Preference Ratings Research Articles

Recycling channel selection and financing strategy for capital-constrained retailers in a two-period, closed-loop supply chain

This article studies a two-period, closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with manufacturer or retailer recycling. It establishes a model analysis framework to analyze pricing optimization strategies and the channel-mode selection of electric vehicle batteries and considers manufacturer recycling and retailer recycling scenarios. When a retailer recycles, it needs to invest capital to build its recycling channel and so suffers from capital constraints. For this reason, retailers consider bank loans or trade-credit financing from manufacturers. This work explores a two-stage, CLSC pricing strategy that considers consumers’ preferences for remanufactured products and recycling rates, and it investigates financing channels for capital-constrained retailers. It analyzes optimal equilibrium strategies in three modes and compares the recycling and financing modes. Through numerical examples, it analyzes the effects of value preference rates and recycling rates of remanufactured products on supply chain profits, product demand, and model selection. The results show that the recycling rate can effectively incentivize the demand for new products in the first period. For any remanufactured product recycling cost, the manufacturer’s profit is most significant in the retailer-recycling bank financing model, and the retailer’s profit is largest in the manufacturer recycling model. As the consumer preference rate for remanufactured products increases, the demand for new products in the second stage decreases and the demand for remanufactured products increases. The retailer recycling trade-credit financing from the manufacturer model gives the largest profit to the retailer when the preference rate is significant or when the preference rate is low with a moderate recycling rate.

Designing Perennial Landscapes: Plant Form and Species Richness Influence the Gaze Perception Associated with Aesthetic Preference

The up-close experience of perennial landscapes has been shown to enhance residents’ perception of naturalness in the context of increasing small-scale vegetation landscapes. This study explored how formal aesthetic characteristics were related to landscape perception and whether landscape preference correlated with eye movements. We created a series of photomontages showing perennial combinations that contained different plant forms, degrees of species richness, and plant arrangements and recorded 73 participants’ eye movements during 10 s of free viewing in Experiment A and task-oriented viewing in Experiment B and ratings of landscape preference collected through rating scales. We found that the effects of plant form and species richness were significant for gaze behavior, while arrangement showed no significant effect. We also found that landscape preference was positively correlated with fixation count but negatively correlated with mean fixation duration and total fixation duration. Additionally, women had more but shorter fixations than men while viewing these photomontages, and the difference in aesthetic preferences between men and women was not significant. Concerning the different professional background groups, no significant gaze behavior difference between professionals and nonprofessionals was detected, but compared with professionals, nonprofessionals tended to give strongly higher preference ratings. The outcomes shed light on the influence of formal aesthetic characteristics on gaze behavior and advanced the application of eye-tracking technology in perennial landscape studies. Our findings also confirmed the efficiency of vegetation landscapes designed based on public preferences for providing restoration from stress or fatigue.

Supporting workspace awareness in remote assistance through a flexible multi-camera system and Augmented Reality awareness cues

Workspace awareness is critical for remote assistance with physical tasks, yet it remains difficult to facilitate. For example, if the remote helper is limited to the single viewpoint provided by the worker’s hand-held or head-mounted camera, she lacks the ability to gain an overview of the workspace. This may be addressed by granting the helper view-independence, e.g., through a multi-camera system. However, it can be cumbersome to set up and calibrate multiple cameras, and it can be challenging for the local worker to identify the current viewpoint of the remote helper. We present CueCam, a multi-camera remote assistance system that supports mutual workspace awareness through a flexible ad-hoc camera calibration and various Augmented Reality cues that communicate the helper’s viewpoint and focus. In particular, we propose visual cues presented through a head-mounted Augmented Reality display (Virtual Hand, Color Cue), and sound cues emitted from the cameras’ physical locations (Spatial Sound). Findings from a lab study indicate that all proposed cues effectively support the worker’s awareness of helper’s location and focus, while the Color Cue demonstrated superiority in task performance and preference ratings during a search task.

Constraints on the Galactic Centre environment from Gaia hypervelocity stars II: The evolved population

ABSTRACT A dynamical encounter between a stellar binary and Sgr A* in the Galactic Centre (GC) can tidally separate the binary and eject one member with a velocity beyond the escape speed of the Milky Way. These hypervelocity stars (HVSs) can offer insight into the stellar populations in the GC environment. In a previous work, our simulations showed that the lack of main sequence HVS candidates with precise astrometric uncertainties and radial velocities in current data releases from the Gaia space mission places a robust upper limit on the ejection rate of HVSs from the GC of $3\times 10^{-2} \, \mathrm{yr^{-1}}$. We improve this constraint in this work by additionally considering the absence of post-main sequence HVSs in Gaia Early Data Release 3 as well as the existence of the HVS candidate S5-HVS1. This evidence offers degenerate joint constraints on the HVS ejection rate and the stellar initial mass function (IMF) in the GC. For a top-heavy GC IMF as suggested by recent works, our modelling motivates an HVS ejection rate of $\eta =0.7_{-0.5}^{+1.5} \times 10^{-4} \, \mathrm{yr^{-1}}$. This preferred ejection rate can be as large as $10^{-2} \, \mathrm{yr^{-1}}$ for a very top-light IMF and as low as 10$^{-4.5} \, \mathrm{yr^{-1}}$ if the IMF is extremely top-heavy. Constraints will improve further with future Gaia data releases, regardless of how many HVS candidates are found therewithin.

Preference for branded fresh produce and consumers' need for uniqueness: A mixed-methods investigation of consumer choice and thought process

Branding is an important tool to increase a product's value. Fresh fruits and vegetables are largely unbranded. This study aimed to 1) investigate consumer preferences for brands (including brand transfers) of fresh produce, compared with other extrinsic attributes, 2) identify consumer segments and describe them with the psychological scale “food and beverage need for uniqueness” (FBNFU), and 3) explore consumer thought processing of brands during choice. We applied a concurrent mixed-methods approach: a discrete choice experiment and latent class analysis (quantitative) and a think-aloud interview (qualitative). Results showed that brands are not generally the most important attribute for choice. Experimental brand transfers received the lowest preference rating (i.e., part-worth utilities). However, for certain consumer segments, branding is most important. The consumer segments with the strongest preference for brands showed the highest level of FBNFU. Consumers' thought process during choice typically starts with brand recognition, and associations follow. Consumers with negative or no associations, or who were unfamiliar with the brand, disregarded the brand as the choice process progressed. Our results provide insights into the value of fresh-produce brands for consumers. Practitioners should target the FBNFU mindset and maximize brand awareness when promoting branded fresh produce.

The Influence of Creator Information on Preference for Artificial Intelligence- and Human-generated Artworks

Purpose: Researchers have shown that aesthetic judgments of artworks depend on contexts, such as the authenticity of an artwork (Newman & Bloom, 2011) and an artwork’s location of display (Kirk et al., 2009; Silveira et al., 2015). The present study aims to examine whether contextual information related to the creator, such as whether an artwork was created by a human or artificial intelligence (AI), influences viewers’ preference judgments of an artwork. Methods: Images of Impressionist landscape paintings were selected as human-made artworks. AI-made artwork stimuli were created using Google’s Deep Dream Generator by mimicking the Impressionist style via deep learning algorithms. Participants performed a preference rating task on each of the 108 artwork stimuli accompanied by one of the two creator labels. After this task, an art experience questionnaire (AEQ) was given to participants to examine whether individual differences in art experience influence their preference judgments. Results: Setting AEQ scores as a covariate in a two-way ANCOVA analysis, the stimuli with the human-made context were preferred over the stimuli with the AI-made context. Regarding the types of stimuli, the viewers preferred AI-made stimuli to human-made stimuli. There was no interaction effect between the two factors. Conclusion: These results suggest that preferences for visual artworks are influenced by the contextual information of the creator when the individual differences in art experience are controlled.

Accelerated removal of five pesticide residues in three vegetables with ozone microbubbles

A simple and effective approach to remove pesticide residues on vegetables is necessary for food safety. Ozone microbubbles treatment as an eco-friendly washing technique was investigated for three vegetables (celery, pakchoi and cowpea) collected from the field applied with five pesticides. The removal rates of five pesticide residues on cowpea by ozone microbubbles treatment were 15 %–47 % higher than that by ozone macrobubbles. Moreover, compared with the other four systemic pesticides, emamectin benzoate had a preferable removal rate (65 %–94 %) as a non-systemic pesticide with high water solubility. Through Mass Spectrometry (MS), the double-bonded structure of emamectin benzoate made it more possible to be removed chemically, carrying a degradation rate of 88 % at 25 min in water. Additionally, cowpea showed low removal (28 %–65 %) owing to its stomata and rough surface with SEM. Conclusively, this study demonstrated the potential of the ozone microbubble treatment on pesticide residues removal to enhance food safety.

Weight-dependent sensation and measurement for portable chargers

An important aspect of objects is their perceived weight. Few studies have simultaneously considered the weight of a product and its size. The current study assessed the perception of a portable charger, for which weight was regarded as a negative element. Forty participants rated portable chargers with different weights and sizes regarding satisfaction, preference, and expected price. Ten portable chargers were prepared for the experiment, each of which had different sizes and weights. The results showed that the perceived weight of a small one was significantly higher in the same-weighted ones, while the perceived weight of a heavy one was also significantly higher in the same-sized ones. The size-weight illusion was confirmed. However, portable chargers lighter than 140 g received equal or lower satisfaction and preference ratings than the product. This tendency contrasts with the results of previous experiments in product groups in which weight acts as a positive factor. Consumers' perception of weight seems to affect satisfaction and preference. The limit weight suggested in this study could be used to determine the target weight of the product. Relevance to industryThere might be a limit to the appropriate weight among products for which weight is a negative factor. If the item is too light, this will negatively affect user perceptions.

Western U.S. Geologic Deformation Model for Use in the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model 2023

Abstract Fault geometry and slip rates are key input data for geologic deformation models, which are a fundamental component of probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHAs). However, geologic sources for PSHA have traditionally been limited to faults with field-based slip rate constraints, which results in underrepresentation of known, but partially characterized, active faults. Here, we evaluate fault geometries and geologic fault slip rates for the western United States to construct a new geologic deformation model for the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model 2023 update (NSHM23). In previous NSHM iterations, only faults with published geologic slip rates were included. In the NSHM23 fault sections database compilation, this inclusion criterion was expanded to include faults without known slip rates. In this updated geologic deformation model, preferred slip rates and associated uncertainty distributions are incorporated for faults with slip rates derived from field studies. For faults without site-specific slip rates, we evaluate a suite of uncertainty distributions derived from broad slip rate categories in the U.S. Geological Survey Quaternary Fault and Fold Database. Preferred slip rate distributions are selected via comparison with geodetic strain rates in tectonic subregions. The resultant moment of the geologic deformation model is generally in deficit compared with the geodetic moment within each region. Primary advances in the NSHM23 geologic deformation model include the following: (1) slip rates are presented as preferred values with uncertainties rather than single values; (2) the representation of the western U.S. active fault network is more complete; and (3) the geologic deformation model leverages geodetic information to assess regional constraints on geologic fault slip rates.

Treatment preferences among adults with normal cognition and cognitive impairment.

Although patient participation in treatment decisions is important for preference-concordant care delivery, it is largely unknown how cognitive impairment influences treatment preferences. We investigated whether treatment preferences for the care of serious illness differ between adults with and without cognitive impairment in hypothetical clinical scenarios. Data from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study were used. The sample included 1291 self-respondents (201 respondents with cognitive impairment, and 1090 with normal cognition). We examined treatment preferences for life-extending, limited, and comfort care options in two hypothetical clinical scenarios where the respondent imagines a patient with (1) good physical health with severe cognitive impairment consistent with dementia; and (2) with physical impairment due to a heart attack, but normal cognition. Respondents specified whether they were unsure, or if they would want or not want each treatment option. Linear probability models were used to compare treatment preferences by cognitive status. Respondents with cognitive impairment were more likely to report that they were unsure about treatment options across both clinical scenarios compared to those with normal cognition. For the limited treatment option, cognitive impairment was associated with a lower rate of expressing a treatment preference by 7.3 (p=0.070) and 8.5 (p=0.035) percentage points for dementia and heart attack scenarios, respectively. Among those who articulated preferences, cognitive impairment was associated with a higher rate of preference for life-extending treatment in both dementia (30.1% vs. 20.0%, p=0.044) and heart attack scenarios (30.0% vs. 20.2%, p=0.033). Compared to those with normal cognition, cognitive impairment was associated with greater uncertainty about treatment preferences and higher rates of aggressive care preferences among those who specified preferences. Further research should assess whether preferences for aggressive care become more common as cognition declines in order to improve preference-concordant care delivery for patients with cognitive impairment.

Quality of life, disease activity and preferences for administration routes in rheumatoid arthritis: a multicentre, prospective, observational study.

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate quality of life (QoL), disease activity, compliance to treatment, patient and physician preferences for route of administration (RoA), status of health and pain in RA patients starting advanced treatments or needing a switch, and the factors associated with patient preferences.MethodsA multicentre, prospective, observational and 1-year follow-up study was conducted, between 2015 and 2020, in adult RA patients using advanced treatments for the first time or needing a switch in their current treatments. All the data collected were entered into electronic case report forms. DAS in 28 joints with ESR [DAS28-4(ESR)], EuroQol 5-Dimensional Questionnaire (EQ-5D), HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR-19), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Instrument (WPAI) and Patient Global Assessment-Visual Analogue Scale (PGA-VAS) questionnaires were used for longitudinal assessments.ResultsFour hundred and fifty-nine patients were enrolled. Three hundred and eight patients (67.1%) attended the final study visit at 12 months and were included for comparative analyses. Irrespective of RoA, the disease activity and QoL improved significantly at 12 months, whereas compliance worsened. At baseline and 12 months, EQ-5D and DAS28-4(ESR) scores were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). The WPAI scores changed significantly in favour of better outcomes over 12 months after initiation of advanced treatment or switching (P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients preferred an oral RoA, in comparison to physicians (53.6% vs 31.4%; P < 0.001). Patient and physician RoA preferences were independent of gender, age, disease duration, advanced treatment type and the EQ-5D-3L, DAS28-4(ESR), HAQ-DI, PGA-VAS and CQR-19 scores at baseline.ConclusionThe oral route was more frequently preferred by patients compared with physicians, although patients’ preference rates showed a slight increase towards the end of the treatment, which might be an important factor for RA outcomes. Better control of disease activity and QoL were achieved at 12 months, regardless of RoA.

Application of powdered bio-composites in the field of self-compacting concrete: A review

Cement manufacture accounts for 5% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in significant environmental issues, and using supplemental cementitious materials (SCM) is an efficient strategy to minimise cement consumption. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) often relies on high amounts of binder and chemical additives to maintain workability. Thus, reducing the embodied carbon of SCC materials becomes essential for its wider application. Powdered bio-composites (PBCs), such as rice husk ash (RHA), bagasse ash (BA), palm oil fuel ash (POFA), groundnut shell ash (GSA), and eggshell ash (ESA), can be utilised as SCM for SCC. This paper systematically reviewed the physical properties, chemical properties, and heat treatment methods of five types of PBCs and their impacts after replacing cement in SCC. The review disclosed that heat treatment could effectively reduce the value of loss on ignition (LOI), thus ensuring the activity of PBCs. High-temperature, short-duration incineration or low-temperature incineration for a long time can be effective. The review revealed that adding the five types of PBCs will reduce the workability of SCC, and RHA has the greatest negative impact. Segregation occurs when the cement replacement rate with RHA exceeds 20%. All five types of PBCs improve the mechanical properties of SCC to a certain extent after replacement. The preferred replacement rates are 5%-20% for RHA, BA and GSA, while for POFA the preferred rate could exceed 30%. The preferred rate is not conclusive for Eggshell ash, as it may lead to either positive or slightly negative impacts regarding compressive strength. In addition, adding an appropriate amount of PBCs will increase the durability of hardened SCC. The summarised impacts were also correlated with the microstructure of SCC through various analysis tools. The paper reveals the current gaps in applying PBCs in SCC and proposes strategies to design environmentally friendly SCC containing PBCs.

Bonding performance evaluation on WTR-APAO composite modified asphalt as waterproof adhesive layer for concrete bridge

• The preferred concrete surface depth was 0.88 mm, and the gravel covering rate at 70 %. • The optimal dosages of WRAMA, WRMA, and SMA were 1.7 kg/m 2 ,1.2 kg/m 2 and 1.2 kg/m 2 . • WRAMA has higher bonding performance than WRMA and SMA at mid and high temperatures. • WRAMA shows good resistance to water immersion, freeze–thaw cycling, and aging. • The material cost of WRAMA is 30% lower than SMA based on economic comparison. Insufficient bonding at the waterproof adhesive layer (WAL) between the concrete bridge deck and asphalt pavement surface often leads to distress on the bridge or its surfacing pavement. This study proposes a relatively novel material, WTR (Waste Tire Rubber)/APAO (Amorphous Poly Alpha Olefin) composite modified asphalt (WRAMA), as WAL and evaluates its bonding performance compared to the commonly used interlayer SBS modified asphalt (SMA) and waste tire rubber modified asphalt (WRMA). The bonding performance was evaluated using straight shear tests and pulling out tests. Firstly, the optimal concrete surface chiseling depth was explored and determined at 0.88 mm, corresponding to 2 rounds of chiseling on the concrete surface. Then the preferred gravel coverage rate was set at 70 %, and optimum asphalt dosages were determined at 1.7 kg/m 2 , 1.2 kg/m 2 , and 1.2 kg/m 2 for SMA, WRMA, and WRAMA, respectively. While all three asphalts show good impermeability at their preferred dosage, WRAMA has the highest shear and pulling strength. Secondly, the bonding performances of investigated asphalts were evaluated and compared under controlled environments, including water immersion, temperature, free-thaw cycle, and aging. The results showed that WRAMA has the slightest temperature sensitivity but the least moisture resistance than SMA and WRMA. However, the shearing and pulling strength of WRAMA after freeze–thaw and water immersion was around 0.45 MPa, still higher than SMA (around 0.40 MPa) and WRMA (around 0.39 MPa). All three asphalts have decent resistance to aging. Thirdly, a preliminary economic analysis was conducted, and the results show that the material cost of WRAMA is around 66 % of SMA. Considering the WRAMA makes use of wasted tire rubber, this research reveals that the proposed WTR/APAO composite modified asphalt is potentially a cost-effective and environmental-friendly waterproof adhesive layer.

To weigh or not to weigh. Recommendations for communicating aggregated results of buildings LCA

Interpreting contradictory results of multiple midpoint environmental indicators is challenging task. Hence, partial or full aggregation into building single scores has gained ground for the clear message they convey. This paper helps to improve understanding of the possibilities and limitations of such practice. Partial aggregated scores of five buildings were explored, limited to the environmental indicators shared by the methods examined and inventoried for the case studies. In general, the buildings’ single score ranking was maintained regardless of the aggregation approach, but rank reversal is possible if e.g., ecotoxicity impact indicators are considered. Such indicators are directly influenced by the mass of metals used in a building. Furthermore, uncertainties on their results, in LCI data and in impact and damage assessment are high, and experience with them is still limited. No single best aggregation stands out per se. All of them can play their part if officially supported to ensure that coherent weights/factors are built upon solid, up-to-date data and fair intergenerational and income equity valuation procedures. In such cases, LCA practitioners are encouraged to use single scores in addition to environmental profiles or selected indicators. Overall aggregation procedures shall be transparently described, and zero pure time preference rate and equity weighting applied and explicitly declared. Sensitivity/uncertainty analysis shall be performed to assess results robustness, potential ranking reversal risks, and the effect of different discount rates. When partial aggregation is alternatively pursued, it shall be based on endpoint categories.

α-Cyperone ameliorates depression in mammary gland hyperplasia and chronic unpredictable mild stress rat by regulating hormone, inflammation, and oxidative stress

Background Hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) is caused by endocrine disorders, and patients are prone to anxiety and depression. α-Cyperone has a variety of pharmacological activities including antidepressant. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and its possible mechanism of α-Cyperone on HMG-associated depression rats. Methods The depression model was constructed using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), while the HMG model was induced by estrogen, with or without α-Cyperone intervention. The effect of α-Cyperone on the depression-like phenotype of model rats was measured by sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swim test (FST), and open field test (OFT). Dendritic spines density in ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) neurons was evaluated by Golgi staining. The second pair of nipple height, diameter, organ index, and oxidative stress-related factors were analyzed. Serum sex hormone concentration, histopathological changes, inflammatory factor expression, and p65 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, real-time quantitative PCR and western blot, respectively. Results The sucrose preference rate, dendritic spine density decreased, and immobility time increased in CUMS rats; α-Cyperone reversed the effect of CUMS on depression-like behavior and dendritic spine density in rats. α-Cyperone reduced nipple height and diameter, uterine index, estradiol concentration, increased ovary, thymus, spleen index, progesterone, and testosterone concentration, relieved pathological damage, oxidative stress, depression-like behavior, and inflammatory reaction in HMG combine CUMS rats. In addition, α-Cyperone inhibited the phosphorylation of p65 in HMG and CUMS rats. Conclusions α-Cyperone has an effective therapeutic effect on HMG combined with CUMS rats.

Sex-dependent effects of postweaning exposure to an enriched environment on visceral pain and anxiety- and depression-like behaviors induced by neonatal maternal separation.

BackgroundNeonatal maternal separation (NMS) can lead to visceral pain and anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. An enriched environment (EE) can alleviate NMS-induced pain and mental disorders, but previous studies have mostly been performed in male animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the effects of EE were sex dependent at different stages of development.MethodsFemale and Male C57BL/6 J mice that had been subjected to NMS alone and those subjected to both NMS and exposed to EE were used in this study. The visceral pain threshold test (PTT), open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and forced swimming test (FST) were conducted to evaluate visceral pain, anxiety-like behavior, and depression-like behavior in mice, respectively.ResultsCompared with the male mice in the NMS group without EE exposure, those exposed to EE from postnatal day (P)21 to 41 showed an increase of the visceral pain threshold in the PTT, an increase of the central time and central distance in the OFT, an increase of the sucrose preference rate in the SPT, and a decrease of the time of immobility in the FST. Compared with both female and male mice in the NMS group without EE exposure, those exposed to EE from P21 to P61 had an increase of the visceral pain threshold in the PTT, an increase of the central time and central distance in the OFT, an increase in the sucrose preference rate in the SPT, and a decrease of the time of immobility in the FST.ConclusionsEE is more effective in male NMS mice, while longer EE is required in female NMS mice for positive effects.

Chronic allergic lung inflammation negatively influences neurobehavioral outcomes in mice

BackgroundAsthma is a major public health problem worldwide. Emerging data from epidemiological studies show that allergies and allergic diseases may be linked to anxiety, depression and cognitive decline. However, little is known about the effect of asthma, an allergic lung inflammation, on cognitive decline/behavioral changes. Therefore, we investigated the hypothesis that allergic lung inflammation causes inflammation in the brain and leads to neurobehavioral changes in mice.MethodsWild-type C57BL/6J female mice were sensitized with nasal house dust mite (HDM) antigen or control PBS for 6 weeks to induce chronic allergic lung inflammation. A series of neurocognitive tests for anxiety and/or depression were performed before and after the intranasal HDM administration. After the behavior tests, tissues were harvested to measure inflammation in the lungs and the brains.ResultsHDM-treated mice exhibited significantly increased immobility times during tail suspension tests and significantly decreased sucrose preference compared with PBS controls, suggesting a more depressed and anhedonia phenotype. Spatial memory impairment was also observed in HDM-treated mice when assessed by the Y-maze novel arm tests. Development of lung inflammation after 6 weeks of HDM administration was confirmed by histology, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell count and lung cytokine measurements. Serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and Th2-related cytokines levels were elevated in HDM-sensitized mice. In the brain, the chemokine fractalkine was increased in the HDM group. The c-Fos protein, a marker for neuronal activity, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and chymase, a serine protease from mast cells, were increased in the brains from mice in HDM group. Chymase expression in the brain was negatively correlated with the results of sucrose preference rate in individual mice.Conclusions6 weeks of intranasal HDM administration in mice to mimic the chronic status of lung inflammation in asthma, caused significant inflammatory histological changes in the lungs, and several behavioral changes consistent with depression and altered spatial memory. Chymase and c-Fos proteins were increased in the brain from HDM-treated mice, suggesting links between lung inflammation and brain mast cell activation, which could be responsible for depression-like behavior.

Women Veterans’ Healthcare Needs, Utilization, and Preferences in Veterans Affairs Primary Care Settings

BackgroundThe Veterans Health Administration (VA) is the largest integrated health system in the US and provides access to comprehensive primary care. Women Veterans are the fastest growing segment of new VA users, yet little is known about the characteristics of those who routinely access VA primary care in general or by age group.ObjectiveDescribe healthcare needs, utilization, and preferences of women Veterans who routinely use VA primary care.Participants1,391 women Veterans with 3+ primary care visits within the previous year in 12 VA medical centers (including General Primary Care Clinics, General Primary Care Clinics with designated space for women, and Comprehensive Women’s Health Centers) in nine states.MethodsCross-sectional survey (45% response rate) of sociodemographic characteristics, health status (including chronic disease, mental health, pain, and trauma exposure), utilization, care preferences, and satisfaction. Select utilization data were extracted from administrative data. Analyses were weighted to the population of routine users and adjusted for non-response in total and by age group.Key ResultsWhile 43% had health coverage only through VA, 62% received all primary care in VA. In the prior year, 56% used VA mental healthcare and 78% used VA specialty care. Common physical health issues included hypertension (42%), elevated cholesterol (39%), pain (35%), and diabetes (16%). Many screened positive for PTSD (41%), anxiety (32%), and depression (27%). Chronic physical and mental health burdens varied by age. Two-thirds (62%) had experienced military sexual trauma. Respondents reported satisfaction with VA women’s healthcare and preference for female providers.ConclusionsWomen Veterans who routinely utilize VA primary care have significant multimorbid physical and mental health conditions and trauma histories. Meeting women Veterans’ needs across the lifespan will require continued investment in woman-centered primary care, including integrated mental healthcare and emphasis on trauma-informed, age-specific care, guided by women’s provider preferences.

The effects of floor plan representations on preferences for apartments

In the real-estate industry, floor plans are commonly used to communicate spatial layouts of housing alternatives to house hunters. Using the method of stated preferences, this research investigates whether lay-individuals’ preferences for layout attributes differ when floor plans versus text descriptions are used to measure preferences for build-to-rent apartments. The study involved 417 student respondents evaluating four hypothetical apartments twice, with the apartments varying in two focal attributes, layout orientation, and dining space status. Findings from the experiment indicate that floor plan representations of apartments are rated higher overall than text representations; however they also suggest that the effects of the two focal attributes on apartment preferences are larger for text than floor plan formats. Further, effects of the attributes on apartment preference ratings are shown to depend on the participants’ user goal and on their level of attribute knowledge. The main contribution of this research is that it demonstrates how representation format influences housing preferences, and further, how lay-individuals’ judgements of layout attributes depend on the individual’s goals and their knowledge of the attributes. These findings are relevant for future stated preference studies and for real estate agents and property developers when considering what information to provide to prospective buyers and renters of sight-unseen residential property.

A Predictive Model of Regional Dementia Prevalence Using Geographic Weighted Regression Analysis.

Globally, dementia is one of the highest priority public health policy issues. This study was conducted to analyze the spatial distribution pattern of dementia prevalence using geographic weighted regression analysis and to identify preventable risk factors at the regional level of dementia prevalence. For the data to be analyzed, this work used the 2020 regional dementia prevalence index of the Korea Central Dementia Center and the regional health statistics of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Spatial autocorrelation analysis, hot spot analysis, and geographic weighted regression analysis were performed to identify regional associations of dementia prevalence, cluster regions with high dementia prevalence, and risk factors for regional dementia prevalence. As a result of the hot spot analysis, the regions corresponding to the hot spots with the high prevalence of dementia were found to be adjacent to each other, such as in Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and Gyeongbuk, and the regions corresponding to the cold spots with the low prevalence of dementia were adjacent to each other, such as Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Busan, and Ulsan. The results of geographic weighted regression analysis showed that educational level, walking practice rate, hypertension prevalence, and a low-sodium diet preference were found to be risk factors for the prevalence of dementia. These results suggest that there is a need for a dementia prevalence management strategy to increase the walking practice rate and low-sodium diet preference rate, and decrease the hypertension prevalence, centering on the hot spot area, which is a cluster area with high dementia prevalence. This study is expected to be useful as basic data that can help in prioritizing health policies considering spatial characteristics for community health promotion.