Initial Support Research Articles

The relationship between perceptions toward advertising and consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods among adults in the United States: results from a national survey

IntroductionMuch of the research on the effects of food advertising has been focused on children and adolescents; however, adults may also be influenced. Prior research has also shown that exposure to food advertisements have impacted the consumption behaviors of adults. The purpose of this study is to explore (1) the differences in perceptions toward and trust in food advertisements between racial/ethnic population subgroups; and (2) the associations between perceptions toward food advertising and the consumption of energy-dense, nutrient poor (EDNP) foods among adults using data from a national data set (n = 1,535).MethodsData from the National Cancer Institute’s Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) survey were utilized in this secondary data analysis study. We conducted one-way ANOVAs to evaluate demographic subgroup differences within advertising trust and perceptions, and utilized bivariate and multivariable linear regression models to examine associations between (1) the perceptions toward and trust in food advertisements between racial/ethnic population subgroups; and (2) the associations between perceptions toward food advertising and the consumption of EDNP foods, while controlling for sociodemographic factors.ResultsResults show significant differences between racial/ethnic groups on advertising perceptions (F = 8.59, p < 0.0001). Planned contrasts show that there was a statistically significant and meaningful difference (p = 0.04) between Non-Hispanic Blacks (mean = 2.85) and Non-Hispanic Whites (mean = 2.52) for trust in food advertising. Regression analyses show that as positive perceptions toward food advertising increase among adults, there is an increase in daily frequency of consumption of EDNP foods and drinks (𝛽 = 0.15, p < 0.0001). This pattern was similar for trust in food advertising (𝛽 = 0.13, p < 0.0001).DiscussionGiven that previous studies have shown that ethnic minority groups, particularly Non-Hispanic Blacks, are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy food advertisements across various types of media, such as TV, billboards, and in grocery stores, it is possible that Non-Hispanic Black adults have greater trust in food advertising because of the increased environmental exposure to advertising through various channels of communication. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to food advertisements is linked to consumption of the foods found in those advertisements. Our results provide some initial empirical support for the cognitive mechanisms of how exposure to food advertising may contribute to consumption. Developing advertising literacy interventions to inoculate against the cognitive impacts of food advertising may be a viable strategy to limiting consumption of EDNP foods.

Current State of Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency and Future Direction: A Review

Orthopaedic surgery is one of the least diverse fields in medicine. Barriers to increasing the racial, gender, and sexual minority diversity of residents include pervasive negative impressions about the culture in orthopaedic surgery; lack of early exposure to and education about orthopaedics; new large-scale diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that have yet to become fully established; and lack of mentorship from those with shared backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, or race. Recently, there have been several pipeline initiatives aimed at exposing women and underrepresented minority students to orthopaedics and medicine early in their careers, which have shown remarkable success. Toward this goal, recent recommendations from Nth Dimensions have provided a toolkit to help recruit and maintain diverse trainees. Furthermore, advocating for further funding and support of initiatives from national organizations that lead the field of orthopaedics will be paramount to institutionalizing efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the orthopaedic community.

Vox Populi: Popular Support for the Popular Initiative

Direct democratic institutions are often introduced by popular vote, but there is little research on what motivates voters to support these new instruments. Using a unique dataset on the ideological positions of voters and members of parliament, this article examines support for the introduction of the initiative right in a popular vote. We find that voters support the initiative right when they are inadequately represented in parliament. Moreover, the analysis shows that the voting behavior is consistent with voters understanding the strategic implications of adopting the popular initiative. We demonstrate that voters support its adoption if they are ideologically more proximate to the median voter than they are to the median legislator. Finally, the article shows that ideological distance matters for voters of the ruling party as well, which helps explain why a majority of voters support a political institution that limits the ruling party’s room for maneuver.

The childhood cancer data initiative: enabling data sharing to drive research advances and transform pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment.

With growing emphasis on data-driven research in pediatric oncology, particularly in the context of advances in molecular characterization and precision medicine, there is an urgent need for comprehensive data-sharing initiatives. This review explores how the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) addresses this critical need. CCDI plays a key role in enhancing pediatric cancer research by improving data integration, sharing, and collaboration. Its Molecular Characterization Initiative advances the field by leveraging detailed molecular data to inform clinical trials and therapeutic strategies. For small patient populations, such as those with rhabdomyosarcoma, CCDI's efforts in integrating data across institutions are vital for advancing risk-based treatment strategies to achieve meaningful clinical outcomes. CCDI's advancements in data sharing have profound implications for both clinical practice and research. By enabling precise diagnoses, tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles, and addressing the challenges associated with small patient populations, CCDI is driving transformative changes in pediatric oncology. Continued support and expansion of such initiatives are crucial to fully realizing their potential in improving outcomes for children with cancer.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction, Phenotypic Traits Extraction, and Yield Estimation of Shiitake Mushrooms Based on Structure from Motion and Multi-View Stereo

Phenotypic traits of fungi and their automated extraction are crucial for evaluating genetic diversity, breeding new varieties, and estimating yield. However, research on the high-throughput, rapid, and non-destructive extraction of fungal phenotypic traits using 3D point clouds remains limited. In this study, a smart phone is used to capture multi-view images of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) from three different heights and angles, employing the YOLOv8x model to segment the primary image regions. The segmented images were reconstructed in 3D using Structure from Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS). To automatically segment individual mushroom instances, we developed a CP-PointNet++ network integrated with clustering methods, achieving an overall accuracy (OA) of 97.45% in segmentation. The computed phenotype correlated strongly with manual measurements, yielding R2 > 0.8 and nRMSE < 0.09 for the pileus transverse and longitudinal diameters, R2 = 0.53 and RMSE = 3.26 mm for the pileus height, R2 = 0.79 and nRMSE = 0.12 for stipe diameter, and R2 = 0.65 and RMSE = 4.98 mm for the stipe height. Using these parameters, yield estimation was performed using PLSR, SVR, RF, and GRNN machine learning models, with GRNN demonstrating superior performance (R2 = 0.91). This approach was also adaptable for extracting phenotypic traits of other fungi, providing valuable support for fungal breeding initiatives.

Virtual assessment centres versus face-to-face assessment centres: psychometric properties

ABSTRACT Technological advancements in the past decade have transformed personnel selection processes. This study compares the psychometric properties of virtual assessment centres (VACs) and face-to-face assessment centres (FTF-ACs). The study reports the findings of a field study involving 10,898 candidates participating in a selection process for military positions through either an FTF-AC or a VAC. The study finds that the two ACs appeared to capture the measured capabilities in a different manner. However, the measured capabilities in two ACs are related similarly to other variables, and there is good reliability between assessors in VACs. For most dimensions, the reliability in the VAC was similar to that in the FTF-AC. However, performance ratings in the VAC were significantly higher than those in the FTF-AC. This is the first study that compares the psychometric properties of a VAC and an FTF-AC. The results provide initial support for organizations’ use of VACs in personnel selection. Nonetheless, further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of VACs and to understand their limitations. The article also includes recommendations for future research.

Group treatment is favoured by Norwegian mental health leaders

Group therapy is not always acclaimed by leaders of mental health services. Recently, a survey in Norway gave group treatment top ranking. The Institute of Group Analysis and Group Psychotherapy (IGA) is the main training institution for group psychotherapy and group analysis in Norway. In this article, a founding member of the Norwegian IGA (SK), an earlier (SNB) and the current head of education (AU) of IGA, and a clinical director of a current group therapy unit (TNE), reflect upon the historical and current reasons for the positive evaluation from mental health leaders. We point to five important factors: 1) the training policy of IGA; 2) an initial support from influential psychiatrists; 3) support from the Norwegian Day Hospital Network; 4) backing from productive research groups; and 5) the current organization of group therapy units in mental health centres. We regard these historical-structural-clinical processes as important to know about also for international colleagues who strive for public recognition of their training and practice.

Toxic leadership in high-performance sports and its consequences for mental health and performance: a scoping review

ABSTRACT This scoping review aimed to identify the current state of knowledge on toxic leadership in high-performance sports and its consequences for mental health and performance at individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. screening (n = 768) and full-text review (n = 83) resulted in the inclusion of 26 studies, predominantly conducted in North America and Europe. Studies used inconsistent definitions, theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches to study darker or toxic leadership. Several antecedents and maintaining factors to toxic leadership were identified, such as individual leader characteristics, a performance-oriented culture, status/power structures, and a lack of reporting processes or consequences within organizations. The empirical literature provided initial support for the negative consequences of toxic leadership on athletes’ mental health, injuries, and motivation to remain in high-performance sports. Few studies have investigated the consequences of toxic leadership on sports organizations, staff or coaches. We conclude that research on toxic leadership in high-performance sports is in its early stages, with an underdeveloped understanding of how problematic leadership can be detected, prevented, and addressed to minimize its impact in sports. Researchers, governing bodies, and sports organizations must intensify their efforts to comprehend the emergence and persistence of toxic leadership within high-performance sports environments.

A new optimization method of initial support for TBM tunnel crossing fault zone based on deformation control contribution

A new optimization method of initial support for TBM tunnel crossing fault zone based on deformation control contribution

COVID-19 health distress among autistic adults: Does psychological flexibility explain effects of health distress on mental health concerns?

What is already known?In the United States, the COVID-19 Pandemic caused many autistic adults to be fearful and worried about their health. There is a lot of research that says that when autistic adults experience health distress it can worsen their mental health. We do not know, however, what might explain how experiencing health distress negatively affects mental health. Because of this, our participatory action research team wanted to understand if there are strengths-based processes that help us understand the relationship between health distress and mental health concerns.What does this paper add?We examined among 281 autistic adults how a strengths-based construct from acceptance and commitment therapy called psychological flexibility might explain the relationship between health distress and mental health concerns. We found that for adults that had more values progress, doing the things that mattered to them, was associated with better mental health even while experiencing health distress. We also found that values obstruction, getting stuck on uncomfortable thoughts and feelings and trying to avoid them, explained worse mental health for autistic adults experiencing health distress.Implications for research and practice?The findings of this study provide initial support that psychological flexibility can explain the relationship between health distress and mental health concerns among autistic adults. Interventions that seek to improve psychological flexibility, like acceptance and commitment therapy, might be useful in improving autistic adults' mental health while they are experiencing health distress.

ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP IN INDIA

Energy is a vital component of human development and is important for developing nations like India. In order to maintain the sustainability of the environment and guarantee the energy supply, global economic growth strategies are being reorganized with energy security and environmental sustainability as key priorities. An analysis of the relationship between India's economic growth and power consumption for the years 1960–2006 has been carried out using the Granger Engel causality model. The test's findings suggest that using electricity encourages economic growth. Over the past 20 years, there have been major institutional changes in the Indian power sector. With the support of ongoing governmental initiatives, the Indian electrical industry is poised for a significant transformation. Consequently, the study makes the case for additional power sector reforms and demonstrates how energy may act as a catalyst to accomplish a variety of social and economic goals.

Cumulative damage characteristics of tunnel initial support concrete under blasting load

Relying on the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway Cao Mao Shan tunnel project, blasting vibration monitoring and sound wave testing experiments were carried out. The monitoring results show that the blasting vibration velocity corresponding to the initial support satisfies the Sadowski formula. The results of the sonic test show that with the increase of blasting times, the cumulative damage increases gradually, but the blasting damage increment shows a downward trend. In addition, as the blasting distance decreases, the blasting cumulative damage effect is significant. Through data analysis and curve fitting, the cumulative damage range Rcr and critical blasting vibration velocity PPVcr corresponding to blasting construction are obtained respectively. The numerical analysis results show that there is a good exponential function relationship between the cumulative damage range Rcr and the corresponding critical blasting vibration velocity PPVcr. The purpose of quantitative control of blasting damage can be achieved by setting the corresponding vibration velocity threshold.

Impact of the Role of the State on Digital Transformation Activities of Enterprises: Insights from Vietnam

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of the State in the digital transformation activities of enterprises in Vinh Phuc province, Vietnam. The study determines the primary correlations between the State's role and enterprise digital transformation initiatives using structural equation modeling (SEM). The State undertakes several roles, including policy formulation on digital transformation, financial support for enterprises, workforce training, building a digital ecosystem for enterprises, investing in digital infrastructure, and overseeing safety and e-commerce promotion. These roles statistically significantly impact enterprises' digital transformation activities. The results indicate that businesses highly appreciate the state’s role, with an average score of over 4.0. The role in developing the digital transformation ecosystem is considered the most crucial. Recommendations are made for both enterprises and the state to foster digital transformation. Limitations include sample size and geographic focus, with suggestions for future research.

Research on Cross-Border e-Commerce Supply Chain Prediction and Optimization Model Based on Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm

Enhancing the precision of supply chain management and reducing operational costs are crucial for the development of the cross-border e-commerce market. However, existing research often overlooks the demand uncertainty caused by seasonal variations and the challenges of handling returns in logistics. Therefore, this paper proposes a SARIMA-CNN-BiLSTM prediction model that effectively captures both the seasonal and nonlinear characteristics of cross-border e-commerce supply chains. Additionally, by incorporating the returns process, a supply chain distribution optimization model is developed with the objective of minimizing total operational costs. The model is solved using an improved whale optimization algorithm. In validation with real-world data, the SARIMA-CNN-BiLSTM model achieved a mean absolute percentage error reduction of 6.479 and 7.703 compared to convolutional neural network (CNN) and BiLSTM models, respectively. Moreover, the chosen optimization algorithm reduced the cost by 231,310 CNY, 62,564 CNY, and 131,632 CNY compared to the whale optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization, respectively. The proposed approach provides robust support for cross-border e-commerce enterprises in reducing costs and enhancing efficiency in their operations.

Pilots and Shifting Public Sentiment: Evidence From e-Scooters in Eugene (OR)

Problem, research strategy, and findings Pilot projects are an increasingly popular tool for dealing with opposition to new ideas. The premise is simple—let experience change minds—but it belies considerable uncertainty. How do opinions evolve during a pilot project? How do planners make sense of shifting opinions, and what strategies do they employ to successfully navigate through it? In this study, we took a longitudinal lens to explore these dynamics in the context of a single project: a shared e-scooter pilot in Eugene (OR). We surveyed the public before, during, and after the pilot, focusing on respondents’ overall support for the pilot and their views on its positive and negative attributes. We complemented survey responses with interviews of local practitioners before and during the pilot to explore how they made sense of shifting public opinions and how they worked strategically to help the project succeed. We found that direct experience as a rider tended to increase support, though it could sour initial support if someone had a bad experience like a crash or other issue. For nonriders, mere exposure to e-scooters improved perceptions on average for those who were initially most skeptical. However, exposure tempered expectations for those who were most enthusiastic at the outset. Takeaway for practice Well-run and well-received pilot projects can help overcome initial public opposition to new policies or projects. Planners should use four strategies to maximize the potential of their pilots. First, conduct meaningful outreach to build trust and create space for change. Second, rather than relying on unsolicited public input, most of which is likely to be negative, systematically survey the public to gauge overall support. Third, carefully correct common public misconceptions. Fourth, help public officials ride the wave of public opinion including interpreting and responding to initial opposition.

Current status and strategies to strengthen paediatric kidney replacement therapy in Nepal.

Paediatric dialysis services have been available in Nepal for three decades but are limited to a few tertiary referral centres in major cities. The availability of a small number of paediatric nephrologists, an increasing number of adult nephrologists, and a modest increase in dialysis facilities have contributed to the gradual expansion of paediatric nephrology and kidney replacement therapy services in Nepal over the last decade. These services have grown steadily and will continue to grow because of the positive impact of government support for kidney replacement therapy and various public health initiatives to promote kidney health. Several challenges, such as the inaccessibility of healthcare, shortage of healthcare professionals, and scarcity of dialysis equipment, remain to be overcome to improve the delivery and effectiveness of kidney replacement therapy services for better health outcomes in paediatric kidney disease. This article discusses the history of paediatric dialysis, the current situation, and strategies to improve the availability of kidney replacement therapy for Nepalese children.

Patients with multiple sclerosis and low disability display cautious rotational behavior during gait initiation.

Multiple sclerosis induces locomotor impairments. The objective was to characterize the effects of Multiple Sclerosis on whole-body angular momentum control during gait initiation. Fifteen patients with Multiple Sclerosis with Expanded Disability status scale of 2.5 and 16 healthy participants were instructed to perform gait initiation. Spatiotemporal parameters, whole-body angular momentum, net external moment about the body's center of mass and its components were calculated by using a 3D motion capture system and two force plates. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis had a significantly smaller whole-body angular momentum range during the double support phase of gait initiation in the transversal plane (p=0.011), and smaller net external moment at the transition between the initial double support phase and the execution phase in the sagittal plane (p=0.013). In the transversal plane, patients with Multiple Sclerosis had a smaller net external moment during the double support phase (p=0.024) and between the double support phase and the execution phase (p<0.001). Despite preserved spatiotemporal parameters during gait initiation, patients with Multiple Sclerosis with low disability had reduced net external moments in the transversal and sagittal planes during the critical transitional period of this functional task, which appeared as a compensatory modality to preserve global postural stability. This finding highlights the cautious rotational behaviors in these planes to prevent the risk of falling and preserve dynamic stability. Whole-body angular momentum and net external moment are relevant parameters for functional and disease progression follow-up of the disease.

Public Xylazine Awareness and Support for Policies and Initiatives to Address the Xylazine Threat among US Adults

Objectives Xylazine, a nonopioid veterinary tranquilizer, is increasingly being added to the illicit opioid supply. When used by humans, xylazine can cause severe skin ulcers and extreme sedation. This study aimed to examine awareness of xylazine and support for policies/initiatives to address the xylazine threat among US adults. Methods An AmeriSpeak survey with US nationally representative adults aged 18 and older was administered in March 2024. Survey questions assessed awareness of xylazine and potential xylazine use, drug/opioid use history, and support for 10 policies/initiatives to address the xylazine threat (including a range of drug checking initiatives, wound care initiatives, punitive policies, harm reduction policies, and xylazine education campaigns). We conducted weighted descriptive and regression analysis of survey data from a nationally representative sample of 1215 US adults. Results Most respondents were not aware of xylazine (88%, n = 1063). Approximately 10% (n = 117) were aware of xylazine but had not used it, and around 2% (n = 23) were aware of xylazine and possibly had used it. On average, participants supported only 1.52 (SD = 2.41) of 10 listed policies/initiatives to address the xylazine threat. The number of policies/initiatives supported varied by xylazine awareness, gender, marital status, and drug use history. Conclusions Among the US public, xylazine awareness and support for policies/initiatives to address the xylazine threat are low. Public xylazine educational campaigns may be warranted to help the public understand the severity of the xylazine threat, garner support for associated policies/initiatives, and reduce xylazine-related harms.

Bone Enzyme-Responsive Biodegradable Poly(propylene fumarate) and Polycaprolactone Polyphosphoester Dendrimer Cross-Linked via Click Chemistry for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Traditional polymer systems often rely on toxic initiators or catalysts for cross-linking, posing significant safety risks. For bone tissue engineering, another issue is that the scaffolds often take a longer time to degrade, inconsistent with bone formation pace. Here, we developed an enzyme-responsive biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and polycaprolactone (PCL) polyphosphoester (PPE) dendrimer cross-linked utilizing click chemistry (EnzDeg-click-PFCLPE scaffold) for enhanced biocompatibility and degradation. The strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) offers high efficiency and biocompatibility without harmful agents. The polyphosphoesters render polymer cleavage responsive to alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme in bone formation, ensuring facilitated scaffold biodegradation. The in vitro testing confirmed biocompatibility, enzyme-responsive degradation, and capability to support stem cell differentiation. Further in vivo implantation in rat demonstrated bone regeneration and scaffold integration. In summary, this polymer system combining click chemistry with ALP-responsive biodegradation ensures initial bone support and facilitates scaffold degradation synchronized with the natural bone healing process.

The role of large language models in the peer-review process: opportunities and challenges for medical journal reviewers and editors

The peer review process ensures the integrity of scientific research. This is particularly important in the medical field, where research findings directly impact patient care. However, the rapid growth of publications has strained reviewers, causing delays and potential declines in quality. Generative artificial intelligence, especially large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, may assist researchers with efficient, high-quality reviews. This review explores the integration of LLMs into peer review, highlighting their strengths in linguistic tasks and challenges in assessing scientific validity, particularly in clinical medicine. Key points for integration include initial screening, reviewer matching, feedback support, and language review. However, implementing LLMs for these purposes will necessitate addressing biases, privacy concerns, and data confidentiality. We recommend using LLMs as complementary tools under clear guidelines to support, not replace, human expertise in maintaining rigorous peer review standards.