Greater Exposure Research Articles

Understanding Learners’ Divergent Thinking Skills through Sex, Literary and Artistic Exposure, and Attitudes

This study examines the differences in divergent thinking skills among Grade 12 STEM students based on sex, exposure to literature and arts, and attitudes toward these subjects. Data were collected from 234 students using creative thinking assessments and surveys. The results showed no significant differences in divergent thinking skills between male and female students. However, significant differences were found based on students' exposure to literature and arts and their attitudes toward these fields. Students with greater exposure and more positive attitudes demonstrated higher fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. The study underscores the importance of integrating literature and arts into STEM education to enhance creativity and recommends curriculum adjustments to foster greater artistic engagement.

Exposure to superstar firms and financial distress

AbstractA few highly successful firms (“superstar firms”) have captured large market shares and earned massive profits in recent decades. We examine whether superstar firms are associated with a greater likelihood of financial distress for firms exposed to them in product markets. Building on recent research, we identify superstars as firms with the highest markups in the industry and whose industry markup share increases over time. We then measure, with product similarity scores, a firm’s overall product market exposure to superstars. We document that firms with greater exposure are more likely to file for bankruptcy. We examine why superstar exposure is associated with bankruptcy and show that firms with the greater superstar exposure exhibit weaker financial performance and greater riskiness. Furthermore, we show that the association between superstar exposure and the likelihood of bankruptcy strengthens when superstars have greater market power.

Triclosan induces pyroptosis by activation of the caspase-9/3/gasdermin E axis

The high concentrations of TCS in personal care products, and the potential for even greater exposure in occupational settings, raise significant concerns about its cytotoxic effects. Numorous studies highlight the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis in toxicological research on environmental pollutants. However, it remains unclear whether TCS exposure could induce GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of 200 μM TCS on L02 cells and elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in TCS-induced pyroptosis, a novel form of cell death. Our results demonstrate that TCS inhibits the proliferation of L02 cells in a dose-dependent manner and triggers caspase-dependent cell death, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent pyroptosis through the activation of the caspase-9/3/GSDME axis. Furthermore, through transcriptional and metabolomic analyses, we identified alterations in the PI3K-Akt and MAPK cellular signaling pathways, as well as changes in carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Our data provide valuable insights into the biotoxicity of high TCS concentrations and establish a theoretical basis for future studies on its impact and risk.

Salvia officinalis L. resilience under chromium stress: An integrated study of growth, physiology, biochemical changes and rosmarinic acid production

Medicinal plants are increasingly challenged by rising chromium (Cr) levels in agricultural soil and water bodies due to industrialization and human activities. This research examines the impact of various chromium concentrations on Salvia officinalis L., a medicinal herb, over 3 specific time periods: 30, 60 and 90 days. As the duration of Cr exposure increases, various growth parameters showed an upward trend at the lowest concentrations, with the most robust growth observed in the 20 ppm Cr treatment group after 90 days. However, higher chromium concentrations resulted in reduced plant growth compared to untreated plants. Chromium primarily accumulates in the roots, stems and leaves, with the highest accumulation observed at 100 ppm. However, chlorophyll content declined with prolonged Cr exposure, particularly at higher concentrations. Carbohydrate levels initially increased at lower Cr concentrations but decreased with greater exposure, while protein content consistently decreased with elevated Cr levels. Proline levels exhibited mixed responses, rising at lower concentrations and declining at higher ones. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased with higher Cr levels and extended exposure. The enzymatic antioxidant system showed an initial increase followed by a decline with prolonged exposure. Rosmarinic acid content increased with chromium (Cr) exposure upto 60 ppm but subsequently decreased beyond that threshold. In the first 30 days, plants treated with Cr demonstrated a 17 % increase in rosmarinic acid production compared to the control (48.9 mg/g DW). However, with continued Cr exposure, there was a decline in rosmarinic acid production ranging from 10 % to 20 % compared to the control level (67.02 mg/g DW) at 90 days post-treatment. These findings underscore the complex and contrasting responses of Salvia officinalis to Cr toxicity, highlighting the necessity for extended study into the core mechanisms governing these responses and the development of strategies to alleviate heavy metal stress in plants.

SARS-CoV-2 exposure in hunting and stray dogs of southern Italy.

Evidence of exposure to the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 has been described in numerous animal species, including pets, which are predisposed to coming into contact with this virus due to their close relationship with owners. It has been accepted that dogs are poorly susceptible to this virus and that seroconversion, rather than shedding, occurs following infection, which can occur directly through contact with infected owners or indirectly through environmental contamination. In this study, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated in apparently health hunting and stray dogs of Campania region, southern Italy (sampled in September 2023). A total of 5/112 (4.5%) animals tested seropositive using two different commercial ELISAs. Stray animals had greater exposure than hunting dogs. The feces and blood of each animal were tested with a real-time PCR targeting the nucleocapsid and ORF1ab coding sequences. No animal tested positive in molecular investigations, indicating a past exposure without active infection at the time of sampling.

Prevalence of exposure to domestic and family violence among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory of Australia

IntroductionAlthough there is substantial evidence regarding the detrimental effect exposure to domestic and family violence (DFV) has on healthy child development, there is a paucity of information on the prevalence of childhood DFV exposure. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of DFV exposure among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia. MethodsThis was a retrospective observational cohort study using linked individual-level records. The cohort consisted of all children aged 0-17 residing in the NT and exposed to DFV as recorded in Child Protection Services and police data in 2018. ‘Exposure to DFV’ was defined broadly as being a child in a household in which DFV occurred, including children who were not physically present at the time of the incident. In our main analyses, exposure to DFV was defined as having either any DFV-related notification or any DFV-related substantiated notification with Child Protection Services, or any DFV-related record in police datasets. ResultsIn 2018, 13.3% of NT children had a record of exposure to DFV with the prevalence for Aboriginal children around six times greater than non-Aboriginal children (24.4% compared to 4.2%). Using a single data source, the estimates of exposure to DFV, for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children, varied from: 3.3% and 0.3% respectively, for substantiated child protection notifications; 7.1% and 1.1% for investigated notifications, 15.9% and 2.6% for all notifications; and, 17.2% and 2.9% for police data. Prevalence of exposure varied with age and was highest for Aboriginal children aged from 0-4 years (31.4%) and for non-Aboriginal children aged 14-17 years (4.9%). ConclusionsMany NT children are exposed to DFV, with much greater exposure among Aboriginal children. The prevalence estimates varied between sources of data and with the definition of childhood exposure to DFV. Our findings highlight the value of linking records from multiple sources to provide a more comprehensive estimate of the magnitude of exposure of children to DFV, an essential base on which to plan a public health response to DFV prevention.

Great leap forward famine exposure and urban-rural migration convolute the modern prevalence of diabetes in China

BackgroundAlthough evidence from birth cohort analysis has indicated the metabolic risk of early-life exposure to the Great Leap Forward Famine (GLFF) in China, three confounding effects, including the exposure windows, aging, and geographical variations in famine severity, have been brought to debates for a decade. This study aimed to address these confounding effects and extensively examine how GLFF exposure is associated with diabetes risk in mid-to-late life and its interaction with urban-rural migration.MethodsData from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analyzed with age-stratification and stepped wedge approaches. Weighted prevalence and multivariable logistic regression were used to investigate the effects of GLFF exposure and urban-rural migration on mid-to-late life diabetes risk and the interaction between GLFF exposure and urban-rural migration. Birth provinces were controlled as a fixed effect to account for variations in famine severity across provinces.ResultsCompared to those who were never exposed to GLFF, fetal GLFF exposure was associated with a higher risk of adult-onset diabetes after controlling for provinces, demographics, and health statuses. Yet, after adding the proxy of childhood growth environments into the model, fetal exposure to GLFF was not significantly associated with adult-onset diabetes risk (OR = 1.22, p = 0.10), compared to those who were never exposed to GLFF. Across the three age-stratification groups, static urban residents, in general, had a higher risk of diabetes compared to static rural residents. Interaction effects between GLFF exposure and urban-rural migration were insignificant across all three age-stratification groups.ConclusionFetal exposure to GLFF might have a traceable effect on adult-onset diabetes risk. Yet, the growth environment and urban lifestyle outweigh and further confound the impact of GLFF exposure on adult-onset diabetes risk.

The multiscale topological organization of the functional brain network in adolescent PTSD.

The experience of an extremely aversive event can produce enduring deleterious behavioral, and neural consequences, among which posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a representative example. Although adolescence is a period of great exposure to potentially traumatic events, the effects of trauma during adolescence remain understudied in clinical neuroscience. In this exploratory work, we aim to study the whole-cortex functional organization of 14 adolescents with PTSD using a data-driven method tailored to our population of interest. To do so, we built on the network neuroscience framework and specifically on multilayer (multisubject) community analysis to study the functional connectivity of the brain. We show, across different topological scales (the number of communities composing the cortex), a hyper-colocalization between regions belonging to occipital and pericentral regions and hypo-colocalization in middle temporal, posterior-anterior medial, and frontal cortices in the adolescent PTSD group compared to a nontrauma exposed group of adolescents. These preliminary results raise the question of an altered large-scale cortical organization in adolescent PTSD, opening an interesting line of research for future investigations.

Regulatory flexibility and school climate moderate the relationship between stress exposure and depression severity in school educators

School-related stress may impair the mental health and the ability of educators to function at school adaptively. According to the Conservation of Resources (COR) model, coping with stress is affected by internal personal resources and external interpersonal resources. The current study focused on regulatory flexibility as an internal personal resource and school climate as an external interpersonal resource. It tested their moderating role in the relationship between school-related stress exposure and depressive symptoms. 1530 educators participated in the study. The results revealed that school climate and regulatory flexibility play a significant role in determining the severity of depressive symptoms following stress exposure. Specifically, when either school climate and/or regulatory flexibility were low, there was a positive association between school-related stress exposure and depressive symptoms. Hence, greater exposure was associated with increased depressive symptoms. However, when both school climate and regulatory flexibility were higher, there were no associations between stress exposure and symptoms. Therefore, these educators showed significantly lower depressive symptoms independent of their stress exposure. The findings shed light on the importance of both internal and external resources in reducing the aversive effects of school-related stress. The study may pave the way to developing tailored interventions to reduce depressive symptoms and enhance well-being in educators.

Enteroparasites and risk factors for infection in native and exotic domiciled birds in the North Pioneer region of Paraná State, Brazil

Although parasitic infections are common in free-ranging birds, they pose more significant threats in captivity. Free-ranging birds can live in large areas and have low exposure to parasitosis. On the other hand, birds kept in captivity, the high population density results in greater exposure, putting the animal's survival at risk. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of gastrointestinal endoparasites in domiciled birds (native and exotic) in the Mesoregion North Pioneer of Paraná. For this, 59 fecal samples were collected from 63 birds and analyzed by the centrifugation-flotation method in hypersaturated sucrose solution. Of the 63 birds, 38 (60%) were native, 22 (35%) exotic and 3 (5%) hybrids. Oocysts, eggs and larvae were found in 22.03% (13/59) of the samples analyzed. Higher occurrence of protozoa (20.34% - 12/59) than helminths (5.08% - 3/59) was observed, in which seven genera found: Isospora, Eimeria, Ancylostoma, Heterakis, Strongyloides, Cryptosporidium and one cestode. No endoparasites were found in the ten exotic birds and three native birds analyzed. It is concluded that the birds were infected by helminths and protozoa with a higher occurrence of coccidia, with the genus Isospora predominating. Probably due to the low sampling, there was no influence of keeping birds in individual cages compared to birds kept in collective cages, birds raised in rural or urban areas, nor of the adequacy and hygiene of drinkers and feeders, thermal comfort and hygiene of the birds' enclosures. Studies on parasites in wild birds are necessary to gain a more profound understanding of the intensity of anthropogenic influences on these animal species.

Acute exposure to tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate elicits cardiotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae via inducing ferroptosis

Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate (AO168 =O), a novel organophosphate ester, is prevalent and abundant in the environment, posing great exposure risks to ecological and public health. Nevertheless, the toxicological effects of AO168 =O remain entirely unknown to date. The results in this study indicated that acute exposure to AO168 =O at 10 and 100 μg/L for 5 days obviously impaired cardiac morphology and function of zebrafish larvae, as proofed by decreased heartbeat, stroke volume, and cardiac output and the occurrence of pericardial edema and ventricular hypertrophy. Transcriptomics, polymerase chain reaction, and molecular docking revealed that the strong interaction of AO168 =O and transferrin receptor 1 activated the transportation of ferric iron into intracellular environment. The release of free ferrous ion to cytoplasmic iron pool also contributed to the iron overload in heart region, thus inducing ferroptosis in larvae via generation of excessive reactive oxygen species, glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibition, glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1) co-exposure effectively relieved the cardiac dysfunctions of zebrafish, verifying the dominant role of ferroptosis in the cardiotoxicity caused by AO168 =O. This research firstly reported the adverse impact and associated mechanisms of AO168 =O in cardiomyogenesis of vertebrates, underlining the urgency of concerning the health risks of AO168 =O.

Inviscision: A Futuristic Alternative to Endaural Incision for TMJ Surgeries.

As TMJ surgery incisions have evolved, there has been a decrease in facial deformity and adequate surgical access. Even though the traditional preauricular and endaural incisions offer great exposure, they heal with a noticeable scar; in contrast, the Inviscision becomes invisible. To compare and evaluate both the approaches for TMJ surgeries in terms of surgical exposure, VII nerve injury and postoperative aesthetics. 60 TMJ surgery cases were randomly divided into two groups: Group A-30 Inviscision and Group B-30 Endaural incision and assessed for the amount of time from the incision to the exposure, ample access for surgery and postoperative nerve injury, scarring, cartilage injury/necrosis and ear deformity. All the patients were followed up for an average of sixmonths. Surgical exposure time was average 12 and 10min via Inviscision and endaural incision, respectively. In Inviscision, scar becomes invisible after 40days and in endaural incision, scar becomes a thin but visible line after 35days. No cases of hypertrophic scar, keloid formation, cartilage injury/necrosis/ear deformity in either group. Transient temporal branch of VII nerve weakness seen in 33% of Inviscision and 40% of endaural cases which improved after average 3 and 3.4months, respectively. Likert's patient satisfaction score was average 4 and 2, and POSAS score for scarring was 1.5 and 3, in Inviscision and endaural incision, respectively. Inviscision gives adequate exposure, avoids all related anatomic structures, other than causing transient retraction neuropraxia, along with outstanding aesthetic outcomes by hiding the scar in the anatomical folds of the ear auricle. Although, endaural incision provides better surgical time management and equivalent surgical exposure, Inviscision proves to be a better alternative for TMJ surgeries through all other parameters.

Falsa positivización del antígeno de superficie del virus de la Hepatitis B (HBsAg) tras vacunación.

Introduction: The chronic hemodialysis population has a greater exposure and risk to the hepatitis B virus, which is why immunoprophylaxis using the double dose scheme (40mcg) on days 0-30-60-180, with application of this regimen for a second extra time in nonresponders, is common practice in this population. Clinical case: This is a 67-year-old male patient of Afro-Ecuatorian ethnicity who started hemodialysis (HD) in August 2023 for chronic kidney disease (CKD) secondary to diabetic nephropathy. When starting HD, he had negative serology for hepatitis and negativity for HBsAg. For this reason, he received his first vaccination dose on November 29, 2023, and on December 15, he had HBsAg positivity with values of 4.14 S/CO (≥1 positive), with Ac-ANTI-HBSAG levels < 2 IU/L. Management: Given the findings, it was decided to isolate the patient with control of liver function, which is normal, and a new test of HBsAg levels in 15 days, which were subsequently negative. Conclusion: In this case, we want to remember the false politicization of HBsAg after vaccination in hemodialysis patients, a situation associated with the vaccine being composed of live attenuated viruses or recombinant particles of surface proteins.

Use and Interest in Virtual Reality for Mental and Physical Health in a U.S. Population-Based Sample of Low-Income Veterans.

Virtual reality (VR) represents a new way to deliver health interventions, but research is needed on experience and interest in using VR for health among important subgroups in the United States. This descriptive study examined these issues among low-income veterans in the United States. Data were analyzed from a nationally representative sample of 1,028 low-income veterans surveyed in late 2022-early 2023. The results showed that while only 10 percent of the sample had ever used a VR headset, 35 percent of veterans reported they would be "somewhat/very willing" to use VR for mental health or substance use problems. Veterans with higher levels of education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-1.47), lower mental health functioning (aOR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94-0.98), and previous VR experience (aOR = 5.30, 95% CI = 2.96-9.48) were significantly more willing to use VR to treat their mental health or substance use problems. These findings suggest many veterans are willing to use VR to improve their mental health, and they could benefit from greater exposure and education about VR-based interventions.

Afro-Mexicans

The constitutional recognition of Black people in Mexico took place through a lengthy process involving Black populations, authorities, activists, and the sometimes-contradictory efforts of Mexican and foreign scholars. This article analyzes how Mexican blackness is constructed in texts from the American academy, as it has had the greatest exposure and impact in global academic discourse. Specifically, it refers to works that Mexican anthropologists acknowledge as having significant influence in the field of Afro-Mexican studies. The purpose of this analysis is to demonstrate how these works originate from a hegemonic locus of enunciation that privileges a first-world experience, hindering the understanding of the Black Mexican experience.

Extreme weather, climate change, climate action and uncertainty distress: an exploratory study using network analysis

Abstract Background: Both extreme weather and climate change have been linked to distress and at times mental health problems. Pro-environmental actions have often been related to higher distress. The uncertainty distress model (Freeston et al., 2020) proposes that in real-world situations, perceptions of threat and uncertainty contribute to distress. The aim of this study is to integrate variables from these two literatures and examine their relationships. Method: A community sample (n=327) was recruited and completed an online survey. Network analysis was used to analyse the relationships between the variables. Exposure to extreme weather, perceptions of climate change, climate change distress and pro-environmental action were measured along with symptoms of adjustment disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and uncertainty intolerance and behaviours. Results: There was variable exposure to extreme weather, but greater exposure was associated with more severe post-traumatic symptoms. Pro-environmental action was associated with greater severity of adjustment disorder symptoms. The perception that climate change was happening now was linked positively to pro-environmental action and negatively to perceptions of uncertainty about whether climate change was happening. Discussion: The results replicate several findings from the emerging climate change distress literature and are consistent with some predictions of the uncertainty distress model, but not others. Uncertainty as to whether climate change is happening now may be a less distressing position. Research that simultaneously considers extreme weather and climate change may help understanding the range of complex responses that may arise as the frequency of extreme weather increases and evidence for anthropogenic climate change strengthens. Key learning aims (1) To consider why the uncertainty distress model may be an appropriate framework to understand responses to extreme weather and climate change. (2) To consider how the perceived proximity of climate change may play a role in peoples’ emotional and behavioural responses to climate change. (3) To consider some of the variables that are linked to pro-environmental action. (4) To consider whether an uncertainty-based understanding of extreme weather and climate change has helpful implications for practice.

Greater Fragility, Greater Exposure: A Network-Based Analysis of Climate Policy Uncertainty and G20 Stock Markets Stability

Greater Fragility, Greater Exposure: A Network-Based Analysis of Climate Policy Uncertainty and G20 Stock Markets Stability

The Impact of E-Banking on Customer Satisfaction in Pakistan

This study presents the current status of E- banking in Pakistan and its effect towards the practice and also explains its impression on the customer satisfaction of the financial institutions. The main purpose of this study is to point out those outcomes which are measured to be the main players in raising the customer satisfaction in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research approach, this study collected primary data through interviews to describe the results of interviews conducted on the level of arrangement in the minds of the customers. In the previous years, many banks have initiated to proposal as well as to provide the customers and support their appearance as a friendly organization and to ease their customers whereas to allow them to do banking services without visiting the branches of the bank. Through this research, it has been perceived that customers who have taken the services are getting benefits however they feel a little bit uncomfortable after using e-banking banking services quality. Many of the customers have upraised the complaint that no services of utilities have been registered in E-Banking. Although customers have very much awareness but not in a very large scale. Awareness is very high among the customers which are using the services, but internet usage or mobile banking is a new technique and customers are hesitant to work easily within this new atmosphere. Electronic banking has many benefits in improving customer satisfaction like reduced frequency of bank visits, reduced waiting time for customers etc. It facilitates users to manage their bank account transactions and there is a great exposure for banking industry to increase these online services in Pakistan.

Variations of the trapezius branch of the accessory nerve: an anatomic study

Although modified radical neck dissections have increased in popularity to reduce morbidity secondary to intraoperative accessory nerve damage, inadvertent injury still often occurs. As this phenomenon is thought to be due to anatomic variation in the trapezius branch of the accessory nerve, it is imperative to better understand the nuances of these anatomic variations to better inform surgical decision-making. A total of 24 accessory nerves were dissected, exposed, and traced in 15 cadavers. Three aspects of the accessory nerve were identified and recorded: the course of the trapezius branch in relation to the sternocleidomastoid, the number of trapezius branches at muscle insertion, and the number of cervical rootlet contributions. Four different anatomic patterns for the trapezius branch were identified, with the most common being where the trapezius branch separates from the main accessory nerve just medial to the sternocleidomastoid and courses deep to the sternocleidomastoid (58.3%). Most (75%) trapezius branches entered the muscle as a single nerve, whereas some (21%) were inserted as two separate nerves. The number of cervical rootlet contributions for each trapezius branch varied from zero to three. Bilateral anatomic variations were also noted. Even when the accessory nerve and its branches are thought to be spared during neck dissection, patients may postoperatively present with different degrees of accessory nerve damage. There may be unrecognized anatomic pathways that the nerve takes that may confer a higher risk of unintentional damage, especially those that have greater exposure within the anterior triangle unprotected by the sternocleidomastoid.

Generalized morality culturally evolves as an adaptive heuristic in large social networks.

Why do people assume that a generous person should also be honest? Why do we even use words like "moral" and "immoral"? We explore these questions with a new model of how people perceive moral character. We propose that people vary in the extent to which they perceive moral character as "localized" (varying along many contextually embedded dimensions) versus "generalized" (varying along a single dimension from morally bad to morally good). This variation might be partly the product of cultural evolutionary adaptations to different kinds of social networks. As networks grow larger, perceptions of generalized morality are increasingly valuable for predicting cooperation during partner selection, especially in novel contexts. Our studies show that social network size correlates with perceptions of generalized morality in United States and international samples (Study 1) and that East African hunter-gatherers with greater exposure outside their local region perceive morality as more generalized compared to those who have remained in their local region (Study 2). We support the adaptive value of generalized morality in large and unfamiliar social networks with an agent-based model (Study 3), and in experiments where we manipulate partner unfamiliarity (Study 4). Our final study shows that perceptions of morality have become more generalized over the last 200 years of English-language history, which suggests that it may be coevolving with rising social complexity and anonymity in the English-speaking world (Study 5). We discuss the implications of this theory for the cultural evolution of political systems, religion, and taxonomical theories of morality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).