Research Strategy Research Articles

Social Media Authentication and Users' Assessments of Health Information: Random Assignment Survey Experiment.

In an effort to signal the authenticity of user accounts, social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, use visual heuristics (blue checkmarks) to signify whether accounts are verified. While these verification badges are generally well recognized (and often coveted) by SNS users, relatively little is known about how they affect users' perceptions of accuracy or their likelihood of engaging with web-based information. This is particularly true in the case of information posted by medical experts and health care professionals. This study aims to use an experimental survey design to assess the effect of these verification badges on SNS users' assessments of information accuracy as well as their proclivity to recirculate health information or follow verified medical experts in their social network. A survey experiment using random assignment was conducted on a representative sample of 534 adult SNS users in Florida, United States. A total of 2 separate experimental scenarios exposed users to vaccine-related posts from verified medical experts on X. In each case, the original post contained a platform-issued verification badge (treatment group), which was subsequently edited out of the image as an experimental control. For each scenario, respondents were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group, and responses to 3 follow-up questions were assessed through a series of chi-square analyses and 2 logit regression models. Responses were fielded using a stratified quota sampling approach to ensure representativeness of the state's population based on age, sex, race, ethnicity, and political affiliation. Users' assessments of information accuracy were not significantly impacted by the presence or absence of verification badges, and users exposed to the experimental treatment (verification badge) were not any more likely to repost the message or follow the author. While verification badges did not influence users' assessments or subsequent behaviors, reliance on social media for health-related information and political affiliation were substantial predictors of accuracy assessments in both experimental scenarios. In scenario 1, which included a post addressing COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, users who relied on social media "a great deal" for health information were 2 times more likely to assess the post as accurate (odds ratio 2.033, 95% CI 1.129-3.661; P=.01). In scenario 2, which included a post about measles vaccines, registered Republicans were nearly 6 times less likely to assess the post as accurate (odds ratio 0.171, 95% CI 0.097-0.299; P<.001). For health professionals and medical experts wishing to leverage social networks to combat misinformation and spread reliable health-related content, account verification appears to offer little by way of added value. On the basis of prior research, other heuristics and communication strategies are likely to yield better results.

Digital technologies used in the field of military transport

Military transport as a sub-field of operational logistics ensures both the movement of forces from one location to another as well as their supply and support during military exercises or operations. Ensuring the transportation of materials to the fighting forces at the right time and place, as well as in the necessary quantity, is essential for the successful completion of missions. In this regard, during the planning process for force support, determinants such as destination, duration, distance, and the logistic support demand for the operation are taken into account. Technological evolution allows for the adoption of digital solutions in the logistics field, with the following benefits: reducing the risk of human losses, access to difficult locations, visibility over transported goods, and increased speed of response to logistic support requests.The purpose of this article is to highlight a series of digital technology solutions applied in the field of military transportation. To write this article, a qualitative research strategy was applied to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomena and processes related to military transport. The data collection technique used was the analysis of manuals, regulations, doctrines, articles published in journals and magazines, media content, websites of digital technology developers, and specialized books.The conclusion of the article lies in highlighting the advantages of using robotic technology to ensure military transport.

Trends and challenges in research into the human aspects of ransomware: a systematic mapping study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the trends and challenges relating to research into the human aspects of ransomware. Design/methodology/approach A systematic mapping study was carried out to investigate the trends in studies into the human aspects of ransomware, identify challenges encountered by researchers and propose directions for future research. For each of the identified papers from this study, the authors mapped the year of publication, the type of paper, research strategy and data generation method, types of participants included, theories incorporated and lastly, the authors mapped the challenges encountered by the researchers. Findings Fifty-nine papers published between 2006 and 2022 are included in the study. The findings indicate that literature on the human aspects of ransomware was scarce prior to 2016. The most-used participant groups in this area are students and cybersecurity professionals, and most studies rely on a survey strategy using the questionnaire to collect data. In addition, many papers did not use theories for their research, but from those that did, game theory was used most often. Furthermore, the most reported challenge is that being hit with ransomware is a sensitive topic, which results in individuals and organisations being reluctant to share their experiences. Research limitations/implications This mapping study reveals that the body of literature in the area of human aspects of ransomware has increased over the past couple of years. The findings highlight that being transparent about ransomware attacks, when possible, can help others. Moreover, senior management plays an important role in shaping the information security culture of an organisation, whether to have a culture of transparency or of secrecy. Originality/value This study is the first of its kind of systematic mapping studies contributing to the body of knowledge on the human aspects of ransomware.

Explicit inference: A meta-replication of SEER cancer registry research evaluating the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion.

Among the provisions within the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanding Medicaid was arguably the greatest contributor to increasing access to care. For over a decade, researchers have investigated how Medicaid expansion impacted cancer outcomes. Over this same decade, statistical theory illuminated how state-based policy research could be compromised by invalid inference. After reviewing the literature to identify the inference strategies of state-based cancer registry Medicaid expansion research, this study aimed to assess how inference decisions could change the interpretation of Medicaid expansion's impact on staging, treatment, and mortality in cancer patients. Cancer case data (2000-2019) was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results (SEER) programme. Cases included all cancer sites combined, top 10 cancer sites combined, and three screening amenable cancers (colorectal, female breast, female cervical). A Difference-in-Differences design estimated the association between Medicaid expansion and four binary outcomes: distant stage, initiating treatment >1 month after diagnosis, no surgery recommendation, and death. Three inference techniques were compared: (1) traditional, (2) cluster, and (3) Wild Cluster Bootstrap. Data was accessed via SEER*Stat. Estimating standard errors via traditional inference would suggest that Medicaid expansion was associated with delayed treatment initiation and surgery recommendations. Traditional and clustered inference also suggested that Medicaid expansion reduced mortality. Inference using Wild Cluster Bootstrap techniques never rejected the null hypotheses. This study reiterates the importance of explicit inference. Future state-based, cancer policy research can be improved by incorporating emerging techniques. These findings warrant caution when interpreting prior SEER research reporting significant effects of Medicaid expansion on cancer outcomes, especially studies that did not explicitly define their inference strategy.

P-448 Placental histopathology in frozen embryo transfer HRT induced IVF pregnancies and non-IVF pregnancies and its correlation with maternal and fetal outcomes: a prospective case-control study

Abstract Study question Is Placental histopathology altered in Frozen Embryo transfer, HRT induced IVF pregnancies when compared to non-IVF pregnancies; if yes,any implications on maternal and fetal outcome? Summary answer Pathological placental lesions and adverse maternal outcomes were found to be significantly higher in IVF pregnancies compared to non-IVF pregnancies. What is known already Studies on placental histopathology in IVF pregnancies suggest that there may be differences compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. Some research indicates an increased risk of certain placental abnormalities such as changes in vascularization and structure (Uroka Belak, et al., 2023). Additionally, alterations in gene expressions and epigenetic modifications in placenta have been observed in IVF pregnancies. However, it is essential to note that findings can vary, and more research is needed to fully understand the implications and potential long-term effects. Study design, size, duration Prospective, single centre, comparative clinical study, including 100 pregnancies between November, 2022 and November, 2023; 50 FET HRT induced IVF pregnancies, 50 non-IVF pregnancies. Participants/materials, setting, methods Patients aged 32-45 years, &amp;gt;34 weeks gestation, with no associated maternal and obstetrical complications were recruited after proper screening and informed consent. Among 100 pregnancies, we compared placental HPE using the Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus and feto-maternal outcomes between FET HRT induced IVF pregnancies and non-IVF pregnancies. We used Chi-square test to compare groups(p &amp;lt; 0.05). Main results and the role of chance Out of 100 participants, 50 were frozen embryo transfer, HRT induced IVF pregnancies and 50 were non-IVF pregnancies. Out of 50 IVF pregnancies; 27(54%) had pathological placental lesions, of which 17(63%) were noted to have adverse maternal outcomes and 6(22.2%) had adverse fetal outcomes. Out of 50 non-IVF pregnancies, 4(8%) had pathological placental lesions; of which 1(25%) were noted to have adverse maternal outcomes and 1(25%) had adverse fetal outcomes. On comparing these 2 groups, our result was found to be statistically significant(p &amp;lt; 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution This study has some limitations owing to it being a single centered comparative trial, possibility of observer bias in histopathological examination and that the study is restricted to HRT induced IVF pregnancies. Wider implications of the findings This study reveals valuable insights into potential differences in placental and fetal development. Understanding these variances could influence clinical practices, patient counseling, and contribute to advancements in assisted reproductive technologies. Additionally, insights into long-term health outcomes for both mothers and babies may emerge, guiding future research and healthcare strategies. Trial registration number Not applicable

Adequacy of defects liability periods for public construction projects in Ghana

PurposeThe practice of the defects liability period (DLP) is a risk management strategy meant to secure durable and high-quality works. However, construction products continue to malfunction even after the expiration of DLPs. This study seeks to determine the adequacy of DLPs existing in the construction industry and propose appropriate DLPs for construction projects in the Ghanaian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachApplying quantitative research strategy, 124 questionnaires were retrieved from construction professionals surveyed. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cramer’s V and the significance test with the aid of Stata software.FindingsIt was found that defects start showing in both buildings and roads within 12 months after being handed over for the client’s use. The significance test and Cramer’s V analysis indicate low concordance amongst respondents that the 6–12 month DLPs existing in Ghana are adequate. It is found that the existing DLP practice does not provide sufficient security to clients.Practical implicationsConstruction project clients will need to include the tenderer’s proposed DLP as part of the tender evaluation criteria with the objective of picking up a signal of the quality of work to be delivered.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the pioneering studies addressing the issue of the adequacy of DLPs in the construction industry in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The findings trigger policy and regulatory changes in conditions guiding construction contracts procured in most developing countries that have adopted and adapted to the World Bank Public Procurement Guidelines.

Many-Objective Whale Optimization Algorithm for Engineering Design and Large-Scale Many-Objective Optimization Problems

In this paper, a novel Many-Objective Whale Optimization Algorithm (MaOWOA) is proposed to overcome the challenges of large-scale many-objective optimization problems (LSMOPs) encountered in diverse fields such as engineering. Existing algorithms suffer from curse of dimensionality i.e., they are unable to balance convergence with diversity in extensive decision-making scenarios. MaOWOA introduces strategies to accelerate convergence, balance convergence and diversity in solutions and enhance diversity in high-dimensional spaces. The prime contributions of this paper are—development of MaOWOA, incorporation an Information Feedback Mechanism (IFM) for rapid convergence, a Reference Point-based Selection (RPS) to balance convergence and diversity and a Niche Preservation Strategy (NPS) to improve diversity and prevent overcrowding. A comprehensive evaluation demonstrates MaOWOA superior performance over existing algorithms (MaOPSO, MOEA/DD, MaOABC, NSGA-III) across LSMOP1-LSMOP9 benchmarks and RWMaOP1-RWMaOP5 problems. Results validated using Wilcoxon rank sum tests, highlight MaOWOA excellence in key metrics such as generational distance, spread, spacing, runtime, inverse generational distance and hypervolume, outperforming in 71.8% of tested scenarios. Thus, MaOWOA represents a significant advancement in many-objective optimization, offering new avenues for addressing LSMOPs and RWMaOPs’ inherent challenges. This paper details MaOWOA development, theoretical basis and effectiveness, marking a promising direction for future research in optimization strategies amidst growing problem complexity.

Beyond Hair Loss: Exploring the Evolution of Androgenetic Alopecia Research based on text mining and Bibliometrics

In this study, word dynamics, co-occurring phrases, and keyword frequency in the area of androgenetic alopecia were thoroughly analysed during a ten-year period. The study tracks changes in word usage, frequency, and context and identifies variations in the distribution and usage patterns of keywords, subjects, and co-occurring phrases using natural language processing techniques and graph theory-based approaches. The research reveals hidden linkages and patterns between diverse ideas, shedding light on the co-occurrence patterns of numerous phrases in the literature on androgenetic alopecia. The study emphasises the value of clearly visualising and disseminating findings to a large audience. In order to communicate the findings of the 10-year trend analysis to patrons, legislatures, and other pertinent audiences, data visualisation tools, infographics, and reports are used. This makes sure that the results are useful, effective, and easily accessible so that they can guide the creation of policies and decisions pertaining to androgenetic alopecia. The results of this study may have substantial ramifications for academics, medical professionals, policymakers, and other industry participants. The research can lead future research paths, prioritise research areas, and suggest areas that require additional examination by highlighting key research challenges and pointing out gaps in the study of androgenetic alopecia. Identifying emergent study issues, analysing the changing patterns in the area, and establishing research strategies can all benefit from an analysis of word dynamics and correlations among terms. The results reveal hidden relationships and patterns, advance knowledge of the research environment in this area, and influence androgenetic alopecia research objectives and policies.

Recent Progress of In‐Depth Analysis Techniques for Si Anodes in Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries: A Concise Overview and Future Perspective

AbstractThe utilization of Si anode in sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) has gained more research attention in recent years to overcome the interface challenges associated with ASSB‐containing Li metal anode. However, the volume expansion feature of the Si, stress/strain evolution inside the electrode, and the parasitic side reaction at the Si/sulfide SE interface are the most predominant limiting factors for practical device applications. It is necessary to investigate and understand the interface challenges through in‐depth analysis in real‐time battery operation to design highly efficient ASSBs for commercial device applications. Hence, this perspective paper provides a summary of the characterization tools and the analysis results related to the Si/sulfide SE interface. Moreover, in this perspective, we emphasize the importance of further investigation of the interface through more advanced in‐depth/operando analysis tools to gain insightful information about the anodic interface, which could be useful for the researchers to design efficient research strategies for solving the challenging issues associated with the anodic interface.

Efficacy of Homoeopathy In PCOS- A Review

Introduction: To evaluate the usefulness of homeopathy for the treatment of PCOS through a literature review and to develop a strategy for future research. Method: A comprehensive search was done in electronic databases, including general medical databases MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Science Direct, specialised database for homeopathy CORE-Hom, CAM databases LILACS Chiro ACCESS, AYUSH Research Portal, Google Scholar, Research gate net, clinical trial registry, aimed to target the available literature of observational studies, randomized trials, controlled trials, case reports on PCOS in homeopathy and limited to the English language. The inclusion criteria are the studies with a full-text present in mentioned databases, studies with experimental or quasi-experimental designs published in peer-reviewed or partial peer-reviewed journals and studies with humans as their samples. Result: A literary search through databases helped to identify a few significant studies, such as one placebo-controlled trial, one comparative clinical study, one retrospective study, three clinical studies, and nine case reports. A retrospective study showed positive results for the role of homeopathic medicines in PCOS. The placebo-controlled trial showed a difference in outcome between the two groups. The verum group showed a positive effect in the regularization of menses. The comparative clinical study showed that both homeopathic medicines (Cal. carb, Lycopodium) appeared to be effective. Three clinical studies showed the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in improving and curing PCOS. Nine case reports showed a positive effect of homeopathy in improving PCOS, out of which three cases showed positive outcomes also in infertility with PCOS. Conclusion: The results showed that Homoeopathy has positive effects on the management of PCOS in women. In the future, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCT), comparative studies of homeopathy with conventional therapy, and in-vitro and animal model studies will be required to support the effectiveness of homeopathic therapeutics in PCOS.

Unmatched. What's Next? Is a Preliminary Year of Residency or Research Fellowship Better for Reapplicants to Plastic Surgery?

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of the most competitive residency programs, and given the increased number of applicants for a relatively fixed number of positions, successfully matching is a challenge. Match rates have declined since 2018, with a match rate of ~55% in 2022. Two common options before reapplying are a preliminary year of residency (preliminary year) or a research fellowship. This study investigated which option is more beneficial for reapplicants seeking a successful match. This retrospective study included all applicants to an integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency from 2015 to 2023. Two cohorts based on reapplication strategy (research fellowship or preliminary year) were created. Demographic, applicant, and match data were collected. Pearson chi-squared, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum testing were performed. In total, 125 reapplicants were included. Seventy-one (56.8%) reapplicants pursued a preliminary year, and 29 (23.2%) completed a research fellowship. Research fellowship reapplicants had a greater mean number of first author publications (8.8 versus 3.2, P < 0.001), non-first author publications (11.3 versus 5.9, P = 0.021), poster presentations (9.7 versus 6.0, P = 0.028), and oral presentations (11.8 versus 6.4, P < 0.001). Research fellowship reapplicants were more likely to match into plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) than preliminary year reapplicants, with 72.4% (n = 21) of research fellowship reapplicants matching into PRS compared with 39.4% (n = 28) of preliminary year reapplicants (P = 0.003). Research fellowship reapplicants demonstrated greater research productivity and were almost twice as likely to match into PRS compared with preliminary reapplicants.

The ReCoDe addiction research consortium: Losing and regaining control over drug intake-Findings and future perspectives.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are seen as a continuum ranging from goal-directed and hedonic drug use to loss of control over drug intake with aversive consequences for mental and physical health and social functioning. The main goals of our interdisciplinary German collaborative research centre on Losing and Regaining Control over Drug Intake (ReCoDe) are (i) to study triggers (drug cues, stressors, drug priming) and modifying factors (age, gender, physical activity, cognitive functions, childhood adversity, social factors, such as loneliness and social contact/interaction) that longitudinally modulate the trajectories of losing and regaining control over drug consumption under real-life conditions. (ii) To study underlying behavioural, cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms of disease trajectories and drug-related behaviours and (iii) to provide non-invasive mechanism-based interventions. These goals are achieved by: (A) using innovative mHealth (mobile health) tools to longitudinally monitor the effects of triggers and modifying factors on drug consumption patterns in real life in a cohort of 900 patients with alcohol use disorder. This approach will be complemented by animal models of addiction with 24/7 automated behavioural monitoring across an entire disease trajectory; i.e. from a naïve state to a drug-taking state to an addiction or resilience-like state. (B) The identification and, if applicable, computational modelling of key molecular, neurobiological and psychological mechanisms (e.g., reduced cognitive flexibility) mediating the effects of such triggers and modifying factors on disease trajectories. (C) Developing and testing non-invasive interventions (e.g., Just-In-Time-Adaptive-Interventions (JITAIs), various non-invasive brain stimulations (NIBS), individualized physical activity) that specifically target the underlying mechanisms for regaining control over drug intake. Here, we will report on the most important results of the first funding period and outline our future research strategy.

Understanding the column and batch adsorption mechanism of pesticide 2,4,5-T utilizing alginate-biomass hydrogel capsule: A computational and economic investigation

Water pollution has remained a pressing concern in recent years, presenting multifaceted challenges in search of effective mitigation strategies. Our study, which targets mitigating pollution caused by 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), a significant aquatic pollutant, is innovative in its approach. We have identified adsorption as a promising, cost-effective method for its removal. Our research strategy involves dynamic adsorption utilizing a peristaltic pump and composite beads containing activated carbon and sodium alginate (CA/Alg), a novel combination that mimics industrial processes. To optimize column adsorption, we examine bead stability under varied pH conditions and optimize parameters such as concentration, adsorption time, and pH through batch adsorption experiments, employing experimental design techniques. Additionally, we optimize column adsorption factors, including bead height, circulation time, and flow rate, crucial for process efficiency, and under these optimum conditions (C2,4,5-T = 80 ppm. pH = 2, t = 27h30min, H = 30 cm and D = 0.5 mL/min) the capacity of adsorption equal to 748.25 mg/g. Characterization techniques like SEM, EDX, BET analysis, XRD, and FTIR provide insights into the morphology, composition, surface area (331 m2/g), pore volume (0.11 cm3/g), crystal structure, and functional groups of the CA-P/Alg adsorbent. Theoretical analysis elucidates the adsorption mechanism and interaction with pollutants. Economic analysis, encompassing CAPEX and OPEX estimation, evaluates the feasibility of implementing this cleanup method at an industrial scale, considering initial investment and ongoing operational costs, indicating potential savings of 64 % compared with the activated carbon normally used on the Moroccan market. This comprehensive and innovative approach addresses water pollution challenges effectively while ensuring economic viability for industry-scale implementation.

Leveraging AI to Improve Research Strategies Investigating the Complex Interaction Between Chardonnay Marc and Its Potential Impact on Gut Barrier Function

Leveraging AI to Improve Research Strategies Investigating the Complex Interaction Between Chardonnay Marc and Its Potential Impact on Gut Barrier Function

Impact of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBP) during water/wastewater treatment: A review

Disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation during water and wastewater treatment is a concern for public health and environmental preservation. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) serves as a recognized precursor to DBP formation, which can potentially jeopardize human health. This review article offers a comprehensive insight into DON's influence on DBP formation during water and wastewater treatment processes. It delves into DON's sources, properties, and concentrations in water and wastewater, underlining the variability dependent on water source and environmental conditions. The mechanisms of DBP formation from DON, encompassing formation pathways and influencing factors, are meticulously examined. Different treatment methods, like chlorination, ozonation, and UV disinfection, are carefully examined to see how they affect the formation of DON and DBP. Factors that sway DON's impact on DBP formation are also explored. The review also presents various DBP reduction techniques, spanning physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods, their efficacy in curtailing DON's influence, and their potential pros and cons. It addresses challenges, outlines future research directions, identifies knowledge gaps, and highlights the necessity for regulatory measures and policies, providing recommendations for prospective research avenues. It is clear from this in-depth review that more research is needed to understand how DON affects the formation of DBP entirely. It is also essential to protect human health and the environment and follow the rules first when treating wastewater. In conclusion, it analyzes DON's part in forming DBP in water and wastewater treatment. This emphasizes the need for ongoing research and mitigation strategies to protect public health and water quality.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Investors in Emerging Markets

Risk management is becoming more and more dependent on the identification of risk variables for investors who wish to make investments in emerging economies. Finding risk factors for investors in emerging markets and identifying the top five risk factors in emerging markets were the two objectives of this study. To gather information from South African asset managers, this study used an online survey method, a quantitative research strategy, and online questionnaires. To analyse the data, descriptive statistics were employed. The findings indicated that the most crucial risk factors to consider when making investments in developing markets were currency, economic stability, liquidity, inflation, investment cost, hazards, and taxation. Additionally, it was shown that the top five risk factors in developing markets include inflation, currency fluctuations, hazards, liquidity, and economic stability. This study added to the body of knowledge and its significance and contribution to existing literature is that it gave investors in emerging markets fresh perspectives on risk factors to consider when investing in emerging market. The practical implication for investors is that they must consider factors identified in this study when investing in developing markets, it is advised that investors who choose to do so take into account the top five risk factors. Policymakers in emerging markets can help ensure that investors are well-informed about the risks associated with investing in emerging markets, ultimately fostering a more stable and attractive investment environment.

Exploring Health Research Priority Setting in a South African Province: A Nominal Group Technique Approach

In August 2022, the Free State Provincial Health Research Committee used the online nominal group technique (NGT) for Health Research Priority Setting (HRPS) for the Free State Department of Health (FSDoH) and the research community, considering various stakeholders’ perspectives. This paper explores and describes the identified health research priorities. It also assesses their alignment with the National Health Research Strategy. Additionally, it provides an opinion on the feasibility of using the online NGT for collaborative co-creation of provincial-level health research priorities. Most of the identified health research priorities resonate with the national health research priorities identified by the National Health Research Committee. However, research to “strengthen surveillance” was uniquely perceived to be a priority by the participants in the Free State HRPS exercise. A plausible reason for this might be their heightened awareness of the vital role optimal surveillance systems play in coordinating intersectoral responses to pandemics, particularly considering the serious challenges emerging during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Libraries Are Resilience Hubs

Problem, research strategy, and findings We explored the contributions of local public libraries to community resilience in the face of economic hardships, extreme weather events, and the COVID-19 pandemic using a survey of 415 library directors distributed through state library listservs in 13 Midwestern states, community-level census and presidential elections data, and library-specific data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services annual Public Libraries Survey. We found that public libraries provide invaluable resilience-boosting community services. They help patrons find jobs and access social services, often with one-on-one support. They act as daytime shelters during extreme heat and cold events, which is particularly important for unhoused and underhoused individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they innovated to provide delocalized services and information access, such as installing WiFi hotspots. The provision of these essential resilience-boosting services is largely independent from library resources and community contexts and appear grounded in librarians’ ethos. Our research was limited to Midwestern public libraries and thus results are not generalizable to other regions, private, academic, and specialized libraries. We did not explore the possible relationships between local political majorities that could affect local government funding and priorities and local libraries’ funding sources, levels, and services. Takeaways for practice Beyond collections and information access, public libraries provide many services relevant to community and economic development and to disaster response. In addition, local public libraries act as resilience hubs in the face of economic stressors and extreme weather events, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are ready, flexible, adaptable, and willing to support patrons in times of need. Planners seeking to enhance community resilience can work with their local public libraries to build disaster preparedness and response capacity.

Gender Differences in Physical Performance and Psychological Assessment Among Cuban National Athletics Team

Introduction: Elite sports pose potential health risks, but are vital to the well-being of society. In Cuban society, sport is an integral part of personal development and public health, fostering unity and promoting female participation for sustainable growth. Athletics is one of the most important sports in Cuban sport, and should be approached both from the point of view of sports training and sports psychology. Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a description of conditional variables in a countermovement jump (CMJ), mood profile, self-efficacy, and the leg-hip height index among athletes from the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team, differentiated by gender. Methods: Our sample consisted of the Cuban national athletics pre-selection team. Results: Mood profile analysis using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) did not reveal significant gender differences, with a small effect size for gender. Men showed a slightly greater trend towards vigor compared to women. Significant differences in self-efficacy were observed between men and women in their confidence levels to achieve jump heights between 21 and 40 cm using the CMJ. However, no significant differences were found for jumps exceeding 40 cm, highlighting the importance of strategies to enhance athletes’ psychological needs and self-efficacy. Conclusions: This study suggests that the association between tension-related anxiety and performance indicators related to jump height may play a crucial role in determining specific profiles in male and female Cuban athletes. Our comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding gender differences in performance factors. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and athlete development strategies.

Experimental models for peri-implant diseases: a narrative review.

Peri-implant diseases, being the most common implant-related complications, significantly impact the normal functioning and longevity of implants. Experimental models play a crucial role in discovering potential therapeutic approaches and elucidating the mechanisms of disease progression in peri-implant diseases. This narrative review comprehensively examines animal models and common modeling methods employed in peri-implant disease research and innovatively summarizes the in vitro models of peri-implant diseases. Articles published between 2015 and 2023 were retrieved from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase. All studies focusing on experimental models of peri-implant diseases were included and carefully evaluated. Various experimental models of peri-implantitis have different applications and advantages. The dog model is currently the most widely utilized animal model in peri-implant disease research, while rodent models have unique advantages in gene knockout and systemic disease induction. In vitro models of peri-implant diseases are also continuously evolving to meet different experimental purposes. The utilization of experimental models helps simplify experiments, save time and resources, and promote advances in peri-implant disease research. Animal models have been proven valuable in the early stages of drug development, while technological advancements have brought about more predictive and relevant in vitro models. This review provides clear and comprehensive model selection strategies for researchers in the field of peri-implant diseases, thereby enhancing understanding of disease pathogenesis and providing possibilities for developing new treatment strategies.