Group Members Research Articles

How do disadvantaged groups perceive allies? Women's perceptions of men who confront sexism in an egalitarian or paternalistic way

AbstractIn this research, we focused on women's perception of men as allies depending on the type of confrontation. We conducted four experimental scenario studies (Study 1 and 2 in a bar setting; Study 3 and 4 in a workplace setting) where a man confronted a sexist comment using either an egalitarian or paternalistic argument. Results showed that women are more likely to perceive egalitarian (vs. paternalistic) confronters as allies (Studies 1–4). This is explained by the fact that they contribute to reducing power asymmetries (decreasing perceived interpersonal power differences: Studies 2 and 4; or increasing women's empowerment: Studies 3 and 4). Furthermore, the egalitarian (vs. paternalistic) confrontation positively impacts interpersonal and intergroup relations, and this is explained by the perception of the confronter as an ally (Studies 1, 2 and 4). We discuss the role of disadvantaged group members’ perception of advantaged group members to disentangle the complexity of alliances.

Communication Patterns between Generations via Family WhatsApp Groups (Case Study: Amarta Family)

This research is inspired by the rapid development of the digital era which has shifted the place of communication from the real world to social media platforms, in this case the WhatsApp application, so that it has different patterns in each generation. Therefore, in analyzing the generations of WhatsApp group members, researchers tried to divide and classify family members into generation Y and generation Z according to their birth line. The aim of this research is to determine family communication patterns for each generation on the WhatsApp application. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The subjects of this research are members of the Amarta family who are members of the family WhatsApp group. The sampling technique was purposive sampling and direct interviews. The research results show that there is a unique communication pattern in the WhatsApp Family group, each generation has the same communication pattern, namely the star pattern where each generation communicates, and each group member is free to talk and provide feedback. without any restrictions. or persuasive actions from generation Y and generation Z.

Progovernment militias, identity leadership, and ethnic defection: Evidence from Israel's recruitment of the South Lebanese Army

AbstractEthnic defection has been identified as a potential game changer in conflicts. However, the factors that enable this process require further study. One factor that has been often overlooked is that of social identity and, more particularly, identity leadership. Ethnic defection is a social as much as it is a political process. Incumbents who can utilize this element may be more successful in encouraging a continuous and more persistent process of ethnic defection. A particularly useful tool for counterinsurgency (COIN) leaders to function as identity leaders is that of militias. Traditionally perceived in the literature as ad hoc outcomes of defection, this article demonstrates how militia recruitment can serve as a platform for recruiters to serve as identity leaders and create among recruits a distinct sense of identity that further distances them from other group members and strengthens their group identity. Success in enabling this group categorization could pave the way for more defectors to switch to the government side in a way less relevant than material incentives. The article illustrates this process by employing the case of Israel's recruitment of Shi‘a defectors into pro‐Israel militias in South Lebanon and the Security Belt during the 1980s and 1990s.

Molecular characterization and toxigenic profiles of Bacillus cereus isolates from foodstuff and food poisoning outbreaks in Brazil.

Bacillus cereus sensu stricto (s.s.) is a well-known foodborne pathogen that produces a range of enterotoxins and is able to cause two different types of foodborne illnesses-the emetic and the diarrheal syndromes. In this study, 54 B. cereus s.s. strains isolated from foodstuff and foods involved in food poisoning outbreaks were characterized according to the presence of toxin-encoding genes, virulence-encoding genes, and panC typing. Most isolates were assigned to panC groups IV (61.1%) and III (25.9%), but members of groups II and V could also be found. Investigation of specific alleles revealed high numbers of isolates carrying toxin and other virulence genes including nheA (100%), nheB (100%), hblA (79.6%), hblC (79.6%), hblD (74.1%), cytK-2 (61.1%), clo (100%), pc-plc (75.9%), sph (68.5%), pi-plc (66.6%), hlyIII (62.9%), and hlyII (24.1%). All isolates were negative for ces and cytK-1. In summary, we detected various enterotoxin and other virulence factor genes associated with diarrheal syndrome in strains analyzed, implicated or not with food poisoning. Furthermore, the most isolates analyzed belong to high-risk phylogenetic groups' panC types III and IV. Our study provides a convenient molecular scheme for characterization of B. cereus s.s. strains responsible for food poisoning outbreaks in order to improve the monitoring and investigation and assess emerging clusters and diversity of strains.

STRUCTURAL, ELECTRONIC AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF VANADIUM DOPED DELAFOSSITE CUGAO2: AN AB INITIO STUDY

Delafossite copper gallium oxide (CuGaO2) is one of the most important copper-based delafossite materials reported. It has variety of applications that include but are not limited to; photo catalysis, dye-sensitized solar cells. However, due to the wide band gap of this material, it appears very attractive as transparent conductive oxide (TCO). Thus, it is very important and applicable in optoelectronic device technologies. In this paper, the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of vanadium (V) doped delafossite CuGaO2 are investigated using first principle study based on density functional theory (DFT) as implemented in the QUANTUM ESPRESSO simulation package. We used Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized gradient approximation (GGA) exchange-correlation scheme for the undoped and vanadium (V) doped structures. There is no structural transition after the doping. The results indicated that the V doping reduced the band gap of the undoped delafossite CuGaO2 by 0.8 eV. It also contributed more to the conduction band states. However, our results also revealed that the 50 % V doping induced significant changes to the magnetic properties of the undoped CuGaO2. It was found that the undoped CuGaO2 is slightly paramagnetic similar to the same group member CuAlO2, whereas the V doped CuGaO2 system is slightly ferromagnetic. This result is in agreement with previous literature concerning the effect of doping semiconductor material with magnetic metals. Thus, based on our results, V doped CuGaO2 material may be considered as an important candidate for spintronics and other related applications.

Collective sensing in electric fish.

A number of organisms, including dolphins, bats and electric fish, possess sophisticated active sensory systems that use self-generated signals (for example, acoustic or electrical emissions) to probe the environment1,2. Studies of active sensing in social groups have typically focused on strategies for minimizing interference from conspecific emissions2-4. However, it is well known from engineering that multiple spatially distributed emitters and receivers can greatly enhance environmental sensing (for example, multistatic radar and sonar)5-8. Here we provide evidence from modelling, neural recordings and behavioural experiments that the African weakly electric fish Gnathonemus petersii utilizes the electrical pulses of conspecifics to extend its electrolocation range, discriminate objects and increase information transmission. These results provide evidence for a new, collective mode of active sensing in which individual perception is enhanced by the energy emissions of nearby group members.

Do non-motorists understand the traffic safety laws protecting them? Results from a Chinese survey

The government of Nanjing, China, has issued several traffic laws to protect non-motorists (i.e., pedestrians, e-bike riders, cyclists). In reality, however, many non-motorists are unfamiliar with these laws, which impairs the effectiveness of laws. On this background, this study investigates road users’ knowledge on various traffic safety laws protecting non-motorists. An online survey was conducted to collect road users’ basic information and their subjective and objective knowledge of the laws. Then, A latent class analysis model is employed to distinguish between drivers and non-motorists. Furthermore, we explore the gaps between road users’ subjective and objective knowledge, and the knowledge discrepancies between different road users. Subsequently, ordered logit models are developed to identify the influencing factors of road users’ knowledge levels. Finally, text network analysis is used to assess respondent’s comments and suggestions.The results indicate that drivers are more knowledgeable about laws compared with non-motorists. Moreover, some road users have a high level of subjective knowledge but a low level of objective knowledge regarding some laws (e.g., yielding laws). Furthermore, some factors, “group membership” and “reading-news behavior”, significantly affect both subjective and objective knowledge. “Social norm” and “perceived behavioral control” could only affect subjective knowledge, while “perceptions on fine penalty” could influence objective knowledge. Besides, respondents’ positive comments are associated with their perceived benefits from the laws, while the negative comments and suggestions mainly concern non-motorist violators and knowledge discrepancies among different road users. Finally, we provide several targeted suggestions to facilitate the promotion and implementation of traffic safety laws.

The Relationship of Functional Roles and their Psychological Predictors in Solving Motor Tasks in Joint Mental Activity

Introduction. Modern society demands from young professionals non-standard ways of solving various tasks in a team. Despite the high interest in the problem of joint thinking, there is an insufficient number of comprehensive studies of psychological predictors involved in the formation of functional roles of participants in joint mental activity. Purpose. Analysis of the relationship between functional roles and their psychological predictors in solving motor tasks in joint mental activity.Materials and methods. The study involved 208 people: they are students of humanities and technical specialties of the Southern Federal University aged 17 to 21 years. The task groups consisted of four subjects. For the solution, a motor task was used under the conditional name “Blocks”. To collect the data, the following methods were used: Kettell’s 16-factor personality questionnaire; a method for determining coping behavior in stressful situations; the “Personality orientation” method; Ehlers’ motivation for avoiding failures; Ehlers’ motivation for success; SELF-assessment; diagnosis of verbal creativity; heuristic competence test; a questionnaire for determining action control; the questionnaire “Methodology of assessment by participants of subgroups of partners from the point of view of their performance of functions of selforganization of joint mental activity”. The Pearson correlation coefficient is applied.Results. The generation function is the least pronounced, which indicates a weak activity of carriers of this functional role in solving a motor-type problem. The function of semantic transmission is most pronounced, which indicates a focus on coordinating the goals of participants in mental activity to achieve a common result in solving a motor task, rather than on putting forward new hypotheses.Discussion. Analyzing the distribution of roles, their functional content, it becomes possible to directly see the implementation of the features of mental activity carried out jointly, to assess the structure of intellectual activity of cognitive interaction of group members, to better understand the procedural features of joint mental activity. The interrelation of the personal characteristics of the participants in solving problems with the functional role distribution in joint thinking is emphasized, as well as the need for a comprehensive study of the acceptance and embodiment of roles by group members.

Post-abortion needs-based education via the WeChat platform to lessen fear and encourage effective contraception: a post-abortion care service intervention-controlled trial

ObjectiveOur study aims to investigate post-abortion needs-based education via the WeChat platform for women who had intended abortion in the first trimester, whether they are using effective contraception or becoming pregnant again.DesignThis single hospital intervention-controlled trial used a nearly 1:1 allocation ratio. Women who had intended abortions were randomly assigned to a Wechat group (needs-based education) and a control group (Traditional education). The women's ability to use effective contraception was the main result. Whether they unknowingly became pregnant again was the second result. Another result was patient anxiousness. Before and after education, women filled out questionnaires to assess their contraception methods and anxiety.MethodsBased on the theoretical framework of contraceptions of IBL (inquiry-based learning), post-abortion women were included in WeChat groups. We use WeChat Group Announcement, regularly sending health education information, one-on-one answers to questions, and consultation methods to explore the possibilities and advantages of WeChat health education for women after abortion. A knowledge paradigm for post-abortion health education was established: From November 2021 until December 2021, 180 women who had an unintended pregnancy and undergone an induced or medical abortion were recruited, their progress was tracked for four months, and the PAC service team monitored the women's speech, discussed and classified the speech entries and summarized the common post-abortion needs in 8 aspects. At least 2 research group members routinely extracted records and categorized the outcomes.ResultsBefore education, there were no appreciable variations between the two groups regarding sociodemographic characteristics, obstetrical conditions, abortion rates, or methods of contraception (P > 0.05). Following education, the WeChat group had a greater rate of effective contraception (63.0%) than the control group (28.6%), and their SAS score dropped statistically more than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Following the education, there were no unwanted pregnancies in the WeChat group, whereas there were 2 in the traditional PAC group. Only 5 participants in the WeChat group and 32 in the conventional PAC group reported mild anxiety after the education.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Emergency Contraceptive Among Female Preparatory School Students in Awsi Resu Zone(01), Afar, Ethiopia, 2023

BACKGROUND: Students in preparatory schools are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, which may lead to a rise in untended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and STIs. Many of these unplanned pregnancies can be avoided using emergency contraception. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraceptives. OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraception among preparatory school students of Awsiresu zone (01) in Afar, Ethiopia. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected preparatory schools in Awsi Resu Zone, Afar, Ethiopia, from October 20 to November 8, 2023, among 419 female students who were selected using the systematic random sampling method. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and entered into the Kobo toolbox. Data were collected by five female public health officer students using interview-administered methods. A one-day discussion was held among group members and data collectors on how to obtain consent and collect complete data. The collected data was exported to SPSS window version 26 for analysis, and a descriptive analysis was performed for all variables. RESULT: Three hundred ten (74.0%) of the students said that they have heard about emergency contraceptives. 57.7% of the students had a positive attitude towards emergency contraceptives. One hundred (32.3%) of the students said that EC is recommended as a regular contraceptive method, and another one hundred forty-one (50.2%) students said that EC can prevent STIs. Among the ten respondents who had used emergency contraceptives, six (60%) used regular contraceptives. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The study findings showed that most of the respondents who had ever heard of emergency contraception had good knowledge and a positive attitude, despite some respondents having misunderstandings about emergency contraceptives. Therefore, the Afar Health Bureau should distribute educational materials such as brochures, posters, and flyers that teach about emergency contraception and arrange programs on a regular basis to provide accurate information concerning the utilization of emergency contraception.

Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency

Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) (OMIM #271980) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by pathogenic variants of ALDH5A1. Deficiency of SSADH results in accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and other GABA-related metabolites. The clinical phenotype of SSADHD includes a broad spectrum of non-pathognomonic symptoms such as cognitive disabilities, communication and language deficits, movement disorders, epilepsy, sleep disturbances, attention problems, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive traits. Current treatment options for SSADHD remain supportive, but there are ongoing attempts to develop targeted genetic therapies. This study aimed to create consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of SSADHD. Thirty relevant statements were initially addressed by a systematic literature review, resulting in different evidence levels of strength according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. The highest level of evidence (level A), based on randomized controlled trials, was unavailable for any of the statements. Based on cohort studies, Level B evidence was available for 12 (40%) of the statements. Thereupon, through a process following the Delphi Method and directed by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) criteria, expert opinion was sought, and members of an SSADHD Consensus Group evaluated all the statements. The group consisted of neurologists, epileptologists, neuropsychologists, neurophysiologists, metabolic disease specialists, clinical and biochemical geneticists, and laboratory scientists affiliated with 19 institutions from 11 countries who have clinical experience with SSADHD patients and have studied the disorder. Representatives from parent groups were also included in the Consensus Group. An analysis of the survey's results yielded 25 (83%) strong and 5 (17%) weak agreement strengths. These first-of-their-kind consensus guidelines intend to consolidate and unify the optimal care that can be provided to individuals with SSADHD.

Abstract B043: The caregiver burden of patients with Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and feeling of regret for treatment decisions associated with GBM standard of care using qualitative analysis

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify areas where caregivers of patients with Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) experienced feelings of regret in association to the treatment decisions related to standard of care. The standard of care for GBM consists of maximal surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation. This often leads to physical, cognitive, and physiological deficits. Due to the rapid onset and disease progression, patients and their caregivers must quickly make medical decisions regarding whether to pursue treatment and to what extent to continue treatment. The study sample included 101 letters written by female caregivers belonging to a Facebook group, “We are the wives of GBM and this is our story.” Members of the Facebook group were recruited to write letters to GBM healthcare providers describing their experiences as caregivers for spouses/partners of patients with GBM. This study was a secondary analysis of the narratives in the letters (UNCW IRB 22-0103) focusing on treatment decision-making. The research approach used in this study was Reflexive Thematic Analysis using NVivo qualitative data management software. Team members individually and collaboratively completed the six phases of reflexive thematic analysis: 1) data familiarization, 2) systematic data coding, 3) generating initial themes, 4) developing and reviewing themes, 5) refining and naming themes, and 6) writing the report to provide insight into study participants’ experiences. Six main themes were identified: 1) communication with different providers, 2) disease trajectory communication, 3) involvement with palliative care, 4) reliance on peer-to-peer communication, 5) description of side effects, 6) reflection on treatment decisions. Of 101 letters analyzed, 7 caregiver/patient dyads decided against treatment and 10 caregivers expressed regret in pursuing treatment. Nearly 40% of the letters indicated struggles by caregivers when communicating with health care team members about the disease, treatments, and their anticipated side effects. Nineteen caregivers relied on information from other caregivers (peer-to-peer communication) likely due to difficulties in getting information directly from health care providers. When describing care teams, only 20% of the letters mentioned palliative care as part of care teams. These caregivers struggled to obtain proper disease trajectory information, information about side effects of treatment options, and expressed patterns of miscommunication or low communication with providers. The lack information by providers about the GBM disease trajectory, its impacts on the patient and their families, and the fact that caregivers relied on peer-peer communication suggests the caregivers did not receive adequate information about the GBM disease trajectory and progression from their health care team which limited their understanding. This data suggests caregivers may have advocated for different treatment decisions and options if they had received adequate information from the health care team. Citation Format: Marlee S. Wallace, Megan P. Chard, Elizabeth A. James, Barbara J. Lutz, Laurie A. Minns. The caregiver burden of patients with Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and feeling of regret for treatment decisions associated with GBM standard of care using qualitative analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Brain Cancer; 2023 Oct 19-22; Minneapolis, Minnesota. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_1):Abstract nr B043.

Plant and Arthropod IgE-Binding Papain-like Cysteine Proteases: Multiple Contributions to Allergenicity.

Papain-like cysteine proteases are widespread and can be detected in all domains of life. They share structural and enzymatic properties with the group's namesake member, papain. They show a broad range of protein substrates and are involved in several biological processes. These proteases are widely exploited for food, pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic biotechnological applications. However, some of them are known to cause allergic reactions. In this context, the objective of this review is to report an overview of some general properties of papain-like cysteine proteases and to highlight their contributions to allergy reactions observed in humans. For instance, the literature shows that their proteolytic activity can cause an increase in tissue permeability, which favours the crossing of allergens through the skin, intestinal and respiratory barriers. The observation that allergy to PLCPs is mostly detected for inhaled proteins is in line with the reports describing mite homologs, such as Der p 1 and Der f 1, as major allergens showing a frequent correlation between sensitisation and clinical allergic reactions. In contrast, the plant food homologs are often digested in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, they only rarely can cause allergic reactions in humans. Accordingly, they are reported mainly as a cause of occupational diseases.

Trajectories of physical well-being among adults with acute myeloid leukemia

AbstractPatients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often undergo physical decline leading to negative outcomes. Identification of distinct trajectories may help guide clinical decision-making and supportive care interventions. We built group-based trajectory models (GBTM) to find trajectories of change in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Physical Well-Being (FACT-PWB) subscale (up to 5 time points over 0 to 200 days of follow-up) using data from adults with newly diagnosed AML in 4 supportive care studies. We also estimated the association of baseline characteristics (age, marital status, education, AML risk, baseline FACT-PWB, depression, and anxiety) with group membership. Among 343 patients with ≥2 FACT-PWB scores, mean age was 69.6 years (standard deviation, 12.1); most had intermediate-risk AML (n = 178 [51.8%]), received intensive treatment (n = 244 [71.1%]), and died during follow-up (n = 199 [58.0%]). The GBTM with 4 distinct trajectories showed the best fit. The largest group (n = 153 [45.0%]) showed slight improvement, whereas the smallest (n = 8 [2.4%]) experienced early decline with later improvement. Baseline FACT-PWB was the only characteristic statistically significantly associated with group membership. Adults with AML show distinct trajectories of physical well-being, and many experience some decline. Exploring trajectories of self-reported and objective physical function may inform decision-making and interventions. These trials were registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT02975869, #NCT03310918, and #NCT03372291.

Patient and public involvementin the development of health services: Engagement of underserved populations in a quality improvement programme for inflammatory bowel disease using a community-based participatory approach.

Involving people with lived experience is fundamental to healthcare development and delivery. This is especially true for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) services, where holistic and personalised models of care are becoming increasingly important. There is, however, a significant lack of representation of underserved and diverse groups in IBD research, and there are significant barriers to healthcare access and utilisation among minority groups in IBD. IBD centres need to be aware of these experiences to address barriers via service changes, improve interactions with local communities and promote meaningful engagement for improved health outcomes. A pragmatic community-based approach was taken to engage with leaders and members of underserved groups across 11 workshops representing Roma, Afro-Caribbean, people of African descent and the wider black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, Muslim women, refugee community members, deprived areas of South Yorkshire, LGBTQ+ and deaf populations. Thematic analysis of field notes identified patterns of attention across the community groups and where improvements to services were most frequently suggested. Findings demonstrated several barriers experienced to healthcare access and utilisation, including language accessibility, staff attitudes and awareness, mental health and stigma, continuity of support, and practical factors such as ease of service use and safe spaces. These barriers acted as a lever to co-producing service changes that are responsive to the health and social care needs of these groups. Engaging with people from a range of communities is imperative for ensuring that service improvements in IBD are accessible and representative of individual needs and values. Local community leaders and members of community groups actively participated in the co-design and development of improvements to the IBDservice for a local hospital. Their contributions further informed a pilot process for quality improvement programmes in IBD centres.

A pilot program to expand career opportunities in conservation for students of color

AbstractThe Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program (SCLP) is a pilot initiative designed to expand career development opportunities to undergraduate students of color in their senior year who are interested in pursuing a career in conservation and/or employment with a land trust organization. Through SCLP, undergraduate seniors engage in career development activities and events, network with conservation practitioners, receive mentorship from a Conservationist of Color group member with similar career interests, attend the Land Trust Alliance Rally National Land Conservation Conference (LTA Rally Conference), and can qualify for a paid year‐long fellowship with a land trust. This study explores the evidence gathered during the program to determine if the SCLP achieved the initial desired outcomes. Two cohorts of scholars have participated in the pilot program activities and events. Both cohorts were asked to complete surveys before and immediately after attending the LTA Rally Conference as well as 6–9 months following the conference to share their experiences and perspectives about the program. The evidence strongly suggests that the SCLP pilot initiative is achieving the programmatic outcomes of expanding career development opportunities to students of color, increasing their interest in pursuing a career in conservation and/or working with a land trust organization.

Determinants of Women in Post- Production Agri-value Chain Activities on Group Participation in Njoro and Molo Sub-counties, Nakuru County, Kenya

The Kenyan government has been promoting group participation to enhance agricultural productivity through marketing and financial access to improve livelihoods. Groups have also been valued for their ability to foster social capital and collective actions. However, women's involvement in these groups has not been primarily focused on and taken seriously. Although previous researchers have clearly shown the importance of group participation, the determinants of group participation by women agri-preneurs is still unknown. This article therefore, determined the factors influencing women participation in groups in Njoro and Molo Sub-counties, Nakuru County. A multistage sampling technique was employed. Njoro and Molo Sub-counties in Nakuru County, Kenya between March and August 2023.The study sampled 267 female agri-preneurs, both group participants and non-participants. Data processing was done using STATA and SPSS software. The Binary Logit regression model determined the factors influencing women participation in groups. The major factors influencing women agri-preneurs’ participation in groups included: Previous experience about group membership, the size of agribusiness enterprise in terms of income and ability of the female agri-preneur to access and borrow the loan at 95% confidence level. : Previous experience about group membership (P=.000), the size of agribusiness enterprise in terms of income (P=.000) and ability of the female agri-preneur to access and borrow the loan (P=.002) were statistically significant in (P&lt;.05) to their participation in groups. Previous experience about group membership, the size of agribusiness enterprise in terms of income and ability of the female agri-preneur to access and borrow the loan positively influences women participation in groups. This can be attributed to more experience, skills, knowledge and attitude that female agri-preneurs get as they involve more in previous groups and the accessibility of the resources needed to manage their post- production activities.

Gaps In Quality Of Care Not Consistent Between Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage For Racial And Ethnic Groups.

The quality of care experienced by members of racial and ethnic minority groups in Medicare Advantage, which is an increasingly important source of Medicare coverage for these groups, has critical implications for health equity. Comparing gaps in Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare for three quality-of-care outcomes, measured by adverse health events, between minority and non-Hispanic White populations, we found that the relative magnitude of the gaps varied both by racial and ethnic minority group and by quality measure. Hispanic versus non-Hispanic White gaps were smaller in Medicare Advantage than in traditional Medicare for all outcomes: avoidable emergency department use, preventable hospitalizations, and thirty-day hospital readmissions. The gap between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White populations was larger in Medicare Advantage than in traditional Medicare for avoidable emergency department use but was no different for hospital readmissions and was smaller for preventable hospitalizations. The Asian versus non-Hispanic White gap was similar in Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare for avoidable emergency department use and preventable hospitalizations but was larger in Medicare Advantage for hospital readmissions. As Medicare Advantage enrollment expands, monitoring the quality of care for enrollees who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups will remain important.

Predictors and concomitants of the remission of frequent headache in pediatrics: A longitudinal community study.

We aimed to examine factors associated with frequent headache remission in schoolchildren aged 10-18 years. Frequent headache is a common health problem in adolescence, and some individuals in this population experience remission. Factors preceding headache remission as opposed to ongoing headache, and their development over time, have not been examined extensively. Data were derived from a large school sample (N = 2280). Over the course of 1 year, n = 156 adolescents experienced remission from frequent headaches, while n = 125 adolescents continued to have frequent headaches throughout the year. In this longitudinal case-control study, we predicted headache remission using demographic, pain, psychosocial, sleep, and physiological characteristics. Additionally, we sought to explore the development of psychosocial, sleep, and physiological characteristics in relation to remitted versus ongoing headache over the 1-year period. A model containing the variables sex (odds ratio [OR] = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.248-0.76, p = 0.003), headache intensity (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73-0.99, p = 0.035), anxiety score (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85-1.01, p = 0.071), and depression score (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89-1.00, p = 0.041) predicted the outcome variable (remitted vs. non-remitted headache), explaining 17% of the variance in group membership. Schoolchildren reporting remitted headache at the end of the year exhibited lower depression (F[1, 557.01] = 45.77, p < 0.001) and anxiety scores (F[1, 557.01] = 21.72, p < 0.001), higher school satisfaction (F[1, 209.46] = 7.15, p = 0.008), and fewer difficulties falling asleep (F[1, 856.52] = 41.21, p < 0.001) or sleeping through the night (F[1, 731.12] = 26.42, p < 0.001) throughout the year compared to those with non-remitted headache. Depression scores declined significantly over the year in the group with remitted headache, whereas these scores remained constant in the group with non-remitted headache. Our results suggest a correlation between headache remission and male sex, improved mental health, and reduced pain-related burden. Moreover, there was an observed decline in symptoms of depression during headache remission. Psychotherapy may be a promising treatment strategy for addressing frequent headaches reported by children and adolescents.

Developmental trajectories of conduct problems and time-varying peer problems: the Bergen child study.

While it is increasingly acknowledged that conduct problems and peer problems often co-occur in development, less is known about the ways in which peer problems may alter the developmental course of conduct problems for distinct subgroups. Using data from a large population-based study in Norway (the Bergen Child Study/youth@hordaland; 47.4% males), we estimated group-based trajectories of conduct problems and the presence of time-varying peer problems on the developmental progression of conduct problems between seven and 19 years of age. Risk factors for group membership were also examined. A 3-group model of conduct problems best fit the data (non-engagers, low-engagers, moderate-stable). The presence of peer problems increased the estimated level of conduct problems for both the low-engagers and moderate-stable groups across adolescence. No differences in conduct problems were observed when peer problems were present in childhood or preadolescence for these two groups, nor for the non-engagers group at any point. Being male, having lower perceived economic wellbeing, and lower levels of parental education predicted group membership for the moderate-stable group, whilst lower paternal education predicted membership for the low-engagers group. Support for developmental 'turning points' was found, suggesting that adolescence is a particularly salient time for those with conduct problems. In particular, the presence of peer problems can increase observed conduct problems at this stage in development.