Dependent Variable Research Articles

Omission Bias in Adolescence: Asymmetric Perceptions of Morality, Intentionality and Causality.

Humans are more tolerant of omissions than commissions when both cause similar negative outcomes, which is defined as omission bias. Although adults show omission bias in various moral contexts, it remains unclear how omission bias develops from adolescence to early adulthood. The current study aims to examine how adolescents perceive morality, intentionality, and causality of commissions and omissions. We recruited 730 participants from junior and senior high schools, as well as universities, between 2022 and 2023. Participants came from three provinces (Beijing, Shanxi, Henan) in China, including 160 early adolescents (Mage = 12.55 ± 0.34 years, 74 females), 169 middle adolescents (Mage = 13.71 ± 0.71 years, 74 females), 223 late adolescents (Mage = 17.15 ± 0.60 years, 123 females), and 178 young adults (Mage = 21.75 ± 1.81 years, 123 females). We conducted a 2 (Behavior: commission, omission) × 4 (Age: early adolescents, middle adolescents, late adolescents, young adults) × 2 (Outcome: harm, no harm) analysis of variance with morality, intentionality, and causality ratings as dependent variables respectively. The results indicated late adolescents and young adults regarded commissions as more immoral than omissions. This tendency was consistent with the asymmetric perceptions of causality in the same age groups, but not with the asymmetric perceptions of intentionality, which existed even in early adolescence. These findings suggested that omission bias becomes more pronounced in middle-to-late adolescence and causality perceptions may play an important role in omission bias on moral judgment.

Prevalence and predictors of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a population-based study in middle-aged Brazilian women.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in Brazilian women. A cross-sectional population-based household survey was conducted among 749 women aged 45 to 60 years. The dependent variable was the presence of GSM, which was assessed using a pretested structured questionnaire. The independent variables included sociodemographic data, health-related habits and morbidities, self-perception of health, and gynecological background. The mean age of the participants was 52.5 ± 4.4 years, and the mean age of menopause was 46.4 ± 6.2 years. GSM was prevalent in 51.4% of the women. The most prevalent symptoms were dyspareunia (35%), daily vaginal dryness (25.1%), and intercourse vaginal dryness (24%). Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that global GSM was associated with having a partner, topical estrogen treatment (TET), depression/anxiety, and rheumatological diseases. The genital symptoms of GSM were related to peri/postmenopausal status, TET, multimorbidity, sexual activity, and the absence of vaginal birth. Factors associated with GSM urinary symptoms were negative self-perception of health, having at least one vaginal birth, depression/anxiety, and rheumatological diseases. Sexual symptoms were associated with having a partner, using TET, depression/anxiety, and rheumatic disease. GSM affected the lives of 42.8% of the women to some degree, and 43% discussed their symptoms with their gynecologists. GSM was prevalent in half of the women in this study, and several factors were associated with its presence. These results highlight the compelling need to understand these factors, improve diagnoses, and increase access to treatment.

Minimum wages and alcohol consumption: Evidence from Canadian longitudinal microdata.

The objective is to estimate the effect of provincial minimum wage increases in Canada on heavy drinking, binge drinking and average daily alcohol consumption. We estimate standard regression models by gender-age group with drinking behaviours as the dependent variables and the minimum wage among the independent variables. We employ the Canadian National Population Health Survey which began in 1994 and ended in 2011, a period comparable to that used by many U.S. The longitudinal feature of the Canadian microdata is an advantage over most U.S. datasets, allowing control for individual fixed effects, including unobserved propensities regarding alcohol. As in U.S. studies, estimation relies on differences in timing and size of minimum wage changes across jurisdictions. We find no consistent evidence that minimum wage increases increase drinking overall. Indeed, for less-educated males ages 26-64, we estimate that a $1 increase (about 15 %) in the real minimum wage would have reduced the prevalence of heavy drinking by 2.2 percentage points and average daily alcohol consumption by 0.15 standard drinks, with wild bootstrap 95 % confidence intervals (-4.3, -0.1) and (-0.28, -0.07) respectively. Our estimates for females are less consistent but some point towards modest increases in drinking. Besides our strongest finding of no evidence that minimum wages increase drinking overall, our findings can also be seen as consistent with earlier research on this same Canadian dataset that found minimum wage increases reduced stress in less-educated male workers.

Design and performance analysis of a low-cost monitoring system for advanced building envelopes

The objective of this study is to design a low-cost system for long-term monitoring of advanced building envelope and evaluates its performance in comparison to conventional lab-grade sensors. Leveraging the potentials of a single-board computer and several low-cost digital sensors, the system measured thermo-physical and environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, airflow rate, lighting, and heat flux. The system's architecture allowed for easy integration and flexible connectivity, providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities at a fraction of the cost of lab-grade systems. A basic prototype is available in a GitHub repository. The systematic evaluation of the proposed concept involved three key experiments using a double-skin façade mockup installed in a full-scale climate simulator. Sensor accuracy over 24 hours was assessed through time-series comparison, showing high accuracy in recording air temperature, humidity, and surface temperature without on-site calibration, though calibration was essential for precise CO2 and lighting measurements. Key performance indicators of the thermophysical behavior of envelope systems, such as U-value and g-value, were derived for both the low-cost and lab-grade setups. Discrepancies of up to 7% in U-value and 13% in g-value were observed, confirming the system's reliability for building energy assessments. Additionally, the low-cost system effectively represented dependencies between independent and dependent variables, as shown by analysis of variance, closely aligning with the picture obtained from lab-grade sensors’ data. These findings validate the low-cost monitoring system as a viable, cost-effective alternative for advanced building envelope performance studies and indoor environmental quality assessments, highlighting the need for calibration of certain sensors.

Impact of Physical and Psychological Strain on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Construction Industry.

This study examined the interplay between physical workload, psychological stress, and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among construction workers in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling technique to gather quantitative data from 409 respondents working in four construction companies through structured questionnaires. Data collection tools included the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III (COPSOQ III), the K10 scale for psychosocial distress, and the Nordic Body Map for musculoskeletal symptoms. Independent variables encompassed demographic factors, physical work environment, and psychosocial aspects, while the dependent variable was the presence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) symptoms over the past 7 days and 12 months. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Grad Pack 29.0 PREMIUM. The study revealed a high prevalence of WMSDs among workers, with 36.2% reporting symptoms in the past 7 days and 31.5% in the past 12 months. These symptoms primarily affected the neck, shoulders, back, and waist. Both physical and psychosocial factors were found to the risk, with high levels of somatic stress and sleep disorders significantly increasing the likelihood of WMSDs. Psychological distress emerged as a particularly strong predictor to these disorders. The findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions and safety policies to mitigate WMSDs risks and improve occupational health within the construction industry.

Nexus of economic, social, and environmental factors on sustainable development goals: The moderating role of technological advancement and green innovation

Sustainability relies on economic, social, and environmental factors. This study investigates their impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in G7 countries from 2002 to 2020, employing the IV-GMM model. The empirical result found that economic, social factors and technological advancements positively affected SDGs. However, this study also identifies a negative correlation between green innovation and SDGs, suggesting potential tradeoffs and unintended consequences. Robustness checks using alternative dependent variables and panel quantile regression confirm the reliability of the findings. Both linear and nonlinear models found a significant relationship. Furthermore, the analysis underscores the moderating role of technological advancement and green innovation, revealing the nuanced effects of the three pillars on SDGs. The analysis reveals that technological advancements positively moderate the relationship between economic and environmental factors with SDGs. At the same time, green innovation's moderation leads to a negative relationship between economic factors and SDGs but a positive association between social factors and SDGs, highlighting the complexities in achieving sustainable development. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of sustainable development, emphasizing the need for holistic strategies to tackle global challenges effectively.

Association of mental health treatment receipt with cancer screening among US adults with a history of anxiety or depression.

Low participation in cancer screening contributes to a disproportionate burden of cancer morbidity and mortality among adults with mental health (MH) disorders like depression and anxiety. It is unknown whether MH treatment affects screening participation in this population. Using the 2019 and 2021 National Health Interview Survey, data from screening-eligible respondents with a history of depression or anxiety were analyzed. Dependent variables include up-to-date screening for breast (BC), cervical (CVC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Exposures of interest included past year receipt of any MH treatment and delayed or nonreceipt of counseling because of cost. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model associations between MH treatment and screening, controlling for sociodemographic and health care access characteristics. The prevalence of up-to-date screening was lower for those who did not receive MH treatment than those who did among respondents reporting regular feelings of depression or anxiety (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=0.83; 95% CI,0.76-0.91 for BC; aPR=0.83; 95% CI,0.77-0.88 for CVC; aPR=0.78; 95% CI,0.73-0.84 for CRC) or ever being diagnosed with depression or anxiety (aPR=0.86; 95% CI,0.81-0.91 for BC; aPR=0.87; 95% CI,0.83-0.91 for CVC; aPR=0.84; 95% CI,0.80-0.88 for CRC). BC screening was lower for those who reported delayed or nonreceipt of therapy because of cost than those who did not (aPR=0.88; 95% CI,0.78-0.99 among adults with regular feelings of depression or anxiety; aPR=0.91; 95% CI,0.83-0.99 among adults ever diagnosed). MH treatment is associated with increased screening among adults with a history of depression or anxiety. Enhancing MH treatment receipt could reduce the cancer burden in this population.

Examination of the relationship between participation in salons aimed at care prevention through the promotion of social participation and the subsequent cost of care: a 3-year prospective follow-up study in JAGES

Many previous studies have found that social participation improves the health and functional maintenance of older people. However, to determine whether promoting social participation can prevent functional decline in the elderly, it is necessary not only to compare the prognosis of those who participate in social activities to those who do not but also to demonstrate that the intervention was effective in promoting social participation. Although the effect of social participation in preventing caregiving has been demonstrated, the key question is whether preventing functional decline through social participation can reduce care costs. This study aims to examine the relationship between participation in salons aimed at care prevention through the promotion of social participation and the subsequent cost of care. We use the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) dataset to conduct longitudinal, individuallevel analysis. We focus on all residents 65 years and older who did not have a without disability in Taketoyo town and ran three regression analyses. First, a generalized linear model (GLM) with Tweedie distribution and log-link function, as well as robust estimation of variance components was used to estimate the dependent variables. Second, we used an inverse probability weighting (IPW) model to minimize selection bias. Finally, we performed the IV analysis. In this study, the GLM with IPW and IV models revealed link between salon participants and lower caregiving costs. The link between participation and caregiving costs was confirmed in a model with reduced selection bias, rather than in a simple GLM model.

Housing hardship and health: Longitudinal evidence of the mediating role of health behaviors.

Housing instability is widely recognized as a major environmental factor that significantly shapes both health and overall well-being. This study added to the existing literature by examining the longitudinal relationship between housing-related hardship and self-rated health. Moreover, this study explored health behaviors-specifically substance use and lifestyle behaviors-as potential mediators that link housing hardship to health. Using data from Waves I, III, IV, and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this study estimated regression models with lagged dependent variables (LDVs) and conducted Sobel tests to formally assess mediation. In the LDV model, housing hardship in Wave III is longitudinally associated with lower self-rated health in Wave V. This relationship remained significant (p=0.012), though it was substantially attenuated after adjusting for a comprehensive set of confounders, including personal earnings and educational attainment. Smoking emerged as the most significant mediator, accounting for approximately 26% (p<0.001) of the association, while unhealthy eating behaviors and marijuana use explained 13% (p<0.001) and 8% (p=0.008), respectively. Binge drinking and physical activity did not significantly mediate the association. Collectively, the proposed mediating variables explained 34% (p<0.001) of the association between housing hardship and self-rated health. These findings highlight the importance of tackling both the material aspects of housing hardship and the unhealthy coping mechanisms it fosters to more effectively improve the well-being of individuals experiencing housing instability.

Clinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Internal Brace Versus Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes.

The increasing prevalence of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries, particularly in young athletes, necessitates optimization of treatment options. The introduction of UCL repair with internal bracing offers an exciting alternative to traditional UCL reconstruction. To compare midterm outcomes between UCL repair with internal bracing and UCL reconstruction in competitive athletes. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. The authors identified competitive athletes who underwent primary UCL repair with internal bracing or UCL reconstruction between 2013 and 2021 and were at least 2 years postsurgery. To have qualified for repair, patients must have shown complete or partial UCL avulsion from the sublime tubercle or medial epicondyle. Relevant patient, injury, operative, and revision surgery data were collected via chart review. Preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow assessment form (ASES-E), Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow (KJOC), and Andrews-Carson scores were obtained from an ongoing data repository. ASES-E, KJOC, and Andrews-Carson scores, and return-to-sport (RTS) data were collected at follow-up. Linear regression modeling controlling for relevant covariates was utilized to compare patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores between groups. Proportions of athletes who successfully returned to sport and proportions of subsequent revision procedures between groups were compared using chi-square tests. Lastly, for those with baseline questionnaire data, the authors compared magnitude of change between preoperative and postoperative scores between groups using linear regression modeling with baseline scores and follow-up time as the covariates, and follow-up scores as the dependent variable. A total of 461 athletes were eligible for inclusion with complete clinical and outcome data available (mean age at surgery, 19.1 years; 92% male). The UCL repair group had a significantly shorter follow-up time than the UCL reconstruction group (4.4 vs 6.3 years; P < .01). When controlling for follow-up time, the groups did not differ in ASES-E, KJOC, or Andrews-Carson scores at follow-up. There was no significant difference in proportion of revisions between UCL repair (9%) and UCL reconstruction (8%) (P = .77). Of the 268 athletes with complete follow-up in the repair group, 247 attempted to return to their preinjury sport, and 241 (98%) were able to RTS. Six athletes reported that they were unable to RTS due to limitations from their surgery. Of the 155 athletes with follow-up in the reconstruction group, 147 attempted to return to their preinjury sport; 145 (99%) were able to successfully RTS, and 2 were unable to return due to limitations from their surgery. The 2 groups, repair with internal brace versus reconstruction, did not statistically differ in the proportions that returned to preinjury sport (P = .20) but did differ regarding time in months to return to practice (6.7 ± 3.5 vs 10.2 ± 11.7) (P < .01) and time in months to return to competition (9.2 ± 4.6 vs 13.4 ± 13.3) (P < .01). Athletes who underwent UCL repair with internal brace reported excellent midterm PROs statistically similar to those after UCL reconstruction, including proportion successfully returning to preinjury sport. There was no significant difference in revision rates between procedures. However, athletes who underwent UCL repair had a statistically significantly shorter time to RTS.

Trends to shorter diagnostic delay in spondyloarthritis patients during the last decades and association with clinical presentation: data from ASAS-COMOSPA study

BackgroundDiagnostic delay is one of the greatest challenges in spondyloarthritis (SpA). Better disease knowledge and more accessibility to new image technology could have a positive impact on time to diagnosis.ObjectivesThe...

Effects of the expansion of integrated maternal-fetal intensive care centers on high-risk newborns in Korea.

To investigate the impact of the introduction of Integrated Maternal-Fetal Intensive Care Unit (MFICU) reimbursement rates for high-risk newborns in South Korea. The present study used data from the Population Dynamics data released annually by Statistics Korea, which contain information on all births in the country from October 1, 2015, to September 31, 2019. The MFICU reimbursement fee began on October 1, 2017, and the follow-up period was 24 months before and after the intervention. The dependent variable was defined as either premature births (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or underweight births (birth weight ≤2.5 kg). A total of 1 377 841 infants were included in the present study, and an Interrupted Time Series with segmented regression analysis was performed. After the intervention, the premature or low-birth-weight deliveries decreased by approximately 0.4%. The difference in the level change was more significant in legitimate children and multiple births. Premature neonates showed a significantly different level of change compared with low-birth-weight neonates. The expansion of the MFICU reduces high-risk births, such as premature births and those involving low birth weight. To effectively care for high-risk deliveries, the enhancement of obstetric care and continuous medical support policies must be maintained.

THE IMPACT OF ESG PRACTICES ON THE RISK PORTFOLIO OF LISTED OIL AND GAS FIRMS IN NIGERIA USING A MULTILAYERED CRITERION

This study investigates the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors on the risk-adjusted returns of Nigerian oil and gas firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) over a 11-year period (2012–2022). The study was anchored on signalling theory. Utilizing a correlational research design, data was collected from eight firms meeting inclusion criteria, focusing on ESG scores as independent variables, with Firm Size as a control variable, and risk-adjusted returns as the dependent variable. Diagnostic tests ensured adherence to Best Linear Unbiased Estimator (BLUE) assumptions. Employing both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression techniques, the study addresses potential endogeneity, using industry norms as an instrumental variable (IV) in the 2SLS model. Findings indicate significant, positive relationships between ESG factors and risk-adjusted returns, emphasizing the financial viability of sustainable practices in a sector known for environmental and social risks. Hence, to strengthen financial and operational resilience, Nigerian oil and gas firms are encouraged to prioritize robust environmental practices, including emission reduction, waste management, and prevention of oil spills. Given the social challenges in regions like the Niger Delta, firms should focus on building trust and maintaining positive relationships with local communities through initiatives in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This study provides key insights into how ESG engagement in Nigerian oil and gas firms may influence firm stability, resilience, and investor confidence, underscoring the role of signalling theory in linking ESG performance to enhanced corporate valuation.

Zero vegetable or fruit consumption and its associated factors among children aged 6 to 23 months in Kenya: a multilevel analysis of a large population-based survey

Poor consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, micronutrient deficiency, and undernutrition. Fruit and vegetable consumption is generally low worldwide, particularly in rural regions of many low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6 to 23 months in Kenya using the most recent Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. A cross-sectional study was employed using data from the most recent nationally representative KDHS 2022. A weighted sample of 2,965 children aged between 6 to 23 months who were living with their mother was included in the study. Data extracted from the KDHS 2022 data sets were cleaned, recoded, and analyzed using STATA/SE version 14.0 statistical software. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the dependent variable. Finally, variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were declared statistically significant. The proportion of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6 to 23 months in Kenya was 45.50% (95% CI: 43.71%–47.30%). Factors like maternal education [AOR = 0.59; 95% CI (0.37, 0.93)], maternal occupation [AOR = 0.60; 95% CI (0.47, 0.76)], media exposure [AOR = 0.59; 95% CI (0.43, 0.80)], wealth index [AOR = 0.68; 95% CI (0.49, 0.95)], place of delivery [AOR = 0.69; 95% CI (0.51, 0.94)], number of ANC visits [AOR = 1.30; 95% CI (1.05, 1.62)], child’s age [AOR = 0.30; 95% CI (0.21, 0.41)], community media exposure [AOR = 0.30; 95% CI (0.21, 0.41)], community literacy [AOR = 0.29; 95% CI (0.20, 0.43)], and community poverty [AOR = 1.46; 95% CI (1.04, 2.05)] were significantly associated with zero vegetable or fruit consumption. Conclusion: The proportion of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6 to 23 months in Kenya was high. Zero vegetable or fruit consumption was significantly associated with maternal education, maternal occupation, media exposure, wealth index, place of delivery, number of ANC visits, child’s age, community media exposure, community literacy, and community poverty. Giving attention to jobless, media-non-exposed mothers, poor wealth status, who gave birth at home, who had no formal education, attended < 4 ANC visits, and children aged 6 to 8 months is recommended.What is Known:• Dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption were not met by many children in low and middle-income countries.What is New:• The proportion of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6 to 23 months in Kenya was high.

Solid lipid nanoparticles for transdermal delivery of curcumin: Optimization using factorial design and in vitro characterization

This study aimed to design and optimize Curcumin (CUR) loaded solid lipid nanoparticle (SLNs) transdermal formulations by nano emulsion template method. A 3 factor, 2 level Box-Behnken design was used to evaluate the effect of three independent variables viz., Amount of Span 60 (X1), Tween 60 (X2) and Stearyl alcohol (X3) on dependent variables viz., Particle size (Y1), entrapment efficiency (Y2) and zeta potential (Y3). Optimization study signifies that amount of formulation components viz., Span 60, Tween 60 and Stearyl alcohol influence the vesicle size, entrapment efficiency and Zeta potential. The numerical optimization was validated within the design space. The OP-CUR-SLNs exhibited good entrapment efficiency and particle size. Further the OP-CUR-SLNs loaded transdermal carbopol gel shows good in vitro drug release and better ex vivo permeation than the plain CUR loaded gel, which concludes CUR-SLNs considered to be a successful topical transdermal drug delivery system and provide a sustained release of encapsulated drug. Furthermore, CUR-SLNs loaded carbopol gel considered to be non-irritant and safe to be applied on the skin for the intended period of time.

The Effect of Early Warning System (EWS) and Risk-Based Capital (RBC) On Profitability and Stock Price (Study on Insurance Companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange)

Insurance is a form of community financial management that anticipates future risks. The growing number of insurance companies in Indonesia certainly provides ample opportunities for people to choose insurance products. Insurance companies must also pay attention to financial performance in carrying out their operational activities. Early Warning System (EWS) and Risk-Based Capital (RBC) values are ratios that describe the financial condition of insurance companies. Good financial performance will show that finances are in stable condition, including the acquisition of profitability. The study examines the effect of EWS and RBC values on profitability. In addition, related to financial performance will have an impact on stock prices. So, this study also examines the effect of EWS and RBC values on stock prices. This research uses a quantitative approach. Researchers conducted tests through the SPSS application and path analysis on path analysis. The sample in this study amounted to 11 insurance companies in the 2019-2023 financial period. The results showed that the EWS value had no significant effect on the profits of insurance companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Then the RBC value also has no significant effect on the profits of insurance companies listed on the IDX. For other dependent variables, namely stock prices. Partially, the EWS value has a positive effect on the share price of insurance companies listed on the IDX. However, the RBC value does not affect the share price of insurance companies listed on the IDX. Profit variables have an influence on stock prices, the higher the profit followed by an increase in stock prices. However, earnings cannot mediate the effect of EWS value and RBC value on stock prices.

P-1632. Living in an area with high burden outpatient antibiotic prescriptions, a risk factor for infection by ESBL producing Enterobacterales?

Abstract Background The increase in antibiotic resistance has been linked to antibiotic exposure. However, initiatives of antibiotic stewardship programs have been associated with decrease in antibiotic utilization but without a clear decrease in antibiotic resistance. We hypothesized that patients hospitalized with infections with ESBL producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) live in areas with high outpatient antibiotic exposure. Outpatient antibiotic prescriptions per zip code Antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting per zip code of residence of the recipient of the prescription. Methods From March 2022 to March 2023 we evaluated antibiotic utilization in the outpatient setting of a healthcare system in central Georgia. Outpatient settings included urgent cares, emergency rooms, and primary care clinics. We estimated the antibiotic “burden” per zip code based on the residence of each patient receiving a prescription from these outpatient facilities. During the same time period, we obtained all cultures processed in the hospital’s laboratory that isolated an ESBL-PE, and the zip code of residence from each patient’s sample. Number of antibiotics per zip code was the independent variable and number of residents per zip code hospitalized with an ESBL-PE infection was the dependent variable. QGIS v3.8 was used for spatial analysis and SPSS 25 for statistical analysis. Number of cases of an ESBL-PE infection per zip code of patient residence Results There were 61 070 outpatient prescriptions, representing 500 092 days of therapy. Prescriptions were given to residents of over 1000 different zip codes of nearly 20 states. 70% (42719) of these prescriptions were for residents of the state of Georgia, distributed among 634 zip codes. The zip code with the largest antibiotic burden received 4706 prescriptions in a one-year period, representing 161 antibiotic prescriptions per 1000 population. 396 Georgia residents had a culture with an ESBL-PE, and 308 (77.7%) of them were hospitalized for infections due to ESBL-PE. Linear regression model had an R2 of 0.79 with a p-value of &amp;lt; 0.01. Conclusion The geographic reach of antibiotic prescriptions by outpatient facilities is of concern. The antibiotic burden in surrounding communities is higher than areas further away. Living in an area with high outpatient antibiotic prescription burden explained almost 80% of the variance for hospitalization with an infection due to ESBL-PE. Efforts to decrease antibiotic resistance should also include interventions in outpatient facilities. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Exploring Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Personal and Environmental Factors With the Use of a Campus Fitness Center

University is a crucial period for developing lasting physical activity (PA) behaviors. The purpose of this study was to (a) explore differences in the strength and direction of the relationship between personal and environmental factors with one's use of a campus recreational facility (CRF) and the seven zones within it, and (b) test whether these relationships were influenced by gender. To test this, 648 university students provided responses to an online survey including CRF use, personal factors, and environmental factors. Eight path analyses were run with use of the CRF and the seven zones assigned as the eight dependent variables (one DV/analysis), gender as the moderator, and personal and environmental factors as the independent variables. An individuals’ task self-efficacy was the strongest factor ( β = .16–.43; p &lt; .05) related to use within each corresponding zone. Additionally, gender moderated several relationships between personal and environmental factors with use of the CRF and the distinct zones.

The moderating role of perceived trust in predicting the adoption intention of consumers toward online pharmacies using the application of UTAUT model

Purpose This study aims to identify the factors influencing consumer perception and adoption intention toward online pharmacy. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was formulated based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) framework scales available in the existing literature. An aggregate of 451 respondents participated in the survey. To test the formulated hypothesis, confirmatory factor analysis and structure equation modeling are used for analyzing the structural relationships between dependent and independent variables. Findings This analysis inspects the significant effect of perceived trust, consumer perception and different UTAUT framework constructs on the adoption intention of online pharmacy consumers. The results determine the substantial moderating effect of perceived trust between adoption intention and consumers’ perception of online pharmacies. Research limitations/implications This research extended the application of the UTAUT model with the adoption intention of online pharmacy consumers. Only specific constructs have been selected from the UTAUT model in this study. Practical implications The study outcomes are useful to pharmacy managers to realize the role of technological platforms in facilitating the online selling of medicines to pharmacy consumers. Social implications The findings are helpful for pharmaceutical companies to improve their existing online buying process for pharmacy consumers seeking purchase of medicines through online pharmacies. Originality/value This analysis is unique and contains newness in the form of the moderating role of perceived trust between constructs of UTAUT and customer adoption of online pharmacies.

Decision tree-based learning and laboratory data mining: an efficient approach to amebiasis testing

BackgroundAmebiasis represents a significant global health concern. This is especially evident in developing countries, where infections are more common. The primary diagnostic method in laboratories involves the microscopy of stool samples. However, this approach can sometimes result in the misinterpretation of amebiasis as other gastroenteritis (GE) conditions. The goal of the work is to produce a machine learning (ML) model that uses laboratory findings and demographic information to automatically predict amebiasis.MethodData extracted from Jordanian electronic medical records (EMR) between 2020 and 2022 comprised 763 amebic cases and 314 nonamebic cases. Patient demographics, clinical signs, microscopic diagnoses, and leukocyte counts were used to train eight decision tree algorithms and compare their accuracy of predictions. Feature ranking and correlation methods were implemented to enhance the accuracy of classifying amebiasis from other conditions.ResultsThe primary dependent variables distinguishing amebiasis include the percentage of neutrophils, mucus presence, and the counts of red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) in stool samples. Prediction accuracy and precision ranged from 92% to 94.6% when employing decision tree classifiers including decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), XGBoost, AdaBoost, and gradient boosting (GB). However, the optimized RF model demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 98% for detecting amebiasis from laboratory data, utilizing only 300 estimators with a max depth of 20. This study highlights that amebiasis is a significant health concern in Jordan, responsible for 17.22% of all gastroenteritis episodes in this study. Male sex and age were associated with higher incidence of amebiasis (P = 0.014), with over 25% of cases occurring in infants and toddlers.ConclusionsThe application of ML to EMR can accurately predict amebiasis. This finding significantly contributes to the emerging use of ML as a decision support system in parasitic disease diagnosis.Graphical