bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 425: The Impact of White Matter Lesions and Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy on Prestroke Cognitive Function: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Elsayed M. M. , Esmail A. , Abouzaid M. , Abouelseoud M. , Hegazy N. Y.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The predictive value of neuroimaging findings, specifically white matter lesions and medial temporal lobe atrophy, in assessing cognitive impairment before a stroke has been insufficiently explored. This study aims to clarify the relationship between these imaging markers and prestroke cognitive function across multiple clinical environments.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 271 stroke patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). MRI scans were systematically assessed for the presence and severity of white matter lesions and medial temporal lobe atrophy. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to determine the associations between these neuroimaging findings and prestroke cognitive impairment.

Results

Our analysis demonstrated a significant association between cognitive impairment and the presence of both white matter lesions (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.72) and medial temporal lobe atrophy (OR: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.38‐9.19). Notably, the impact of white matter lesions on cognitive decline was more pronounced in patients aged under 75, whereas a higher prevalence of medial temporal lobe atrophy was observed in younger cohorts. These findings suggest distinct age‐related patterns in the influence of neuroimaging markers on cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

This study highlights the critical role of white matter lesions and medial temporal lobe atrophy as early indicators of cognitive impairment prior to stroke. By integrating these neuroimaging assessments into routine clinical practice, healthcare providers can better identify patients at risk of cognitive decline, thereby enhancing preventative strategies to mitigate the risk of future strokes. Early identification and targeted interventions could significantly improve patient outcomes, underscoring the importance of incorporating neuroimaging markers into comprehensive stroke care protocols.
Abstract 458: Utilizing Transcranial Doppler in the Diagnosis of Cervical Artery Dissection: Insights from a Multicenter Survey within the STOP‐CAD Study
Authors: Guo X. , Shahripour R. Bavarsad
Published: January 2025

Background

Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a common cause of ischemic stroke in young adults. Local blood clot formation and distal emboli are the key mechanisms for the development of stroke in patients with CAD. Microemboli distal to the dissection point can be detected as high‐intensity transient signals (HITS) using Transcranial Doppler (TCD). Despite this unique capability, TCD is used inconsistently in the management of CAD. In this international survey, we aim to explore the frequency and potential barriers to TCD use in CAD.

Method

This study was an international electronic survey, based on the Antithrombotic Treatment for Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection (STOP‐CAD) study, aiming at evaluating the use of TCD in diagnosing and managing CAD patients. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed to gather insights into the current practices, perceptions, and potential barriers to the effective use of TCD in participating centers. The collected data was then analyzed.

Results

Fifty‐eight medical centers with advanced stroke care capabilities from Europe and United States participated in this study. Half (29 out of 58) of the sites routinely perform TCD on CAD patients, particularly in the presence of carotid or vertebral artery stenosis, complete carotid occlusion, and early neurologic deterioration. The primary reason for participating institutions not performing TCD was because its results would not change their practice. The protocol for TCD monitoring and managing HITS‐positive CAD patients varied among centers but transitioning from antiplatelet to anticoagulant was the most common practice in this patient population.

Conclusion

Half of the stroke centers in our survey routinely perform TCD monitoring for CAD patients. The detection of HITS in CAD patients is a warning sign for providers, which may prompt a change in secondary stroke prevention management. However, a standard protocol for performing TCD in CAD and treatment recommendations for HITS‐positive CAD are not currently available, which warrants further research.
The prebiotic landscape: history, health and physiological benefits, and regulatory challenges – an IPA perspective part 1
Authors: Saville S.H. , Younes J.A. , Paraskevakos G. , Venema K.
Published: January 2025

Prebiotics are becoming increasingly recognized by consumers, health care professionals and regulators as important contributors to health. Nonetheless, the development, progress, and adoption of prebiotics is hindered by loose terminology, various misconceptions about sources and types of compounds that may be classified as prebiotics, and the lack of consensus on a definition that satisfies regulators. Evolving knowledge of the microbiome and its effects on host health has generated opportunities for modulation of the microbiota that can support host health. Various types of biotics – probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, are compounds that either modulate the microbiota or arise from the microbiota, affecting health locally and distally. Each of these classes of biotic compounds have distinct, yet complementary benefits. While many scientists have proposed definitions for prebiotics, and there have been attempts by selected scientists to develop a ‘consensus definition’, the fact remains that globally, scientists, manufacturers, and marketers have adopted different definitions to suit their own interests and purposes, leading to confusion among consumers and health care professionals. The pathway to regulatory acceptance and to reduce/eliminate confusion is a definition that puts the focus on the consumer, and the benefits that consumers can realise from consumption of prebiotics. This consumer-focused approach, supported by science, will also align with regulators and support broader regulatory approval of prebiotics as a category. In this review, we discuss the history of prebiotics, and introduce criteria and a decision tree to classify compounds as prebiotics, supported by the scientific literature to date. This includes a summary of compounds that have been clearly recognised as prebiotics. We also review the microbiota, microbiome, and the various ways in which prebiotics can beneficially affect the microbiota and health. The safety and efficacy of prebiotics is also reviewed, along with effective doses and limitations associated with prebiotic use. This includes scientific tools and methods that help to establish the function, safe use and efficacy of a prebiotic. We also identify misconceptions that can be addressed in communications to consumers and health care professionals. Manufacturing guidelines and the current regulatory status of prebiotics in various jurisdictions are also reviewed. Collectively, this review provides an in-depth overview of the role for prebiotics to support the health of consumers. This consumer-focused approach provides clear criteria for the product category, safe use, effective communication of health benefits and limitations, and a pathway towards regulatory approval.
The red colour in chinicuil (Comadia redtenbacheri (Hammerschmidt)) is due to rhodommatin pigment
Authors: González-Cruz L. , Sardina-Almanza P. , Torres-Valencia M. , Bernardino-Nicanor A.
Published: January 2025

In Mexico, Comadia redtenbacheri (Hammerschmidt) is called chinicuil or agave red worm which is highly appreciated since pre-Hispanic period and was considered a delicacy greatly accept by the Aztec. At present, chinicuil is highly valued not only for its culinary value but also as an ornamental in the mezcal industry, although it has not been possible to preserve its intense red colour. One reason for this is probably that the pigment responsible for the reddish coloration of the chinicuil has not yet been identified, making it difficult to find a possible alternative for its preservation. For this reason, the aim of this research was to elucidate the chemical structure of the pigment responsible for the reddish coloration of chinicuil in order to expand knowledge of its properties and offer alternatives for colour preservation.. According to the results of this study, the size is decisive for the colour of the larvae. The small larvae are white, while the large larvae are reddish in colour. The results of the colour characteristics of the larvae showed that the large larvae tend to have a reddish coloration, while a yellowness or white coloration is observed in the other larval sizes. The chromatographic UV-Vis profile of the pigment in the large larvae showed signals characteristic of the ommochromes, which was confirmed by the 1H NMR spectra, in which characteristic signals of the aromatic rings, glycosides, carboxyl and amine groups were detected. These results lead to the conclusion that the principal pigment that gives the chinicuil its red colour is rhodommatin.
Reassessment of the concept of Calomera decemguttata (Fabricius) with a description of Calomera paradecemguttata sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)
Authors: MORAVEC JIŘÍ , DHEURLE CHARLES , SCHÜLE PETER , WIESNER JÜRGEN
Published: January 2025

A taxonomic and nomenclatorial revision of the Calomera decemguttata species-complex within the tiger beetle genus Calomera Motschulsky, 1862 is presented. The revision has revealed that the genuine type of Cicindela decemguttata Fabricius, 1801 is not conspecific with the species commonly treated in literature as Calomera decemguttata. As a result, Calomera paradecemguttata sp. nov. (= C. decemguttata sensu auctorum, partim) is described as new to science. Differential diagnoses and a key to the members of the species-complex consisting of Calomera decemguttata Fabricius, 1801, C. durvillei (Dejean, 1831), C. mamasa Cassola & Brzoska, 2008, C. jakli Schüle, 2010, C. cabigasi Cassola, 2011, C. bordonii Wiesner, 2018 and C. paradecemguttata sp. nov. are presented. Two additional species, immediately differentiated from the C. decemguttata species-complex, yet obviously belonging to the same species-group, are also treated here: C. marmorata (W. Horn, 1925) (originally described as a subspecies of C. decemguttata) with differential diagnosis, lectotype designation and illustrations, and C. sanguineomaculata (Blanchard, 1853) with only differential diagnosis and note to C. sanguineomaculata savoensis (Cassola, 1987). Habitus and diagnostic characters are illustrated in colour photographs (those of type specimens of C. decemguttata, C. mamasa and C. marmorata are presented for the first time). Lectotype of Cicindela decemguttata is newly designated.
A new fanged frog of the genus Limnonectes Fitzinger, 1843 (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam
Authors: LE MANH VAN , NGUYEN LUAN THANH , MURPHY ROBERT W. , TRAN TUYET-DZUNG THI , NGUYEN SANG NGOC , CHE JING
Published: January 2025

We describe a new frog of the genus Limnonectes from the Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular analyses. Limnonectes splendissimus sp. nov. shares morphological characteristics similar to L. poilani from central Vietnam yet is distinguishable from its congeners based on the following combination of diagnostic characters: large body-size (SVL 104.1–107.0 mm in three adult males, 87.2–97.7 mm in two adult females); head length longer than wide (HW/HL = 0.91±0.01 in adult males, 0.87±0.08 in adult females); adult males having an enlarged head height and a nuptial pad on finger I; eye diameter about three-fifths of tympanum-eye distance in adult males (ED/TED = 0.62±0.13) and longer than tympanum-eye distance in adult females (ED/TED = 1.40±0.02); distinct tympanum; presence of vomerine teeth; a tendency for a more prominent odontoid height (OH 8.0 ± 0.6 mm in adult males, 4.5±0.9 mm in adult females); throat surface in juveniles very distinct with black and white pattern that covers both the throat and anterior half of venter, and latter half of venter yellow. Phylogenetic analyses place the new species as the sister species of L. poilani. The new species differs from its congeners by an uncorrected p-distances in 16S sequences ranging from 8.2% (vs. L. poilani) to 14.6% (vs. L. dabanus).
A new species of the genus Puto Signoret (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Putoidae) from China and redescription of Puto huangshanensis Wu
Authors: ZHENG XINYI , LI YUANG , TAN ZHIXIANG , WU SAN’AN
Published: January 2025

The scale insect genus Puto Signoret (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Putoidae) has a mainly Nearctic and Palaearctic distribution but one species is known from Oriental China and a second from the Palaearctic part of China prior to this study. Here we describe and illustrate the adult female and male of a new species, Puto sinensis Zheng & Wu, sp. nov., from Oriental China. We also redescribe and illustrate the adult female and male of Puto huangshanensis Wu, 2001 and provide diagnostic characters for both species. In addition, an identification key to the Old World species of Puto based on the adult female, and a key to the world adult males of Puto are provided.
7. Introduction to probability
Authors: Navarro Danielle , Foxcroft David
Published: January 2025

This chapter serves as a foundational exploration of probability, bridging the gap between descriptive statistics and the deeper domain of inferential statistics. Beginning with a reflection on the interplay between probability and statistical inference, it emphasises the importance of understanding probability theory as the backbone of statistical reasoning. Through examples such as polling data and the representativeness of samples, the chapter demonstrates how probability allows us to make informed inferences about populations from limited data. It differentiates probability from statistics, defining probability as the study of chance events under known conditions, while statistics seeks to infer unknown truths from observed data. By contrasting the two, the chapter prepares readers to appreciate probability as a tool for robust scientific inquiry.

The chapter delves into the philosophical underpinnings of probability, introducing the frequentist and Bayesian perspectives. While the frequentist approach views probability as a long-run frequency of events, the Bayesian perspective interprets probability as a degree of belief, contextualised by prior knowledge. Both viewpoints are explored with examples to illustrate their practical implications and limitations. Additionally, the chapter introduces key probability distributions, including the binomial and normal distributions, highlighting their relevance in statistical applications. By covering the fundamental rules of probability and addressing nuances like probability density, the chapter equips readers with the conceptual clarity needed for subsequent discussions on statistical inference.
12. Correlation and linear regression
Authors: Navarro Danielle , Foxcroft David
Published: January 2025

This chapter delves into correlation and linear regression, foundational techniques in statistical analysis for exploring relationships between continuous predictors and outcomes. Beginning with the concept of correlations, the chapter examines how variables relate to each other in data, using scatterplots and descriptive statistics to visualise and interpret the strength and direction of relationships. Pearson’s correlation coefficient r is introduced as a measure ranging from -1 (perfect negative correlation) to +1 (perfect positive correlation), alongside practical guidance on its calculation and interpretation. The chapter also highlights limitations of Pearson’s r, such as its assumption of linearity, and introduces Spearman’s rank correlation for assessing monotonic relationships. Throughout, examples are used that underscore practical applications, supported by scatterplots and jamovi analyses.

The latter sections explore linear regression models, a sophisticated extension of correlation analysis. These models estimate the relationship between predictors and outcomes using a regression line, quantified through coefficients such as slope and intercept. Techniques for evaluating model fit are detailed, including R squared and hypothesis testing for coefficients. The chapter extends the discussion to multiple linear regression, examining how multiple predictors interact within a model. It concludes by addressing critical topics such as assumptions (linearity, independence, normality, equality of variance), diagnostics (residual analysis, outlier detection, collinearity), and model selection methods like AIC and hierarchical regression. Practical, hands-on use of jamovi is emphasised throughout, making the concepts accessible and applicable.
Identifying transdiagnostic psychological processes that can improve early intervention in youth mental health
Authors: Wade Tracey D , Pennesi Jamie-Lee , Pellizzer Mia
Published: January 2025

The aim of this viewpoint paper is to consider different psychological transdiagnostic processes that can inform the development of effective early intervention approaches in youth mental health before threshold diagnosis is attained. A transdiagnostic process is defined as a mechanism which is present across different disorders and is either a risk or a maintaining factor for the disorder. We consulted the literature with respect to processes across depression, anxiety and eating disorders. We suggest 38 unique transdiagnostic psychological processes. Each were defined to make them suitable for stakeholder consultation (e.g. people with lived experience) in developing transdiagnostic processes (targets) for youth early interventions. We recommend that the definitions of these processes are further developed in consultation with stakeholders, and that systematic reviews are conducted to further identify psychological processes that can inform essential ingredients of interventions that can then be tested for clinical impact in early intervention with youth.
An Omega-Hierarchical Extension Index for Second-Order Constructs With Hierarchical Measuring Instruments
Authors: Raykov Tenko , DiStefano Christine , Ransome Yusuf
Published: January 2025

An index extending the widely used omega-hierarchical coefficient is discussed, which can be used for evaluating the influence of a second-order factor on the interrelationships among the components of a hierarchical measuring instrument. The index represents a useful and informative complement to the traditional omega-hierarchical measure of explained overall scale score variance by that underlying construct. A point and interval estimation procedure is outlined for the described index, which is based on model reparameterization and is developed within the latent variable modeling framework. The method is readily applicable with popular software and is illustrated with examples.
Bridging worlds: Unveiling challenges in community interpreting in Israel
Authors: Shwartz-Ziv Tamar , Shemer Orna , Nadan Yochay
Published: January 2025

This study examines the challenges involved in community interpreting in multicultural social services in Israel. Based on 20 semi-structured interviews with interpreters and social workers working with Ethiopian and French immigrants, the findings reveal three types of challenges: translation of sensitive content, ethical issues, and interpreter employment policy. Consequently, the study suggests employing the concept of ‘experiential knowledge’ to understand the complexity of the triadic relationship among social workers, interpreters, and service users. In this way, it illustrates the power relations at the intersection of different types of knowledge in professional interventions and makes recommendations for linguistic-sensitive social work.
Language Predictors of Word-Problem Performance Among Third-Grade Students With Mathematics Difficulty
Authors: Lariviere Danielle O. , Powell Sarah R. , Fall Anna-Maria , Roberts Greg , Arsenault Tessa L.
Published: January 2025

We examined how generalized and mathematics-specific language skills predicted the word-problem performance of students with mathematics difficulty. Participants included 325 third-grade students in the southwestern United States who performed at or below the 25th percentile on a word-problem measure. We assessed generalized language skills in word reading, passage comprehension, and vocabulary knowledge. In addition, we measured mathematics-specific vocabulary knowledge. To explore variation within the mathematics-difficulty population, we utilized unconditional quantile regression to determine how each of these skill sets predicted word-problem performance when controlling for computation and emergent bilingual status. Results revealed that mathematics-vocabulary knowledge significantly predicted word-problem performance at all but two quantiles ( p < .001), with strongest predictive relations at the highest quantiles. Passage comprehension had an overall significant relation to word-problem performance ( p < .05) that was also reflected in multiple quantiles. Neither word-reading accuracy nor generalized-vocabulary knowledge demonstrated a significant predictive relation to word-problem performance. Given the consistent relation between mathematics-vocabulary knowledge and word-problem performance across quantiles, researchers and practitioners should prioritize evidence-based mathematics-vocabulary instruction to support students’ word-problem-solving skills.
Sparking employee’s creativity in digital work: A new look on the role of perceived usefulness
Authors: Wang Zhenyuan , Song Mei , Duan Yongjia
Published: January 2025

Telecommuting platform is an important medium for collaboration in the digital era and empowering employees to work from anywhere. However, existing research has paid less attention to how employees’ perception of telecommuting platform affects their behavior during working from home, especially the impact on their digital creativity. Drawing on self-determination theory, a dual path moderated mediation model was proposed to investigate the effect of perceived usefulness on employees’ digital creativity. Based on survey data from 881 employees, we found that perceived usefulness has a significant positive impact on employees’ digital creativity; work autonomy and telecommuting efficacy play a mediating role in the relationship between perceived usefulness and employees’ digital creativity; psychological individualism positively moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and employees’ digital creativity through work autonomy. However, psychological individualism does not show a significant moderating effect on the relationship between perceived usefulness and employees’ digital creativity through telecommuting efficacy.
Adolescent Sports Participation and Health in Early Adulthood: An Observational Study
Authors: Kokandakar Ajinkya H. , Lin Yuzhou , Jin Steven , Weiss Jordan , Rabinowitz Amanda R. , May Reuben A. Buford , Small Dylan , Deshpande Sameer K.
Published: January 2025

We study the impact of teenage sports participation on early-adulthood health using data from the National Study of Youth and Religion. We focus on two primary outcomes measured at ages 23 to 28 (self-rated health and PHQ9 Patient Depression Questionnaire score) and control for several demographic and socioeconomic confounders. To probe the possibility that certain types of sports participation may have larger effects on health than others, we conduct matched observational studies at each level within a hierarchy of exposures. Our hierarchy ranges from broadly defined exposures (e.g., participation in any organized after-school activity) to narrow (e.g., participation in collision sports). We maintained a fixed family-wise error rate using an ordered testing approach that exploits the hierarchical relationships between our exposure definitions. Compared to teenagers who did not participate in any after-school activities, those who participated in sports had statistically significantly better self-rated and mental health outcomes in early adulthood.
Factors Affecting Police Officers’ Attitudes Toward the Severity of Dating Violence in South Korea
Authors: Boo Minseo , Cho Younoh
Published: January 2025

Despite numerous efforts made to prevent dating violence in South Korea, attitudes toward dating violence severity remain a crucial issue among police officers. Although the National Police Agency has strived to make police practices more victim-centered and increase the ratio of women to men police officers, existing research has barely examined the factors that affect police officers’ attitudes toward dating violence (DV) severity. A national survey of 220 police officers between July 8 and July 21, 2020, found that while gender and the police work unit significantly affected the attitudes toward the severity of DV, no significant impact was observed in the education level, police tenure, or the number of training experiences. Finally, the study discussed its limitations and proposed directions for future research.
Emotion and Cognition: Attitudes toward Persons Who Are Visually Impaired
Authors: Verplanken B. , Meijnders A. , van de Wege A.
Published: January 2025

The results of this survey of attitudes toward visually impaired persons among the general public and rehabilitation workers in The Netherlands suggest that it is useful and possible to distinguish between the emotional and cognitive components of attitudes. Implications for public education programs and for training programs for professionals are presented.
Information Centers for Newly Blind Persons in Israel
Authors: Dickstein N. , Gozovsky M.
Published: January 2025

This article describes an innovative program of information centers in Israel that is designed to identify newly blind persons and to give them first-hand information about available services, as well as to stimulate an awareness of rehabilitation services among medical personnel.
Computers, Automation, and the Employment of Persons Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Authors: Mather J.
Published: January 2025

This article discusses the impact of technology on the formation of skills and the career advancement of persons who are blind or visually impaired. It concludes that dependence on technology (computerization and automation) and the mechanistic aspects of jobs may trap blind and visually impaired workers in occupations with narrow career paths that could lead them to vocational “dead-ends.”
Kinetic-Link Patterns, Congenital Blindness, and Batting
Authors: Skaggs S.O. , Hopper C.A. , Stull R.A.
Published: January 2025

This study compared the batting swing of two skilled congenitally blind beep baseball players to a perfect kinetic-link model for the batting skill. It found that the subjects used a modified batting technique and that there was an inverse relationship between the subjects’ performances and the kinetic-link model.
The Effects of Using Augmented Reality on Phoneme and Word Reading for First Grade Students With Autism and Developmental Delays
Authors: Saunders T. Luke , Coleman Mari Beth , Smith Cate C. , Carter Amanda , Alshehri Amani
Published: January 2025

This study was to determine the effectiveness of augmented reality on phoneme and word reading for three first-grade students with developmental delays and autism in a self-contained elementary school classroom. Effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated with a multiple probe across word sets research design. An augmented reality iPad app was used to overlay video models for the process of reading decoding over a printed sheet for each word. The printed sheet contained triggers for separate videos showing reading of each individual phoneme, blending all phonemes together slowly, reading the word aloud, and defining the word. All participants increased their ability to read phonemes and words. Our findings have implications for teachers who want to use interactive technology to teach reading skills to young students with autism and developmental delay.
Lost Highways: An Examination of the Question of Risk Involved in Sexual Homicides of Hitchhiking Victims
Authors: Beauregard Eric , Chopin Julien , DeLisi Matt
Published: January 2025

Despite cultural references to the dangers of hitchhiking, particularly for sexual homicide, no published research investigates these incidents from both an offender and crime scene perspective. Using the Sexual Homicide International Database (SHIelD), we explore lifestyle risk by comparing sexual homicide cases involving hitchhiking victims to those involving victims engaged in sex trade work. The results, based on the use of bivariate and multivariate statistics, indicate that offenders view hitchhiking victims as opportunities for confinement without physical restraint, often engaging in sexual acts and theft. While not primarily sadistic or sexually deviant, many offenders partake in criminal activities, exhibit psychological disorders, and possess weapons. Hitchhiking facilitates perpetrator-victim encounters due to its environmental characteristics. Victims in the sex trade, typically found in isolated locations, are at the mercy of offenders who drive them to unknown destinations. In contrast, murderers targeting low-risk victims display more sexual preoccupations, inserting foreign objects and engaging in postmortem activities. These distinctions suggest distinct offender profiles for each lifestyle.
The Predictive Value of Criminogenic Needs on Institutional Misconduct in a Dutch Forensic Hospital
Authors: Keulen-de Vos Marije , Herzog-Evans Martine
Published: January 2025

According to the Risk-Need-Responsivity model, criminogenic needs are important in predicting violent behavior. Eight criminogenic needs are considered strong predictors: history of antisocial behavior, antisocial personality traits, criminal attitudes, criminal associates, substance abuse, family problems, poor work performance, and lack of involvement in prosocial leisure/recreation activities. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether seven criminogenic needs predict institutional misconduct in the first year of admission of Dutch patients who were admitted to a forensic hospital. Hospital records of 234 male patients were used to retrieve criminogenic needs assessed with the HCR-20V3, with exception of criminal associates which was coded based on file review. The frequency of institutional misconduct was rated for verbal aggression, physical aggression, and sexual aggression. Exploratory analyses examined whether there was a (predictive) relation between psychopathy facets (PCL-R factors) and HCR-20V3 clinical and risk management scales, and institutional misconduct. This study finds that criminogenic needs did not predict physical and sexual institutional misconduct, but a history of antisocial behavior and criminal attitudes were negative predictors for verbal aggression. Psychopathy facets and HCR-20V3 scales did not predict institutional misconduct.
Recruitment and Retention of Direct Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Robison Julie , Kellett Kathy , Migneault Deborah , Shugrue Noreen
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges of home- and community-based service (HCBS) providers in recruiting and retaining direct care workers (DCWs). One of the largest and fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., DCWs are essential to the growing population of persons in need of long-term services who wish to remain in their homes. We surveyed all Connecticut Medicaid HCBS providers about their pandemic-era recruitment and retention challenges, strategies employed to overcome them, recommendations for regulatory and policy changes, and use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Respondents ( n = 447) noted the continuing key roles played by compensation and working conditions, emphasized unintended consequences of government unemployment policies, provided creative suggestions for professionalization of DCW work, and suggested best practices for consideration, including the success of word-of-mouth and employee referral bonuses in recruiting and the importance of organizational culture in retention.
Trajectories of Cognitive Function and Predictors Among Older Adults in Korea for 8 Years: A National Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Lee Dayeon , Tak Sunghee H.
Published: January 2025

This study aims to examine the trajectory of older adults’ cognitive function over time and identify its predictors. Based on the model of neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve, participants’ general characteristics as well as their physical, mental, and social factors were included as predictors of cognitive function. A latent growth model analysis was used to examine the trajectory of cognitive function and its predictors. The analysis of the unconditional model revealed that older adults’ cognitive function significantly decreased over time. The rate of cognitive decline was significantly related with age, current smoking status, depression scores, number of social activities, time spent in group cognitive activities, and number of individual cognitive activities. The findings identified predictors affecting initial cognitive function and the rate of cognitive decline in older adults. The rate of cognitive decline varies widely among individuals. Identifying these differences is essential for effectively tailoring interventions that address individual needs.
Longitudinal Trends in Physical Activity Among Older Adults With and Without HIV in Uganda
Authors: Ratnayake Aneeka , Tong Yao , Reynolds Zahra , Chamut Steffany , Quach Lien T. , Mbabazi Phoebe , Sagar Shruti , Maling Samuel , North Crystal M. , Passell Eliza , Yoo-Jeong Moka , Tsai Alexander C. , Paul Robert , Ritchie Christine S. , Seeley Janet , Hoeppner Susanne S. , Atwiine Flavia , Tindimwebwa Edna , Okello Samson , Nakasujja Noeline , Saylor Deanna , Greene Meredith L. , Asiimwe Stephen , Tanner Jeremy A. , Siedner Mark J. , Olivieri-Mui Brianne
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Physical Activity (PA) and its links to frailty, quality of life (QoL), and other comorbidities in older Ugandans living with HIV remain under-explored.

Methods

We analyzed data from three annual assessments of older people living with HIV (PLWH) and age- and sex-similar people not living with HIV (PnLWH). We fitted linear generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression models to estimate the correlates of PA, including demographics, frailty, QoL, HIV, and other comorbidities.

Results

We enrolled 297 PLWH and 302 PnLWH. Older age (b = −157.34, 95% CI [-222.84, −91.83]), living with HIV (b = −979.88 [95% CI: −1878.48, −81.28]), frailty (b = −3011.14 [95% CI: −4665.84, −1356.45]), and comorbidities (b = −2501.75 [95% CI: −3357.44, −1646.07]) were associated with lower overall PA. Higher general QoL (b = 89.96 [95% CI: 40.99, 138.94]) was associated with higher PA.

Conclusion

PA interventions may support wellbeing of older people in the region, and tailored interventions should be explored.
A Commentary on Miron et al. (2024): Power Maintenance via Illusory Justice Begets Biased Appraisals as Systemic Practice
Authors: Mills Maura J. , Fezzey Tyler N. A. , Fan Jiani , Ford Michael T.
Published: January 2025

Miron et al. (2024) provide a compelling framework for understanding how dominant group members have the power to strategically manipulate evidentiary standards to sustain systemic inequities, particularly in gendered workplace contexts. Our commentary extends their argument by illustrating how these standards not only inhibit justice, but actively create cascading injustices. Herein, we argue that excessive resource demands imposed by high evidentiary thresholds disproportionately burden disadvantaged groups, effectively reducing their available resources and thus threatening their ability to meet performance standards, ultimately reinforcing and exacerbating organizational inequities. This compounded impact ensures that inequality remains self-perpetuating and largely unchallenged. We likewise identify covert discrimination and structural biases as contemporary manifestations of inequality, highlighting how systems ostensibly designed to address injustice often serve to sustain and even amplify it. We propose actionable strategies to combat these inequities. Specifically, we advocate for a multifaceted approach that fosters genuine male allyship, disallows reductive arguments about gender inequalities, reevaluates the distribution of efforts to combat gender inequality, and considers employment-related strategies (e.g., revisiting norms for performance evaluations, recruitment, hiring) to level the playing field at a systemic level. In doing so, we propose specific pathways to begin dismantling systemic barriers and creating organizational cultures that promote justice, reinforcing the nascent call for systemic change while offering new insights into actionable solutions.
Considering Equity in Green Infrastructure Using an Integrative Planning Framework for Green Infrastructure Implementation
Authors: Yusuf Juita-Elena (Wie) , Allen Tom , Saitgalina Marina , Whytlaw Jennifer L. , Behr Joshua , Anuar Khairul A. , Hutton Nicole , Nwandu-Vincent Ogechukwu
Published: January 2025

In coastal communities, green infrastructure can be part of the infrastructure investment strategy to revitalize existing infrastructure and provide protection from flooding, erosion, and other coastal hazards. This article asks the question: What are key equity considerations related to green infrastructure planning for coastal resilience? We answer this question using the voices of research experts, practitioners, and community members who participated in a virtual workshop designed to identify key questions and concerns about coastal resilience and social equity. These research and practice perspectives are synthesized using an integrative planning framework for green infrastructure implementation that was developed to answer the research question. Our findings identify equity touchpoints as they relate to four cross-cutting themes: (1) stakeholder engagement and public participation, (2) trade-offs and multiple benefits, (3) resources and capacity, and (4) data, metrics, and analysis.
Numerical investigation on degradation mechanism of reinforced concrete structures under close-in explosion
Authors: Jiang Ren , Shi Yanchao , Zhong Bo , Zhuang Haiyang
Published: January 2025

In current practice, the analysis of progressive collapse in building structures widely employs the alternate load path method. However, there are very few collapse tests that can be utilized under blast loads, especially for investigating the degradation mechanism of progressive collapse resistance in post-blast building structures. In this study, the degradation mechanisms and methods for damage assessment of reinforced concrete structures under blast loads were investigated through numerical analysis. A substructure model derived from explosion loads based on a drop-hammer testing machine was validated by comparing with test results, and the established model accurately captured three typical failure modes in the substructure columns and confirmed the axial tensile effects of the columns on the adjacent components. A substructure damage assessment method was used to assess the degree of damage in a 5-story reinforced concrete frame structure under different explosion scenarios. The results show that the degree of damage distribution of the reinforced concrete frame structure exhibited an S-shaped distribution under corner column blast scenarios while an arch-shaped distribution was observed for middle column blast scenarios. Furthermore, empirical formulas based on the explosive mass and distance ( M- R) curves were established. These empirical formulas can help to rapidly predict the damage levels of RC frame structures for a given explosion scenario within a certain scope.
Identity change metaphors in public blogs written by people living with dementia and their care partners
Authors: Graf Amber R. M. , Schwabe Cristina J. , Freese Natalie L. , Miron Anca M.
Published: January 2025

Dementia and the associated stigma pose unique threats to the identity of persons with dementia, triggering attempts to cope with resulting identity changes. We explore identity change narratives and metaphors written by people with dementia and care partners in public blog posts. These metaphors reflect bloggers’ motivation to adapt, adjust, and cope with identity change and their motives to challenge common misunderstandings of dementia as a complete loss of selfhood. We used the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) as a guiding framework. We developed a dementia model of identity change and found that bloggers engage in three motivational processes to cope with identity threats. Identity crisis is characterized by becoming aware of the dementia symptoms and their implications for identity. Identity stagnation involves feelings of helplessness and lack of motivation for capitalizing on old or new identities. Identity continuation and growth involves active coping with identity changes by maintaining old identities and developing new identities. These processes are reflected in distinct metaphors (e.g., the “going in circles” metaphor is reflective of identity stagnation). We documented how persons living with dementia maintain past identities and develop new identities that are uniquely reflective of their interests, social connections, and family ties. For instance, old and new identities are anchored in meaningful places—a café, town, or nature spaces—and family members are integral to identity continuation and growth. Finally, we documented a here-and-now identity, which is valued and reinforced in the context of close relationships with others. The current work underscores the importance of considering the multitude of identities that make an individual with dementia a person and therefore advocates for more nuanced conceptualizations of the self—away from a tragedy discourse about a complete loss of identity in people living with dementia.
How Does the World Bank Influence the Development Policy Priorities of Low-Income and Lower-Middle Income Countries?
Authors: Knack Stephen , Parks Bradley C , Harutyunyan Ani , DiLorenzo Matthew
Published: January 2025

How does the World Bank’s use of lending and non-lending instruments affect the policy priorities of developing countries? We consider how certain forms of external assistance can shape the incentives of political leaders and the ideational environment within which they work in ways that promote reform. With new data on the delivery of analytical and advisory products and micro-level survey data from 1244 public sector officials in 121 developing countries, we find a consistently positive but not statistically significant association between the World Bank’s delivery of “Economic and Sector Work” products and the degree to which public sector officials perceive the multilateral institution to be effective in shaping the direction of government policy. We do not find a detectable effect of economic and sector work on the perceived utility of the World Bank’s advice or engagement during policy reform implementation. Nor do we find any evidence that the World Bank’s development policy lending consistently affects its perceived influence on the direction, design, or implementation of government policy. These findings have important implications for understanding both the effectiveness of development assistance and the conditions under which international institutions can influence the policy priorities of developing countries.
Considering Sex/Gender-Based Violence as a Form of Hate: The Invisibility of Sex and Gender
Authors: Dawson Myrna
Published: January 2025

Globally, there is no shortage of examples demonstrating lethal and non-lethal violence motivated, at least in part, by a hatred of women and girls because of their sex or gender. Such violence is not a new phenomenon. Despite this, there remains little consideration of sex/gender-based violence (S/GBV) motivated by hatred in the hate/bias crime literature, including a recent comprehensive review published in this journal. Drawing from a comprehensive scoping review of international literature, this article discusses why this might be the case, identifying both the benefits and challenges of treating sex/gender-motivated violence as a form of hate. The review examined primarily legal- and case-based analyses, grey literature, and some empirically based research articles, both qualitative and quantitative, the latter of which largely had only a peripheral focus on the question posed—the consideration or recognition of sex/gender-motivated hate that leads to violence. Themes surrounding benefits and challenges of doing so were identified. Among the findings was that, while there are valid arguments for and against the inclusion of, or emphasis on, S/GBV as a form of hate, what is largely absent from the body of literature is systematic, empirically based evidence examining the validity of the arguments identified, particularly in recent years. The article concludes by highlighting four broad research and policy priorities which can further (or arguably begin) the conversation about the role of hate in S/GBV.