High Interest Research Articles

Fear of cancer recurrence in long-term colorectal cancer survivors: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Knowledge about fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among recurrence-free long-term colorectal cancer survivors (CRCS) is limited. This national cross-sectional study aimed to (1) assess the prevalence and correlates of FCR among CRCS; (2) investigate associations between colorectal cancer-specific symptoms and FCR; and (3) identify predictors of interest in engaging in FCR treatment. We identified 9638 living Danish CRCS, age above 18years, diagnosed between 2014 and 2018 through the Danish Clinical Registries. Electronic surveys were distributed between May 2023 and May 2024. FCR was measured on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory - Short Form (FCRI-SF). Associations with colorectal cancer-specific physical symptoms and psychological symptoms were analyzed using logistic regression models. Of 5480 respondents (56.9%; mean age: 73, range (30-99; 42% female), 5.3% of survivors reported clinical FCR (cFCR). In multivariate analyses, having severe abdominal pain (OR 8.7 (95% CI 4.8-15.8)), abdominal bloating, tension, or heaviness (OR 10.0 (95% CI (6.1-16.3)) and tiredness (OR 7.1 (95% CI (4.1-12.1)) were associated with increased odds of cFCR, as were psychological symptoms (health anxiety; OR 19.7 (95% CI (13.5-28.6)), anxiety; OR 11.2 (95% CI (6.4-19.6)), depression; OR 5.5 (95% CI (2.6-11.9)) compared to no FCR. Among those with cFCR, 75% were interested in treatment, with higher interest among males and chemotherapy recipients. FCR severity is strongly associated with specific colorectal symptoms, tiredness, and psychological symptoms. Addressing cancer-specific physical symptoms may be a promising strategy for reducing FCR.

P0635 Degree of interest in using a cognitive-behavioral therapy application for fatigue management and related factors among outpatients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with a diminished quality of life. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of fatigue management programmes that use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other psychotherapies. CBT is often face-to-face and individually time consuming, and there are personnel challenges in its implementation in real-world clinical settings. This study aimed to understand the needs of Japanese patients with IBD regarding fatigue management and explore the characteristics of those willing to use CBT applications (apps). Methods This study involved secondary analysis of data from 488 patients treated at a specialised IBD clinic in Japan. Patient characteristics, such as sex, age, disease duration, interest in CBT programmes, and interest in CBT apps for fatigue management (each assessed on a 7-point ordinal scale from 0 for not interested to 6 for very interested), and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale score were included in the survey. Data on blood parameters and disease activity, as determined by Crohn’s activity index and the partial Mayo score, were obtained from medical records. Results Among the participants, 85% were in clinical remission, 58% had Crohn’s disease (CD), and 66% were male. Forty-five percent of the patients were affected by moderate or high levels of fatigue (FACIT-F score > 40). The mean score for interest in the CBT programme was 3.3 ± 1.9, with 69% expressing moderate or greater interest (scores ≥ 3). Interest in the CBT app averaged 2.5 ± 1.9, with 50% expressing a moderate level of interested or higher. Interest in the CBT programme was significantly higher among females and those with greater levels of fatigue (lower FACIT-F scores) or lower levels of emotional well-being. Significant factors associated with higher interest in the CBT app included female sex and greater levels of fatigue. Conclusion Interest in CBT for fatigue management among patients with IBD was moderate, with higher levels of interest observed in patients experiencing greater levels of fatigue, particularly among females. CBT apps offer a promising alternative for addressing fatigue, potentially enhancing accessibility and convenience in clinical settings. Future strategies incorporating CBT apps may help meet the needs of those with limited access to in-person therapies.

Pengaruh Literasi Manajemen Bisnis Syariah terhadap Minat Investasi pada Pasar Modal

The main goal of this research is to examine how interest in investing in the Sharia market is influenced by Islamic financial knowledge. A thorough grasp of financial concepts that adhere to Islamic law, such as riba, zakat, and the idea of fairness in financial transactions, is necessary for Islamic financial literacy. Islamic financial literacy may have a significant role in investing choices, as shown by the rising knowledge of halal and Sharia-compliant assets. 200 respondents—both current and potential investors in the Sharia capital market—were given questionnaires as part of this study's quantitative methodology. Higher interest in investing in Sharia capital market products like sukuk and Sharia mutual funds is positively correlated with higher levels of Islamic financial literacy, according to the study's findings. These results underline the need of more comprehensive Islamic financial education initiatives to raise public awareness and aid in the growth of Indonesia's Sharia capital market. In order to stimulate investment interest, it is also determined that improvements in Sharia investment products and supporting regulations are essential. Thus, this research comes to the conclusion that promoting a more inclusive Islamic economy and developing the Sharia capital market may both be greatly aided by increasing Islamic financial literacy. This study shows that interest in investing in the Sharia capital market is strongly influenced by Islamic financial knowledge. Sharia-compliant investment products like sukuk (Islamic bonds) and Sharia mutual funds are more likely to be chosen by investors who have a firm grasp of Islamic financial concepts like riba (usury), zakat (almsgiving), and profit-sharing. The research emphasizes the value of thorough financial education initiatives and easily available information in raising public awareness of Islamic finance. It is anticipated that these initiatives would boost more inclusive and sustainable economic development in Indonesia and raise participation in the Sharia capital market.

Neuroscience Literacy and Academic Outcomes: Insights from a University Student Population.

Background/Objectives: There is growing interest in neuroscience-informed education, as well as neuroscience-derived strategies that maximise learning. Studies on neuroscience literacy and neuromyths, i.e., understandings or misconceptions about the brain, have primarily focused on their prevalence in educators, and few studies have examined their impact on students' study habits or academic performance. Methods: To address this gap, we surveyed 576 university students in different academic programmes to investigate the relationship between neuromyths and academic outcomes in university students. In this quantitative, cross-sectional study design, we used a validated neuroscience knowledge survey and the Revised Two-factor Study Process (R-SPQ-2F) Questionnaire. We also inquired about students' interest in, exposure to, and awareness of neuroscience, as well as their academic grades. Results: Students showed significant awareness of and interest in neuroscience; this was highest among students in health science programmes and lowest among students in computer and engineering programmes. The most common sources of general neuroscience knowledge were internet articles. Higher neuroscience literacy was associated with higher interest in neuroscience and having taken more neuroscience courses. Neuromyth scores were also better among those with higher neuroscience literacy scores. Higher neuroscience literacy scores were significantly associated with higher grades, higher surface strategy scores, and lower surface motive study habits. Conclusions: Our study sheds light on the variations in foundational neuroscience literacy among students in different academic programmes. It also provides insight into how this foundation affects academic performance and study habits. This insight may help guide educational policymakers to adopt neuroscience-based strategies that may be beneficial for learning.

Tailoring implementation strategies for the healthy actions and lifestyles to Avoid Dementia or Hispanos y el ALTo a la Demencia Program: Lessons learned from a survey study.

Healthy Actions and Lifestyles to Avoid Dementia Program (HALT-AD) or Hispanos y el ALTo a la Demencia is a recently-developed online educational platform to help individuals identify and modify their own dementia modifiable risk factors (MRF). In light of known challenges in recruiting and retaining diverse participants in research studies, there is a need to identify data-informed strategies that will contribute to effective outreach and tailored implementation of HALT-AD among its intended users of Hispanic and non-Hispanic midlife and older adults in the US. To identify factors (i.e, demographic, medical, psychosocial and environmental) that may facilitate or impede effective program enrollment and participation. Cross-sectional study SETTING: Data from an online and self-administered survey conducted between January and April 2023 PARTICIPANTS: Residents of California, predominately San Diego, who were 50 to 85 years old, with no dementia or Alzheimer's disease, proficient in English or Spanish and with enough technical ability to complete the survey electronically (n=157; 43% Hispanic). INTERVENTION (IF ANY): none MEASUREMENTS: RedCap was used to capture answers to closed and open-ended survey questions. Mixed-methods analysis was used: For quantitative data, descriptive statistics, comparisons by group (Hispanic/non-Hispanic), and exploratory factor analysis were conducted in SPSS. Thematic analysis with open coding in Excel was used for qualitative responses. Independent of ethnicity, participants' most preferred method of reach for recruitment was through a conversation with their doctor or with a family member or friend. Their least preferred method was receiving a Facebook advertisement especially among non-Hispanics. Interest in program participation did not differ by sociodemographic characteristics or self-rated satisfaction with individualized MRFs. Instead, having higher confidence in one's ability to commit to behavior change was significantly associated with higher interest in program participation. While a common theme to motivate both groups to participate was the potential to decrease dementia risk, non-Hispanics were motivated by the premise of supporting research and having a positive user experience. For program implementation, Hispanics were more likely to be interested in participating if live sessions, either online or in-person, were provided to offer support with making lifestyle changes as adjunct to completing online courses independently. In both groups, participation may be further facilitated by offering wearable devices which provide participants with feedback on lifestyle change progress. A "one-size-fits-all" approach to recruitment and implementation of HALT-AD may not be effective in enrolling and retaining participants in future studies or for clinical use. Instead, a tailored approach that accounts for personal and ethnically-dependent preferences may be more beneficial.

Investigating the Impact of Learning Interest on Student Achievement in Javanese Language Courses at State Senior High Schools

Learning interest is a critical factor influencing students' academic achievement. This study examines the relationship between students' interest in learning and their learning outcomes in Javanese language lessons, emphasizing its role in preserving cultural heritage. A quantitative approach with a correlational research design was employed. The study was conducted at State Senior High School 2 Purbalingga, involving a population of 368 eleventh-grade students. Using simple random sampling, 192 students were selected. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and documentation, and analyzed using simple regression and the product-moment correlation formula. The findings indicate a significant relationship between students' learning interest and their learning outcomes in Javanese language lessons, with a calculated r-value of 0.670 and a p-value 0.05 (0.000). These results demonstrate a moderately strong positive correlation, suggesting that higher interest in learning is associated with better academic performance. The results highlight the importance of fostering interest in learning to improve academic outcomes and support the integration of cultural values through education. Internal factors, such as motivation, and external factors, such as teaching methods, are crucial in enhancing student engagement. This study underscores the positive impact of learning interest on academic achievement in Javanese language lessons. The findings contribute to strategies aimed at improving educational outcomes while preserving cultural heritage, emphasizing the need for innovative teaching methods and stakeholder collaboration.

Fiscal Dominance: The End of Inflation Targeting?

The acceleration of government expenditures and public debt in both developed and developing countries has prompted concerns about the medium-term sustainability of fiscal policies. If these trends persist, countries may reach a point in the coming decades when fiscal dominance is challenged and the central bank’s ability to combat inflation through higher interest rates is constrained by the risk of undermining fiscal sustainability. Experts have frequently pointed out that, under such conditions, the central bank may be forced to abandon inflation targeting and adopt a more passive role. This paper offers an alternative scenario by proposing that the central bank’s mandate be adjusted to reflect the evolving economic landscape, specifically by incorporating the level of real public debt. This adjustment to the central bank’s mandate means that the optimal monetary policy rule would directly depend on the fiscal policy regime. The analysis conducted here using a New Keynesian DSGE model demonstrates that the kind of change in the mandate that this article proposes would make central bank policy more resilient toward changes in the fiscal policy regime and facilitate balance between stabilized inflation, output, and the level of public debt. In addition, the inclusion of debt in the central bank mandate would enable the bank to retain its active role in fighting inflation in response to an active fiscal policy. The article indicates that a fiscal dominance regime does not necessarily force the central bank to completely lose its independence in shaping monetary policy or to abandon the basic principles of inflation targeting.

Pengaruh Pengetahuan Kewirausahaan dan Self Efficacy terhadap Minat Berwirausaha pada Mahasiswa Pendidikan Ekonomi Stambuk 2021 Universitas Negeri Medan

Students who understand entrepreneurship courses will develop an attitude to achieve achievements, which arises from confidence in themselves. Positive self-confidence is an important element in achieving success and creating satisfaction in line with the knowledge gained. Realizing the importance of students' personal factors, the researcher is interested in exploring the level of students' self-efficacy towards entrepreneurship courses. This study uses a quantitative research method with a causal associative approach, which aims to determine the causal relationship between independent variables (entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy) and dependent variables (entrepreneurial interest). The population in this study is 80 students of the 2021 Stambuk Economic Education at the State University of Medan. The sampling technique used the stratified random sampling method, using the Slovin formula with a significance level of 5%, then the number of samples obtained was 67 people. The results of the study show that entrepreneurial knowledge has a positive and significant influence on students' interest in entrepreneurship. The regression coefficient was 0.527 with a significance value of p = 0.000 (p < 0.05) shows that students who have a better understanding of entrepreneurship tend to have a higher interest in starting a business. Self efficacy, or students' confidence in their ability to achieve goals, does not have a significant influence on entrepreneurial interest. This can be seen from the regression coefficient value of 0.063 and the significance value of p = 0.491 (p > 0.05). This means that even though there is a The positive relationship between self-efficacy and interest, the level of student confidence is not strong enough to directly increase the interest in entrepreneurship. Simultaneously, entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy contribute to students' interest in entrepreneurship. Based on the multiple linear regression test, the model shows that these two variables together can explain the variation in entrepreneurial interest. However, the dominant contribution comes from entrepreneurial knowledge, because this variable has a more significant influence than self-efficacy.

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS IN INDIA: LEGAL PROVISIONS AND JUDICIAL APPROACH

Most of the mergers and acquisitions are a consequence of positive economic factors like escalation in the GDP, the macroeconomic setting, fiscal policies and higher interest rates. Over the years, these factors have changed the way these mergers and acquisitions happen and have led to massive growth in markets. India has, in recent years, logged record deal-makings as far as mergers and acquisitions are concerned. Though, such activity can substantially contribute towards economic growth and consumer wellbeing, but the various legal issues that need to be dealt with to ensure that the growth continues smoothly and the mergers and acquisitions are a pleasant experience for all stakeholders. Most provisions to regulate mergers and acquisitions are under The Company Law, but the regulations are spread across many enactments. In this Article, we are trying to explore all the legal provisions that mainly govern Mergers and Acquisitions, and we will also be exploring the judicial approach of the Indian Courts towards such activity.

Regional High Debt Risk and Enterprise Innovation

Local governments have a significant impact on business activities and enterprises behavior. This paper selects the data of A-share listed companies and uses panel data regression analysis model to test the mechanism of regional high debt risk inhibiting innovation. The research findings are as follows: First, the expansion of local government debt restricts enterprises' investment in innovation and research and inhibits their innovation ability by improving corporate financing constraints, reducing government subsidies and tax incentives. Excessive local debt may lead to lower credit ratings, higher interest rates, limited financing channels, and thus crowding out corporate financing. In this case, enterprises may be forced to reduce R&D-related investment. As a result, local government debt inhibits firms' ability to innovate through financing constraints..Second, the mixed ownership reform and strategic differentiation can help enterprises to reverse their disadvantages and increase innovation and R&D investment. Mixed reform can reduce the policy burden of enterprises and reduce government intervention so that enterprises can focus more on innovation activities. Strategic differentiation leads to continuous learning and improvement process, and it will stimulate the innovation vitality of enterprises and achieve the growth of innovation performance.

Determining the Impact of the Reversal of Roe v. Wade on Birth Control and Infertility Trends Using Google Trends.

Introduction Overturning Roe v. Wade left many concerned about birth control options and future fertility. This study aims to report Google (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA) search trends regarding birth control and infertility options before and after the Dobb v. Jackson decision. Methods Google Trends (Google, Inc., Mountain View, CA) data were analyzed between January 2020 and August 2022. The relative search volume (RSV), a measure of proportional search volume, was obtained for terms related to birth control and infertility treatments. Abortion laws and median household income were compared to search term popularity. Linear regression and t-test analysis were performed. Results Interest in surgical birth control increased most in June 2022 compared to June 2021, with vasectomy interest increasing by 142% and tubal ligation by 98%. Surrounding the Roe v. Wade announcement, increases were seen in searches for vasectomy (90%), vasectomy reversal (142%), oral contraceptive pill (56%), plan B (36%), and in vitro fertilization (29%) (P < 0.05). Lower median household income was associated with increased interest in "vasectomy," "tubal ligation," and "plan B," while higher median household income was associated with increased interest in "in vitro fertilization" (P < 0.05). Seven of the top 10 states with the highest interest in surgical birth control had laws banning abortion at any gestational age. Conclusions Changes in access to abortion have led to increased online interest in birth control and fertility treatment options. Surgical birth control searches were highest in states with stricter abortion laws, warranting investigation into access to reversible contraception, while the rise in fertility searches brought to light concerns regarding future laws impacting fertility care.

The Impact of Incentivization on Recruitment, Retention, Data Quality, and Participant Characteristics in Ecological Momentary Assessments

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) study participation is usually incentivized using monetary (e.g., fixed or performance-contingent payment) or non-monetary (e.g., feedback) compensation. This study investigates the impact of this incentivization on recruitment, retention, data quality, and participant characteristics in a sample of 74 students. For this purpose, an EMA study (time-based sampling) was conducted in participants’ daily life using a 2 Payment (fixed/ performance-contingent) x 2 Feedback (yes/ no) experimental between-subjects design. Offering feedback increased the likelihood of participation and reduced the likelihood of participants receiving fixed payment to drop out. Offering feedback additionally improved data quality. Furthermore, offering feedback attracted participants with higher interest in research and the study topic. Offering fixed vs performance-contingent payment had little effect on the outcomes of interest. Offering feedback as compensation in EMA studies may facilitate recruitment and increase data quality; however, it may also risk higher selection bias. Conclusions are drawn from a relatively small student sample; the results thus need to be replicated in larger and more diverse samples.

“Superstitious” Investors

Abstract We reconsider the excess volatility puzzle through the lens of a model in which agents believe they can predict dividend growth when in fact they cannot. Besides excess volatility in the time series, the model explains the value premium, and the explanatory power of the value factor. In support of the model, we show that analysts’ earnings forecasts align with market valuation and that analysts are far more optimistic about growth stocks than they are about value stocks. Using both survey and price data, we show that the same mechanism can explain the excess returns earned by investing in high-interest rate currencies. (JEL G12, G15, G41)

VRIO Analysis in Developing Branding Strategies for Egg-Based Food Products as Souvenirs from Blitar – Local Perspective

Blitar is rich in tourism potential. The local economy stands to benefit significantly from tourism, creating job opportunities and enhancing community development. Blitar's position as a major egg producer offers unique opportunities for developing egg-based souvenirs. However, challenges include identifying appealing products and effective branding strategy is required to enhance the marketability of these products, fostering economic growth and tourism in the region. This study utilizes a mixed-method approach to explore consumer perceptions of egg-based processed products in Blitar, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews of business actors. A survey of 61 respondents gathered measurable data on consumer preferences and factors influencing purchasing decisions. In-depth interviews provided insights into marketing strategies and challenges faced by producers. The study employs descriptive statistics and VRIO analysis to develop effective branding strategies for promoting processed egg products as signature souvenirs from. The analysis reveals that respondents indicating higher interest in egg-based products as souvenirs from Blitar as food significantly influences their choice of tourist destinations, with a strong preference for local ingredients. However, awareness of Blitar’s egg production potential is low, leading to limited appeal for egg-based products. The VRIO analysis shows organizational weaknesses hinder competitive advantage despite valuable product features. Effective branding strategies tailored to consumer expectations are crucial for market success. Enhancing product awareness and education through organized action can further strengthen the appeal of these culinary offerings in tourism.

Is the market tougher with riskier banks? Evidence from the pricing of bank debt securities during a financial turmoil episode

The philosophy behind the indirect channel of market discipline in banking regulation presumes that the pricing of bank securities, if accurate, conveys reliable signals to supervisors. In this paper, we explore empirically the possibility that markets price differently the risk profile of bank issuers along the empirical distribution of security prices. The paper uses a quantile regression framework to draw novel inferences about the functioning of debt market discipline and the quality of private monitoring in European banking during a severe financial turmoil episode: 1995--2002. This period is characterized by large swings in yields due to the Russian default and LTCM crisis, the burst of the dot-com bubble, and Enron’s failure. We find that the yield spread-risk relationship is systematically steeper at the “right-tail” of the conditional distribution of the credit spread. This result suggests that the market is somewhat “tougher” with riskier banks; that is, riskier bank issuers borrow at higher interest rates, which are increasing in their degree of riskiness.

Rewriting the Future of Transplant and Vascular Surgery: Survey Suggests Vascular Surgery Workforce Available to Increase Retention and Recruitment in Transplant.

The specialties of vascular surgery and transplant surgery have had difficulties in recruitment and retention of professionals. We e-mailed a 10-question survey to a distribution list compiled from peerreviewed vascular surgery journals and Professional online profiles associated with the vascular community. Respondents interested in transplant or in a kidney transplant-vascular curricula merger were labeled as "invested" in transplant. The characteristics of respondents invested in transplant versus respondents invested in vascular-only pathway (not invested) were compared with the Fisher exact test and multivariable logistic regression. We used STATA for analyses, with P ≤ .05 as an indication of significance. Of 113 respondents, 56 (50%) reported a current interest in organ transplantation. Within the interested group, most (66%, 38/58) favored renal only training. The invested group (55% 62/113) had higher interest in fellowship than the group not invested (P = .002) and favored a shorter fellowship for kidneyonly and combined kidney-liver training (P = .001 and P = .04,respectively). An additional 21 were interested in transplant training integrated with residency but not a fellowship, totaling a cumulative 73% (83/113) with interestin transplanttraining. Respondents older than aged 50 years and attending vascular surgeons (0+5) had significantly decreased investment in transplant (P = .027 and P = .033), respectively. A robust vascular surgery workforce with an interest in organ transplant training is potentially available. Surgeons trained in vascular transplant would require a vascular transplant pathway to be established, which could diversify skills and may increase diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Perbedaan Minat Mengikuti Organisasi pada Mahasiswa Program Studi Psikologi dan Ilmu Komunikasi Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta

This study aims to identify differences in organizational interests between Psychology and Communication Science students at Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta. With a quantitative approach and comparative design, data were obtained through a questionnaire involving 184 students from both study programs. The results of the analysis using the Mann-Whitney test showed that Communication Science students had a higher interest in organizing than Psychology students. This difference is thought to be influenced by internal and external factors, such as the need to expand social networks and develop communication skills in Communication Science students. These findings are expected to be a reference for institutions in designing more appropriate organizational development programs for students from various study programs, according to their respective needs and interests.

Inaccurate Borrower Information and Credit Risk: Evidence from Marketplace Loans

Abstract Inaccurate borrower-provided information in marketplace loans is informative about credit risk. An inaccuracy index constructed from the consistency of loan amount with outstanding credit balance, roundness of reported income, and roundness of chosen loan amount predicts the likelihood of default, and the additional default risk is not compensated by higher interest. Inaccurate information is more prevalent in areas with lower social capital and weaker social norms. It is also lower among borrowers whose professions are considered less honest, and among borrowers with higher income uncertainty. These results suggest that inaccuracy is driven by both deliberate misreporting and genuine uncertainty. (JEL D12, D91, G23, G41) Received: 6 April 2023; Editorial decision: 31 March 2024 Editor: Isil Erel Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.

Predictors of infectious disease-related behaviors among adolescents in Armenia

Abstract Background We explored the behaviors related to infectious diseases (ID) and its predictors among 15-17 years old adolescents in Armenia. Methods We surveyed adolescents from public and private high schools in Yerevan and one province in 2023. The instrument explored ID-related behaviors, health literacy (HL), interest in health, and socio-demographics. ID-related behaviors were measured with five Yes/No questions about sharing a toothbrush, covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and washing hands with soap and water - before eating, after using the bathroom, and when coming home. HL was assessed with ten questions on a scale from ‘Strongly disagree’ to ‘Strongly agree’. Summative scores were calculated for ID-related behaviors and HL. Multivariable regression analysis explored factors associated with ID-related behaviors. Results Overall, 366 students completed the survey, most of them being females (64.4%). The majority were interested in health issues (80.7%). Almost all respondents reported not sharing a toothbrush with other persons (97.9%) and usually covering their mouth when coughing or sneezing in public places (94.1%). Somewhat lower percentages reported washing hands with soap and water before eating (82.0%), after using the bathroom (89.2%), and when coming home (86.6%). The mean behavior score was 4.52 out of 5 (SD = 0.92) and the percent score was 90.4%. The average HL score was 17.41 out of 30 (SD = 4.47). In the regression analysis, being female vs. male, being interested in health vs. not, studying in private vs. public schools, and having higher HL were independent significant predictors for higher score of ID-related behaviors. Conclusions Armenian adolescents reported high levels of compliance with ID-related behaviors. Improving health literacy and fostering interest in health can help further enhance the performance of preventive behaviors. Interventions targeting public schools and male adolescents are particularly pertinent. Key messages • Being female, studying in private schools, having higher interest in health issues, and better health literacy independently positively influence infectious disease-related behaviors. • Promoting health literacy and fostering interest in health in high schools have the potential to further enhance infectious disease prevention behaviors among adolescents.

Labor market policies in high- and low-interest rate environments: Evidence from the euro area

Do labor market policies initiated in periods of loose monetary policy yield different outcomes from those introduced when monetary tightening prevails? Using data from 11 euro-area members up to 2010 – and extending to 17 countries up to 2020 – we analyze three labor market policies: replacement rates, spending on active labor market policies (ALMPs), and employment protection. We find that these policies deliver different macroeconomic outcomes in low- and high-interest rate environments. In particular, ALMPs reduce unemployment if implemented under a loose monetary policy but not otherwise, whereas higher employment protection delivers expansionary effects under a tight monetary policy. These findings highlight that the effectiveness of labor market policies is significantly influenced by the monetary policy environment, emphasizing the need for coordinated policy design. Methodologically, we contribute by proposing to average local projections using Mallow’s Cp criterion, allowing for inferences that are robust to mis-specification and accommodate non-linearities.