that prioritise different ILS domains depending on young people’s different needs at different times to support their overall ILS acquisition.

When Is a Dingo Not a Dingo?

In 2019 the Western Australian government recategorised the dingo ( Canis dingo) as a wild dog ( Canis familiaris) whose status is legally declared to be a pest. Despite its iconic native status, Canis dingo has been rendered non-existent and liable to be disposed of by inhumane means. Dumped in a legal black hole via a signifying regime of signs, dingoes are confronted with the fact of their own non-existence. Regarding the dingo as a dingoing, a multiplicity and a process, rather than a characteristic, I read the reclassification event symptomatologically and interrogate the constellations of symptoms and regimes of signs which legitimate the event and its performativity. I examine order-words including ‘pest’ and ‘wild dog’ to shift the focus from the words’ meaning to what they do. I subsequently enquire whether ‘dingo’ might become a pass-word, a component of passage, such that dingoes might exist under reprieve in a post-signifying regime. I argue that post-signifying regimes are codified, however, as subjects are individuated along lines of subjectification. I conclude by contemplating whether it is possible to break with subjectification, liberating these demonic nonhuman animals from the signifiers which territorialise them and permitting dingoes to become-animal.

Implementation of Posyandu Program in Fulfilling the Rights of Pregnant Women and Toddlers in Cibinong Sub-District, Bogor District, a Case Study in Pondok Rajeg Village

Health issues are fundamental in society. Moreover, after COVID-19, several adjustments were made to strengthen public health. Then the importance of developing quality human resources as a national priority cannot be separated from good nutritional status, especially in nutritionally vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and toddlers. Optimal nutritional conditions for pregnant women are very important because they have the potential to influence the growth and development process of the fetus. Malnutrition in pregnant women can increase the risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight (LBW) and stunting. Likewise, toddlers as a group who are in a period of rapid growth and development are very vulnerable to malnutrition. Therefore, special attention to pregnant women and toddlers needs to be increased in an effort to improve national nutritional status. This research was conducted to determine the success of the implementation of the Posyandu program in Pondok Rajeg Village, Cibinong District, Bogor Regency in an effort to fulfill the rights of pregnant women and toddlers. The method used is a descriptive qualitative method using George C. Edward III's theory with four dimensions, namely Communication, Resources, Disposition and Bureaucratic Structure. The success of the implementation or implementation of the Posyandu program in Pondokrajeg Village, Cibinong District, Bogor Regency has been good, which can be seen from the results of research with resource persons, supporting documents and reports on improving the health of pregnant women and toddlers in Pondok Rajeg District, Cibinong District, Bogor Regency

Native or Overlooked Translocation? Comment on Antognazza et al. Current and Historical Genetic Variability of Native Brown Trout Populations in a Southern Alpine Ecosystem: Implications for Future Management. Fishes 2023, 8, 411

The recent revision of Italian legislation on nature conservation has highlighted the pressing necessity of elucidating the native distribution range of managed species. A recent study by Antognazza et al. (Current and Historical Genetic Variability of Native Brown Trout Populations in a Southern Alpine Ecosystem: Implications for Future Management. Fishes 2023, 8, 411) provides insights into the native status of brown trout in the Lombardy Prealps, northern Italy, and advocates urgent conservation measures. However, the possible effect of historical and recent anthropogenic impacts was dismissed in the paper. Here, we present how human-mediated activities plausibly might contribute to the observed distribution of population genetic variation, considering both the available literature and ongoing “Mediterranean trout” stocking activities in the region. Implementing management strategies without clear scientific evidence poses significant risks to native biodiversity conservation.

An Eye on the Future: Student Plans for Higher Education in Qatar

Education is identified as very critical to the achievement of the goals that were specified as strategic to Qatar’s socio-economic progress and development. At the core of the country’s policy plans is the need to develop human capacity as is highlighted in the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030. Not surprisingly, education has been identified as a strategic key to achieving the goals outlined in the QNV 2030. The present exploratory study employed a quantitative research design in order to investigate the factors that are likely to influence the educational aspirations of Qatari students. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Attribution Theory (AT), this study sought to examine students’ aspirations for post-secondary education in Qatar. Data for this study were collected using the Qatar Education Study (QES) survey, which is a nationally representative survey involving K-12 students in the State of Qatar. The analysis of this study’s data revealed that personal and household characteristics play an important role in shaping post-secondary educational aspirations of student participants, including age, nationality, education and employment status, as well as parental influence. Based on the study’s results, statistically significant associations were observed between personal and household variables and students’ aspirations for higher education. This study concludes with relevant recommendations and proposes future studies to explore the potential impact of individual aptitude and contextual factors on student future academic plans.

The majority of 30-days survivors return to work one-year after in-hospital cardiac arrest

Abstract Background Surviving in-hospital cardiac arrest poses a significant risk of anoxic brain damage, which can impede survivors’ ability to return to work. Purpose This study aimed to examine return to work among in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. Methods In this cohort study we included all 30-day survivors of working age (18-64 years), who experienced an in-hospital cardiac arrest between January 1st, 2013, and December 31st, 2018. Data was obtained from the national Danish in-hospital cardiac arrest registry (DANARREST) and employment status was retrieved from a registry from the Danish National Labor Market Authorities. We used a previously validated definition of "working" as any individual who was not on any social benefits, except state education fund grants, maternity leave pays, or leave-of-absence. Only patients working four weeks prior to the event were included in the study. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to estimate the probability of returning to work. Results Among 7,254 in-hospital cardiac arrest patients in Denmark from 2013-2018, 1,781 were of working-age, with 734 surviving at least 30 days. A total of 348 patients, who were working four weeks before their event, formed the final study population (Figure 1). Median age was 54 (Interquartile range (IQR) 46-59) and 70.4% were male. The cumulative incidence for return to work was 67.0% (95% CI: 62.0%-71.9%) with 4.6% (95% CI: 2.4%-6.8%) dying by one-year post-arrest as a competing risk (Figure 2). Age and sex distribution were comparable between survivors returning to work, those who did return to work, and those who died. A higher proportion of survivors returning to work had a Carlson’s Comorbidity Index score of 1 (70.8%) compared to survivors without work (58.1%) and those who died (33.3%). Additionally, an initial shockable rhythm was more frequent among survivors returning to work (49.8%) compared to survivors who did not return to work (45.2%), and those who died (9.1%). Conclusion We found that 67% of 30-day survivors of in-hospital cardiac arrest returned to work one year after their event. While survivors retuning to work shared comparable age and sex distributions with survivors who did not return to work and non-survivors, factors such as a lower Carlson’s Comorbidity Index score and a higher proportion with an initial shockable rhythm were distinguishing characteristics for those who returned to work.FlowchartCumulative incidence curves

Empowering youths through citizen science to address health inequalities in adolescence

Abstract Citizen Science (CS) stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against inequalities in adolescent health, revolutionizing scientific research by involving individuals from diverse backgrounds. Unlike traditional methods, CS transcends academic boundaries, fostering inclusivity and collaboration irrespective of age, nationality, or social status. This approach has gained momentum in adolescent health research, empowering young people as co-researchers from project inception, thereby reducing disparities in health knowledge and access. Studies demonstrate its efficacy in enhancing empowerment and health literacy among participants. YouthChronic is an example of how CS can mitigate health inequalities among adolescents. The project ensures active participation in every research stage by engaging adolescents with chronic conditions as citizen scientists. Open-ended questions facilitate detailed responses, while participation in analysis and dissemination enhances their research involvement and sense of ownership. Through initiatives like YouthChronic, CS is reshaping the research landscape, making it more relevant and impactful to bridge the inequality gap. Young Citizen Scientists’ views on their participation: “As part of YouthChronic, we felt like our experiences with chronic conditions were finally being heard. The researchers were cool-they listened to us, let us be flexible with our participation, and even taught us some research skills. Learning from other peers’ experiences made us feel less alone and gave us new insights. But it’s frustrating that we’re limited by resources. We have big ideas, like running an advocacy campaign, but we need funding to make them happen”. In conclusion, by actively involving adolescents in the scientific process through CS initiatives like YouthChronic, we can reduce inequalities in adolescent health, empower marginalized voices, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in scientific exploration and discovery.

Healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards cardiovascular disease prevention: a multi-national cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction Prior studies have shown that improved primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) may significantly delay its onset. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are well-placed to influence healthy lifestyle habits for CVD prevention. However, it is unclear how well HCWs fare in this role given the multiple demands on their time in clinical practice. Purpose We sought to understand the CVD prevention knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of HCWs across 25 nations. Insights gained could help inform efforts to optimise CVD prevention by HCWs. Methodology: Data was collected via an anonymous, online questionnaire which consisted of pre-validated CVD prevention and smoking cessation subscales adapted from the Preventive Medicine Attitudes and Activities Questionnaire (PMAAQ). The subscales have been previously validated in a study population of primary care residents in the US, demonstrating validity and reliability. Results 668 HCWs (60% doctors, 28% nurses, 12% medical students) from 25 nations responded to the survey. Overall, 74.86% of HCWs routinely assessed patients’ cardiovascular (CV) risk profiles in clinical practice. 65.65% of HCWs counselled patients who were asymptomatic for CVD on tangible lifestyle changes to improve their CV risk profiles, while 68.22% of HCWs did so when patients were overweight. Of note, only 51.26% of HCWs implemented comprehensive smoking cessation interventions for their patients. Practising HCWs demonstrated higher levels of CVD prevention promotion than medical students in all aspects (Fig 1b), except for self-reported importance of CVD risk factor counselling in primary prevention (Tukey HSD diff: 0.31, p-value: 0.051). Among practising HCWs, there were no significant differences in their promotion of CVD prevention across varying lengths of clinical practice. HCWs from higher income nations[1] tended to fare worse than their lower income counterparts in the promotion of CVD prevention (Fig 1a). Conclusion A large multi-national survey reveals significant gaps in the promotion of CVD prevention by HCWs, highlighting key differences in CVD prevention practices based on national income status. The results also demonstrate significant differences between medical students and practising HCWs’ CVD prevention behaviours, highlighting the role of continuing education for the promotion of long-term positive CVD prevention clinical practices amongst HCWs. Further efforts may target the medical education of early-career HCWs, especially in higher income nations. [1] National income level is defined as per the World Bank's classification, with the exception of Taiwan which is not classified as an independent nation under the World Bank. However, Taiwan is still labelled as a high income nation as her GNI (US$33,565) fits the criterion of the World Bank's definition of a high income nation (GNI per capita of &amp;gt;US$13,846).Table 1:Participant demographicsFigure 1a and 1b

Global burden of ischemic stroke attributable to high body mass index in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021

BackgroundA high body mass index (hBMI) is one of the major risk factors for ischemic stroke (IS), although independent estimates of the global burden and trend of IS attributable to hBMI are unclear.MethodsStudy data were extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study and analysed by age, sex, year, and geographical location. The sociodemographic index (SDI) and the human development index (HDI) were used as indicators of national socioeconomic status. Geographic distributions and trends were assessed by calculating the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Associations between the age-standardized death rate (ASMR) or disability-adjusted life year rate (DALY) and socioeconomic status were analysed.ResultsDeaths and DALYs increased worldwide from 1990–2021, with increases of 95.74% for the former and 133.00% for the latter; the ASMR and ASDR decreased, with an ASMR and ASDR-related EAPCs of -1.10 (95% CI: -1.24–-0.96) and 0.04 (95% CI:-0.47–0.55), respectively; women had greater numbers of deaths and DALYs, and the majority of deaths and DALYs were shared by those aged ≥ 70. The highest burden rates were shared by Eastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The ASMR-related EAPCs were associated with the ASMR in 1990 (R = -0.35, P < 0.001) and the SDI in 2021 in different countries (R = -0.66, P < 0.001); these patterns were similar to those of the ASDR; the HDI in 2021 was associated with the ASMR-related EAPC (R = -0.71, P < 0.001) and the ASDR-related EAPC in different countries (R = -0.71, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe number of deaths and DALYs from ischemic stroke attributable to hBMI worldwide increased substantially from 1990–2021. Successful population-wide initiatives targeting hBMI may mitigate a wide range of burdens on this disease. Taking into account variations in the SDI burden, future prevention and control strategies must be developed and implemented according to country-specific development status.

The Influence of Religion on Economic Development

Religion is one of the most important institutions in the process of socialization. Which has a profound effect on a thinking and behavior of individuals and groups. As well Religion affects economic system and is an important part of regulating economic life of individuals, however, nation building and national consciousness are based on the national economy. An important part of the preservation and development of nations is through the economy. Culture, religion and social traditions play an important role in shaping the economic status of nations. This is an important part of sanctified the work, work ethic, and love of work. Some opinion believe that religions have a profound effect on the way of life of individuals and groups. So that the basis of work, production and trade is sanctify mundane efforts. At the same time, it distorts the topics related to squandering and social virtues. This study is qualitative research, the aim of the study is to present the relationship between religion and the economy. As a result of this study, we found that religion and economics are two socio-cultural phenomena, and there is a strong influence and interaction between them. The level of influence and the relationship between them varies from one society to another. Religion also has strong influences on national economic development; therefore, religious discourse can play a powerful role in the process of encouraging the development of work culture and work ethics in societies. Reflecting economic growth in societies.

Woody flowering plants support early-spring pollinators in urban greenspaces

One threat pollinators face in a rapidly changing climate is the decoupling of their activity period from the blooming period of their host plants. Pollinators active in the earliest part of spring may be especially susceptible, as there are few alternative food resources available if they become active before their host plants begin blooming. Thus, urban landscapes, although often associated with decreased insect biodiversity, may buffer pollinators from such food shortages by offering a diversity of both native and exotic plant species that bloom in the late winter and early spring. However, more data are needed to ascertain the degree to which pollinators utilize flowers of spring-blooming exotic species. Here, we surveyed flower-visiting Hymenoptera and Diptera on 26 flowering plant taxa in three urban botanical gardens in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area in the early spring (March and April). We found that flowers of both native and exotic plants were attractive to Hymenoptera and Diptera, although pollinator visitation rates varied by more than an order of magnitude across plant taxa. Overall, woody plants were more attractive to pollinators compared to herbaceous plants, regardless of whether the plant was native or exotic. Implications for insect conservation: Our results suggest that regardless of native status, urban plants that bloom in the early spring—especially woody species—may be coopted to support pollinators that are especially susceptible to climate change. However, care needs to be taken to select plant species and varieties that pollinators will actually use.

To what extent could eliminating racial discrimination reduce inequities in mental health and sleep problems among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children? A causal mediation study

BackgroundRacism is a fundamental cause of health inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We estimated the potential reduction in inequities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s mental health and sleep problems if interpersonal racial discrimination was eliminated. MethodsWe drew on cross-sectional data from the Speak Out Against Racism (SOAR; N=2818) and longitudinal data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC; N=8627). The SOAR was completed in 2017 and the LSAC followed children from 2004 to 2014 in the kindergarten cohort and from 2008 to 2018 in the birth cohort. Exposure: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander/Anglo-European), a proxy measure of structural racism (SOAR: 10-15 years; LSAC: 4-5 years); Mediator: interpersonal racial discrimination (yes/no) (SOAR: 10-15 years; LSAC: 12-13 years); Outcomes: mental health problems (yes/no) and sleep problems (yes/no) (SOAR: 10-15 years; LSAC: 14-15 years). An interventional effects causal mediation approach was used. FindingsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children had higher prevalence of mental health problems (SOAR: 40·1% versus 13·5%; LSAC: 25·3% versus 7·6%) and sleep problems (SOAR: 28·5% versus 18·4%; LSAC: 14·0% versus 9·9%) than Anglo-European children. Hypothetical interventions eliminating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s experiences of interpersonal racial discrimination could reduce 42·4% and 48·5% of mental health and sleep inequities in SOAR (equivalent to 11·2% and 4·7% absolute reductions) and 25·6% and 1·6% of mental health and sleep inequities in LSAC (equivalent to 5·5% and 0·1% absolute reductions). Absolute remaining inequities were similar across both studies for both outcomes. InterpretationTargeted policy interventions that eliminate racial discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children could have high potential to reduce inequities in mental health and sleep problems. Addressing racism and racial discrimination needs a multi-component and multi-level approach directed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.Funding: National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and Medical Research Future Fund of Australia

Healthcare expenditures among older immigrants in the US with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Population-based study between 2007 and 2020.

Using nationally representative datasets, this study examined differences in healthcare expenditures between US-born and foreign-born individuals aged 65 and above by the presence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and cognitive limitations (CL). This study further examined whether healthcare expenditures among foreign-born individuals vary by their duration of residence in the US. The study used the 2007-2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and employed generalized linear regression models to estimate differences in healthcare expenditures between US-born and foreign-born older adults with ADRD, CL, and without ADRD or CL. Survey weights were applied to all estimates. Our study identified significant differences in healthcare expenditures among older adults by the presence of ADRD/CL and immigrant status. Having ADRD/CL had a more pronounced impact on high healthcare expenditures among foreign-born older adults than US-born adults with ADRD/CL, thereby diminishing the difference in healthcare expenditures by US nativity status for the older adults with ADRD or CL. In the analysis further distinguishing immigrants by their duration of residence, lower healthcare expenditures were primarily observed among foreign-born individuals with ADRD or CL who had lived in the US for less than ten years. Our results suggest potential shifts in costs resulting from delayed access to, and diagnosis or treatment of ADRD at a younger age, leading to increased healthcare needs and expenses among US foreign-born older adults.

Evaluation of Plant Growth and Flowering Performance of Florida Native and Non-native Ornamentals under Varying Irrigation

Pollinator gardening has gained momentum with an increased consumer interest in selecting native rather than non-native plant species to reduce water dependence and maximize the biodiversity value in both public greenspaces and residential gardens. Native plant species can enhance biological control and benefit ecosystems and wildlife. Often, they are also better-adapted to local environmental conditions, including temperature and rainfall, thus increasing their survival and reducing associated maintenance costs, primarily by requiring less water. Commercially available pollinator-friendly plant mixes often include both native and non-native species. A 2-year study was conducted to determine the main effects of plant provenance (native or non-native) and irrigation (full or partial irrigation) on landscape performance and flowering of 20 plants, including 10 congeneric pairs of native and non-native taxa that were planted in two locations (north and northcentral Florida). Native and non-native taxa were paired by genus to analyze the effect of the plant native status on vegetative and floral traits while controlling for variations in leaf and floral morphologies, growth habits, and blooming periods, which was a key and novel component of our study design. Represented native species included Spanish needles (Bidens alba), false rosemary (Conradina grandiflora), tickseed coreopsis (Coreopsis leavenworthii), blanket-flower (Gaillardia pulchella), swamp rosemallow (Hibiscus grandiflorus), inkberry (Ilex glabra), spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata), azure blue sage (Salvia azurea), Florida scrub skullcap (Scutellaria arenicola), and Walter's viburnum (Viburnum obovatum). Non-native taxa paired with native congeners included Beedance® painted red bidens (Bidens ferulifolia) or Goldilocks Rocks® bidens (Bidens ferulifolia ‘BID 16101’), barbeque rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Barbeque’), Jethro Tull coreopsis (Coreopsis × ‘Jethro Tull’), Arizona sun blanket-flower (Gaillardia ×grandiflora ‘Arizona Sun’), Ruffled Satin® rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ‘SHIMCR1’), dwarf Burford holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burford’), pardon my pink beebalm (Monarda didyma ‘Pardon My Pink’), big blue salvia (Salvia longispicata × S. farinacea ‘PAS1246577’), Malaysian skullcap (Scutellaria javanica), and Sandankwa viburnum (Viburnum suspensum). Overall, the results revealed that native plants outperformed non-native plants and exhibited greater survival, more vegetative growth, and greater floral abundance regardless of the irrigation treatment. Although there was no overall effect of irrigation on plant size or flower abundance, there were some species-specific responses, especially during the establishment year, and plants under full irrigation had greater survival in the establishment year. Thus, in general, the effects of plant provenance were stronger and more consistent across years than irrigation. Additional studies are underway to determine the floral rewards of these species and their attraction to diverse pollinators.

How Traditional Fishing Villages Move Towards Sustainable Management: A Case Study of Industrial Transformation and Multi-Party Governance Models

The purpose of this study is to explore the key roles and functions of institutions or organizations in the process of the spatial activation and industrial transformation of leisure fishing villages and to summarize this operating model. This study takes Xunpu Village, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province as the research object, which is well-known for its recreational fisheries. It mainly uses case study methods and uses on-site surveys and interviews to understand the formation time, spatial distribution, and business type information of the Zanhuawei shops in Xunpu Village. Zanhuawei, which refers to the traditional hairstyle of Xunpu women, was later applied for national intangible cultural heritage status in China. After the outbreak, the spread of Zanhuawei on the Internet inspired a large number of tourists to visit Xunpu Village to experience Zanhuawei. The study found that (1) Zanhuawei industry replaced traditional fishery and became the leading industry type in Xunpu Village. (2) The operating model led by the government and integrating public and private funds has had a stimulating effect on the revitalization of local commercial and residential space, and a large number of idle spaces have been reactivated. (3) The cooperation model between a large number of investors and local fisherwomen has completely changed the economic model of the village. Zanhuawei industry mobilized all official and media resources to promote spatial activation at various scales, including regions, settlements and commercial spaces.

Understanding Entrepreneurial Commitment: A Test of Side-Bet Theory

This paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on entrepreneurial commitment by providing a first empirical investigation of Howard Becker’s side-bet theory in the context of nascent entrepreneurship. We investigate how different forms of commitment relate to both entrepreneurial behavior and various side-bet categories: satisfying conditions, non-work concerns, others’ expectations, impersonal bureaucratic arrangements, perceived lack of alternatives, individual adjustments to social positions, and self-presentation concerns. We collected data from a representative sample (n = 242) of individuals granted with the French national student-entrepreneur status (NSES). Results froms hierarchical linear regressions reveal different patterns of side bets associated with entrepreneurial commitment, depending on its nature (value-based or exchange-based) and on its focus (the project or the profession). Our study (1) extends side-bet theory to the field of entrepreneurship and (2) improves understanding of factors associated with commitment during the volitional phase of the entrepreneurial process.