Western Countries Research Articles

Does Perceiving the Authentic Self Affect the Meaning of Life?

Self-authenticity and the meaning of life are important for an individual’s psychological well-being. However, studies on the relationship between authenticity and the meaning of life using a quantitative approach have been largely carried out in Western countries, with minimum research being conducted in the Indonesian context. However, several studies have found differences in self-authenticity among different social and cultural conditions. The purpose of this study was to unveil the influence of perceived authenticity on the meaning of life by controlling for self-esteem and positive affect in Indonesian adults. These control variables were added to see the influence of the two variables more precisely. This study involved 369 adult Indonesians (aged 18-64 years old, M=32.2 years). The instruments used were the Authenticity Scale, Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Test. Data collection was carried out online, and multilevel regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The findings indicate that, by controlling for self-esteem and positive affect, feeling authentic influences the person’s meaning in life. Perceived authenticity in the 18-35 age group is lower than in the 36-45 and 46-55 age groups. The study also found that the married group perceives themselves as more authentic than the unmarried. The findings of this study can be a basis for future studies on authenticity in Indonesia and help build awareness about the importance of authenticity for Indonesian adults.

The contribution of macroeconomic indicators to the attainment of economic development objectives in some western ASIAN countries

This study looks at how macroeconomic variables affect poverty, unemployment, and economic growth in seven Western Asian nations. We used 18 years of data (2003-2020) using a generalized moment analysis method, although experience has varied significantly in different countries as well as between different regions. The development and effective implementation of policies to accelerate employment growth are essential to success on a continent that still has an exceptionally high rate of poverty. These policies will allow us to address the persistent problems of unemployment and poverty. In developing an appropriate policy, countries need to take into account the universal acceleration of trends towards closer integration of the world economy and the rapid pace of liberalization as national economies move increasingly towards a market economy. According to our findings, poverty, unemployment, and economic growth are all significantly impacted by sustainable development indices. During the study period, investment and the activity rate were two of the primary factors influencing economic growth. Western Asian countries should improve the quality of their institutions and their capacity to adapt and acquire new skills. Trade and globalization should not be considered in isolation. Additional policies are needed to reinforce its impact on economic growth.

Prevalence of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - A Population Based Study

Background: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as the accumulation of excess fat in the liver in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. NAFLD is a common cause of chronic liver disease. The overall prevalence of NAFLD in western countries varies from 15-40% and in Asian 9-40%. Its prevalence has not been determined in population based study in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in adult rural population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among adult population of two villages of Comilla district, Bangladesh from January to December 2015. Persons with alcohol consumption and other liver diseases were excluded. Individuals were undergone anthropometric, blood pressure measurements, thorough medical history and physical examinations. Laboratory measurements included were fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting lipid profile, and liver function tests. NAFLD was diagnosed by transabdominal ultrasonography. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software, version16.0. Results: Among 665 subjects, 213 were males (32%) and 452 were females (68%) with the mean age of 42.2 ± 15.04 years. NAFLD was diagnosed in 33% subjects. NAFLD were high in 41-60 age group (48.7%) and in female gender (P=<0.175). Subjects with NAFLD had higher BMI (P<0.001), higher prevalence of hypertension (P<0.001), high FBS (P<0.001), high cholesterol (P=0.026), high triglyceride (P<0.001) and high waist circumference (P<0.001). Subjects with NAFLD had significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome when compared to healthy subjects (P<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD in rural adult population of Bangladesh is 33% and is associated with female gender, obesity and features of metabolic syndrome. J Com Med Col Teachers Asso Jan 2024; 28(1): 27-32

Bacteriophage therapy: an alternative to antibiotics in the age of multi-drug resistance

Phage therapy involves the use of specific viruses that can infect and lyse pathogenic bacteria. Since, antibiotic resistance is widely increasing among bacteria phages offer a promising field as natural, self-replicating and self-limiting antibiotics. Clinical trials are conducted to use phages against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The most powerful and cost-effective application of phage therapy is in the treatment of diseases such as cholera and dysentery. While phage therapy has been around for over 100 years, the treatment still is not a main part of medicine. Phage therapy has largely existed on the fringes of medicine, particularly in Western countries like the USA, where it is occasionally approved for compassionate use, on emergency basis when no other approved therapies are available. This review was undertaken to discuss, review and highlight the importance and future research of phage therapy.

A functional genomic framework to elucidate novel causal metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease genes.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver pathology in western countries, with serious public health consequences. Efforts to identify causal genes for MASLD have been hampered by the relative paucity of human data from gold-standard magnetic resonance quantification of hepatic fat. To overcome insufficient sample size, genome-wide association studies using MASLD surrogate phenotypes have been used, but only a small number of loci have been identified to date. In this study, we combined GWAS of MASLD composite surrogate phenotypes with genetic colocalization studies followed by functional in vitro screens to identify bona fide causal genes for MASLD. We used the UK Biobank to explore the associations of our novel MASLD score, and genetic colocalization to prioritize putative causal genes for in vitro validation. We created a functional genomic framework to study MASLD genes in vitro using CRISPRi. Our data identify VKORC1, TNKS, LYPLAL1 and GPAM as regulators of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and suggest the involvement of VKORC1 in the lipid storage related to the development of MASLD. Complementary genetic and genomic approaches are useful for the identification of MASLD genes. Our data supports VKORC1 as a bona fide MASLD gene. We have established a functional genomic framework to study at scale putative novel MASLD genes from human genetic association studies.

Safety of potassium-competitive acid blockers in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the first-line treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, due to their intrinsic limitations, there are still unmet clinical needs that have fostered the development of potassium-competitive acid blockers (p-CABs). Currently, four different drugs (vonoprazan, tegoprazan, fexuprazan, keverprazan) are marketed in some Asian countries, whereas only vonoprazan and tegoprazan are available in Western countries (U.S.A. and Brazil or Mexico, respectively). This review summarizes the current knowledge on p-CABs acute and long-term safety in GERD treatment compared to that of PPIs. Full-text articles and abstracts were searched in PubMed. p-CABs proved to address some of the unmet clinical needs in GERD, with a favorable risk-benefit ratio compared to conventional PPIs. Preclinical and clinical findings have highlighted p-CAB safety to be superimposable, to that of PPIs, in short-term treatments, although further studies are warranted to monitor their effects in long-term therapy. From an epidemiological point of view, the paucity of rigorous data for many variables (e.g. age, ethnicity, drug interactions, comorbidities, genetic polymorphisms, interindividual susceptibility, microbial dysbiosis) deserves a worldwide framework of continuous pre/post-marketing pharmacovigilance programs to reduce potential confounding factors and accurately link acute and chronic p-CAB therapy to adverse outcomes.

Chinese College Students' Stigmatization towards People with Mental Illness: Familiarity, Perceived Dangerousness, Fear, and Social Distance.

Attribution models have been examined in Western countries. However, little is known about the applicability of the attitude-emotion-behavior model within Chinese culture. This study aimed to examine the association between familiarity, perceived dangerousness, fear, and social distance towards persons with mental illness (PMI) in the Chinese context. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to November 2022 in mainland China. A total of 1493 college students completed a questionnaire evaluating familiarity, perception of dangerousness, fear, and social distance regarding PMI. Path analysis was employed to validate the model proposed in this study. Participants expressed moderate to high levels of stigma towards PMI. Familiarity was negatively associated with social distance (p < 0.01). Participants who perceived PMI as dangerous were more prone to exhibit a reaction of fear (p < 0.001), consequently leading to social distance (p < 0.01). However, the mediating effect of perceived dangerousness and fear on the relationship between familiarity and social distance was not significant (p > 0.05). The results of this study provide support for Corrigan's attributional model of stigma in the Chinese context. Contact-based interventions for stigma reduction should emphasize multiple elements of contact, including the quality of contact, rather than familiarity.

Basic medical sciences are pre-clinical subjects, not non-clinical subjects: Say 'No' to the prefix 'Non-'.

Few medical institutions in India, such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), use the term pre-clinical in their websites and brochures, but many institutions still use the word 'non-clinical'. In my opinion, the non-clinical departments should be renamed pre-clinical departments. In western countries, the curriculum is divided into pre-clinical and clinical. For example, in Oxford University, the initial instruction in courses such as Anatomy and Physiology is regarded as pre-clinical instruction. Non-clinical departments in western countries are the departments of human resource, accounts and information technology (IT).

Pile driving noise impacts behavioral patterns of important East Asian juvenile marine fishes

The surge in renewable energy demand, particularly from offshore wind farm (OWF), raises concerns about underwater noise pollution during their construction. Despite extensive studies on underwater noise impacts in European and Western countries, local species targeted investigations are crucial for global application. We assessed how pile driving noise during OWF construction affected the behavior of three juvenile Korean fishes (Lateolabrax japonicus, Acanthopagrus schlegelii, and Platichthys stellatus) prevalent in East Asian seas. Pile driving noise playback induced rapid changes in L. japonicus and A. schlegelii swimming speed and group cohesion, with 40 % remaining un-habituated after 5 min. Notably, L. japonicus showed clear avoidance of the noise source, while P. stellatus behavior remained unchanged at all. Our findings confirm that even relatively low-intensity impulsive noise can alter fish behavior, potentially due to species-specific characteristics. Accumulated data will inform the development of strategies for smart OWF establishment, advancing sustainable energy practices.

IVAC-XS15-CLL01: personalized multi-peptide vaccination in combination with the TLR1/2 ligand XS15 in CLL patients undergoing BTK-inhibitor-based regimens.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia among adults in Western countries. Despite the introduction of targeted therapies, including first-line Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) treatment, CLL remains largely incurable. Frequent disease relapses occur due to remaining treatment-resistant CLL cells, calling for novel therapies to eliminate minimal residual disease (MRD). Peptide-based vaccination targeting human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-presented CLL-associated antigens represents a promising, low-side-effect therapeutic option to optimize treatment responses and eliminate residual tumor cells by inducing an anti-leukemic immune response. The iVAC-XS15-CLL01 trial is an open-label, first-in-human (FIH) Phase I trial, evaluating the CLL-VAC-XS15 vaccine in CLL patients undergoing BTKi-based therapy. The vaccine was developed from HLA-presented CLL-associated antigen peptides, identified through comparative mass-spectrometry-based immunopeptidome analyses of CLL versus healthy samples in a previous study. To facilitate rapid and cost-effective deployment, vaccine peptides are selected for each patient from a pre-manufactured "peptide warehouse" based on the patient's individual HLA allotype and CLL immunopeptidome. The trial enrolls 20 CLL patients, who receive up to three doses of the vaccine, adjuvanted with the toll-like-receptor (TLR) 1/2 ligand XS15 and emulsified in Montanide ISA 51 VG. The primary objective of the iVAC-XS15-CLL01 trial is to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the CLL-VAC-XS15 vaccine. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the vaccine impact on MRD, progression-free survival, and overall survival, as well as comprehensive immunophenotyping to characterize vaccine-induced T-cell responses. This Phase I trial aims to advance CLL treatment by enhancing immune-mediated disease clearance and guiding the design of subsequent Phase II/III trials to implement a new therapeutic strategy for CLL patients.

Extent, impacts and drivers of oystershell scale invasions in aspen ecosystems

Invasive herbivores that kill foundation tree species pose a major threat to forest ecosystem sustainability. One important foundation tree species in the interior western United States is quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), which is threatened by recent outbreaks of an invasive insect, oystershell scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi Linn.; OSS). OSS outbreaks were first reported in 2016, when OSS began causing dieback and mortality of aspen in wildland forest settings in northern Arizona. Since then, OSS has been observed in other locations across Arizona and in other western states, and recent studies in Arizona have highlighted the threat that OSS poses to aspen sustainability, warranting a comprehensive survey of OSS invasions and their impacts on aspen ecosystems. We sampled aspen populations across Arizona and addressed three questions: (1) What is the geographic extent of OSS in Arizona? (2) What impacts does OSS have on aspen? (3) Which biotic and abiotic factors influence the proportion of aspen stems infested by OSS? OSS was present in 29% of our 220 study plots and had a negative impact on aspen forest health. OSS was associated with crown damage and tree mortality, especially of intermediate-sized, recruiting stems. Climate was the most important driver of OSS infestation, with warmer, drier conditions resulting in significantly more OSS. OSS was also associated with less recent fire, presence of ungulate management strategies (e.g. fenced exclosures) and stands with a greater density of aspen saplings. We conclude by providing OSS monitoring and management recommendations, based on our findings, and emphasise that active management – such as prescribed fire, reduced reliance on ungulate exclosures or thinning – is required to suppress OSS populations and mitigate damage to aspen ecosystems.

Impact of the Montreal Protocol on Decision-Making Processes for Participation: A Case Study of Türkiye

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Türkiye's decision-making processes in the context of the international ozone regime, particularly focusing on the country's engagement in the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol during the 1980s and early 1990s. Utilizing process tracing methodology and primary sources, and adopting an interest-based framework the research delves into Türkiye's involvement and pinpoints the principal determinants of its international environmental policy. The study argues that Türkiye's approach to environmental cooperation in the Convention and Protocol was shaped by the incentive and sanction provisions of the Montreal Protocol, efforts to align Türkiye's commercial and political relations with the European Community, the growing involvement of Western countries in the agreements, and the potential environmental prestige gained from cooperative endeavors. The study emphasizes the trade provisions and Article 5 status within the Montreal Protocol, both of which played a critical role in influencing Türkiye's policy choices. This significance primarily stems from the requirement for new calculations in abatement costs. It illuminates the causal links between specific design elements of the ozone regime and their impact on Türkiye's policy decisions.

Drought Awareness over Continental United States

Understanding the relationship between droughts and drought awareness is vital towards decision making and policy for water management and conservation strategies, and socioeconomic outcomes. We used computer vision (UNet models) to analyze nonlinear, heterogeneous, lagged correlations between Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Google Trends Search Interest within the Continental United States (CONUS). The most important drivers of the relationship between drought occurrence and drought awareness are the variability and ranges of drought trends and severity, as well as extreme drought conditions. This relationship was the strongest for Western states, followed by Northeastern, Southeastern, and Central regions. Search interest tends to lag droughts by a period of̃1-3 months. We also found evidence that reductionist linear approaches, such as a Principal Component Analysis, might not be as effective as UNet models in capturing the nuanced relationship between droughts and drought awareness at various dimensions and scales.

Power and Privilege: Mapping Imagined Communities in Japan’s English Medium International Schools

This paper explores the commodification of education and the reinforcement of hegemony through international English Medium schools in Japan, positioning them as gatekeepers to imagined communities of global elitism. Over the past decade, Japan has seen a surge in international schools, driven by the global dominance of the English language. The institutions, which were initially established for expatriate elites, now cater to affluent Japanese and Asian families. This paper examines the high costs, selective admissions, and marketing strategies of these schools to illustrate how they commercialize education, perpetuate class divisions, and uphold cultural dominance. The literature suggests that English Medium U.K. and US model international schools in Japan symbolize access to elite Western power structures, reinforcing social stratification and the marginalization of those within Japan unable to afford such education. This study employs theoretical frameworks of imagined communities, hegemony, and cultural capital to analyze the broader societal implications of these schools. A systematic review of relevant academic literature, complemented by a comparative analysis of tuition fees, was conducted to deepen the understanding of the relationship between education, power, and social identity in contemporary Japan. By doing so, it aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.

IgE-Mediated Legume Allergy: A Pediatric Perspective

Legumes are an inexpensive and essential protein source worldwide. The most consumed legumes include peanuts, soybeans, lentils, lupines, peas, common bean and chickpeas. In addition, the food industry is growing interested in expanding the use of legumes to partially replace or substitute cereals. Legumes were described to cause IgE-mediated allergies, and their growing use may also increase the incidence of allergy. The epidemiology of legume allergy varies by region; peanuts and soybeans are the legumes most involved in food allergies in Western countries, whereas lentils, peas, and chickpeas are reported as culprit allergens mainly in the Mediterranean area and India. This review, edited by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology, summarizes the scientific literature on legume allergy in children and proposes a diagnostic workup and therapeutic approach.

Does arts and cultural group participation influence subsequent well-being? A longitudinal cross-country comparison of older adults in Japan and England

IntroductionArts engagement is a positive health behaviour that could support the mental and social well-being of ageing populations globally. However, research is predominantly from Western countries, leaving it unclear whether...

Psychometric evaluation of the Arabic version of the heart failure-specific health literacy scale in a socio-politically challenged setting.

Low levels of formal education among Lebanese people with HF were reported. Additionally, limited discharge education is provided to this population. Therefore, it was necessary to evaluate the health literacy levels among this population following the translation of the heart failure-specific health literacy scale into Arabic and to evaluate its psychometric properties in the Lebanese setting. A cross-sectional design conducted on participants from the community with confirmed cases of heart failure. A research team was trained for data collection. Following securing participants' consents, baseline sociodemographic characteristics and the Arabic version of the heart failure-specific health literacy scale were administered. Data collection took place between June and December 2022. A pilot sample analysis was done to confirm homogeneity between the English and the Arabic versions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to evaluate content and construct validity of the scale. Cronbach alpha was done to evaluate reliability. The pilot analysis confirmed homogeneity of the items of the Arabic and English versions of the scale. The final sample of 343 participants was randomly divided to two parts for each of the exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The mean age was 64 years with the majority being male participants. In terms of exploratory factor analysis, the three subscales of the literacy scale explained 60% of the variance. The best acceptable fit was found on 11 items of the scale after dropping the 10th item from the analysis. The Cronbach alpha of the scale was 0.68. The Arabic version of the heart failure-specific health literacy scale was evaluated to be a valid and reliable tool. Further analysis should be done on the dropped item, and correlations should be done with significant variables such as self-care. STROBE checklist. No patient/public contribution. Participants with heart failure were shown to have low levels of literacy in Lebanon. Additionally, low literacy levels are also common among Lebanese older adults living in high income, Western Countries. Therefore, this valid and reliable scale can be used to evaluate health literacy among people with heart failure in Lebanon and among Lebanese and other Arabic-speaking older adults globally.

Working conditions, well-being, and retention of healthcare personnel: A comparative study between lean healthcare and nurse-to-patient ratio

ABSTRACT The issue of nurse retention due to stressful working conditions in several Western countries, including Canada, has been exacerbated in recent years by population aging, mass retirements, and the COVID-19 crisis. To address these challenges, healthcare organizations have drawn inspiration from service optimization models adopted by industry (Lean Healthcare) and staffing ratio projects. However, there is a lack of research exploring the working conditions of healthcare staff under these different systems. Drawing on conservation of resources theory and the job demands-resource model, we tested, using structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis, the effects of the workload intensification on job well-being and staff retention. We compared a sample of 145 nurses working under the Lean system with another sample of 155 nurses working under the ratio system. The results support our hypotheses and highlight that working conditions appear to be more challenging under the Lean system than under the ratio system.

Segmenting and profiling seaweed consumers: A cross-cultural comparison of Australia, the United Kingdom and Croatia

Seaweed is increasingly recognised as a highly nutritious and sustainable food source. While it has a long tradition in many Asian countries, it still only plays a minor role in the Western diet. The aim of this study was to identify and describe consumer segments that are more likely to intend to consume seaweed. An online survey was conducted with 1,621 participants from three Western countries (Australia, the United Kingdom and Croatia) with different cultures, culinary traditions and levels of development in the seaweed industry.Two consumer segments were identified: Food Enthusiasts and Food Conservatives. The profiling of these segments is based on factors oriented to consumers’ food innovativeness, food neophobia, food involvement, food responsibility, health consciousness, and symbolic value. The segments differ significantly in terms of food innovativeness, food neophobia, food involvement, eating and dietary style, past behaviour around seaweed consumption, future intention to eat seaweed and socio-demographic characteristics. These results provide valuable insights for the seaweed industry to develop effective marketing strategies that will meet the demands of different Western consumers.

К вопросу о признании доказательств недопустимыми в уголовном процессе: экзистенциальный принцип

Any legal procedural form implies compliance with evidence, i.e. their admissibility or validity. Requirements for admissibility vary in different procedural systems. Some accept all information that is not prohibited by special exclusion rules (in most Western countries), while others only accept sources and methods explicitly allowed by criminal procedural law (for example, in Russia). However, both systems have certain common criteria for validity, such as the loyalty of evidence (consistency with leading legal principles and human rights) or their probative value (reliability or sufficient degree of probability). Nevertheless, these criteria are not entirely specific and allow for arbitrary interpretation. A precise principle is needed to determine the admissibility of evidence. As such, it is suggested to consider, firstly, the significance of procedural violations, understood as encroachments on the main (constitutional) principles-maxims of fair (adversarial) proceedings – the principles of equality of parties and independence and impartiality of the court (formal criterion), and secondly, their remediable nature (substantive criterion) – as evidence of the absence of real harmful consequences for the two named principles-maxims.