bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative acute toxicity of organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroid pesticides in vivo exposed fresh water fish Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Amin Muhammad , Yousuf Masarrat , Attaullah Mohammad , Nabi Ghulam , Buneri Islam , Ahmad Naveed , Ullah Ubaid , Khan Zaibullah
Published: December 2020

Escalating pesticide deposition in the aquatic environment is becoming a potential threat to aquatic organisms. Present study was designed to investigate acute toxicity in O. niloticus. the fish were exposed to five different concentrations of malathion, chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin (synthetic pyrethroid) pesticides in the laboratory using separate aquaria for each chemical. Mortality ranged from 100 to 0%. The 24 h LC50 (median lethal concentration) for O. niloticus was 5.70, 0.5 and 0.015 ppm for malathion, chlorpyrifos and Lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. LC50 values obtained after 24 h of exposure indicated that the fish were sensitive to all the three tested pesticides. The mortality rate was directly proportional to the pesticides concentration. The results showed that the lambda- cyhalothrin was found more toxic followed by chlorpyrifos and malathion. The study results suggested that the runoff of organophosphates and synthetic pyrethorid pesticides from nearby agricultural fields to aquatic environment posed health hazards on fish.
Comparison and calibration of 24‐hour physical activity recall in adult population
Authors: Saraiva Leão Borges Lara P. , Ries Daniel C. , Sousa Alessandra Gaspar , da costa Teresa Helena Macedo
Published: December 2020

This study compared and calibrated metabolic equivalents (METs) per day from 24‐hour physical activity recall (24hPAR) with accelerometry. A sub‐sample of 74 adults of both sexes, residents of Brasília, Brazil, from a larger study had same day measurements of accelerometry and 24hPAR data. METs values were assessed by accelerometry (7 consecutive days of use) and by 24hPAR (minimum of one and maximum of 2 per person). A script was written in the R statistical software to analyse the recall and accelerometer data. The script ran a simple linear regression to visualize the relationship between total METs/day for the two methods and to execute the recall measurement error correction. Most of participants were female (54.1%), with at least university graduate (94.6%) and mean age of 34.8 years (±11.83). The correlation coefficient obtained between 24hPAR and accelerometer was r = 0.55, considered moderate and significant (p < 0.001). A majority of the participants (77%) underestimated METs values compared to accelerometry when answering the questionnaire. Calibration of 24hPAR allowed us to approximate MET values to the accelerometer. The calibration equation to correct total METs/day for measurement error is (total 24hPAR METs/day – 10.6)/0.619. The 24hPAR is a decent tool to assess PA level in large adults’ samples. However, compared with accelerometer, it underestimates METs values, which can be corrected with the use of the calibration equation provided in this study.
Oxynet: A collective intelligence that detects ventilatory thresholds in cardiopulmonary exercise tests
Authors: Zignoli A. , Fornasiero A. , Rota P. , Muollo V. , Peyré‐Tartaruga L.A. , Low D.A. , Fontana F.Y. , Besson D. , Pühringer M. , Ring‐Dimitriou S. , Mourot L.
Published: December 2020

The problem of the automatic determination of the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) from cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) still leads to controversy. The reliability of the gold standard methodology (i.e. expert visual inspection) feeds into the debate and several authors call for more objective automatic methods to be used in the clinical practice. In this study, we present a framework based on a collaborative approach, where a web‐application was used to crowd‐source a large number (1245) of CPET data of individuals with different aerobic fitness. The resulting database was used to train and test an artificial intelligence (i.e. a convolutional neural network) algorithm. This automatic classifier is currently implemented in another web‐application and was used to detect the ventilatory thresholds in the available CPET. A total of 206 CPET were used to evaluate the accuracy of the estimations against the expert opinions. The neural network was able to detect the ventilatory thresholds with an average mean absolute error of 178 (198) mlO2/min (11.1%, r = 0.97) and 144 (149) mlO2/min (6.1%, r = 0.99), for VT1 and VT2 respectively. The performance of the neural network in detecting VT1 deteriorated in case of individuals with poor aerobic fitness. Our results suggest the potential for a collective intelligence system to outperform isolated experts in ventilatory thresholds detection. However, the inclusion of a larger number of VT1 examples certified by a community of experts will be likely needed before the abilities of this collective intelligence can be translated into the clinical use of CPET.
High-precision three-dimensional Rydberg atom localization in a four-level atomic system*
Authors: Zhang Hengfei , Yuan Jinpeng , Wang Lirong , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suo-tang
Published: December 2020

Rydberg atoms have been widely investigated due to their large size, long radiative lifetime, huge polarizability and strong dipole-dipole interactions. The position information of Rydberg atoms provides more possibilities for quantum optics research, which can be obtained under the localization method. We study the behavior of three-dimensional (3D) Rydberg atom localization in a four-level configuration with the measurement of the spatial optical absorption. The atomic localization precision depends strongly on the detuning and Rabi frequency of the involved laser fields. A 100% probability of finding the Rydberg atom at a specific 3D position is achieved with precision of ∼0.031λ. This work demonstrates the possibility for achieving the 3D atom localization of the Rydberg atom in the experiment.
Effects of notch structures on DC and RF performances of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors*
Authors: Zou Hao , Yang Lin-An , Ma Xiao-Hua , Hao Yue
Published: December 2020

The effects of various notch structures on direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) performances of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are analyzed. The AlGaN/GaN HEMTs, each with a 0.8-μm gate length, 50-μm gate width, and 3-μm source–drain distance in various notch structures at the AlGaN/GaN barrier layer, are manufactured to achieve the desired DC and RF characteristics. The maximum drain current (I
ds,max), pinch-off voltage (V
th), maximum transconductance (g
m), gate voltage swing (GVS), subthreshold current, gate leakage current, pulsed I–V characteristics, breakdown voltage, cut-off frequency (f
T), and maximum oscillation frequency (f
max) are investigated. The results show that the double-notch structure HEMT has a 30% improvement of gate voltage swing, a 42.2% improvement of breakdown voltage, and a 9% improvement of cut-off frequency compared with the conventional HEMT. The notch structure also has a good suppression of the current collapse.
Narrow-band high-transmittance birefringent filter and its application in wide color gamut display*
Authors: Zhang Chi , Niu Rui , Li Wenjuan , Li Xiaoshuai , Ma Hongmei , Sun Yubao
Published: December 2020

We propose a narrow-band birefringent filter and its application in wide color gamut. The birefringent filter consists of five phase retarders and two polarizers, and it has both narrow band and high transmittance. In the experiment, we fabricate the birefringent filter using quartz phase retarders and polarizers, and apply it in serval different displays. The color gamuts of displays are enhanced more than 30%NTSC (National Television System Committee), and the widest color gamuts that have been obtained are 126%NTSC in liquid crystal displays and 138%NTSC in organic light-emitting devices. Moreover, the deep blue light in spectrum of display can be reduced using the birefringent filter. The birefringent filter can be an efficient element to achieve wide color gamut display.
Teaching With Toons: Designing a Novel Blended-Learning Curriculum for Cognition and Dementia in Nursing Education
Authors: Brown Bryan , Kang Gina , Schwartz Anna , Marottoli Richard , Rink Andrea
Published: December 2020

There is a shortage of learners completing nursing training and pursuing roles in geriatrics and dementia care, possibly caused by ageism, misconceptions, and personal experiences such as with family members, along with uncertainty and discomfort and providing care to this population. Using Kern’s six-steps of curriculum design, we set out to design a novel, blended-learning intervention to improve dementia education at a local nursing school. After reviewing the literature, local needs assessments were carried out in the form of stakeholder discussions and semi-structured interviews with a subset of nursing students. Interview results, themes from the literature, and incorporation of the current learning objectives in the existing curriculum, were integrated to create a new lesson plan, including a “flipped classroom” component using 2D vector animation, as well as animation-assisted, interactive, case-based lecture and discussion format. Media was designed through an iterative process including review of content outline, objectives, storyboards, and concept art by stakeholders and content experts throughout the design process. This novel approach to interdisciplinary, blended-learning curriculum design has the potential to improve nursing student attitudes and foundational knowledge about dementia and cognition.
The Preventing Dementia MOOC: Contribution to First Nations’ Health and Well-Being
Authors: Goldberg Lynette , Baldock Dianne
Published: December 2020

Dementia is a global public health issue. First Nations people are at increased risk due to complex intergenerational factors grounded in inequalities in health services and economic and educational opportunities. While there is yet no drug-related cure for this progressive and terminal neurological condition, evidence confirms that increased understanding of dementia and modification of lifestyle factors can reduce risk. The primary potentially modifiable risk factors are not completing secondary school, midlife hypertension, obesity, type II diabetes, depression, physical inactivity, smoking, hearing loss acquired after the age of 55 years, and social isolation. Inherent in these factors is stress, affecting mental health. Addressing these factors globally could prevent or delay over 40 million cases of dementia. The free Preventing Dementia Massive Open Online Course (PD MOOC) is a globally recognized 4-week course that aims to build self-efficacy in knowledge and management of modifiable risk factors. The course has reached over 68,000 people world-wide and is rated highly; however, its contribution to First Nations communities has not yet been investigated. We describe the content of the PD MOOC, report on its impact in a cohort of older Aboriginal people (≥ 50 years of age) in Circular Head, Tasmania, Australia six months after course completion, and emphasize the importance of including traditional approaches to healing. We describe a protocol in which cultural determinants of health can be infused into the PD MOOC and evaluated to promote health and well-being globally for older First Nations people.
Continuing Education for Gerontological Social Work: Findings From Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Training
Authors: Mirza Raza , Kilbourn Alison , Sinha Samir , Hsieh Jessica
Published: December 2020

The social work profession aims to help all individuals, families, and communities enhance their overall well-being. While gerontological social workers primarily work with seniors, they are often tasked with addressing the needs of not only their senior client, but the client’s network as well. Social workers are also asked to stay current with respect to new legislation, policy, and systemic changes to help their clients. Thus, gerontological social workers often need to obtain advanced practice education in a number of areas, as related to gerontology. Responding to this gap, the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE) and Sinai Health offered a series of innovative advanced practice gerontological social work courses - hybrid online and in-class - to those looking to improve their knowledge and competencies in the following five identified 'high impact' areas: (1) Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD); (2) cultural competence and LGBTQI2S; (3) mental health; (4) legal issues and aging; (5) dementia. Participants in the courses completed pre- and post-surveys assessing knowledge, attitudes and competencies with the subject matter, with responses helping to improve understanding of how to provide the most appropriate resources for those who care for older adults and how to better shape future education/training programs. Findings suggest that gerontological social workers may benefit from 'tailored refresher courses' that bridge knowledge and practice gaps, that the optimal update time may be every three years, and that clinicians benefit from being trained by interdisciplinary teams, rather than by someone of the same profession.
Challenges Related to Informal Care Partners’ Involvement in End-of-Life-Care in Assisted Living
Authors: Perkins Molly , Vandenberg Ann , Kemp Candace , Ball Mary , Jungerman Joanna , Abken Elise , Bender Alexis
Published: December 2020

Limited empirical evidence suggests that caregiver burden is greater for informal care partners (family and friends) in assisted living (AL) compared with other long-term care settings, particularly within context of end of life. Using qualitative data from a larger 5-year, 7-site study of end-of-life care in AL funded by the National Institute on Aging (R01AG047408), we investigate informal care partners’ involvement in end-of-life care and identify challenges related to informal caregiving that might contribute to care burden. Grounded theory analysis of ethnographic data and in-depth interviews (average interview length = 97 minutes) with 59 racially and ethnically diverse informal care partners (mean age = 60) shows that informal care partner involvement in end-of-life care varies across participants and over time and is shaped by multiple intersecting social and structural determinants. At individual levels, these include many personal, situational, and relational factors. Personal factors include but are not limited to care partners’ own physical and mental health and material resources (e.g., ability to pay for supplementary care). Situational and relational factors include care partners’ awareness (or lack thereof) of residents’ impending death and the quality of the caregiving relationship. AL and wider community-level factors include understaffing, staff turnover, inadequate hospice support, and lack of access to these services. We find that informal care partners navigate these caregiving challenges through a basic social process we conceptualize as “negotiating risks.” Strategies for easing caregiver burden and improving informal care partner and resident quality of life at end of life are implicated.
Depressive Symptoms and Loneliness Among Black and White Older Adults: The Moderating Effects of Race
Authors: Taylor Harry , Nguyen Ann
Published: December 2020

Loneliness is consistently linked to worse depression/depressive symptoms; however, few studies examined if this relationship varies by race. The purpose of this study was to determine if race moderated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms among a nationally representative sample of older Black and White adults. Data come from the 2014 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Core survey and Psychosocial Leave Behind Questionnaire; only Black and White older adults were included in the analysis (N=6,469). Depressive symptoms were operationalized by the CESD; however, the ‘felt lonely’ item was removed given concerns with collinearity. Loneliness was operationalized using the Hughes 3-Item Loneliness Scale. Sociodemographic variables included gender, age, education, household income, employment status, marital status, and living alone or with others. Furthermore, social support and negative interactions from family members and friends, and religious service attendance were included in the analysis. Lastly, we created an interaction term with race and loneliness. All analyses used survey weights to account for the complex multistage sampling design of the HRS. Missing data were multiply imputed. Older Blacks had higher rates of loneliness and depressive symptoms compared to older Whites. In multivariate analysis, we found race significantly moderated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms while controlling for sociodemographic, social support, negative interaction, and religious attendance covariates. For both older Blacks and Whites, greater loneliness affected depressive symptoms; however, the effect was stronger among Whites than it was for Blacks. Findings can be used to create racially sensitive depression interventions.
Discerning Unmet Self-Care Need and Co-Design of a Mobile App With Chinese Immigrant Caregivers to Promote Self-Care
Authors: Yu Kexin , Jiang Haojun , Liu Mandong , Wu Shinyi , Jordan-Marsh Maryalice , Chi Iris
Published: December 2020

Immigrant caregivers are the backbone for supporting frail older adults in the United States. However, caregivers' own self-care need is often neglected, especially among racial/ethnic minorities. In the current study, a co-design approach was employed to develop a mobile app for raising awareness and promoting behaviors of self-care among Chinese immigrant caregivers. Individual in-depth interviews conducted through two co-design phases, i.e., conceptual design and prototype design. Twelve caregiver participants voiced their unmet self-care need and expressed their opinions about adopting the co-designed mobile App to access self-care information. The unmet self-care need includes both self-care barriers and supportive resources, and App features the caregivers wish to have. Three self-care barriers were identified in the co-design interviews, including culture-specific stressors, immigrant-status related challenges, and work-related restrictions. Caregiver participants expressed that they wish the care recipients could have education on the boundaries between them and a caregiver. Additionally, the participants reported wanted to learn about handling care emergencies with the co-design app and would like to see short videos and stories included in the App. Participants expressed mixed opinions towards adopting mobile technology – while most of the participants appreciated the content provided, some were concerned that learning with mobile technology could add to their burdens, and technical difficulties could prevent them from using the App. Designing the App to be engaging and fun emerged as highly desirable. The co-design process appears to be beneficial in having participants to articulate both current self-care barriers and preference for a mobile technology tool.
Relationship Between Health and Well-Being and Adherence to Social Norms Across Adulthood
Authors: Ferguson Giselle , Sliwinski Martin , Scott Stacey
Published: December 2020

When an individual deviates from social norms, others implement stressful social consequences to discourage deviance. Over a lifetime, this stress may accumulate, causing physiological wear-and-tear and poorer health and well-being. However, older adults may choose to surround themselves primarily with close, supportive others, so they may no longer be exposed to consequences for deviance, and would then be shielded from downstream effects. Alternatively, adults from older cohorts may value traditional norms more strongly, and would therefore experience greater effects of norm deviance. We expected that individuals who adhered to norms would report better health and well-being than individuals who deviated from norms, and that this effect would be either absent or intensified for older adults. We tested this prediction with a secondary data analysis of n=220 adults ages 25-65 (63.2% women). We operationalized individuals’ adherence to their respective gender norms and to general, non-gendered norms using demographic and questionnaire responses. Greater general norm adherence significantly predicted better health and well-being, independent of age. For masculine norms, work-primacy norm adherence predicted better well-being, but anger and self-reliance norm adherence predicted worse health and well-being in men. Age moderated this effect: with older age, the effect of anger was reversed such that greater anger predicted better health among men. For feminine norms, adherence did not predict better outcomes in women at any age. Although the relationship between gendered norm adherence and health and well-being may depend on cohort, the results suggest that general norm adherence does influence health and well-being.
The Effect of Cognitive Impairment on Loneliness in Older Adulthood: Evidence From HRS 2008-2018
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Luchetti Martina , Sutin Angelina , Terracciano Antonio
Published: December 2020

Background: People experience loneliness when there is a mismatch between desired and actual social interaction. Demographic and health factors have been implicated in loneliness; less is known about the unique association of cognitive impairment on loneliness in older adulthood. Purpose: This study examined the link between cognitive impairment status and level and change in loneliness over a 9-year period and whether it is independent of physical health, depression, and social isolation. We examine the associations for overall and the emotional and social loneliness sub-domains of loneliness. Methods: Data were from the Health and Retirement Study 2008-2018 waves (N = 8,269, age 50+). Cognitive impairment status was categorized using mTICS. Loneliness was measured with 11-item UCLA Loneliness scale. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the effects of cognitive status on loneliness, controlling for time-varying functional limitation, disease burden, social contact, and depression. Results: Cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) was associated with higher loneliness (b = .04, p < .001). CIND (b = .03, p = .036) and dementia (b = .09, p = .017) were linked to higher emotional loneliness but were not independent of social isolation and depression. Those with CIND had higher social loneliness (b = .04, p = .016), even after adjusting for covariates. The trajectory of loneliness did not vary by cognitive status. Conclusions: Cognitive impairment is a risk factor for loneliness among older adults. Those with mild cognitive impairment experienced heightened loneliness, especially for social belongingness. Cognitive function should be considered in designing interventions for loneliness.
The Effects of Pet Ownership on Psychological Well-Being Among Socially Isolated Older Adults
Authors: Ikeuchi Tomoko , Abe Takumi , Taniguchi Yu , Seino Satoshi , Tomine Yui , Shimada Chiho , Kitamura Akihiko , Shinkai Shoji
Published: December 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that pet ownership associates with positive psychological outcomes (i.e., less loneliness, lower depression, etc.) in older adults. Yet, the role of pet ownership in psychological well-being (PWB) of socially isolated older adults is not fully explored. In this study, we hypothesized that pet (i.e., dog or cat) ownership would have positive effects on PWB among socially isolated older adults. The study used cross-sectional data of 9875 community-dwelling older adults collected in 2016 in a metropolitan area of Japan. Overall, 2841 (28.8%) participants were socially isolated (i.e., having social interactions with others less than once a week). Stratified by dog and cat ownership, 3143 (31.8%) were current or previous dog owners, and 1724 (17.5%) were current or previous cat owners. PWB was dichotomized using a score of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and 2730 (27.6%) were identified as low levels of PWB. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic confounders, showed that social isolation was associated with lower PWB (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 2.17, 2.64) and lower odds of having a dog (OR: 0.70; 0.63, 0.77). When social isolation and dog ownership were entered into a model simultaneously as independent variables, dog ownership was associated with greater PWB (OR: 0.90; 0.81, 0.99). There was a significant partial mediating effect of dog ownership found on the association between social isolation and PWB (Sobel test p=.034). No such associations were observed in cat ownership. Our results suggest that having a dog may be effective for increasing PWB for socially isolated older adults.
Gender Codes and Aging: Comparison of Features in Two Women's Magazines
Authors: O'Hanlon Ann , Mendez Therese , Morrissette Melissa
Published: December 2020

Magazines and other media promote beauty standards and gender roles in feature articles and advertising. Publications present idealized images of women often in contrast to the average reader’s appearance. Analyses of such images suggest gender roles are reinforced through subtle cues embedded in hand gestures, eye gaze, head posture, and body position (Goffman, 1976). This study analyzed a recurrent feature in two different magazine presenting an idealized standard of aging to mature women. The first magazine, MORE, featured mature women, typically between the ages of 40 and 60, with the banner of “This is what (woman’s age) looks like.” MORE magazine is no longer in press, but another magazine, Women’s Day, began a similar recurrent column featuring a women between 40 and 60 with the title “Own Your Age—Yes, I am (women’s age).” Both features included copy describing the woman’s perspective on life and aging and a listing of specific beauty products that she uses. These features were analyzed as advertisements, because they promote a message about being a woman of a certain age and the specific products used to achieve that look. Three researchers coded 43 images from MORE magazine and 30 images from Woman’s Day for physical characteristics of aging and evidence of Goffman’s gender codes. Most photos presented women who appeared younger than their stated age. Images showed the presence of Goffman’s gender codes including feminine touch, ritualization of subordination, licensed withdrawal, and infantilization and were more prevalent in the MORE feature than Woman’s Day column.
North American and International Students’ Perspectives on Older Adults
Authors: Shea Adam , Strong Jessica , Graham Kirsten
Published: December 2020

Ageism is recognized around the world as detrimental to older adults’ health and well-being, and there are differences in how cultures view older adults. Infrequently are ageist attitudes among cultures compared within one study. Here, we sought to examine views on older adults across cultures in a sample of university students attending school in North America (n=31). As part of a larger survey of ageist attitudes, we conducted a thematic analysis on open-ended responses to the question “How are older adults viewed in your culture?” Half of the respondents were international students. Results found similarities and differences between groups. First, both groups saw older adults as individuals who are and should be respected. Second, however, North American students viewed older adults as “important” and “role models”, whereas international students viewed older adults as “leaders” of and at the “head of the family”. Third, North American students saw older adults as “needing extra help.” In contrast, international students reported that families “should provide care” as a duty or responsibility. Fourth, North American students believed older adults provide “wisdom,” “love,” and “support” but the international students felt older adults provided knowledge, experience, and opinions that are valued by the family and society that are important to decision making. Finally, North American students describe negative perceptions and experiences with older adults, which was completely absent from the international students responses. Results are discussed in a cultural context of personal and formal relationships with elders.
Black-White Differences in Hearing Problems Among Older Americans: Findings From Two Large Representative Surveys
Authors: Fuller-Thomson Esme , Deng ZhiDi (Judy) , Agbeyaka Senyo
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate Black-White differences in hearing problems among older adults living in the United States. Secondary data analyses were conducted using the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS) with a replication analysis in the 2016 ACS. The ACS is an annual nationally representative survey of Americans living in community settings and institutions. The sample size of older Americans (age 65+) in 2017 was 467,789 Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) and 45,105 Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). In the 2016 ACS, there were 459,692 NHW and 45,990 NHB respondents aged 65+. Measures of hearing problems, age, race/ethnicity, education level and household income were based on self-report. Data were weighted to adjust for non-response and differential selection probabilities. The prevalence of hearing problems was markedly higher among older NHW (15.4% in both waves) in comparison to NHB (9.0% in 2017; 9.4% in 2016; both p<.001). In the 2017 ACS, the age-sex adjusted odds of hearing loss were 69% higher for NHW compared to NHB, which increased to 91% higher odds when household income and education level were taken into account (OR=1.91; 95% CI=1.85, 1.97). Further analyses by 10 year age cohorts indicated comparable findings (fully adjusted ORs range from 1.89 to 1.98). Findings from the 2016 ACS were very similar (e.g., 65+ fully adjusted OR=1.81). NHW have a much higher prevalence and almost double the odds of hearing loss compared NHB. Future research should investigate if melanin plays an otoprotective role through enhancing the antioxidant capability of cochlea.
Predictors of Seeking Health Information and Mental Health Support in U.S. Prisons: A Study Using 2014 PIAAC Data
Authors: Nwakasi Candidus , Esiaka Darlingtina , Subedi Janardan
Published: December 2020

Being in prison increases the vulnerability to poor health, especially mental illnesses. This is evident in the documented health disparities between prison inmates and the general population. For example, suicide rates among inmates are higher than in the general population. There is an urgent need to understand how inmates experience mental well-being. This is important as some inmates serve long/life sentences and some will need to successfully re-integrate into the society. Although they have a constitutional right to health care access through the Eight Amendment, little is known of the health information and mental health support seeking patterns among inmates. The current study examined factors associated with the amount of health information accessed, and participation in mental health support groups in US prisons. Data (N= 645) from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (2014) were analyzed using linear and logistic regressions. Sample weights were applied in the analyses. Results show statistically significant relationships between amount of health information acquired and age (66 years and above), race, health-status, readiness to learn, literacy skill, and numeracy skill. Social trust moderated the effect of education on the odds of participating in mental health support groups. Also, gender, work duration, attending substance abuse support and life skills groups were significant predictors. Our study may provide insight for stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, clinicians, social workers, and wardens, etc.) working in partnership to deliver a more tailored health interventions for inmates, by highlighting key contextual issues predicting mental health and well-being within prison settings.
Views on HIV Disclosure Among Older Adults Living With HIV Who Are Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
Authors: Brown Monique , James Titilayo , Nkwonta Chigozie , Kaur Amandeep
Published: December 2020

Rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among people living with HIV are twice the CSA estimates among the general population. These statistics suggest that CSA prevalence may range from 16-22% among older adults living HIV (OALH). HIV disclosure continues to be a key consideration among people living with HIV. However, studies examining the views on HIV disclosure among OALH who are CSA survivors are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the views on HIV disclosure among OALH who are CSA survivors using a qualitative approach. Twenty-four adults aged 50-67 years, living with HIV and with a CSA history participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The iterative analytic process included discussion of initial thoughts and key concepts, identification and reconciliation of codes, and naming of emergent themes. Three themes emerged: “You don’t have to tell the person if it’s just casual sex”, “Nothing ought to be hidden especially when you get ready to engage in sex”, and “As for me, I don’t disclose”. Views on HIV disclosure among OALH varied. Some participants stated that disclosure of HIV status should be dependent on the type of sexual relationship, while some OALH stated that participants should disclose regardless of type of relationship. Some participants were hesitant to disclose their HIV status due to anticipated HIV-related stigma. Understanding the perspectives on HIV disclosure among OALH with a CSA history may help to inform disclosure intervention programs for this vulnerable population.
An Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of Mortality Risks of Chinese Centenarians in the Era of Longevity
Authors: Lu Jiehua , Zhu Hui
Published: December 2020

With the rapid socioeconomic development and the increasing average life expectancy, China has shifted into an era of longevity. One significant feature of this era is the increasing size of Chinese centenarians and their health status are attracting increasing attention from academic communities. By using Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), this paper employs Cox model to pinpoint the key influencing factors of mortality risk of Chinese centenarians. Our findings turn out that compared with the other elderly population, the mortality-risk determinants among centenarians are unique. The most important risk of the latter comes from their objective health status. The worse the health situation, the higher mortality risk is. Meanwhile, this rate is less affected by social and economic conditions. However, gender and smoking habit all play parts in the mortality risk of centenarians. This study comprehensively understands the key factors of the mortality risk of Chinese centenarians, which is of great significance for reducing centenarians’ mortality risks and enhancing their health and well-beings.
Caregivers’ Beliefs and Stress Among Rural and Urban African American Chronically Ill Caregivers
Authors: Harvey Idethia Shevon
Published: December 2020

Introduction: African American women bear a disproportionate burden of chronic disease and disability compared to non-Hispanic whites, particularly rural African American women. The number of African American women providing informal care is increasing, and constant stress among caregivers produces long-term effects among middle-aged and older individuals. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between stressors and attitudes of caregiving among chronically-ill African American rural and urban women. Methods: The sample included 519 rural and urban African American female caregivers (M = 53.8 years; SD = 15.05), with at least one chronic condition, participated in the Black Rural and Urban Caregivers Mental Health and Functioning Study. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed among rural women with chronic conditions (N=265) and urban women with chronic conditions (N=254). Results: The number of chronic diseases was the most significant predictors, explaining 16% of stress, followed by caregiver beliefs, socio-demographic factors, and caregiving related factors (F = 21.50, p < 0.01). Discussion: The findings from this study can provide rural health care providers and rural health educators with a basis to assess potential support and disease management programs among chronically-ill caregivers.
Intergenerational Relationships in an Economically Vulnerable Community: Findings From the Flint Women’s Study
Authors: Sneed Rodlescia
Published: December 2020

Older women in economically disadvantaged communities often balance a range of relationships that present both benefits and challenges. The current study describes older women’s perceptions of the benefits and challenges of maintaining intergenerational relationships with younger women and children in their community. We used secondary data from the Flint Women’s Study, a qualitative interview project that included 60-90 minute structured interviews with 100 women who either lived or worked in the Flint, Michigan metropolitan area. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using the belongingness theory framework. Special populations (including older women) were coded in the dataset. The main benefits of intergenerational relationships included feeling valued, social connection, and giving back to future generations. In particular, intergenerational relationships allowed older women in this economically disadvantaged community to leave behind a meaningful social legacy in the absence of a meaningful economic legacy. Despite the perceived benefits, older women had difficulty effectively forming intergenerational relationships. Many reported being naturally isolated from those of younger generations. For those who were not isolated, many cited challenges related to grandparent caregiving, which was often connected to workforce conflicts, financial burden, caring for multiple generations well into adulthood, managing grandchildren’s traumas, and a lack of technological proficiency needed to meet grandchildren’s educational needs. Participants described the impact of these challenges on older women who lived in disadvantaged communities. Future programming should consider the needs of older women in disadvantaged communities and provide resources to maximize the benefits and minimize the challenges of intergenerational relationships in this population.
Machine-Learning Modeling to Predict Hospital Readmission Following Discharge to Post-Acute Care Settings
Authors: Howard Elizabeth , Morris John N , Schachter Erez
Published: December 2020

Increased attention to post-acute care (PAC) settings and available services to meet patients’ needs following acute hospital discharge is needed as these settings are being utilized increasingly in models of care delivery. The primary purpose was to generate a model to identify the most predictive factors relevant to hospital readmission within 90 days following discharge to one of three types of PAC sites: home with home care services (HC), skilled nursing facility (SNF), in-patient rehabilitation facility (IRF). Specific aims were to (1) examine number and characteristics of older adults discharged to the 3 PAC sites; (2) compare 90 day hospital readmission rate across sites and acuity level; and (3) examine assessment items across population and subgroups to identify variables most predictive of hospital readmission. 2015 assessment data from 3,592,995 Medicare beneficiaries were analyzed representing 1,536,908 from SNFs, 306,878 from IRFs, and 1,749,209 receiving HC services. Total sample 90-day readmission was 25.8 % . Patients discharged to IRF had lowest readmission rate (23.34%), and those receiving HC services had highest readmission rate (29.34%). Creation of risk subgroups however, revealed alternative outcomes. Among all patients in the low, intermediate and high risk groups, the lowest readmission rates occurred among SNF patients. Factor analysis of assessment variables indicated bladder and bowel incontinence and functional limitations were the most distinguishing factors between the very low and very high risk subgroups.
Caregiver Depression, Change in the Severity of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, and Subsequent Caregiver Abuse
Authors: Fang Boye , Yan Elsie , Pei Yaolin , Chen Gengzhen
Published: December 2020

Objectives: To examine whether caregiver (CG) depression predicts subsequent occurrence of elder abuse and whether change in the severity how care-recipient change in the severity of care recipient (CR) neuropsychiatric symptoms influence this association. Methods: Using two-year longitudinal data, we analyzed a consecutive sample of 800 Chinese family CGs and their CRs with dementia recruited from the geriatric and neurological departments of three Grade-A hospitals in People’s Republic of China (PRC). All the participatory dyads were assessed between September 2015 and February 2016 and followed for two years. Results: CG depression at baseline predicted the subsequent occurrence of physical and psychological abuse and CG neglect. However, change in the severity of CR neuropsychiatric symptoms altered these relationships. Specifically, while unchanged and increased CR neuropsychiatric symptoms heightened the positive effect of CG depression on subsequent abuse, decreased CR neuropsychiatric symptoms protected older adults from abuse by a depressed CG. Conclusion: This study showed the differential impact of CG depression on subsequent occurrence of elder abuse depending on the change in the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms related to the CRs. The present findings provide important insights to the design of a systematic and integrative intervention protocol for elder abuse that simultaneously focuses on treating CG depression and CR neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Take Action or Worry? Older Adults’ Anticipated Responses to Concerning Cognitive Assessment Results
Authors: Jacova Claudia , Wong Sara , Smith Samantha
Published: December 2020

Under a third of older adults (28%) report having ever received an assessment for cognitive problems in US primary care settings. Patient resistance is cited as a major reason cognitive assessments are not performed. Theoretical models emphasize the role of anticipated benefits and harms in shaping health behaviors. Accordingly, here we investigated older adults’ anticipated actions and worries regarding their cognitive assessment results. A total of 393 community-dwelling respondents between ages 50 and 91, 65% female, 89% college/university-educated, with no diagnosed cognitive disorder, completed Attitudes Around Cognitive Testing (AACT) at primary care sites (n=98) and through an online platform (www.mturk.com) (n=298). AACT examines older adults’ preferences and concerns about cognitive assessment. It includes questions about actions participants would take and worries they would have if assessment results indicated cognitive problems. Willingness to take part in testing (yes or unsure/no) was also assessed. We found that seeking a formal diagnosis (84%), talking to family about healthcare (77%), and planning one’s own future (70%) were highly endorsed actions, and becoming depressed (48%), becoming anxious (47%), and losing driving privileges (41%) highly endorsed worries. Logistic regression showed that total worries and worry-action difference scores predicted reduced willingness (OR=0.84, CI=0.75-0.93 and OR=0.82, CI=0.74-0.82, respectively), whereas total actions did not. Our results suggest that older adults view concerning cognitive assessment outcomes as an opportunity for taking action as well as a reason for worrying. Both worries and actions appear to play a role in deciding whether to take part in a cognitive assessment.
The Association Between Cognitive Function and Preventive Care Service Utilization Among U.S. Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Poh Zhing Loong , Kong Dexia , Li Mengting , Dong XinQi
Published: December 2020

Preventive healthcare utilization is an important aspect of medical practice that facilitates the identification of chronic diseases at an early stage and increases options for treatment. Cognitive function plays an important role in individuals’ utilization of preventive care services. However, our understanding of the relationship between cognitive function and preventive care utilization is limited, particularly in older minority aging populations. The study aims to assess the association between cognitive function and preventive healthcare utilization among U.S. Chinese older adults. Data were obtained from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Five instruments were used to measure global cognition, including the Mini-Mental State Examination, East Boston Memory Test Immediate Recall and Delayed Recall, Digit Span Backwards, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Preventive care services included immunization (i.e. flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines) and cancer screenings (i.e. colorectal, breast, cervical, and prostate). Multivariable regression analyses were used. The findings showed that higher level of global cognition was associated with higher utilization of pneumonia vaccination (OR=1.32, 95% CI= 1.14-1.52), hepatitis B vaccination (OR=1.24, 95% CI= 1.05-1.47), colon exam (OR=1.23, 95% CI= 1.07-1.41), mammogram (OR=1.46, 95% CI= 1.22-1.73), breast exam (OR=1.23, 95% CI= 1.04-1.46), and cervical exam (OR=1.38, 95% CI= 1.15-1.65). Future longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between cognitive function and preventive care utilization among U.S. Chinese older adults. Study findings underscore the need to understand preventive care utilization patterns among U.S. Chinese older adults with low cognitive function.
Why Older Adults Recall Autobiographical Memories From Their Youth
Authors: Wolf Tabea , Zimprich Daniel
Published: December 2020

When older adults are asked to remember their lives, they recall disproportionally more events from their youth (e.g., Rubin, Rahhal, & Poon, 1998). This phenomenon, called the reminiscence bump, is one of the most robust findings in autobiographical memory research. Whereas most explanatory accounts have focused on differential encoding and retention of memories experienced during one’s youth (e.g., Rubin et al., 1998), recent research also puts emphasis on the retrieval of memories (e.g., Glück & Bluck, 2009; Rubin & Berntsen, 2003). In the present study, we take a functional perspective on the reminiscence bump and examine why older adults recall memories from their past. Participants (age 57-89; N = 112) reported memories in response to 30 emotionally neutral cue-words and self-rated each memory for serving directive, social-bonding, self-continuity, and mood-enhancing functions (Wolf & Demiray, 2019). The age distribution shows an early reminiscence bump located between the ages of 6 and 20 years. Compared to memories from later life periods, memories from the reminiscence bump more frequently serve self-continuity and less frequently directive and mood-enhancing functions. No differences were found regarding the use of memories for social-bonding. The results strengthen the assumption that experiences from one’s youth serve to maintain a sense of self-continuity throughout the lifespan (e.g., Rathbone et al., 2008). To cope with current problems or emotions, however, older adults are more likely to draw on experiences from their adult life – probably because these experiences are more similar to what they are experiencing now.