Unique Impact Research Articles

Associating Race, Income, and Discrimination with COVID-19 Vaccine Status, Hesitancy, and Access in the United States: A Cross-sectional Study.

There is an emerging literature exploring the role of discrimination in vaccine hesitancy, particularly among Black individuals. The goal of the present research is to explore how COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, vaccine status, and vaccine access are associated with race, income, and discrimination. A quota sample of 798 Black/White and low/high income participants from the United States completed an online survey between March 8 and April 19, 2023. The survey assessed self-reported race, income, discrimination, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine access. Perceived discrimination (B = .15, P = .002) and being Black (B = -.30, P < .001) were associated with higher vaccine hesitancy. Lower income White participants were less likely to be vaccinated than Black or higher income White participants (PR = .66, P = .04). The lowest vaccine access was reported by low-income White participants with high levels of discrimination and the highest access was reported by high-income Black participants with low levels of discrimination (B = -.03, P = .05). Our findings highlight the unique impact of discrimination on vaccine access and vaccine hesitancy. Further, despite previous literature identifying Black populations as having lower vaccine access, our findings suggest that lower income White participants reported the lowest vaccine access and were the least likely to be vaccinated. These findings have implications for understanding the impact of discrimination on vaccine-related beliefs and behaviors, which can inform vaccine-related communication in communities where discrimination is likely.

Conceptualizing Meaningful Experiences

Despite increased interest in experience and experience design in hospitality, tourism, and leisure, the field remains emergent. For experience design to mature in research and practice, clear consensus conceptualization of key constructs, like memorable, meaningful, and transformative experiences, is needed. While existing research identifies emotions as the key to memorable experiences, more conceptual work is needed to understand the unique impact and process behind meaningful experiences. This paper proposes an expanded conceptualization of the impact and process associated with meaningful experiences. We suggest that as individuals reflect on existing experiential (i.e., autobiographical) memories, they can extract insight from those memories. If any of the extracted insights connect with core sources of meaning, then the individuals perceive their experience as meaningful. Suggestions for potential strategies to design for meaningful experiences are also shared.

Rare bilateral vascular variations of the upper limb: a cadaveric case study

Arterial variations in the upper limb are of significant clinical importance, especially in procedures such as venepunctures, coronary artery bypass grafts, trauma reconstructive surgeries, brachial plexus nerve blocks, and breast reconstructions. This report presents previously undocumented arterial variations in the upper limbs in a 95-year-old female cadaveric donor. We observed bilateral superficial ulnar arteries originating at the cubital fossa, deviating from the previously reported origin at the proximal brachial artery. We found additional variations in the branches of the axillary artery: on the right side, two superior thoracic arteries emerged from the first part of the axillary artery, an accessory branch supplied the subscapular muscle, and the large subscapular artery arising from the third part of the axillary artery gave rise to both the lateral thoracic and posterior circumflex humeral arteries. On the left side, a common trunk was identified, giving rise to the transverse cervical, dorsal scapular, and accessory lateral thoracic and subscapular arteries. Moreover, the acromial artery originated directly from the axillary artery on both sides. This case report discusses the clinical significance of these unique vascular anatomical variants, their prevalence, and potential impact, emphasizing the importance for clinicians to be aware of such variations to enhance surgical planning and patient safety.

Selecting archers for the three-archer team event at major international archery competitions

Results from major international target archery competitions from 1995 to 2024 have been used to show the score trends and the estimated probability of winning either a podium position or winning the event versus the three-archer team’s position in a ranking round. The probabilities fall approximately exponentially versus ranking position. Subjectively, teams need to rank at least in the top 7 to have a reasonable probability of winning a medal. The corresponding average ranking position of each of the three team members needing to be in the mid-20s. The unique impact of the Republic of Korea’s participation in recurve team events has also been considered.

Generation of disinfection byproducts by graphene quantum dot: Graphene nanostructures and water chemistry.

Graphene quantum dot (GQD), as one of the smallest graphene nanomaterials (GNMs), has the potential to be widely used due to its excellent fluorescence properties, hydrophilicity, and good biocompatibility. GQD remaining in water will generate DBPs when entering the disinfection process, and whether the generation mechanism and influencing factors are similar to those of other GNMs has not been proven and thoroughly investigated. In this study, the total amount, effect, and mechanism of DBPs formation from GQD chlorination were investigated and compared with graphene oxide (GO) and graphene. The results show that GQD produced a total trichloromethane (TCM) amount of 1019.6μg/L, which is significantly higher than that produced by GO (99.2μg/L) and graphene (7.0μg/L) at a concentration of 500mg/L. The key factors are abundant functional groups and strong hydrophilicity of GQD after the characterization and comparison of physicochemical properties. Different water chemistry conditions influence DBPs formation, such as Br- increased the formation of brominated DBPs, and high pH led to a decrease in TCM generated by GQD, which is different from other GNMs. However, NaCl concentration can be negligible. Moreover, residual GQD in natural water can participate in the DBPs formation and increase the content of DBPs, which may be influenced by the diversity of chemical composition in surface water. This study highlights the unique impact of GQD on DBPs formation.

Perceived barriers and facilitators of staff recruiting participants to a randomised controlled trial of a community rehabilitation intervention following hip fracture

BackgroundRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) often struggle with recruitment and many need extensions which leads to delayed implementation of effective interventions. Recruitment to complex intervention trials have similar difficulties. Alongside this, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact upon trial recruitment. Research has shown that many other recruitment issues can be anticipated, for example overestimating target population prevalence; however, a range of factors may play a role. The aim of this study is to investigate facilitators and barriers to recruitment from the perspective of the recruiter.MethodsFracture in the Elderly Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation – phase III (FEMuR III) was a RCT of a complex intervention post-surgery for hip fracture in patients over 60 years old. A process evaluation was undertaken, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven recruiters between November 2022 and March 2023 to identify barriers and facilitators to recruitment. A thematic analysis was undertaken in NVIVO (Version 12) using a critical realist perspective.ResultsThe trial took place mostly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the unique impact of this on reported barriers is considered. A key finding included recruiter reluctance to approach patients that they felt would not benefit from the trial due to other factors (e.g. comorbidities or complex living situations). A possible barrier to recruiting carers appeared to be that family members did not relate to the label of ‘carer’ and so did not take part. Facilitators included recruiters approaching patients with other clinical or research staff. This approach, which included tailored initial information on the trial, reduced participant stress by increasing patient familiarity with recruiting staff and allowing staff time to develop relationships with patients.ConclusionThis paper identifies barriers and facilitators of recruitment to FEMuR III with six broad themes for both barriers and facilitators identified in the qualitative data synthesis. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was the main, but not sole, barrier to recruitment. Key findings concern reluctance to approach some eligible patients, the label of ‘carer’, the involvement of clinical staff and patient preference for trial group. Strategies to identify and overcome recruitment problems are highlighted and should be implemented and evaluated in further RCTs of complex interventions.Trial registrationISRCTN28376407. November 23, 2018.

Human macrophage response to the emerging enteric pathogen Aeromonas veronii: Inflammation, apoptosis, and downregulation of histones

ABSTRACT This study investigated the pathogenic mechanisms of Aeromonas veronii in macrophages. THP-1 derived macrophages were used as a human macrophage model and were treated with A. veronii strain AS1 isolated from intestinal biopsies of an IBD patient, or Escherichia coli strain K-12. RNA was extracted and subjected to RNA sequencing and comparative transcriptomic analyses. Protein levels of IL-8, IL-1β, IL-18, and TNFα were measured using ELISA, and apoptosis was assessed using caspase 3/7 assays. Both A. veronii AS1 and E. coli K-12 significantly upregulated the expression of many genes involving inflammation. At the protein level, A. veronii AS1 induced significantly higher levels of IL-8, TNFα, mature IL-18 and IL-1β than E. coli K-12, and led to greater elevation of caspase 3/7 activities. Both A. veronii AS1 and E. coli K-12 upregulated the expression of CASP5, but not other caspase genes. A. veronii AS1 significantly downregulated the expression of 20 genes encoding histone proteins that E. coli K-12 did not. The more profound pathogenic effects of A. veronii in inducing inflammation and apoptosis in macrophages than E. coli K-12 are consistent with its role as a human enteric pathogen. The upregulated expression of CASP5 and increased release of IL-1β and IL-18 support the role of CASP5 in activation of non-canonical inflammasome. The downregulation of histone genes by A. veronii suggests a unique impact on host cell gene expression, which may represent a novel virulence strategy. These findings advance the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of the emerging human enteric pathogen A. veronii.

Paauglių patirtys heterogeninėse teatro veiklų grupėse: socialinės įtraukties aspektai

Relationships between adolescents with disabilities and their non-disabled peers are characterised by certain tensions due to low communication experiences, so joint activities in heterogeneous groups can have a unique positive impact on each participant, while at the same time building community and social interactions. As creative and artistic activities encourage the exploration of personal strengths and abilities, engaging in them allows young people to feel like creators rather than people limited by disability. In this way, they discover new, meaningful social roles. It is important to find out what is the impact of activities in a heterogeneous theatre environment on adolescents’ social inclusion? The novelty of this study is in its retrospective approach: the participants, who are now adults, evaluated their experiences from 10–15 years ago and their relevance to their current social life, self-concept and profession. The aim of the study is to reveal the experiences of members of heterogeneous theatre groups in terms of social inclusion. The objectives of the research are: to find out the experiences of participants with disabilities, to reveal the experiences of adolescence of participants without disabilities, to analyse the experiences of participants in terms of social inclusion. The research methodology was a qualitative social research approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The method of inductive thematic analysis was chosen for data analysis. An analysis of scientific sources was carried out. Summarizing the analysis of the research, it should be noted that the participation in the heterogeneous theatre groups created positive social experiences for all participants, shaped their values, influenced their choice of profession, hobbies and had a positive impact on their quality of life. For adolescents with disabilities, activities in these groups opened up wider social experiences and creative perspectives, influenced greater self-esteem and determination in decision-making when choosing new activities, and opened up the meaningfulness of life. The participants without disabilities developed sensitivity to disability, changed their preconceptions about the abilities of their peers with disabilities, and developed closer social connections with them.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE, FIRM SIZE, AND EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF AUTOMOTIVE SUBSECTOR COMPANIES

General Background: Financial performance is a crucial indicator of a company's success and sustainability, particularly in competitive industries such as the automotive subsector. Various factors, including capital structure, firm size, and effective tax rate, are considered significant determinants of financial performance. Specific Background: In the context of the automotive subsector, these factors have garnered considerable attention due to the industry's capital-intensive nature and its exposure to dynamic market conditions. However, existing research often overlooks the combined impact of these variables within this specific sector. Knowledge Gap: Limited studies have comprehensively examined the influence of capital structure, firm size, and effective tax rate on the financial performance of automotive subsector companies, particularly during the period 2020-2023, characterized by global economic uncertainty. Aims: This study aims to analyze the effects of capital structure, firm size, and effective tax rate on the financial performance of automotive subsector companies in Indonesia. Results: Using a quantitative approach and multiple linear regression analysis on data from 12 purposively sampled companies during the 2020-2023 period, the findings reveal that all three variables—capital structure, firm size, and effective tax rate—significantly influence financial performance. Novelty: The study provides fresh insights into the interrelation of these financial determinants within the automotive subsector, highlighting their unique impact during a period of global economic flux. Implications: These findings offer valuable implications for corporate management and policymakers in designing strategies to enhance financial performance, emphasizing the need for optimal capital structuring, scaling strategies, and effective tax planning. Further research could explore longitudinal impacts and sectoral comparisons to deepen understanding of these dynamics.

THE INFLUENCE OF GLOBAL TRENDS ON THE FORMATION OF YOUTH VALUES

This article is a comprehensive study of the impact of modern global trends on the formation of values among young people. The authors focus on the influence of information technology and social media on the formation of cultural preferences of the younger generation. Special attention is paid to global environmental challenges and social inequalities, as well as their impact on the values of young people.The article reveals how global changes in the socio-cultural environment affect the value orientations of young people. Key factors such as active participation in social movements and the development of environmental awareness are analyzed. The research provides practical and theoretical insights to understand the evolution of value systems of modern youth in the context of global challenges. The results obtained can be useful for the formation of effective strategies for education and interaction with youth communities, given their unique impact on the formation of future leaders and active citizens.

Bibliometrics analysis of IL-27 as a unique cytokine (2002–2023) and impact on cancer progression

Bibliometrics analysis of IL-27 as a unique cytokine (2002–2023) and impact on cancer progression

Interpersonal hope and loving attention

Abstract Imagine that your lover or close friend has embraced a difficult long-term goal, such as advancing environmental justice, breaking a bad habit, or striving to become a better person. Which stance should you adopt towards their prospects for success? Does supporting our significant others in the pursuit of valuable goals require ignoring part of our evidence? I argue that we have special reasons––reasons grounded in friendship––to hope that our loved ones succeed in their difficult goals. I further propose that hope is an attitude governed by distinctive norms of epistemic rationality. It has a unique impact on motivation and rational action and a special capacity to be met with uptake in hope. Owing to these features, hope is the central attitudinal dimension of truly amiable support based on ‘just vision’.

The Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict on the Sales of Electric Vehicles in China

The Ukraine conflict has had a unique impact on EV sales growth in China, a key market for EV innovation and adoption. This study explores the correlation between geopolitical tensions and the surge in EV sales in China. Utilizing time series analysis methods, this paper assesses EV sales trends before and during the conflict. Coincidentally, the findings suggest that the conflict is driving growth in EV sales, likely due to a combination of factors, including increased awareness of energy security, a shift to sustainable transportation, and government incentives aimed at supporting the domestic EV industry. Quantitative analysis using an ARIMA model reveals that EV sales experienced an estimated increase of approximately 15% within the first six months following the onset of the conflict compared to pre-conflict projections. This significant uptick underscores how external geopolitical events can catalyze shifts in consumer behavior toward more sustainable alternatives. While sales are growing, the study also points to potential challenges such as supply chain disruptions and rising costs that could impact long-term growth. These challenges highlight the complex interplay between global political events and domestic market trends. The findings advise policymakers and industry players to remain vigilant and proactive to ensure continued growth in Chinas EV industry amidst these evolving dynamics.

Crystal defects Boost cellulose conversion to C2 alcohols over Pd/WO3 catalysts

Converting cellulose into C2 alcohols presents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to the development of eco-friendly and economically viable biofuels and chemicals. Tungsten oxide (WO3) is a key solid acid catalyst for this process, yet limited research explores its diverse morphologies and unique catalytic effects. This study investigates diverse WO3 morphologies (nanosheets, nanoflowers, nanoblocks, and tetrahedral octahedra) in combination with Pd for converting cellulose to C2 alcohols. Optimized conditions with Pd/o-WO3 catalyst resulted in the highest C2 alcohols (ethylene glycol and ethanol, 80.9 %), notably yielding 64.8 % ethylene glycol. Extensive characterizations and DFT calculations reveal the smaller element occupancy rates and a longer W-O bond length led to a large number of crystal defects over Pd/o-WO3. It facilitated the formation of W5+–OH sites and Pd-O(H)-W interactions, further synergistically enhancing hydrogenation ability and acidity. Designed experiments to elucidate cellulose conversion pathways, including hydrolysis, retro-aldol condensation, and hydrogenation. This study emphasizes the unique impact of WO3 morphologies and underscores the importance of supporting crystal defects for catalytic performance in eco-friendly biofuel and chemical production.

Evaluation of salivary total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women

Menopause is a natural and expected stage of development that occurs in the life of a woman and is characterized by the permanent end of menstruation. Ovarian dysfunction is a result of permanent alterations to the ovaries’ reproductive and hormonal activities. The reproductive system of a woman is not the only thing that is impacted by fluctuations in hormone levels. Hormones have powerful influence on the development of the skeleton and the mouth cavity, as well as on the integrity of these structures. The oral cavity is significantly affected by them. Different stages of a woman’s life, such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, each have their own unique impact on the oral health. Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, with the former making it possible for living cells to sustain damage. Lipid peroxidation and the subsequent breakdown products, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), are formed, and these compounds can be observed in biological fluids. Total antioxidant capacity is a term that is frequently used to refer to the antioxidant activity of the “nonspecific” antioxidant pool.The objective: to assess of salivary total antioxidant capacity, salivary malondialdehyde, salivary pH in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women and correlation between pH and salivary biomarkers. Materials and methods. A case-control study was conducted in 80 healthy women. The study included 80 females between the ages of 40 and 55 years; specifically, 40 persons were premenopausal and 40 women were postmenopausal.In the saliva of the patients, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and MDA level were determined using the immunoassay method, and the pH level was also studied. Data description, analysis and presentation were performed using Statistical Package for social Science (SPSS version 22, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results. The findings indicated that the pH value in the post-menopausal group was significantly higher than that of the pre-menopausal group. In comparison to the post-menopausal group, the pre-menopausal group exhibited a significantly higher level of TAC. While MDA level was significantly greater in the post-menopausal group than in the pre-menopausal group. A significant correlation of salivary pH with biomarkers of TAC and MDA of saliva was found, but there was no significant correlation between MDA and TAC in premenopausal women. On the other hand, there is a non-significant negative correlation between salivary TAC and pH level, as well as an insignificant correlation of MDA with pH and salivary TAC in postmenopausal patients. Conclusions. There are differences in salivary total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Assessing Heterogeneity in Governance Outcome: Evidence from Local Government Institutional Capacity Self-Assessment (LISA) in Nepal

Local Government Institutional Capacity Self-Assessment (LISA) is a tool for local governments to evaluate their own performance in Nepal. A key strength of LISA is its self-evaluation approach, which assesses local government workflows and achievements to identify the strengths and weaknesses for improving governance and development delivery. It facilitates the critical analysis of periodic plans, financial management, and governance delivery while promoting the development of quantifiable indicators and enhancing local government capacity on a larger scale. It covers ten dimensions for the evaluation such as Governance Approach, Organization and Administration, Annual Budgeting and Planning Management, Financial Management, Public Service Delivery, Judicial Proceedings, Physical Infrastructure, Social Inclusion, Environment Protection and Disaster Management, and Collaboration and Coordination. Each dimension includes a set of major indicators and sub-indicators, with a total of 100 indicators cumulatively across all dimensions. It broadly encompasses accomplishments and evaluation methods through three distinct approaches: Totalitarian Approach, Procedural Order, and Quantitative Results. This study of evaluation approaches, multi-dimensional scope and LISA scores of 749 local governments (published by the ministry after Quality Assurance) for the Fiscal Year 2022/23 by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) divulges the heterogeneity in local governance. The study results reveal that, through the three evaluation approaches, the ten categorized dimensions each contribute differently to governance outcomes. These variations highlight how each dimension's unique impact can influence overall performance. The direction and strength of their relationships can predict how changes in one area might impact another. The newly institutionalized governance framework, along with its assessment technique, serves as a valuable tool for promoting balanced regional development and improving local governance. By maintaining institutional bricolage, addressing the exit-voice dichotomy, and facilitating yardstick competition, this evaluation process effectively integrates diverse local needs and promotes the whole of the government. Thus, moving beyond a blanket approach, governing policies in Nepal must adopt targeted and tailored strategies that account for the diverse realities and heterogeneity in local governance outcomes.

The impact of a polyphenol-rich supplement on epigenetic and cellular markers of immune age: a pilot clinical study.

ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05234203.

Additive manufactured 3D re-entrant auxetic structures for enhanced impact resistance

Abstract This study presents a novel exploration of the geometric parameters within a 3D re-entrant auxetic lattice structure, specifically focusing on their unique impact energy absorption properties, which were systematically evaluated through drop weight impactor testing. Each lattice configuration was additively manufactured using stereolithography, allowing for precise control over strut thickness (t), re-entrant angle (θ), and the aspect ratio (h/l) of unit cells during both low and high energy impact scenarios. This study found that the overall auxetic behavior is predominantly controlled by the aspect ratio of the cell ribs, while the modulus is governed by rib thickness. A finite element model was subsequently developed to simulate the experimental impact loading conditions and was used to examine a wider range of parameters that were not experimentally tested. The simulated dynamic test results displayed the deformation trends and changes to the Poisson's ratio. Among the studied parameters, experimental results highlighted that a lattice structure with t = 1.6 mm, θ = 65°, and a h/l ratio = 1.8 exhibited the highest specific energy absorption (SEA) under uniaxial impact deformation with 5 Joules of impact energy. Conversely, when employing 20 Joules of impact energy revealed the greatest SEA at t = 1.0 mm, θ = 65°, and an h/l ratio of 2.2. The results demonstrate unique deformation mechanism of auxetic structures under impact loading and the capacity to adapt the 3D re-entrant lattice structure for applications requiring tailored impact energy absorption.

Social dynamics of luxury customization: The unique impact of name personalization

AbstractAs customized luxury becomes increasingly mainstream, adhering to a uniform treatment of all types of customization falls short of the nuanced insight needed. Our research focuses on the effects of a prevalent form of customization—name personalization—on the perceived “social cost” associated with luxury items from a potential buyer's point of view. Despite most luxury brands offering consumers the option to imprint their names on products for a personalized touch, concerns arise about being perceived to be “showing off.” Our four experimental studies demonstrate that adding one's name to luxury goods heightens apprehensions about the social cost, specifically diminishing metaperceptions of warmth due to impression management (Study 1). This phenomenon applies to both the imprinting of one's full first name, and only their initials (Study 2). However, luxury consumers with a lower social‐adjustive (i.e., less driven by the desire for social approval) show an elevated concern over the social cost of name personalization (Studies 3 and 4). As the trend of customizing luxury items rises, our findings emphasize the significance of luxury researchers and practitioners to discern both the positive and negative outcomes associated with various forms of luxury customization.

Reconnecting River-City: A Visibility and Accessibility Assessment of the Ping River’s View Characters in Chiang Mai City

A river’s landmarks have advantages in attracting people to engage with natural/historical settings. However, uncontrolled development can have negative effects on the visual and obstruct people’s access. In this context, researchers have highlighted obstacles to these landmarks and suggested features of the relationship between the visibility and accessibility to these landmarks, aiming to preserve heritage sites. This project evaluated riverscape landmarks to develop a strategic urban design that uses scientific and spatial toolkits to maintain the historic landmark on the riverside in Chiang Mai city. The methodology utilized for GIS included visibility and accessibility assessments as variables for analyzing interconnections and classification utilizing the statistical method of hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The findings indicate differences in the accessibility of angular step coverage (ASC) and walking distance coverage (WDC), which have an impact on landmark designation. The city-level landmarks have the highest ASC, while various religious landmarks display the highest visibility. These factors have a unique impact on the HCA results, which are categorized into six groups that are consistent with the historical content and purpose of the landmarks. The clustered groups represent the strategic design of the riverscape, which necessitates policies to enhance the potential for preserving these icons as part of the historic landscape.