Large Population Research Articles

Intermediate and secondary school food environment in New Zealand: Food and drink menu assessment.

Nutrition-related obesity is rising among adolescents in New Zealand with an estimated one in eight children being obese. The school environment is an ideal community setting for encouraging a healthy lifestyle as schools contain a diverse population and involve students and parents. However, the healthiness of food available to intermediate and secondary school students (Years 7-13) is unknown. This study assessed how food and drink menus from schools align with policy guidelines for healthy school food environments. A convenience sample of NZ schools' (years 7-13; ages 10-19) menus was collected in 2020. Menus were classified using traffic light criteria. A toolkit was developed by three nutritionists and one dietitian (with trained staff support) to aid with menu classification. Menu quality was evaluated against school characteristics and policy use. Of the school menus assessed (n = 60), 3.3% met the recommendation for the provision of 75% 'green' items. 'Red' items were the main contributors (mean = 53.6%). Schools with high socio-economic status (deciles 8-10; 14.3%; p < 0.05) and small school size (<749 students; 14.1%; p < 0.025) were associated with a higher proportion of 'green' items. Community (19.3%) and in-house (25.9%) food providers provided a lower percentage of 'amber' items than school providers (39.3%; p < 0.001). In-house providers (64.6%) had a greater percentage of 'red' items than school providers (48.2%; p = 0.017). Food available in schools (Years 7-13) tends to be unhealthy. A national nutrition policy could improve the school food environment, especially in schools with large populations and low socio-economic status. SO WHAT?: School demographics have been associated with menu quality but further research within these schools is needed to identify the gaps to improve equitable outcomes within school food environments.

Passing plastic: Traces of plastic in the fecal samples of a high Arctic seabird in Tunu (East Greenland)

Arctic seabirds are key bio-indicators of marine plastic pollution due to their transient movement and large populations. Although many studies have quantified the ingestion of microplastic particles (&lt;5 mm in size) through necropsy or regurgitation sampling methods, little is known about post-digestive particle excretion. Due to the logistical challenges of non-lethally sampling feces from Arctic seabirds, this pathway remains largely understudied. We non-lethally collected 110 fecal samples from little auks (Alle alle) during the 2014 breeding season in Ukaleqarteq, Tunu (Kap Höegh, East Greenland). We identified 25 potential microplastic particles (&gt;100 µm in size), 19 of which were analyzed for material composition using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy. Of these, 13 particles were successfully matched to materials, with five as plastic. This produced an average concentration of 0.08 ± 0.28 microplastic particles per fecal sample, with no difference of occurrence between chicks and adults. Particle lengths ranged from 113 - 751 µm. The presence of microplastics larger than our lower limit of detectability of 100-µm suggests a need for analysis of smaller particles and microfibers in this species. We contribute to understanding how microplastics pass through little auks and characterize how this species interacts with the plastic pathways.

An associate of suspicious axillary node and sentinel node in breast cancer to minimizing axillary surgery, prospective cohort study

Background: Arm morbidity and postoperative complications following sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are common problems in patients with breast cancer. The de-escalating axillary surgery is increasing; however, there is a lack of patients with suspicious nodes. This study aimed to reduce the need for SLNB in suspicious lymph node cases. Methods: A prospective cohort study of women with invasive breast cancer who underwent surgery between January 2021 and December 2022. The study included two cohorts: Cohort A comprised patients with stage cT1-2N0-1M0 cancer who planned upfront surgery, while Cohort B included patients with stages cT1-4N2M0, cT3-4N1M0, or cT1-2N0-1M0 who received neoadjuvant systemic treatment. During the study, a clip was inserted into the suspicious lymph node on imaging to determine whether it could serve as a sentinel node and potentially replace SLNB or reduce the need for axillary surgery. Result: In cohort A, twenty-two surgeries were performed, while in cohort B, seven surgeries were performed. The median follow-up time was 15 months. In cohort A, 71% of the patients had cN0 disease, while 28% had cN1 disease. A suspicious node correlated to a sentinel node was noted in 66.67% of cohort A. The false-negative rate (FNR) was 14.28%. However, when the clip node removal procedure was performed instead of the sentinel node procedure, the FNR was 10%. Conclusion: In early breast cancer, suspicious nodes in imaging studies could not currently represent sentinel lymph nodes, and the FNR was still high. Nevertheless, more studies with larger populations will provide a better understanding due to the limited number of patients.

The prevalence of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and heart failure patients eligible for remote monitoring in Germany

BackgroundIn Germany, contemporary data on the prevalence of patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is lacking. Recently, ICD patients with heart failure (HF) fulfilling pre-defined criteria by the G-BA (Federal Joined Committee) are eligible for remote monitoring (RM) reimbursement. This investigation aims to evaluate the prevalence of HF patients with an ICD meeting these criteria.MethodsAnnual national quality assurance data from all German hospitals on newly implanted ICDs, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between 2010 and 2021 were obtained to build a prevalence model. The number of ICD patients eligible for RM was calculated by applying the main G-BA inclusion criteria.ResultsThe ICD prevalence increased continuously from 2010 to 2017 (202.637 patients in 2017) and decreased with a lower rate until 2022. The model calculated an ICD prevalence of 190.698 patients in 2022 of which an estimated 120.941 ICD patients with HF were eligible for RM. This reflects approximately 63% of the actual total estimated ICD patient population in Germany.ConclusionsThe model identified a large patient population currently eligible for RM. To our knowledge, this is the first study providing information on the size of this ICD patient population with HF in Germany. With only a fraction of eligible patients currently receiving RM, these findings may facilitate future planning, resource calculations and scale-up of RM. The building of a specific infrastructure focussing on efficient use of resources reflects a mandatory prerequisite for successful RM implementation.

Feasibility of preventing massive contrast media extravasation using a sensor device in contrast-enhanced CT: an observational study.

Recent guidelines recommend direct patient observation, pressure monitoring, and sensor devices to prevent extravasation during contrast media (CM) injection. However, it is impractical in terms of time and cost to install sensors for all patients. To identify risk factors for CM extravasations during contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in a large population and to establish criteria for placing the sensor device on patients. This retrospective study included 143,556 patients who underwent CECT at our hospital between April 2012 and July 2022. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis between patients with (n = 350) and randomly selected patients without CM extravasation (n = 350). We investigated the percentage of patients with sensor devices and their sensitivity for detecting extravasation using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The extravasation rate was 0.27%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the injection rate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-1.95: P <0.001), catheter gauge (AOR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.92-7.76; P <0.001), the use of anticancer drugs (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.32-2.50; P <0.001), and existing catheters (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.10-2.11; P = 0.009) were significantly associated with extravasation. To achieve a sensitivity of 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%, 80%, 65%, 50%, 40%, and 28% of all patients required the placement of a sensor device, respectively. Sensitivity analysis established criteria for effective placing sensor devices.

Investigating Mobility, Place, and Information Access Through an Ethnographic Study of Vehicle Residents’ Information Practices in the United States

Throughout the United States, an approximated one million people currently inhabit vehicles parked in publicly accessible areas as their primary method of housing. This dissertation explores vehicle residents’ information seeking practices and barriers to information access. Library and Information science (LIS) research has not developed theory related to place, mobility, and information access, despite living in a hyper-mobile world. LIS primarily centers online information behaviors, limiting potential impact on larger populations that face unique barriers to information access. While some studies constructed theory to address the function of place in information behavior, few interrogate how place and mobility impact information access despite geographic mobility serving important functions in various theory constructions. To address the importance of place and mobility in the context of information access, I conducted a multi-method, ethnographic study. Completing two rounds of deeply embedded fieldwork from June-October 2023 in Santa Cruz, California (CA) and from January-February 2024 along the Southern CA and Arizona (AZ) border, I used participant observation, information horizon interviews, and guided tours and photographs of participant’s vehicles to explore vehicle residents’ information practices and information source preferences. I determined my key findings in Spring 2024; they reveal that participants experience micro-fractures in their information landscapes when moving through new information environments. Identifying vehicle residents’ information practices and most used information sources can help public libraries and other information institutions implement improved support services for this growing population as public libraries are well positioned to bolster information access on behalf of its communities.

Real-World Comparative Analysis of Trastuzumab Originator and Biosimilars: Safety, Efficacy, and Cost Effectiveness.

Despite the global use of trastuzumab biosimilars, concerns remain regarding their efficacy and safety. In particular, when used concurrently with pertuzumab, trastuzumab biosimilars lack extensive real-world data and safety information. Additionally, as cancer drug expenditures continue to rise worldwide, cost savings from biosimilars have become increasingly important. This study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of trastuzumab originators and their biosimilars in real-world clinical settings, focusing on a large patient population. The analysis included 31,661 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer from the Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. database in Japan. Additionally, adverse event reports for the trastuzumab originator and its biosimilars were obtained for 58,799 patients from the World Health Organization's VigiBase, the global adverse event reporting database. No significant differences were observed in heart failure hospitalizations, liver dysfunction, or infusion reaction rates in both the Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. database and the World Health Organization's VigiBase. In the Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. database, the addition of pertuzumab did not significantly influence the incidence of adverse events, and the use of biosimilars significantly reduced medical costs, with no significant difference in breast cancer recurrence rates. By analyzing two large and diverse datasets from multiple perspectives, we obtained reliable results that the trastuzumab originator and its biosimilars have similar safety profiles. The concurrent use of pertuzumab was also found to be safe. The use of biosimilars can lead to cost savings. These findings provide crucial insights for the evaluation and adoption of biosimilars in clinical practice.

Psychological autopsies: religious and spiritual factors for suicide in cases and controls.

In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence supporting the notion that spirituality and religion can improve one's physical and mental health. Studies show that religion and spirituality play a significant role in the suicidal path. Considering the dearth of data on the patterns of suicidal thoughts, acts and related factors in Pakistan, a country with a large Muslim population and stigma with sociocultural perceptions of religious notions, the current study investigated the role of religious and spiritual factors of suicide using psychological autopsies. Purposive sampling was used to gather retrospective data records from police stations and hospital forensic departments in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, between January 2021 and July 2022. In total, 60 samples (30 cases and 30 controls) were used in this autopsies investigation. As with the majority of case control studies, the study sample cases were matched with the controls. At least two close bereaved family members served as the primary information sources, and data was gathered using the Semi Structured Interview Protocol for Psychological Autopsies. According to statistical analysis, both the suicide cases and the controls were comprised mostly of Muslim individuals. They follow Islam and hold the view that suicide is prohibited, forbidden, and haram in Islam. Regarding spirituality and religion, the majority of cases, according to the respondents interviewed, were not spiritual at all, while the controls are slightly spiritual. While the majority of both cases and controls had reduced interest in or practice of religious activities over the past year, a higher number of cases rarely performed and attended the religious services/activities as compared to controls. It was thus evident that the cases lacked significant engagement in spiritual and religious activities, and their attendance at such gatherings had notably decreased in the year preceding the suicide attempt. This decline in involvement in spiritual and religious practices might be linked to decreased levels of satisfaction, sense of belongingness, which could raise the risk of suicide. Therefore, in nations where Muslims predominate, culturally relevant suicide prevention initiatives including spiritual and religious treatments aimed at reducing the risk of suicide should be considered.

JADES – the Rosetta stone of JWST-discovered AGN: deciphering the intriguing nature of early AGN

ABSTRACT JWST has discovered a large population of active galactic nuclei (AGN) at high redshift, which are weak in the X-rays. Here we present the NIRSpec spectrum of the most extreme of these objects, GN-28074, an AGN at $z=2.26$ with prominent hydrogen and He i broad lines, and with the highest limit on the bolometric to X-ray luminosity ratio among all spectroscopically confirmed AGN in GOODS. This source is also characterized by a mid-IR excess, likely associated with the AGN torus’ hot dust. The high bolometric luminosity and moderate redshift of this AGN allow us to explore its properties more in depth relative to other JWST-discovered AGN. The NIRSpec spectrum reveals prominent, slightly blueshifted absorption of H$\alpha$, H$\beta$, and He i $\lambda$10830. The Balmer absorption lines require gas with densities of $n_{\rm H}\gt 10^8~{\rm cm}^{-3}$, consistent with clouds in the broad-line region (BLR). This finding suggests that part of the X-ray weakness is due to high (Compton-thick) X-ray absorption by clouds in the BLR, or in its outer regions. GN-28074 is also extremely radio-weak. The radio weakness can also be explained in terms of absorption, as the inferred density of the BLR clouds makes them attenuate the radio emission through free–free absorption. Alternatively, the nuclear magnetic field may be underdeveloped, resulting both in intrinsically weak radio emission and lack of hot corona, hence intrinsic X-ray weakness. Finally, we show that recently proposed scenarios, invoking hyper-dense outflows or Raman scattering to explain the broad H$\alpha$, are ruled out.

UltraStat: Ultrafast Spectroscopy beyond the Fourier Limit Using Bayesian Inference.

The discrete Fourier transform (dFT) plays a central role in many ultrafast experiments, allowing the recovery of spectroscopic observables from time-domain measurements. In resonant experiments when population relaxation and coherence components of the signal coexist, the dFT is usually preceded by multiexponential fitting to remove the large population term. However, this procedure results in errors in both the recovered decay rates and the line shapes of the coherence spectral components. While other methods such as linear prediction singular value decomposition fit both terms simultaneously, they are limited to specific models that may not represent the true signal. These methods do not allow for systematic noise analysis or error estimation and require a priori knowledge of the signal rank. Here, we describe a general approach to parameter estimation in ultrafast spectroscopy─UltraStat─grounded in Bayesian analysis without the limitations set by Fourier theory. Using simulated, but realistic data, we demonstrate in a statistical sense how UltraStat provides accurate parameter estimation in the presence of many experimental constraints: noise, signal truncation, limited photon budget, and nonuniform sampling. UltraStat provides superior resolution compared to the dFT, up to an order of magnitude in cases where the line shapes are well-approximated. In these cases, we establish that primarily noise, not sampling, limits spectral resolution. Moreover, we show that subsampling may reduce the number of acquired points by 90% compared to the Nyquist-Shannon criteria. UltraStat greatly improves parameter estimation by providing statistically bound spectral and dynamics analysis, pushing the limits of ultrafast science.

Machine learning-driven polygenic risk scores for bipolar disorder, depression, and panic disorder

Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) is a computational tech- nique that uses various genomic data to simultaneously analyze an individ- ual’s genetic risk for particular illnesses or traits. However, the traditional PRS computation has a few weaknesses, including its limited capacity to account for just a portion of trait variance, susceptibility to overfitting, and insufficient ability to discriminate among the larger population. Machine Learning (ML) methods offer a promising alternative to the traditional method by avoiding the problem of overfitting and improving accuracy. This study aims to develop an ML model for improved PRS calculation. We used the summary statistics for three mentals diseases, bipolar, depression, and panic disorder, from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) as a disease reference. We also obtained actual genotype data of individuals from OpenSNP, which includes both case and control samples. This data is used for predicting scores. The suggested approach, called Polygenic Risk Score Neural Network (PRSNN), calculates the PRS using weight vectors that estimate the relevance of each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with a particular phenotype by deep learning model as an alternative to the traditional method. This study aims to develop a machine learning model, called PRSNN, for improved calculation of Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS). The PRSNN method outperforms the conventional method in identifying individuals at risk of mental disease. A novel deep-learning approach, named as PRSNN, is proposed for generating PRSs. The results demonstrate that it outperforms the traditional method of computing PRS for complex diseases. Further upgrades for this tool are required to overcome the current limitations, including lack of validation with external data from different ancestries, which may limit the applicability of the PRSNN method across diverse populations, and the small sample size, which may affect the results.

Somatostatin receptor 2A expression in von Hippel-Lindau-related hemangioblastomas.

Central nervous system hemangioblastomas are the most prevalent manifestation of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and remain the main cause of mortality. Surgical resection is the primary treatment strategy, but is not always possible, and should be used as restrictively as possible. There is an unmet need for less invasive treatment strategies, such as targeted therapy. Expression of somatostatin receptor 2A (SSTR2A) in VHL-related hemangioblastomas has been described earlier, but the extent of expression in a larger population has yet to be determined. The authors hypothesize that a substantial subset of VHL-related hemangioblastomas show SSTR2A expression, which may serve as a potential new treatment target. Patients who were surgically treated for a VHL-related hemangioblastoma from 1990 until 2021 at the UMC Utrecht were included. Clinical data was derived from a clinical database. Tissue samples were histopathologically examined with use of hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical analysis of SSTR2A expression was performed. Forty-three tissue samples were obtained from 26 patients. Nine showed strong positivity for SSTR2A expression, whereas 13 showed moderate and 15 sparse expression. Three samples showed no expression of SSTR2A. The distribution showed right-skewedness favoring a strong expression. SSTR2A expression colocalized with endothelial markers and not with stromal cells. Additionally, within-patient variability for SSTR2A expression was described in 14 patients. SSTR2A is expressed in varying degrees in the majority of VHL-related hemangioblastomas. Future treatment with somatostatin analogues or even peptide receptor radionuclide treatment may be considered for SSTR2A-positive cases.

Non-linear dynamics and control of COVID-19 in india revisited : evidence of synergistic, antagonistic and threshold effects

Various researchers have investigated the COVID-19 pandemic dynamics since 2020 focusing on various aspects of the epidemics. However, the non-linear dynamics of this epidemic is still not well understood. India having the largest population in the world with wide cultural, genomics, and immunity diversity is being considered a suitable case for present investigation to generate the crucial information of non-linear phenomena during the first two waves of the epidemics. An SIRD model is suggested, integrating varying transmission, recovery, and mortality rates over time to explore the nonlinear behavior of the epidemic in India. The time-dependent transmission, recovery, and mortality are calculated using the finite difference method with the aid of actual data released by the Indian government, for the periods before and during the lockdown phases. The novel results generated from the model show evidence of synergistic, antagonistic, and threshold effects and the role of various measures in controlling these epidemic trends.

A Review on Balancing Genomic Selection Efforts for Allogamous Plant Breeding

Genomic selection (GS) represents a paradigm shift in allogamous plant breeding, leveraging genome-wide marker data to predict the genetic potential of breeding candidates with unprecedented accuracy. This comprehensive review explores the evolution, principles, and applications of GS, highlighting its transformative impact on breeding efficiency and crop improvement. GS uses dense SNP markers to capture the genetic architecture of complex traits, surpassing traditional marker-assisted selection in predictive power. The integration of GS in breeding programs for crops like maize and perennial ryegrass has demonstrated significant gains in traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. Despite its advantages, GS faces challenges including high genotyping costs, the need for large training populations, and the complexity of genetic architectures. Economic constraints and ethical concerns about genetic diversity and data access also pose barriers. Emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, high-throughput phenotyping, and genome editing hold promise for enhancing GS's accuracy and efficiency. Future strategies should focus on optimizing resource allocation, integrating GS with conventional breeding methods, and fostering collaborative efforts for data sharing and capacity building. The long-term impact of GS is profound, potentially accelerating breeding cycles, enhancing genetic diversity, and developing climate-resilient crops. Collaborative initiatives and open-access genomic resources will be crucial in overcoming current limitations and ensuring that GS benefits global agriculture. As GS continues to evolve, it promises to drive sustainable agricultural practices and improve food security, meeting the challenges posed by climate change and a growing global population. This review underscores the critical role of GS in modern plant breeding and its potential to revolutionize crop improvement.

Growth dynamics of Rathke's Cleft cyst: a risk score system for surgical decision making

ObjectiveRathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) exhibit variable growth patterns, thus posing a challenge in predicting progression. While some RCCs may not cause symptoms, others can insidiously cause pituitary dysfunction, which is often irreversible, even following surgery. Hence, it is crucial to identify asymptomatic RCCs that grow rapidly and pose a higher risk of causing endocrinologic dysfunction. This enables timely surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage. Our study examines the growth rate of RCCs, identifies factors that accelerate growth, and discusses the clinical implications of these findings.MethodsA retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained electronic database revealed 45 patients aged 18–80 years who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery (EEA) for RCCs between 2010 and 2022 at our center. Of these, 20 required early operative intervention. The remaining 25 patients were followed closely clinically and radiologically before requiring surgery (initial conservative management group). We conducted an analysis of the factors predicting growth over time in this group. Using a regression model, we constructed a risk score system to predict RCC growth over time.ResultsPatients in the initial conservative group had smaller cysts and were generally older than those in the early surgery group. Patients with preoperative pituitary dysfunction showed a higher median growth of 1.0 mm in the longest diameter compared to those with normal pituitary function, with an increase of 0.5 mm. A sum of annual cyst growth of all (z, y, x) diameters, at a rate of 3 mm or greater, was associated with a clinically significant increase in the risk of pituitary dysfunction, exceeding 50%.The most significant factors predicting rapid growth in RCCs were smoking status, age, and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) intensity of cysts. Smoking was the most critical risk factor for rapid cyst growth (p = < .001). Our risk score system accurately predicted RCC growth with a 74% accuracy rate, 73% sensitivity, and 75% specificity.ConclusionOur analysis showed a strong link between active smoking and the rapid growth of RCC. This novel finding has significant preventive implications but needs validation by a large population database. Surgical intervention for RCC currently is often reserved for symptomatic cases. However, utilizing our risk-based scoring system to predict rapidly growing cysts may indicate early surgery in minimally symptomatic patients, thereby potentially preserving pituitary function.

Longitudinal Structural and Functional Evaluation of Dark-without-Pressure Fundus Lesions in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases.

The main objective of this study was to report and investigate the characteristics and longitudinal changes in dark-without-pressure (DWP) fundus lesions in patients with autoimmune diseases using multimodal imaging techniques. In this retrospective observational case series, five patients affected by ocular and systemic autoimmune disorders and DWP were examined. DWP was assessed by multimodal imaging, including color fundus photography (CFP), near-infrared reflectance (NIR), blue reflectance (BR), blue autofluorescence (BAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography (OCT-A), fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and functional testing, including standard automated perimetry (SAP) and electroretinography (ERG). Follow-up examinations were performed for four out of five patients (range: 6 months-7 years). DWP fundus lesions were found in the retinal mid-periphery and were characterized by the hypo-reflectivity of the ellipsoid zone on OCT. DWP appeared hypo-reflective in NIR, BR and BAF, and exhibited hypo-fluorescence in FA in two patients while showing no signs in one patient. ICGA showed hypo-fluorescent margins in one patient. SAP and ERG testing did not show alterations attributable to the DWP lesion. Follow-up examinations documented rapid dimensional changes in DWP even in the short term (1 month). This study suggests a possible association between autoimmune diseases and DWP. New FA and ICGA features were described. The proposed pathogenesis hypotheses may operate as a basis for further investigation of a lesion that is still largely unknown. Large population studies would be necessary to confirm whether there is a higher incidence of DWP in this patient category.

Access Pass: Validating The Scale of Barriers to Participation in Recreational Spaces

The importance of parks and recreational spaces in terms of public health has become even more evident after the pandemic period. The increased utilization of these areas by larger populations has imposed different responsibilities on the park and recreational spaces managers. To increase people's participation in parks and recreational spaces, it is important to first identify the barriers that hinder their participation. This study aims to adapt The Scale of Barriers to Participation in Recreational Spaces, developed by Gümüş and Alay, to the United States. In this context the study was conducted in a mid-sized city located in the Midwest in the U.S.A., involving a sample of 412 individuals ranging in age from 18 to 76. The data collection took place over four months, from December 2022 to March 2023. The factor structure obtained in the original scale development study was tested through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) as part of the validity study. During this analysis, it was necessary to remove one item from the security factor as it increased the Chi-square value in the CFA procedure. According to the analysis, it is evident that the goodness-of-fit indices yielded favorable results. Specifically, the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) obtained a value of 0.04, while the Incremental Fit Index (IFI) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) reached values of 0.94 and 0.98, respectively, signifying excellent goodness of fit. Additionally, the Normed Fit Index (NFI) and Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI) attained values of 0.94, which fall within acceptable limits. Moreover, the chi-square value of χ2(94)=153.693 and a ratio of χ2/sd=1.63&lt;2 indicated a perfect fit for the model. Correlation analyses between dimensions were conducted as part of the validity study. In the reliability study of the scale, Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was estimated. According to the findings, the factor structure of the scale was confirmed to be parallel to the original scale development study. Furthermore, Cronbach's alpha values ranged between 0.83 and 0.90. With these conducted studies, the scale has provided the necessary validity and reliability evidence for its use in the USA culture and has been introduced to the field to be utilized in various studies. It is expected that this scale can benefit both park and recreational spaces managers and users by identifying barriers to participation in these spaces and increasing engagement. Concurrently with the research outcomes, recommendations were formulated for park and recreation administrators.

Islamic Entrepreneur in the Business Concept of Prophet Muhammad SAW: A Conceptual Review

This research examines the concept of Islamic entrepreneurship based on the Prophet Muhammad's business practices and its relevance to the modern business context. Through a systematic literature review method, this research analyses primary and secondary sources on the history of Islamic economics, the biography of Prophet Muhammad, and contemporary literature on Islamic business ethics. The main findings show that the Prophet's business practices were based on fundamental Islamic principles such as tawhid, justice, and social responsibility. The main characteristics of Prophet Muhammad's busines s include honesty, professionalism, quality orientation, focus on customer satisfaction, and fair partne rship. This research reveals that the concept of Islamic entrepreneurship has strong relevance to the contemporary business context, especially in the asp ects of business ethics, leadership with integrity, and corporate social responsibility. Although its implementation faces challenges such as lack of in depth understanding and conflict with conventional systems, there are significant opportunities for the development of Islamic entrepreneurship, especially in countries with large Muslim populations. The s tudy concludes that the concept of Islamic entrepreneurship offers a more ethical, sustainable and benefit oriented business paradigm, which can provide inspiration for global efforts in building a more just economic system. Recommendations are put forward for business practitioners, policy makers, academics, educational institutions, and Islamic business organizations to encourage the implementation and further development of this concept.

Adverse childhood experiences, brain function, and psychiatric diagnoses in a large adult clinical cohort.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to higher rates of psychiatric disorders in adults. Previous neuroimaging studies with small samples have shown associations between ACEs and alterations in brain volume, connectivity, and blood flow. However, no study has explored these associations in a large clinical population to identify brain regions that may mediate the relationship between ACEs and psychiatric diagnoses. This study aims to evaluate how patient-reported ACEs are associated with brain function in adults, across diagnoses. We analyzed 7,275 adults using HMPAO SPECT scans at rest and during a continuous performance task (CPT). We assessed the impact of ACEs on brain function across psychiatric diagnoses and performed mediation analyses where brain functional regions of interest acted as mediators between patient-reported ACEs and specific psychiatric diagnoses. We further evaluated the risk of being diagnosed with specific classes of mental illnesses as a function of increasing ACEs and identified which specific ACE questions were statistically related to each diagnosis in this cohort. Increased ACEs were associated with higher activity in cognitive control and default mode networks and decreased activity in the dorsal striatum and cerebellum. Higher ACEs increased the risk of anxiety-related disorders, substance abuse, and depression. Several brain regions were identified as potential mediators between ACEs and adult psychiatric diagnoses. This study, utilizing a large clinical cohort, provides new insights into the neurobiological mechanisms linking ACEs to adult psychiatric conditions. The findings suggest that specific brain regions mediate the effects of ACEs on the risk of developing mental health disorders, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Potensi Inovasi Indonesia di Tengah Bonus Demografi: Menjawab Tantangan Global

Indonesia’s demographic bonus, marked by a large working-age population, offers significant potential to drive economic growth and innovation. However, despite this demographic advantage, Indonesia faces challenges in workforce quality, investment in research and development (R&amp;D), and technological infrastructure. According to the Global Innovation Index 2023, Indonesia ranks 62nd out of 132 countries in innovation. The low proportion of skilled workers and the lack of formal training programs within companies exacerbate the innovation gap. To fully leverage its demographic potential, Indonesia needs comprehensive policy reforms in education and R&amp;D, increased investment in human capital, and strengthened technological infrastructure. Without these improvements, the demographic bonus risks turning into a long-term burden rather than a catalyst for innovation and economic growth.