Female Senior Research Articles

Task-Based Needs Analysis: A Triangulated Methodology

This study presents a task-based needs analysis of female English major seniors at a Saudi university to identify the academic tasks needed for their academic progress. The study utilized triangulated sources and methods, including the department’s written materials; semi-structured interviews with instructors and students; and questionnaires. Academic tasks were found to be essential for academic progress, providing insights that could be overlooked without such analysis. The interviews revealed that students’ proficiency levels ranged from low to average and that course content was not adapted to support below-average students. According to the questionnaire, the most essential skills for students’ academic progression were effectively using the university’s Learning Management System, time management, and delivering presentations. Listening to teachers as well as writing coherent and cohesive paragraphs were also important, whereas critical thinking and writing research papers were the most difficult tasks. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of adapting course content and pedagogical strategies to accommodate diverse student proficiency levels, thereby enhancing academic success.

Pengaruh Dance Movement Therapy terhadap Kualitas Tidur pada Lansia di Dukuh Garen Desa Pandeyan Kecamatan Ngemplak, Boyolali

Background: Elderly people can experience various health problems, one of which is difficulty sleeping. One way that can be used to overcome sleep disorders is Dance Movement Therapy which can improve the quality of elderly sleep. Objectives: This research aims to determine the difference in sleep quality before and after being given Dance Movement Therapy to the elderly in Dukuh Garen, Pandeyan Village, Ngemplak District, Boyolali. Methods: This research is quantitative research. This research method uses pre-experimental with a one group pre-test post-test design approach. The sampling technique is purposive sampling. The instrument used is the PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Research data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The results of this study were dominated by 18 (90%) seniors aged 60-69 years, 19 (95%) female seniors, 20 (100%) seniors who all lived with their families, 13 (100%) seniors who still had a partner ( 65%), and the elderly who do not work are 14 (70%). In the Wilcoxon test, the value obtained was p=0.000 (p<0.05) where there was a difference in sleep quality in the elderly before and after being given Dance Movement Therapy. Conclusion: This research shows that there is an influence of Dance Movement Therapy on sleep quality in the elderly in Dukuh Garen, Pandeyan Village, Ngemplak District, Boyolali. Keywords: Dance Movemnet Therapy, Sleep Quality, Elderly

Exploring the experiences of female undergraduate nursing students in providing home healthcare to older adults

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn light of the growing ageing population in Saudi Arabia and Saudi nurses’ hesitation to work with the older population, it is important to understand the experiences of nursing students on their clinical placement in home healthcare.MethodsThis study is a descriptive qualitative study based on five focus groups of 3–5 students each. Data were collected from female senior baccalaureate nursing students at a female governmental university in Saudi Arabia, and during their placement in home healthcare. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFive main themes emerged : struggling with their own family; struggling with cultural and social beliefs; struggling during clinical training; struggling with domestic caregivers; and reflections for the future were considered important impressions in clinical experience.ConclusionThe culture of Saudi Arabian society is an important factor in shaping the training experience of female nursing students either positively or negatively, specifically in the context of home healthcare nursing for older patients. The results of this study show how important it is for students to be prepared for the clinical environment, the nature of the work, and the role of the home healthcare nurse in order to improve their clinical learning.

Abstract 4136398: Gender Disparities Absent in Citation Metrics and Online Attention Across Thoracic Surgery Publications

Introduction: A recent study by Women As One highlighted the prevalence of “MANuscripts” (publications authored solely by men) and their potential impact on equity in academic promotions within cardiology. The study revealed notable differences in citation rates and online attention between publications in cardiology journals led by male and female authors. To further explore these disparities, we examined publications in prominent thoracic surgery journals. Hypothesis: Thoracic surgery publications where women hold key authorship roles (primary and senior) receive lower citations and online attention compared to those with men as leading authors. Methods: We analyzed data from peer-reviewed publications in 2019 from two high-impact thoracic surgery journals: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. Citation metrics and Altmetric Attention Scores (AAS) were sourced from Google Scholar paired with the Altmetric Google Chrome extension. Citation rates, AAS, and names of primary and senior authors were manually collected between September 22, 2023 and December 21, 2023. The genders of key authors were determined using Genderize, a gender-determination software, supplemented by manual searches for authors not detected by the software. A minimal number of publications were excluded if either their AAS or citation metrics were unavailable. Significant differences in the data were analyzed using one-sided Mann-Whitney U-tests. Results: Of the 1,482 authors included in the analysis, 18.4% were females in primary or senior roles. Our analysis found no significant differences in citation rates or AAS between male and female primary authors (p=0.09 and p=0.31, respectively), or between male and female senior authors (p=0.48 and p=0.38, respectively). Furthermore, after combining the data of male primary and senior authors and comparing it to the combined data of female primary and senior authors, no significant discrepancies were found for both citations (p=0.13) and AAS (p=0.28). Conclusion: Contrary to analyses of cardiology journals, our data from thoracic surgery articles does not indicate a gender disparity between male and female authors in terms of citations and online attention. While this does not definitively rule out the presence of inequity in thoracic surgery research, it suggests that male-authored manuscripts may not be a primary source of gender disparity in this field.

Evaluation of the ENIGMA mentoring pilot; an approach to tackle leadership inequalities for ethnically diverse female pharmacists in general practice

Abstract Introduction Diversity in leadership positively impacts teams and productivity yet remains limited in pharmacy leadership. The NHS Pharmacy Workforce Race Equality Standard (PWRES) report1 highlights significant underrepresentation of ethnically diverse pharmacists in senior NHS Trust roles (Agenda for Change band 8a and above) compared to their representation in the general pharmacist workforce. This disparity is particularly pronounced for female pharmacists from ethnically diverse backgrounds, who make up 31.9% of all pharmacists but only 24.2% of those in band 8a and above, with a steep decline from 27.6% at band 8a to just 5.9% at band 91,2. To begin addressing this, we piloted the ENhancing leadershIp amonGst ethnically diverse feMale phArmacists (ENIGMA) mentoring scheme in general practice within Leeds. Aim The aim was to determine whether ENIGMA mentoring relationships supported leadership skill development, fostered networking, and developed authentic allies. We assessed the success of the pilot by exploring the perspectives of mentors and mentees and identifying their satisfaction with the scheme. Methods We recruited 18 experienced female senior leaders as mentors for ENIGMA. Mentee recruitment was conducted through dissemination of a flyer via social media, Microsoft Teams, email, and citywide meetings, offering places to the first 18 pharmacists who expressed interest, with no selection process. Mentors and mentees were paired based on mentee goals and mentor expertise. Mentees met their mentor 3 times in a 6-month period. Evaluation was undertaken through Microsoft Forms questionnaires completed anonymously by both mentors and mentees exploring how they experienced ENIGMA, benefits of the scheme, if they felt the scheme had enabled leadership skill development and how it had (or anticipated it would) impact(ed) on career development for the mentee. Ethical approval was deemed unnecessary as this was a service evaluation. Neither author-affiliated organisation is associated with the project. Results Of 18 mentoring pairs, 13 successfully completed the 6-month program. For five pairs, mentees did not establish contact. 62% of mentors responded to the questionnaire. 88% felt a positive impact on their mentoring skills and described a noticeable increase in mentee confidence and career focus. 100% of mentors would recommend the scheme. For mentees, 62% responded. 88% were ‘most satisfied’ with the experience and 88% felt their leadership skills improved because of participating. 75% met specific goals and 88% commented particularly on positive impact of the scheme. 100% of mentees would recommend ENIGMA to others. Discussion/conclusion The pilot was a great success, impacting positively on mentors and mentees. All responding participants would recommend it to others. Mentors and mentees expressed some challenges: finding a mutual time for meetings, and support from employers to use work time for meetings. Questionnaires were not returned by 38% of participants, which is a potential limitation. An identified improvement is to offer mentors an alternative mentee if their original mentee does not make contact. Offer of an annual ENIGMA cohort will continue in Leeds. Additionally, a second pilot is planned in another Integrated Care Board (ICB) to establish how ENIGMA could work in a different area, and if successful, we intend to share this model nationally.

Empathy and LGBTI perspectives among university nursing students in Türkiye

ObjectiveThe research aims to understand the factors influencing nursing students' attitudes towards the LGBTI community, given the importance of culturally competent and inclusive care in healthcare. MethodA descriptive and relationship-seeking design was used. The study was completed by 386 nursing students. Data were collected with “Personal Information Form, LGBTI Attitude Scale (LGBTI-AS) and Toronto Empathy Scale (TEQ)”. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to identify predictors of attitudes towards LGBTI individuals among nursing students. ResultsThe total mean score of the Awareness to LGBTI Attitude Scale was 2.47 ± 1.0 (moderate attitudes). The findings revealed that female students and senior nursing students exhibited more positive attitudes, while those with friendships with LGBTI individuals and higher empathy levels showed greater acceptance and understanding towards the LGBTI community (p < 0.001). The results showed that 22 % of the total variance in the LGBTI attitude could be explained in model 3 (F = 27.43, R2 variation = 0.224, p = 0.001). ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of integrating LGBTI-related content into nursing curricula and promoting empathy-building activities. These findings underscore the significance of empathy in shaping positive attitudes and emphasize the need for comprehensive educational strategies to promote inclusivity in healthcare.

Intersectionality Between Country, Gender and Funding in Authorship for Phase III Trials Presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting 2022.

Multiple disparities have been recognized in the area of location, gender, and funding for leadership in oncology clinical trials. Understanding their intersectionality is crucial to be able to formulate policies and actions, to ensure research is representative of the global oncology community. Here, data from phase III trials presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting of 2022 (ASCO22) were analyzed. The location of institution, gender of lead and senior authors, and funding source for solid tumor phase III trial abstracts presented at the ASCO22 were analyzed. World Bank analytical grouping version 2021-2022 was used to describe regions and countries as high (HIC), upper-middle (UMIC), lower-middle (LoMIC), and low-income (LIC). Across 239 phase III abstracts, lead and senior authors respectively represented HIC institutions in 83% and 85%, UMIC in 13% and 12%, and LoMIC in 4% and 3%. No authors worked in LICs or sub-Saharan Africa. Women accounted for 29% of lead and 23% of senior authors. This distribution persisted across regions, with women as lead authors ranging from 19% (UMIC) to 31% (HIC), and as senior authors from 7% (UMIC) to 25% (HIC). Industry funded 62% of trials, academia 17%, and others 15%; 6% lacked funding. Industry funding was highest in HIC trials (66% for lead and senior authors), followed by UMICs (55% lead, 53% senior) and LoMICs (11% lead, 0% senior). Industry-sponsored trials were proportionally equally represented among female and male senior authors (63% each). There is marked intersectionality in leadership of oncology clinical trials presented at the world's largest oncology conference.

Facing or Retreating? Evaluating The Impact of Corruption, Financial Access, and Gender on Corporate Tax Compliance

This study investigates how corruption, financial access, and gender affect tax compliance. 52 nations' worth of World Bank Survey data from 2019 to 2023 are used in this analysis. This investigation's results demonstrate that corruption positively impacts tax compliance. The second conclusion is that money availability improves tax compliance. The conclusion is that tax compliance has no benefit from having female senior managers. The keys to increasing tax compliance are avoiding dishonest behavior, paying taxes cooperatively, and allowing businesses to obtain financing. Our study incorporates the gender of firm managers, access to financing, and corruption into a model to forecast how enterprises will comply.

The multifaceted factors affecting the publication times of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus articles: what has changed in two decades

AbstractExpeditious publication is an important factor when considering publishing ophthalmic research. We investigated the factors associated with shorter publication times in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus (POS). We analyzed 2487 POS articles from 8 ophthalmology journals publishing POS articles. Time from submission to acceptance, from acceptance to publication, and from submission to publication were calculated for each article. We compared trends over time of factors affecting the publication times from 2002 to 2007 and those from 2014 to 2018. Median peer review durations were 156 days from submission to acceptance; 79 days from acceptance to publication, and 244 days from submission to publication. The American Journal of Ophthalmology, JAMA Ophthalmology, and Strabismus had the shortest submission to publication time. Authors from Africa, East Europe, Central and South America received the fastest processing time in all time categories, although most authors were based in North America and UK. All-time intervals decreased annually, significantly more during the first decade. In the study's second period, more co-authors and affiliated departments correlated with shorter review times. Manuscripts in higher Impact Factor (IF) journals had faster publication times in the first decade. Female senior authors faced longer submission-to-acceptance times in the first decade. This gender gap disappeared in the second period. A general improvement occurred with most journals, specifically those journals with a higher number of co-authors and affiliated departments, indicating an efficient collaborative authorship. Low-income regions benefited from comparatively shorter time intervals. The gender gap in senior authorship diminished over time.

Association of Double-Blind Reviews With Increases in Women as First Authors: An Initial Report From the Journal of Cardiac Failure

Introduction: Women continue to remain under-represented in academic publishing in cardiology. Some evidence suggests that double-blind peer reviews may mitigate the impact of gender bias. In July 2021, the Journal of Cardiac Failure implemented a process for the conduct of double-blind reviews after previously utilizing single-blind reviews with the aim of improving author diversity. The purpose of the current manuscript was to examine the association between changes in authorship characteristics and implementation of double-blind reviews. Methods: Manuscripts were stratified into 3 eras: March – September 2021 (Era 1 – prior to double blind reviews), March – September 2022 (Era 2), and March – September 2023 (Era 3). All article types except invited editorials were included. Data were abstracted, including names, genders, ranks, and discipline of first and senior authors. Results: A total of 310 manuscripts were included in the analysis. The proportion of women first authors increased from 24% in Era 1 to 34% in Era 2 to 39% in Era 3 while the percentage of women authors serving in a senior authorship role remained fairly stable over time around 21-22%. Even after adjusting for region, article type, first author discipline, and last author gender, there was an increase in female first author over time (p= 0.015). Manuscripts with a female senior author were significantly more likely to have a female first author. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that double-blind peer review may contribute to increased gender diversity of first authors and highlight areas for future improvement for JCF and academic publishing.

Gender Dynamics in Digital Classroom; Measuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) Acceptance and Integration by Senior Lectures in Foreign Language Instruction

The acceptance of technology at the higher educational level has been a significant discussion, with little attention on the gender dynamics on the acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI ) tools by senior lecturers. This study delved into a detailed analysis of the gender dynamics in the discussion of technology acceptance mainly AI tools, in foreign language (FL) education. Quantitative study approach was adopted in the process, and survey design was implemented. Data was collected using structured digital questionnaire, based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. A total of ninety-five (95) male senior lecturers and one hundred and three (103) female senior lecturers participated in the study. Analysis was conducted using relevant statistical measures. The results showed disparities in the attitudes and views of senior lecturers towards artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the context of FL education, greatly influenced by gender. In relation to usage, male senior lecturers have higher positive reactions (61.06%) in comparison to their female counterparts (46.6%). However, in relation to the assumption that AI technologies improve the performance of learners, 69% of male senior lecturers agree with this notion, but a substantially greater percentage of 72.81% of female senior lecturers hold the same perspective. Moreover, there exists a little disparity in the level of proficiency in using AI technologies across genders. Specifically, 56.84% of male senior lecturers see it as uncomplicated, while 61.16% of their female counterparts share the same sentiment. The gender discrepancy that is most notable pertains to the perceived level of ease in using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies during foreign language (FL) lessons. The data reveals that a majority of male senior lecturers, calculated as 69.48%, see the use of these tools very easy. In contrast, a much higher proportion of female senior lecturers, 86.41%, share the same perception. This discrepancy highlights a notable disparity in confidence levels between the two genders. These results together emphasise the changing gender dynamics in the acceptance of technology, interrogating conventional assumptions and underscoring the need for customised support systems to guarantee fair and efficient integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in foreign language instruction among senior lecturers.

Female Students and the Field of Engineering: Stemming the Tide of Gender Underrepresentation for Sustainable Development

Underrepresentation of females in the field of engineering is overwhelming and posing a serious concern to the human race, especially in the developing countries. This has grievous impacts on the socio-economic and environmental growth and development of the nation. The paper seeks to investigate: i) female students’ knowledge of the fields of engineering; ii) female students’ perceptions of what the gender of engineers ought to be; and iii) the various factors that influence students’ career choice in engineering. The study was a descriptive study of the survey type. Data were collected using a self-constructed questionnaire. The sample of the study was 366 public female senior secondary II students who were in science class in Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents were familiar with the traditional disciplines in the field of engineering. The respondents perceived engineering as a male-dominating profession. Personal, family, school, and social indices were adduced as factors responsible for female students’ choice of career. It was concluded that there exists gender discrimination in the choice of female students’ career. It was recommended that female students have the ability, rights, knowledge, and duties in the society, and they can be professionals in engineering.

Exploring the group heterogeneity in the impact of social cohesion on the walking frequency of older adults in China.

Walkable neighborhoods are closely related to an increase in walking frequency and the strengthening of social cohesion. These factors, in turn, contribute to lower BMI and other positive health-related outcomes. However, with a rapid increase in aging populations in China and the fact that women are facing more challenges than men as they age, especially mobility challenges because they tend to live longer leading to probabilities to become widowed. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to understanding the gender difference between these relationships. Based on a survey of 533 older adults in Dalian, China, this study tried to investigate the intertwined relationship between perceived walkability, social cohesion, walking frequency, and BMI. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) and multiple-group analysis were applied to test the proposed framework. First, results show that gender differences existed among the above interrelationships, and the most substantial gender gap was found in effects of social cohesion on BMI. Second, perceived walkability only has a direct effect (0.149) on walking frequencies for female seniors. Third, although the relationships between perceived walkability and BMI are not directly related in both male and female models, the indirect connection (-0.053) is substituted for female seniors. Besides, the inhibiting effect of walking on BMI, which is -0.511, is also valid for female seniors. Finally, in terms of the role of social cohesion, both the positive impacts of perceived walkability on it (0.225 for males and 0.325 for females) and its promoting effects on walking have been confirmed in male (0.142) and female models (0.103). The negative direct effect of social cohesion on BMI (-0.083) is only confirmed in male seniors. Insights derived from this analysis can help bring forward gender-specific interventions to build a more inclusive walkable and social environment to improve the mobility and physical health of older adults.

Women speaker representation at SAGES annual meetings: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundGender representation trends at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Annual Meetings and the effect of the 2018 ‘We R SAGES’ initiatives are unknown. We assessed gender trends in oral presentations at the SAGES Annual Meeting between 2012 and 2022 with a focus on assessing the impact of the 2018 initiatives.Methodss selected for oral presentations from 2012 to 2022 were reviewed for presenter and first, second, and senior author gender. Gender was categorized as woman, man, or unknown using public professional profiles. Subsequent publications were identified using search engines. The primary outcome was the temporal trend of proportion of women in each role using interrupted time series analysis. Secondary outcomes included publication rates based on first and senior author genders in 2012–2018 versus 2019–2022.Results1605 abstracts were reviewed. The proportion of women increased linearly in all categories: presenter (2.4%/year, R2 = 0.91), first author (2.4%/year, R2 = 0.90), senior author (2%/year, R2 = 0.65), and overall (2.2%, R2 = 0.91), (p < 0.01 for all). Prior to 2018, the proportion of women increased annually for presenters (coefficient: 0.026, 95% CI [0.016, 0.037], p = 0.002) and first authors (coefficient: 0.026, 95% CI [0.016, 0.037], p = 0.002), but there was no significant increase after 2018 (p > 0.05). Female second author proportion increased annually prior to 2018 (coefficient: 0.012, 95% CI [0.003, 0.021], p = 0.042) and increased by 0.139 (95% CI [0.070, 0.208], p = 0.006) in 2018. Annual female senior author proportion did not significantly change after 2018 (p > 0.05). 1198 (75.2%) abstracts led to publications. Women were as likely as men to be first (79% vs 77%, p = 0.284) or senior author (79% vs 77%, p = 0.702) in abstracts culminating in publications. There was no difference in woman first author publication rate before and after 2018 (80% vs 79%, p = 1.000), but woman senior author publication rate increased after 2018 (71% vs 83%, p = 0.032).ConclusionThere was an upward trend in women surgeons’ presentations and associated publications in the SAGES Annual Meetings over the last decade.

Confronting social dominance ideology: how professional women manage career stereotypes in male-dominated occupations

PurposeUsing social dominance theory as a conceptual lens, this study explores how female managers and professionals strive to defy the perceived career stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated occupations.Design/methodology/approachThe dataset comprises 30 interviews with female bank managers and senior engineers in Nigeria – a non-Western location and work group – a sample that is considered under-researched.FindingsThe qualitative analysis identifies how the interviewed women adopted three strategies in managing gender and career stereotypes, with some expressing concerns of experiencing emotional dissonance as they contend with occupational segregation based on gender.Research limitations/implicationsThe extent to which the findings can be generalised may be constrained by the study’s limited sample size. Nevertheless, the findings shed light on the underlying importance of disclosing how working women exert themselves in navigating the social dominance ideology in Nigeria that is notable for extreme gender role differentiation. This often results in an intensification of the efforts made by female professionals in confronting the endemic nature of male chauvinism in Nigerian organisations.Originality/valueResearch on gender and career constraints has, in the main, restricted our understanding of the barriers that Nigerian women face in their careers as a result of the masculine hegemony perpetuated by social dominance. The present study aims to challenge, however, proponents of social dominance by unveiling the mitigating strategies that women living in an inegalitarian society adopt to confront occupational male-group ascendency.

The impact of feminism‐related public discussions on the promotion of female senior executives: evidence from China

The impact of feminism‐related public discussions on the promotion of female senior executives: evidence from China

Female top managers, female owners and corporate financial sustainability: new evidence from a panel smooth transition regression model

This study investigates the nonlinear link between gender diversity at various levels and business financial sustainability for a large sample of 54759 enterprises in 80 developing countries from 2015 to 2022. Previous studies have shown that female participation may bring both advantages and costs to businesses. The empirical evidence on whether it improves or degrades company results is inconclusive. This research attempts to improve our knowledge of the complicated link between gender diversity and company financial sustainability. It explains how female managers’ and female owners’ effects on business sustainability is dependent on their different levels of engagement in the firm. Results of the Panel Smooth Transition Regression model (PSTR) demonstrate a nonlinear relationship between gender diversity and firm sustainability. Depending on the measure of female participation, the model contains one threshold at 39% of female senior managers and 34% of female owners, as well as two extreme regimes. The results reveal that below these thresholds the relationship is negative. Misunderstandings and a lack of coherence between groups of different genders may affect decision-making and the capacity to come up with the best responses. However, increasing gender diversity has a favourable influence on firm sustainability above the projected thresholds. This research supports the theory that a critical mass condition is required before a minority group begins to alter organisational functioning. Our findings demonstrate that diversity has an influence on collective decision making and, hence, sustainability only when a critical mass is reached. These findings offer numerous managerial insights and policy recommendations for developing-country enterprises looking to improve their financial sustainability.

Torture and blessing: the impostor phenomenon among Spanish female executives

PurposeThis research explores the impostor phenomenon (IP) within the context of gender and leadership, aiming to transform impostor feelings into catalysts for leadership empowerment and positive career outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing grounded theory, this study conducts in-depth interviews with 34 female Spanish senior executives to analyze their experiences with IP.FindingsThe research reveals that top executive women are not only affected by IP but can also harness it to foster personal and professional growth. It identifies key strategies – such as self-reflection, effective communication and cultivating positive habits – that enable women to transform IP into a lever for enhancing their careers. This approach leads to a proposed virtuous cycle model that empowers women to overcome the negative impacts of IP and advance their leadership capabilities.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on gender and leadership by offering insights into the gendered nuances of IP. By framing IP as a potential catalyst for growth rather than a barrier, the study provides practical tools for human resource (HR) departments to promote gender diversity at senior levels. It also advocates for HR practices to dismantle internal barriers to women’s career progression and address conscious and unconscious gender biases.

Low Dietary Diversity and Low Haemoglobin Status in Ghanaian Female Boarding and Day Senior High School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Anaemia is one of the most common forms of malnutrition globally, with most anaemia cases related to micronutrient deficiency. Diets with higher dietary diversity scores (DDS) are usually nutritionally diverse and could positively impact micronutrient status, including haemoglobin (Hb) concentration improvement. The study aimed to determine DDS and its association with the Hb concentration of Boarding and Day adolescent Senior High School students in Ghana. Materials and Methods: A semi-structured and three 24 h dietary recalls were used to obtain the participants' demographic and diet intake data, respectively. Hb concentration was assessed using a validated portable haemoglobinometer. DDS was evaluated using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) approach. Results: A significant difference in the DDS between Boarding and Day students existed. Only 22% of the Boarding students had adequate dietary diversity, whereas 64% of the Day students had adequate dietary diversity. A significantly smaller proportion of the Boarding students consumed nuts and seeds, dairy, flesh foods, eggs, vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits, other vegetables, and other fruits compared to Day students (p < 0.05, all). No significant difference (p = 0.925) in mean (±SD) Hb concentrations between Boarding (11.9 ± 1.1 g/dL) and Day (11.9 ± 1.1 g/dL) students was found. Additionally, no significant correlation between mean DDS and Hb concentration (p = 0.997) was recorded. Using Hb < 12 g/dL as the determination of anaemia, 55.1% Boarding and 57.8% Day students had anaemia. Conclusions: Low dietary diversity in Boarding students highlighted inadequate nutrition provided by school meals. Strategies to increase meal diversity should be prioritised by stakeholders in Ghana's educational sector.

Diversity Drives Representation: An Internal Audit of Gender Representation in Citation Practices of a Single Surgical Laboratory.

Large-scale retrospective studies have identified implicit gender bias in citation behaviors across multiple medical fields. There are minimal resources to directly assess one's own citation behavior before publication at a laboratory level. In this study, we performed an internal audit of our own citation practices and behavior, looking at the representation of authors by gender in our own bibliographies. Bibliographies were collated from our laboratory's publications between 2015 and 2022 with a single senior author, who was excluded from participating in this study. Bibliographies were run through a simulation originally constructed and used by authors from the University of Pennsylvania that categorized authors of each article by gender: man or woman, according to external database records. Of the 1697 citations, the first and last authorship sequences displayed to be 60.8% male/male, 10.1% male/female, 16.3% female/male and 12.8% female/female. Men-led articles within our laboratory cited 67.4% male/male articles in their bibliographies compared with women-led articles citing 53.9%. All laboratory bibliographies consisted of 77.1% male senior authors compared with 22.9% female senior authors. Our data confirm that a gender bias in citation practices exists at the laboratory level. Promisingly, these data also indicate that diversity within an individual laboratory group leads to diversity in representation; therefore, diversifying a team of researchers is prone to improve the overall work and success of the laboratory. We encourage laboratory groups to challenge their own biases by replicating their own results and discovering how these biases might be impacting their publications.