Disparities In Resources Research Articles

A contemporary class structure: Capital disparities in The Netherlands.

The academic and public debate on social inequality has recently been fuelled by large disparities in income and wealth, profound changes in the labour market, and other emerging cleavages in post-industrial societies. This article contributes to the discussion by arguing that class divisions are theoretically based on four types of capital: people's economic means, their social capital, their cultural resources, and the combination of their health and attractiveness ('person capital'). From this premise, the social structure of the Netherlands is examined. A dedicated survey was linked to microdata from the national population register, tax authorities and benefit agencies. Using latent class analysis, we assess contingencies in the distribution of the different resources, and identify a structure consisting of six capital groups. The established upper echelon (15.5% of the adult population) has the most capital, followed by the privileged younger people (12.7%), the employed middle echelon (26.9%) and the comfortable retirees (16.6%). Total capital is lowest among the insecure workers (13.5%) and the precariat (14.8%). Each social class has a distinctive mix of the four types of capital, highlighting the need to look beyond economic differences in order to comprehend structural inequality. The results of this study also indicate that resource disparities between classes coincide with other forms of social hierarchy and contrasts by age. Moreover, the contemporary class structure is associated with divergent views and experiences among the Dutch. Classes with little capital tend to rate politics, society, and their own social position more negatively. In addition, they value self-enhancement and hedonism less than today's upper classes and report lower levels of well-being.

Predictors of never testing for HIV among sexually active individuals aged 15–56 years in Rwanda

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing services are known as the primary step in preventing the spread of HIV. However, access to these crucial services varies across regions within continents due to disparities in healthcare infrastructure, resources, and awareness. Approximately one in every five people living with HIV (PLWH) encounters obstacles in accessing HIV testing, notably in Eastern and Southern Africa, where geographical, resource, awareness, and infrastructure limitations prevail. Consequently, HIV remains a significant public health concern in these regions, necessitating expanded testing efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS disaster. Despite these challenges, there is a lack of scientific evidence on the prevalence of HIV testing and its determining factors in Rwanda. This study determined the prevalence of never being tested for HIV and its associated factors among sexually active individuals aged 15–56 who participated in the Rwanda AIDS Indicators and HIV Incidence Survey (RAIHIS). This cross-sectional study enrolled 1846 participants. The variables were extracted from the RAIHIS dataset and statistically analyzed using STATA software version 13. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify predictors of never having undergone HIV testing, with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% statistical significance level applied. The prevalence of non-testing for HIV was 17.37%. Being aged 15–30 years (aOR 2.57, 95%CI 1.49–4.43, p < 0.001) and male (aOR 2.44, 95%CI 1.77–3.36, p < 0.001) was associated with an increase in the odds of never testing for HIV. Further, those from urban area were less likely than those living in rural areas to have never tested for HIV (aOR 0.31; 95% CI 0.38–0.67; p < 0.001). Participants who were not aware of HIV test facilitates were more likely to have never undergone HIV testing (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.25–2.47; p = 0.031) than their counterparts. While the prevalence of HIV non-testing remains modest, the significance of youth, male gender, lack of awareness, and rural residence as influential factors prompts a call for inventive strategies to tackle the reasons behind never having undergone HIV testing. Further exploration using mixed methodologies is advocated to better comprehend socio-cultural impacts and causation relating to these identified factors.

Assessing the State of Modern Physics Education: Pre-test Findings and Influencing Factors

Technology and our conceptions of reality have both been significantly impacted by modern physics. However, due to a variety of issues, such as disparities in educational resources, differing emphasis on science education, cultural attitudes, and language obstacles, students in Latin America, including Ecuador, have a limited understanding of modern physics. The present work exposes a pre-test methodology to evaluate students' knowledge and pinpoint their areas of weakness. The analysis of the results indicates that most students received lower grades, while a smaller proportion obtained higher scores. Our findings reveal significant knowledge gaps, misconceptions, and uncertainty among the participants regarding various topics related to the constituent and stability of the nucleus, quantum behavior, nuclear models, radioactive decay, and natural radioactive sources. Additionally, it was statistically demonstrated (Kruskal-Wallis H test) that misconceptions, uncertainties, and knowledge gaps are not significantly related to learning styles. The type of college substantially impacts academics, with private university students typically receiving higher grades. These results offer insightful information about student performance, how learning styles and college types affect academic achievement in modern physics, and the effects of living area and academic level. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-01 Full Text: PDF

Inhalable point-of-care urinary diagnostic platform.

Although low-dose computed tomography screening improves lung cancer survival in at-risk groups, inequality remains in lung cancer diagnosis due to limited access to and high costs of medical imaging infrastructure. We designed a needleless and imaging-free platform, termed PATROL (point-of-care aerosolizable nanosensors with tumor-responsive oligonucleotide barcodes), to reduce resource disparities for early detection of lung cancer. PATROL formulates a set of DNA-barcoded, activity-based nanosensors (ABNs) into an inhalable format. Lung cancer-associated proteases selectively cleave the ABNs, releasing synthetic DNA reporters that are eventually excreted via the urine. The urinary signatures of barcoded nanosensors are quantified within 20 min at room temperature using a multiplexable paper-based lateral flow assay. PATROL detects early-stage tumors in an autochthonous lung adenocarcinoma mouse model with high sensitivity and specificity. Tailoring the library of ABNs may enable not only the modular PATROL platform to lower the resource threshold for lung cancer early detection tools but also the rapid detection of chronic pulmonary disorders and infections.

AI co-pilot bronchoscope robot

The unequal distribution of medical resources and scarcity of experienced practitioners confine access to bronchoscopy primarily to well-equipped hospitals in developed regions, contributing to the unavailability of bronchoscopic services in underdeveloped areas. Here, we present an artificial intelligence (AI) co-pilot bronchoscope robot that empowers novice doctors to conduct lung examinations as safely and adeptly as experienced colleagues. The system features a user-friendly, plug-and-play catheter, devised for robot-assisted steering, facilitating access to bronchi beyond the fifth generation in average adult patients. Drawing upon historical bronchoscopic videos and expert imitation, our AI–human shared control algorithm enables novice doctors to achieve safe steering in the lung, mitigating misoperations. Both in vitro and in vivo results underscore that our system equips novice doctors with the skills to perform lung examinations as expertly as seasoned practitioners. This study offers innovative strategies to address the pressing issue of medical resource disparities through AI assistance.

Inequalities in the access to diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent, and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is the primary treatment. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and PAP treatment resources for OSA within Brazil's Unified Health System and to identify potential inequalities and gaps. A structured survey was sent to members of the Brazilian Sleep Association and the Brazilian Association of Sleep Medicine to identify sleep laboratories providing OSA diagnosis and/or treatment within Brazil's Unified Health System. The numbers of centers, care team structure, sleep studies availability, PAP accessibility, and follow-up services were characterized in all 5 Brazilian regions. Forty-seven centers were identified: Midwest (n = 4), Northeast (n = 10), North (n = 3), Southeast (n = 22), and South (n = 8). Most centers (70%) provided both OSA diagnosis and treatment, mainly in capitals and/or metropolises (87%). Ten out of 27 Brazilian Federal Units lacked sleep services for OSA management, with the North having the highest proportion of states without a sleep service (71%). The annual number of diagnostic exams for OSA was 14,932, with significant heterogeneity across regions (Midwest: 240; North: 400; Northeast: 3,564; South: 4,380; Southeast: 6,348). Mean waiting times for diagnosis and treatment were 11 and 8 months, respectively. Only 46% of PAP treatments were publicly funded, making legal injunctions and out-of-pocket expenditure common practices. This study revealed significant disparities in OSA diagnosis and treatment resources across Brazil, with the North region being particularly underserved. The findings underscore an urgent need for strategies to improve sleep care nationwide. Drager LF, Santos RB, Pachito D, Albertini CS, Sert Kuniyoshi FH, Eckeli AL. Inequalities in the access to diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):735-742.

Relationship Between Inter-regional Disparities in Educational Resources and Economic Development

The connection between interregional differences in educational resources and economic development has drawn the attention of educational researchers This paper carries out correlation analysis and linear regression analysis on the relationship between educational resource input and economic growth in 31 provinces of China. Taking human, material and financial resources as independent variables, and GDP, talent resources and tax revenue as dependent variables, it is concluded that the level of teachers has a significant positive correlation with the input of educational resources and talent resources and GDP. As a result, this paper puts forward the suggestions to improve the level of teachers, cultivate excellent teachers and expand the financial expenditure on education and optimize the input of education funding structure. The purpose of this paper is to examine how educational resources affect economic development and to make policy recommendations. The adequacy of educational resources may have an impact on a country's human capital, economic growth, technological innovation, employment levels, and the equitable and stable development of a society, which in turn affects the development of the economy, and has important implications for both social equity and sustainable economic development. By examining the impact of educational resources on economic development, this paper serves as a reminder of the importance of educational resources and provides policy recommendations for improving the quality of education and promoting sustainable economic development, thereby contributing to the development of education, economic growth and social progress in our country globally.

Cultural safety in paramedic practice: experiences of Māori and their whānau who have received acute pre-hospital care for cardiac symptoms from paramedics.

Background Cardiovascular disease is a major health issue for Māori that requires timely and effective first-response care. Māori report culturally unsafe experiences in health care, resulting in poor health outcomes. Research in the pre-hospital context is lacking. This study aimed to explore experiences of cultural (un)safety for Māori and their whānau who received acute pre-hospital cardiovascular care from paramedics. Methods Utilising a qualitative descriptive methodology and Kaupapa Māori Research (KMR), in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 Māori patients and/or whānau, and a general inductive approach was used for analysis. Results Three key themes were identified: (1) interpersonal workforce skills, (2) access and service factors and (3) active protection of Māori. Participants described paramedics' clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills, including appropriate communication and ability to connect. Barriers to accessing ambulance services included limited personal and community resources and workforce issues. The impact of heart health on communities and desire for better preventative care highlighted the role of ambulance services in heart health. Conclusion Māori experience culturally unsafe pre-hospital care. Systemic and structural barriers were found to be harmful despite there being fewer reports of interpersonal discrimination than in previous research. Efforts to address workforce representation, resource disparities and cultural safety education (focussing on communication, partnership and connection) are warranted to improve experiences and outcomes for Māori.

Antimalarial Drug Resistance in Africa: Current Status and Future Prospects

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Africa, with millions of cases reported annually. However, the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs, a cornerstone of malaria control efforts, is threatened by the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains of the Plasmodium parasite. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of antimalarial drug resistance in Africa and explores prospects for combatting this critical issue. In recent years, various regions across the continent have witnessed the rise of drug-resistant malaria strains, posing formidable challenges to malaria treatment and control programs. We delve into the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms driving drug resistance, shedding light on the role of mutations and the evolutionary forces at play. Despite these challenges, ongoing research and global collaborations offer hope for the future. Combination therapies, innovative drug development, and vector control measures are discussed as strategies to mitigate drug resistance. We also explore the potential of genomics and molecular studies in understanding and countering resistance. However, significant barriers persist, including limited funding, resource disparities, and access to healthcare in remote areas. Socioeconomic factors further complicate the landscape of malaria control. In conclusion, this article underscores the urgency of addressing antimalarial drug resistance in Africa as a public health priority. By staying informed about the current status, supporting research initiatives, and promoting effective policies and interventions, we can strive for a future where malaria treatment remains effective and accessible to all, ultimately working toward the goal of malaria eradication on the African continent.

A Comparative Study of University Education Between Africa and Europe: Perspectives from Lecturers with Cross-Continental Teaching Experience

This study investigated and compared the nuances of university education in Africa and Europe through the perspectives of 100 lecturers who have taught in both continents. The research aimed at gaining insights into the unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities inherent in higher education across these regions. The research objectives included to compare the curriculum design of university education between Africa and Europe, to compare the teaching methodologies of university education between Africa and Europe, to compare the institutional resources of university education between Africa and Europe and to compare student diversity of university education between Africa and Europe. By utilizing questionnaires tailored to eliciting detailed responses from experienced educators, the study examines key areas such as curriculum design, teaching methodologies, institutional resources, and student diversity. The questionnaire-based approach facilitated a qualitative analysis of the lecturers’ perceptions, experiences, and observations, providing rich data for in-depth comparisons. The research design incorporates both closed-ended questions to gather quantitative data on specific aspects of university education and open-ended questions to capture nuanced qualitative insights and personal reflections. Through the analysis of survey responses, themes emerge regarding the structural differences in higher education systems, including funding and resources, academic standards, student engagement and diversity, and faculty development. Additionally, the study explores the impact of cultural diversity on teaching and learning experiences, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, cultural competency, and intercultural communication skills in a globalized academic environment. Lecturers observed differences in teaching methodologies, with African universities often using traditional lecture-based approaches and European universities adopting more interactive, student-centered methods. Lecturers highlighted the impact of globalization and internationalization on university education, including trends such as student mobility, cross-border collaborations, joint research projects, and the integration of global perspectives into curricula. Lecturers noted disparities in institutional resources between African and European universities, including funding, infrastructure, technology, and research facilities. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges faced by universities in Africa and Europe, offering valuable implications for policymaking, curriculum development, and faculty training. The research also underscores the significance of cross-cultural collaborations and knowledge exchange in enhancing the quality and relevance of university education on a global scale.

The gendered ecology of violent victimization and the stress process

We draw on the stress process model to investigate how local gender dynamics related to patriarchal violence and socioeconomic resources shape the link between violent victimization and youth mental health. Using multilevel longitudinal data on 1,632 youth we tested whether respondents exhibited fewer psychological distress symptoms following violent victimization when they resided in neighborhoods characterized by less subjective or objective gender stratification. We find that neighborhood-level gender disparities in socioeconomic resources modify the detrimental impact of victimization on girls' and boys' internalizing symptoms. We elaborate on these conditional influences and conclude with a discussion of how our findings advance scholarship on the role of gender and space in the stress process.

School Equalization in the Shadow of Jim Crow: Causes and Consequences of Resource Disparity in Mississippi Circa 1940

School Equalization in the Shadow of Jim Crow: Causes and Consequences of Resource Disparity in Mississippi Circa 1940

Identifying the Socio-Economic, Institutional, and Policy-Related Factors Influencing Teacher Education Programs in Sindh: A Literature Review

Introduction: Teacher education plays a pivotal role in educational development,particularly in regions facing significant challenges like Sindh, Pakistan. This study aims to identify the socio-economic, institutional,and policy-related factors influencing teacher education programs in Sindh to address the root causes of educational challenges. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted using multiple academic databases, focusing on articles published between January 2020 and May 2024. Inclusion criteria ensured relevance, geographic focus on Sindh, and peer-reviewed status. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findingsand identify common themes. Results/Findings: Socio-economic factors such as financial constraints and gender disparities significantly impact teacher education. Institutional challenges include inadequate training facilities and outdated curricula, exacerbated by bureaucratic inefficiencies. Policy-related issues include inconsistent implementation and insufficient funding. Thematic analysis highlighted resource disparity, the need for ongoing professional development, policy coherence, and curriculum modernization as recurring themes. Future Direction: To address these challenges, increased investment in professional development, curriculum modernization, and policy coherence is recommended. Future research should focus on evaluating specific interventions and conducting comparative studies to inform policy and practice.

The Impact of The Electric Vehicle Industry in China and Russia on Their Existing Markets

In recent years, the electric vehicle (EV) sector has experienced swift advancement, captured substantial attention and showcased promising developmental prospects. This research endeavors to undertake a comprehensive comparative and analytical study of the influence exerted by the EV industry on the markets of China and Russia. It does so by evaluating various dimensions: geographical resource disparities, divergent national policies, and the societal awareness prevalent in both nations. The examination encompasses insights from both domestic and international perspectives, facilitating a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. Ultimately, this paper aims to distill the myriad findings into a cohesive narrative, summarizing the future trajectories, potential growth avenues, and overarching directions that the EV industry is poised to undertake within the unique contexts of China and Russia. Through this holistic exploration, we aspire to offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of electric vehicles within these two distinctive markets.

Descriptive Representation and Party Building: Evidence from Municipal Governments in Brazil

This article highlights a new way in which descriptive representation enhances democracy through inclusive party building. We theorize that parties retain and promote incumbents based on gendered criteria, disproportionately incentivizing women to recruit party members. However, gendered resource inequalities lower women’s access to the patronage required for recruitment. Women respond by recruiting more women members, as it lowers recruitment costs, is role-congruent, and eases credit claiming. Using rich administrative data on party membership from 2004 to 2020 and a regression discontinuity design in Brazil, we find that, despite resource disparities, women mayors recruit new members at similar rates as men but reduce the gender gap in party membership. As expected, women are more likely to be promoted in constituencies where they most lower the gender gap in party membership. We also find that women’s increased membership improves party resilience. Our findings suggest that descriptive representation strengthens party building by including underrepresented citizens.

Critical care services in Bagmati province of Nepal: A cross sectional survey

Background This study aimed to assess the current status of critical care services in 13 districts of Bagmati Province in Nepal, with a focus on access, infrastructure, human resources, and intensive care unit (ICU) services. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers employed in 87 mixed medical/surgical ICUs across Bagmati Province. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered via face-to-face and telephone interviews. Descriptive analysis was used for data analysis, involving frequencies and percentages. Results A total of 123 ICUs were identified in the province, providing 1167 beds and 615 functioning ventilators. The average ICU bed availability per 100,000 population was 19, ranging from 3.6 in Makwanpur to 33.9 in Kathmandu. Out of 13 districts, 95% of beds were concentrated in just four districts, while six had no ICU facilities. Of the available facilities, 69.9% were owned by private entities. One-to-one nurse-to-ventilated bed ratio was maintained by 63.4% of ICUs during daytime, and 62.6% at nighttime. Furthermore, 74.8% of ICUs had consultants trained in critical care medicine. While essential equipment availability was higher in Bagmati province, gaps existed in the availability of oxygen plants and isolation rooms. Similarly, many ICUs offered continuous medical education and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, but improvements were necessary in clinical audits, antibiotic stewardship programs, and research engagement. Conclusions Disparities in critical care resources were evident across districts in Bagmati Province, highlighting the need for a balanced and decentralized approach to ensure equitable access to care. Although there were disparities, numerous ICUs were effectively carrying out multiple critical care procedures. This study suggests conducting a nationwide mapping of ICU resources, prioritizing infrastructure development, optimizing resource allocation, and establishing national protocols.

Emerging Management of Chronic Subdural hematoma (CSDH) in High-Income Country (HIC) and Low-Income Country (LIC)

Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition that affects individuals worldwide. However, the management of CSDH varies significantly between high-income and low-income countries due to disparities in healthcare resources, infrastructure, and access to advanced medical technologies. In this literature review, we aim to compare and contrast the management approaches of CSDH in high-income and low-income countries. By adopting a global health perspective, we highlight the challenges faced by healthcare systems in both settings and offer insights and recommendations for improving the management of CSDH in low-income countries. This topic is unique and important as it sheds light on the ethical dilemmas posed by the differences in healthcare access and outcomes between high-income and low-income countries and emphasizes the importance of equitable healthcare distribution.

Abstract 14620: Association of Rural Residence With In-Hospital Mortality for Heart Failure Hospitalizations in Texas: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background: Rural residents with heart failure may be at higher risk of mortality due to disparities in access to health care services. Patterns of urban-rural disparity in health care resources may vary across the United States and population level analyses of the impact of rural residence on hospitalized patients with heart failure in Texas are not conclusive. Hypothesis: Rural residence is associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with heart failure. Methods: We used publicly available, statewide, and deidentified hospitalization records to study patients aged ≥18 years with heart failure as principal diagnosis in Texas for years 2016 through 2021. Three models estimated the association between rural residence and in-hospital mortality. Multilevel logistic regression with propensity adjustment was the primary analysis approach with propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression without propensity score matching applied as alternative analyses. Additional analyses were completed for patient subgroups and for categories of heart failures. Results: Out of 460,798 heart failure hospitalizations (HFH), 61,480 (13.3%) were classified as rural residents. HFH with vs without rural residence were older (70.4% vs 64.8% aged ≥ 65years), more often white (63.5% vs 46.9%), less frequently had private insurance (26.2% vs 35.4%) and were less often admitted to teaching hospitals (19.5% vs 28.9%); p &lt; 0.0001 for each. Unadjusted in-hospital mortality among HFH with and without rural residence was 2.5% vs 2.1%. On adjusted analyses, rural residence remained associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.1685 (95% CI [1.0878 - 1.2554]). The results were similar for the alternative modeling approaches, subgroup analyses, and categories of heart failures. Conclusions: Rural residence in Texas was associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with heart failure.

Group key management in the Internet of Things: Handling asynchronicity

Internet of Things (IoT) devices have permeated our immediate surroundings, becoming ubiquitous. These devices engage in continuous communication, with a significant aspect being group communications. Indeed, the latter are often more efficient than one-to-one interactions, rendering them well-suited for applications like e-health, federated learning, and military systems. However, security plays a pivotal role in these group communications, especially in safeguarding data confidentiality and user privacy. In this context, group key management protocols offer a mechanism for establishing shared group keys and updating them when needed. Nonetheless, the inherently asynchronous nature of IoT devices has proven to be a challenge. IoT devices are susceptible to unexpectedly entering an offline mode due to factors such as battery depletion, energy conservation, or loss of wireless connectivity. Consequently, the establishment of a group key for secure communications becomes a complex task. In this paper, we introduce an innovative approach to establishing group credentials asynchronously while ensuring robust security attributes, including Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) and Post-compromise Security (PCS). Our protocol is designed around blockchain technology, specifically smart contracts to embrace the distributed nature of IoT. Additionally, we incorporate a reputation-based mechanism to address the heterogeneity of IoT devices in terms of resource disparity. Evaluation results demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, along with reasonable performances.

The impact of differentiated feed-in tariffs on the resource misallocation of wind power: From the perspectives of the intensive and extensive margins

The widespread implementation of feed-in tariff (FIT) policies has played a crucial role in fostering the development of wind power, with their positive effects firmly established in numerous studies. However, the impact of regionally differentiated FIT policies on the misallocation of wind power resources remains a topic of contention, with limited research dedicated to this area. This paper aims to address this gap by examining the implications of such policies on the intensive and extensive margins of wind power installed capacity in China, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms driving resource misallocation. Empirical findings indicate that, concerning the intensive margin, the policy amplifies the concentration of wind power investments in regions characterized by abundant wind resources but low electricity demand. These regions present favorable conditions for large-scale wind farms with cost advantages, consequently exacerbating the misallocation of wind power resources. However, on the extensive margin, the policy promotes the likelihood of locating small and medium-sized wind farms in regions with poor wind resources but higher tariff rates, thus partially mitigating resource misallocation. In summary, China's policy hampers wind power investments in regions characterized by high electricity demand but limited wind resources. This suggests that the negative impact on the intensive margin outweighs the positive impact on the extensive margin. The findings of this study bear significant implications for the development of renewable energy support policies, particularly in countries grappling with substantial regional disparities in renewable energy resources.