bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-utility analysis of cemented hemiarthroplasty versus hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of displaced intracapsular hip fractures
Authors: Png May Ee , Petrou Stavros , Fernandez Miguel A. , Achten Juul , Parsons Nicholas , McGibbon Alwin , Gould Jenny , Griffin Xavier L. , Costa Matthew L. ,   on behalf of the WHiTE 5 trial collaborators
Published: July 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of cemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) versus hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented HA for the treatment of displaced intracapsular hip fractures in older adults.

Methods

A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted based on data collected from the World Hip Trauma Evaluation 5 (WHiTE 5) multicentre randomized controlled trial in the UK. Resource use was measured over 12 months post-randomization using trial case report forms and participant-completed questionnaires. Cost-effectiveness was reported in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained from the NHS and personal social service perspective. Methodological uncertainty was addressed using sensitivity analysis, while decision uncertainty was represented graphically using confidence ellipses and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.

Results

The base-case analysis showed that cemented implants were cost-saving (mean cost difference -£961 (95% confidence interval (CI) -£2,292 to £370)) and increased QALYs (mean QALY difference 0.010 (95% CI 0.002 to 0.017)) when compared to uncemented implants. The probability of the cemented implant being cost-effective approximated between 95% and 97% at alternative cost-effectiveness thresholds held by decision-makers, and its net monetary benefit was positive. The findings remained robust against all the pre-planned sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

This study shows that cemented HA is cost-effective compared with hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented HA in older adults with displaced intracapsular hip fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):922–928.
Beta-caryophyllene prevents the defects in trabecular bone caused by Vitamin D deficiency through pathways instated by increased expression of klotho
Authors: Dong Wei , Postlethwaite Bradley C. , Wheller Patricia A. , Brand David , Jiao Yan , Li Wei , Myers Linda K. , Gu Weikuan
Published: August 2022

Aims

This study investigated the effects of β-caryophyllene (BCP) on protecting bone from vitamin D deficiency in mice fed on a diet either lacking (D-) or containing (D+) vitamin D.

Methods

A total of 40 female mice were assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10/group): D+ diet with propylene glycol control, D+ diet with BCP, D-deficient diet with control, and D-deficient diet with BCP. The D+ diet is a commercial basal diet, while the D-deficient diet contains 0.47% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus, and no vitamin D. All the mice were housed in conditions without ultraviolet light. Bone properties were evaluated by X-ray micro-CT. Serum levels of klotho were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Under these conditions, the D-deficient diet enhanced the length of femur and tibia bones (p < 0.050), and increased bone volume (BV; p < 0.010) and trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV; p < 0.010) compared to D+ diet. With a diet containing BCP, the mice exhibited higher BV and bone mineral density (BMD; p < 0.050) than control group. The trabecular and cortical bone were also affected by vitamin D and BCP. In addition, inclusion of dietary BCP improved the serum concentrations of klotho (p < 0.050). In mice, klotho regulates the expression level of cannabinoid type 2 receptor (Cnr2) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (Fgf23) through CD300a. In humans, data suggest that klotho is connected to BMD. The expression of klotho is also associated with bone markers.

Conclusion

These data indicate that BCP enhances the serum level of klotho, leading to improved bone properties and mineralization in an experimental mouse model. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(8):528–540.
Predicción en estudiantes universitarios de la Conducta prosocial y de la penalización de actos como faltas y delitos, a partir de la empatía
Authors: Esparza-Reig Javier , Martí-Vilar Manuel , Rodriguez Lucas
Published: July 2022

La empatía es la capacidad de una persona para sentirse identificada con algo o alguien y, si es el caso, compartir sus sentimientos. Esta capacidad podría influir en comportamientos que conlleven un componente moral como son la conducta prosocial y la penalización de faltas y delitos. El objetivo fue poner a prueba un modelo de interacción de variables según el cual la empatía actuaría como variable independiente y la conducta prosocial y la penalización de faltas y delitos lo harían como variables dependientes. Estas variables se midieron en una muestra de 180 estudiantes universitarios con una media de edad de 20.05 años (DT= 1.83). Los resultados mostraron un buen ajuste con el modelo teórico planteado: X2= .82 (p = .37, gl = 1), así como unos adecuados índices de ajuste y de error de ajuste: GFI=.998; AGFI=.973; CFI=1; RMR=.002 y RMSEA=.000. La empatía se muestra como buena predictora de la conducta prosocial y de la penalización de faltas y delitos. Los resultados concluyen que el modelo teórico propuesto es correcto y la empatía es predictora de las dos variables dependientes; esto conlleva que potenciar la capacidad empática de las personas reducirá el riesgo de que estas lleven a cabo conductas antisociales.
La gestión de la autonomía de los menores en los procesos de divorcio parental
Authors: Martín Badia Júlia , Jarne Esparcia Adolfo
Published: July 2022

En el contexto de los derechos de la infancia se discute cómo se debe gestionar la autonomía de los menores. La legislación internacional y europea, asumida por los Estados miembros, reconoce el derecho de los menores a ser escuchados y a opinar en los asuntos que afecten su vida personal, familiar y social. En este artículo nos centraremos en la franja de edad de entre los 12 y los 16 años, y en la situación de divorcio parental. Nos preguntaremos si cuando afrontan la separación de sus padres, los menores quieren realmente opinar y sobre qué, analizaremos las ventajas y los riesgos de considerar sus opiniones, y reflexionaremos sobre el grado en que hay que tenerlas en cuenta. Finalmente, propondremos un procedimiento de toma de decisiones acompañada que dé voz a los adolescentes cuando sus padres se separan.
Análisis psicométrico del perfil de bienestar “PERMA-PROFILER” en una muestra estudiantes de Psicología
Authors: Cobo-Rendon Rubia Consuelo , Aslan Parra Joseph Abelardo , García-Álvarez Diego De Jesús
Published: July 2022

Objetivo: Estimar las propiedades psicométricas del perfil de bienestar “PERMA-Profiler” en una muestra de estudiantes de psicología de una universidad venezolana. Método: participaron 202 estudiantes con una media de edad de 19 años (DS=1,77). Se analizó la estructura factorial, las correlaciones entre los ítems, la fiabilidad de las dimensiones y total de la escala, así como la validez de criterio. Resultados: el perfil de bienestar se ajusta adecuadamente al modelo teórico propuesto (X2 (80) =130.101; RMSEA=.056; TLI= .944; CFI=.957). Se evidencian adecuadas correlaciones entre los ítems y dimensiones del instrumento. El coeficiente de consistencia interna de la escala completa fue de α=.817 y en el caso de las dimensiones estuvo desde α=.25 a .84. Se reportan correlaciones inversas y significativas entre las dimensiones del PERMA-Profiler y la ansiedad académica. El PERMA-Profiler es una escala que puede ser empleada para la evaluación e investigación sobre el bienestar en universitarios venezolanos.
Las ideas parentales sobre educación y desarrollo: un estudio longitudinal.
Authors: Ridao Ramírez Pilar , López Verdugo Isabel , Moreno Rodríguez M. Carmen
Published: July 2022

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo conocer cómo se configuran las ideas parentales a lo largo de las principales etapas de desarrollo de los hijos e hijas. Durante dieciséis años se realiza un seguimiento longitudinal a 102 progenitores (55 madres y 47 padres). Se les administra el CIP (Cuestionario de Ideas de Padres) en cuatro momentos de las vidas de sus hijos e hijas: nacimiento (Tiempo 1), 22 meses (Tiempo 2), 7 años (Tiempo 3) y 16 años (Tiempo 4). Aunque, en líneas generales, el contenido de las ideas de los padres y madres tiende a mantenerse estable a lo largo del tiempo, existen patrones de configuración específicos asociados al momento evolutivo de los hijos e hijas, encontrándose más semejanzas entre Tiempo 1 y Tiempo 4, por un lado, y entre Tiempo 2 y Tiempo 3, por otro. Se discuten estos resultados argumentando que los grandes momentos de cambio o de inseguridad en el ejercicio de la paternidad contribuyen a subrayar los planteamientos de la ideología tradicional y se plantea la utilidad de conocer las ideas evolutivo-educativas de los progenitores de cara al desarrollo de programas psicoeducativos para padres y madres.
El papel del ocio en la intervención psicosocial con víctimas de la trata: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Chacón Alexandra , Codina Nuria
Published: July 2022

Introducción: La trata de personas con finalidad de explotación sexual es una práctica esclavista que acarrea un excelso grado de violencia; requiriendo que la intervención psicosocial preste recursos centrados en la recuperación psicológica de las víctimas. En este sentido, el ocio es un recurso terapéutico que permite afrontar los estresores traumáticos y abordar el desarraigo y los estigmas que sufren las víctimas sexuales; alejándose así de las extendidas intervenciones asistencialistas y paliativas. Sin embargo, parecen poco generalizadas las intervenciones que incorporan el ocio terapéutico. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática de los trabajos publicados respecto a intervenciones con mujeres víctimas de explotación sexual que contemplan el ocio terapéutico. Metodología: Se revisan las bases de datos Psicodoc, PsycInfo y Sociological Abstracts, utilizando las palabras claves, en castellano, víctimas sexuales o prostitutas, intervención, ocio y en inglés, sexual victim o prostitute, intervention, leisure.Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 725 publicaciones mayoritariamente de orientación sociológica. Después de los cribados quedaron 19 trabajos, los cuales también fueron descartados tras un análisis del contenido de los mismos. Discusión: Los resultados reflejan como la intervención psicosocial orientada a recuperar en su integridad a las víctimas de la violencia sexual no está documentada ni registrada en bases de datos científicas. Conclusiones: Habiendo evidenciado el significativo grado de desatención a la recuperación integral de las víctimas de la trata, se reclama la necesidad de difundir y facilitar experiencias en la gestión del ocio terapéutico como herramienta para intervenir en este colectivo.
Validación psicométrica de la batería UNIPSICO en valenciano/catalán: análisis de las escalas que evalúan las variables psicosociales de recursos
Authors: Llorca-Rubio José Luis , Llorca-Pellicer Marta , Gil-Monte Pedro Rafael , Gil-LaOrden Pedro
Published: July 2022

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las propiedades psicométricas de las escalas de recurso de la Batería UNIPSICO del contexto de trabajo en valenciano/catalán. La muestra estuvo formada por 1359 participantes, todos ellos docentes de centros públicos de la provincia de Valencia. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante las escalas de la Batería UNIPSICO que evalúan factores psicosociales de recurso en el trabajo (30 ítems) que se agrupan en 5 escalas: Disponibilidad de recursos (7 ítems), Apoyo social en el trabajo (6 ítems), Retroinformación o feed-back (8 ítems), Autonomía (5 ítems), y Liderazgo transformacional (4 ítems). Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y se calcularon los valores alfa de Cronbach para las escalas. Todos los ítems presentaron valores estadísticos y psicométricos adecuados. El modelo de cinco factores que reproduce la estructura original del cuestionario presentó un ajuste adecuado a los datos. El valor del alfa de Cronbach resultó aceptable para las cinco escalas del instrumento. Estos resultados contribuyen a la validación psicométrica transcultural del cuestionario, permitiendo concluir que las escalas de recurso de la batería UNIPSICO, en valenciano/catalán resulta un instrumento fiable y válido para evaluar los riesgos psicosociales en personal docente no universitario.
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the resources scales of the UNIPSICO questionnaire for Valencian / Catalan version. The sample was 1,359 teachers from public centres in the province of Valencia. Data collection was carried out using the UNIPSICO questionnaire scales that evaluate psychosocial factors of resources at work (30 items) that are grouped into 5 scales: Resources (7 ítems), Social support at work (6 ítems), Feed-back (8 ítems), Autonomy (5 ítems), and Transformational leadership (4 ítems). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed and Cronbach's alpha values were calculated for the scales. All items presented adequate statistical and psychometric values. The five-factor model that reproduces the original structure of the questionnaire presented an adequate fit to the data. The Cronbach's alpha value was acceptable for the five scales of the instrument. These results contribute to the cross-cultural psychometric validation of the questionnaire and they enable to conclude that the resources scales of the UNIPSICO questionnaire translated to Valencian / Catalan language are a reliable and valid instrument to assess psychosocial risks in non-university teaching personnel.
Quality of life predictors in European aging population: A multigroup model
Authors: Georgieva Sylvia , Carbonell Ángela , Martínez-Gregorio Sara , Alberola Salvador , Oliver Amparo
Published: July 2022

The objective of this research is to analyze several predictors of quality of life in aging people in different European regions. This is a cross-sectional study with the sixth wave of the SHARE project (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe). Several sociodemographic and economic indicators were utilized, as well as the CASP-12 (QoL), EURO-D (depressive symptoms) and SPHEU (self-perceived health). Analysis were performed by structural equation modelling techniques. Ten multigroup models were estimated. Results showed significative difference in the predictive capacity in all variables except for chronic diseases. The best predictor of quality of life in all European regions was absence of depression, followed by income, and self-perceived health. No significative differences among the predictive capacity of the number of chronic diseases was found among the assessed groups, although, perceiving ones’ health as good and being able to make ends meet were heavy predictors of quality of life.
Incidence, severity and preadoption child factors in Spanish adopted adolescents' behavior problems.
Authors: Berástegui Pedro-viejo Ana , Rosser-Limiñana Ana
Published: July 2022

Research comparing samples of adoptees and non-adoptees at all ages frequently observes a greater psychological vulnerability in the adopted group, manifested as a higher rate of behavioral problems. Problems become more evident or severe during adolescence. Despite the relevance of Spain in the international adoption landscape in previous decades, studies with Spanish samples are limited. This paper contributes to fill this gap by describing the incidence and severity of behavioral problems, reported by parents, in a sample of Spanish adolescent adoptees and analyzing the role of child preadoptive factors. Parental CBCL reports of 64 Spanish adopted adolescents were compared with normative scores in Spain. The results showed no differences between adopted adolescents and normative scores in total and broadband scales. However, a significant group of adolescents show clinical scores that require attention of social and mental health services. Boys show higher externalizing and total scores. Differences in age at adoption groups were found in social, aggression and externalizing problems, showing a nonlinear pattern were adolescents adopted in their preschool years show more problems those adopted after and before that age. Adolescents coming from Asia showed lower problems than other groups in several scales whereas those adopted from Eastern Europe showed more social problems than the other groups. Relevance for psychosocial intervention and limitations are discussed.
Narrativas de un desplazamiento (o “una cartografía del intangible”)
Authors: Olekszechen Nikolas , Massola Gustavo Martineli
Published: July 2022

Desde de una narrativa de viaje, hacemos un paralelo entre viajar e investigar para definir la deambulación como un metodo. Es un trabajo teórico guiado por el marco del paradigma de las nuevas movilidades. Analizamos el significado de viajar desde la perspectiva de quienes se mueven. Partimos de la mirada de alguien que se lanza a lo desconocido anticipando lo que encontrará al final del viaje hacia la perspectiva del cartógrafo, el que guía sus acciones mientras explora el entorno. Con la metáfora turística, enfatizamos que la investigación sobre movilidad produce importantes tensiones teórico-epistemológicas para la psicología social, cuestionando la naturaleza del objeto de estudio y considerando al investigador como una fuerza en el campo. Finalmente, afirmamos que la investigación requiere desplazamiento, y una contribución importante de este marco a los estudios de psicología social y persona-ambiente es que la condición para la producción de conocimiento en movilidad es la transformación del campo y la perspectiva del investigador.
Micropolíticas del movimiento: aportes metodológicos desde la investigación cualitativa crítica
Authors: Ropert Lackington M. Teresa , Pinto de Carvalho Laís , Pellicer Cardona Isabel
Published: July 2022

Existe poco desarrollo de las implicancias teóricas, metodológicas y empíricas de adoptar una postura feminista en investigación social y urbana. En el presente texto, tres investigadoras cualitativas se aventuran al desafío que supone el ejercicio reflexivo de traer al frente y en primera persona sus posiciones onto-epistemológicas en el diseño metodológico de la investigación social, en especial cuando son aplicadas en contextos urbanos desiguales. A partir de sus propias experiencias produciendo datos cualitativos en movimiento en las ciudades de Chaitén, Santiago y Barcelona, se ofrecen lineamientos claves para hacer de la investigación cualitativa un modo de construir conocimiento consciente de las lógicas de poder, evitando así el riesgo de apellidar crítica a la disciplina sólo como una forma de rebautizarla, vacía de su impacto ético, político y práctico.
¿Incivilidad o civilidad? modificaciones del entorno urbano en la manifestación social
Authors: Berroeta Torres Héctor Rodrigo , Solano Molina Raúl , Huguet Gené Arnau , Pérez Uribe Dennys Alejandro , Vásquez Galleguillos Francisca Viviana
Published: July 2022

Desorden e incivilidad en el espacio público están asociados a una degradación del entorno urbano y a una pérdida de control que atenta contra la convivencia social. Sin embargo, la manifestación social deja huellas en el espacio que son expresión de una activación de lo común que devela el valor normativo de estas categorías. Aquí proponemos que la alteración del espacio público es una forma de tejer lo común que da continuidad a procesos de politización social. A través de entrevistas foto-elicitadas se analizan cómo son entendidas y significadas las intervenciones del espacio físico de la ciudad de Valparaíso, ocurridas durante tres meses de revuelta social en Chile, por parte de personas que simpatizan con las manifestaciones. Los resultados nos muestran que los significados que giran alrededor de las intervenciones urbanas y los elementos que las constituyen (cuerpos, textos, lugares y formas) son interpretados desde una desalienación colectiva que las legitima y valora positivamente en virtud de las funciones que se asocian y emociones que provocan. Esto permite poner en cuestión una amplia tradición de perspectivas psicosociales que asocian la alteración del entorno urbano con dinámicas de inseguridad y delincuencia.
Apuntes para un análisis psicosocial crítico de los procesos participativos de ámbito local: representaciones sociales y empoderamiento
Authors: Vidal Tomeu , Carmona Moisés , Fernández Carrasco Rubén D. , Pindado Fernando
Published: July 2022

En este artículo nos preguntamos cómo abordar de forma crítica las prácticas participativas a nivel local y su conexión con la gestión de lo público, focalizando dicha interrogación en la dimensión psicosocial que anida en dichos procesos. Consideramos que la forma de construir la experiencia participativa, en la que se tejen identidades, vínculos y la propia idea de lo común y lo diferente, son procesos psicosociales que pueden dar cuenta de la conciencia crítica de dichos procesos y de las condiciones en las que ocurren.Con este objetivo se sitúan los principales sentidos con que se refiere la participación y su desarrollo desde el ámbito de las políticas públicas. Luego se apuntan algunos procesos psicosociales subyacentes desde la literatura científica y algunas reflexiones de la intervención en temas como la salud, el vínculo comunitario o la gestión y diseño del espacio público, en el ámbito local y en el territorio de Cataluña, principalmente.
Subjectivities and the Space of Possibilities in Youth Programs: Countering Majoritarian Stories as Social Change in the Australian Context
Authors: Keast Samuel P , Sonn Christopher C
Published: July 2022

The status quo of many not-for-profit organisations is well-intentioned service provision often coupled with an absence of critical understanding sustained by the restricting nature of neoliberal bureaucracy and funding. In this context, programs aimed at assisting young people from marginalised communities can become mired in individualistic thinking that constrains the space of possibilities for young people through depoliticisation and decontextualization of their realities and thus the kinds of subjectivities available to them. The challenge for the evaluation we discuss in this paper was not only to evaluate the outcomes of the program, but to promote community narratives about the realities for young racialized people in Australia that counter majoritarian stories. We conclude that social change begins within the multidirectional relationships and contact zones of the stakeholders, participants and researchers of youth programs. This means, extending the focus beyond generic youth development and moving toward engaging young people in critical social analysis and empowering them as future social change agents in their communities.
Gentrificación y desposesión de lugar: Dinámicas subjetivas del desplazamiento simbólico y la micro-segregación.
Authors: Di Masso Tarditti Andrés , Berroeta Torres Héctor , Pradillo Caimari Cristina , Aleu Barnadas Laia
Published: July 2022

La gentrificación es un proceso de transformación urbanística que provoca desplazamientos excluyentes de la población residente y su sustitución progresiva por grupos sociales de mayor poder adquisitivo. A la expulsión directa o indirecta de población se añade el desplazamiento simbólico de quienes continúan residiendo en el lugar. El desplazamiento simbólico se define por un conjunto de afectaciones y malestares psicosociales asociados a la ruptura, debilitamiento o pérdida sentidas del vínculo personal, socio-afectivo y comunitario de la persona con su entorno de vida, es decir, por un proceso simbólico de desposesión de lugar. Este artículo examina algunas de las principales dinámicas subjetivas que articulan la desposesión de lugar, a partir de un estudio cualitativo de caso basado en entrevistas en movimiento a residentes y ex residentes en un barrio de Barcelona. Desde un enfoque micro-político que interpreta el desplazamiento simbólico como expresión en el plano ‘psi’ de prácticas capitalistas de des/re-subjetivación para la revalorización del capital, destacamos tres dinámicas simbólicas: dislocaciones de la identidad de lugar que debilitan el sentimiento de agencia; rearticulaciones del apego al lugar que psicologizan el vínculo afectivo con el entorno; y micro-segregaciones como expulsiones interiores que representan al mismo tiempo la vulneración y la expresión del derecho a habitar. El artículo pretende aportar elementos ‘psi’ útiles para la crítica y la politización del malestar en la gentrificación.
¿Psicología, crítica, transformación social? Contribuciones a la politización de la experiencia y la investigación psicológicas
Authors: Di Masso Tarditti Andrés , Carmona Moisés
Published: July 2022

Este artículo introductorio al número monográfico insiste (una vez más) en la necesidad de continuar abriendo surcos críticos en torno a la naturaleza política de la práctica psicológica como dispositivo de análisis y de acción social. Las contribuciones reunidas en el monográfico giran en torno a varios focos de reflexión para proseguir con la tarea de politizar la psicología. Estos focos incluyen: la articulación de las lógicas de reproducción y cambio social en el plano de la subjetividad; la micropolítica de la dominación y el privilegio; la politización de la experiencia social y corporal del territorio; la subalternización institucional de colectivos minoritarios; las aperturas politizadoras de las metodologías móviles; el impacto de las dimensiones psicosociales en la eficacia transformadora de las políticas públicas de participación; y el desmantelamiento del verificacionismo como pensamiento único en psicología. El monográfico pretende dar a conocer líneas histórica y geográficamente situadas de reflexión teórica y de praxis psicosocial orientadas a tantear el alcance, los límites y las contradicciones de las disciplinas “psi” en su labor de crítica social y de apoyo a procesos de transformación sociopolítica.
Análisis comparativo de las funciones ejecutivas según el nivel de escolaridad en jóvenes adultos residentes en la ciudad de Medellín
Authors: Castañeda Quirama TATIANA , Molina González David Andrés , Gómez Botero Mónica
Published: July 2022

Se realizó un estudio transversal comparativo ex post facto, con el objetivo de analizar la relación entre el nivel de escolaridad y las funciones ejecutivas en un grupo de adultos jóvenes de 25 a 30 años residentes en la ciudad de Medellín. Se aplicó la batería de Funciones Frontales y Ejecutivas (BANFE). Se realizó un análisis comparativo no paramétrico ANOVA para el análisis de los hallazgos. Los resultados evidencian que el total de todas las funciones evaluadas presentan diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos evaluados. Se concluye que el nivel de escolaridad impacta en el desempeño de las funciones ejecutivas, tanto de las funciones más básicas como de las funciones ejecutivas más complejas o “cognitivas”. Los hallazgos del estudio tienen implicaciones teóricas y clínicas en el campo de la neuropsicología.
The early middle Eocene transition at the Esera valley
Authors: Barnolas Antonio , Rodríguez-Pintó Adriana , Bernaola Gilen , Pueyo Emilio , Tosquella Josep , Arbués Pau , Scholger Robert
Published: July 2022

An integrated study including magnetostratigraphy, larger benthic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy is presented herein. This work was performed in shallow marine siliciclastics rich in larger foraminifera, around the Ypresian/Lutetian boundary in the Ésera valley (South-Central Pyrenees). Although the calcareous nannofossil content in the studied interval is low, not allowing a precise Y/L boundary to be recognised, the taxa found are enough to support the chronostratigraphic attribution.
Data obtained in the Ésera valley section has improved the knowledge of larger benthic foraminifera (Nummulitesand Assilina) distribution through chron C21. SBZ 11 to SBZ 12 transition took place at the lowermost C21r, as shown in previous works. SBZ 12 assemblages extend into C21n, where the SBZ 12 to SBZ 13 boundary occurs. These data, obtained in shallow marine siliciclastic facies, with in situ fauna, results in a shift of the SBZ 12/SBZ 13 boundary to the Lower Lutetian, younger than previously believed. Accordingly, the Ypresian/Lutetian boundary occurs in SBZ 12.
Progress of optical materials characterization with time [Invited]
Authors: Engel Axel
Published: August 2022

Modern glass producers like SCHOTT are producing and developing optical
materials for various specialized applications in photonics and
optical and microlithography technology. To achieve the
specifications, huge efforts in metrology R&D activities have been
made, and specialized tools have been developed and installed in the
metrology labs over the last decades. The optical material quality
requirements of such materials have been extremely high, and a
continuous increase in activities has been necessary and is still
required. Therefore further development and implementation of
diagnostics have been performed, like optical spectroscopy and
refractography, over the last decades. In the past and today, special
diagnostics have been available to qualify materials for the absolute
refractive index, transmission, radiation durability, and inner
quality to ensure the quality of the produced materials. Methods used
for this qualification are minimum deviation, precision spectral
photometers, in-situ transmission measurements using UV lasers, and
Rayleigh scattering. We present some past activities for metrology
that have been necessary to visualize the status and the improvement
of the optical quality with the help of new and continuously improved
metrology.
Emission reduction targets and outcomes of the Clean Development Mechanism (2005–2020)
Authors: Lo Alex Y. , Cong Ren
Published: August 2022

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allows developing countries to earn carbon credit units by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here we assess the emission reduction outcomes of the CDM between 2005 and 2020. The analysis covers 3,311 CDM projects hosted by 79 countries and over 10,000 Monitoring Reports. We identify which host countries and project types departed from original forecasts more. Overall, the total amount of actual emission reductions was 16% below the targets envisaged by project proponents. Emission reduction projects consistently under-performed over the year, but performance varied between and within regions. Industrial HFCs and N2O projects exceeded their targets, whereas landfill gas and methane avoidance projects under-performed by larger margins. Economic gains were unevenly distributed. Estimated revenues relative to GDP were higher for larger emerging economies, and disproportionately smaller for the deprived members of the Global South. Four host countries (China, India, South Korea and Brazil) not only dominated the market, but also gained an advantage from the higher carbon prices before 2012. Least Developed Countries had their carbon credits issued in more recent years when prices were much lower. The results show an imbalance in economic outcomes and raise questions about the effectiveness and equity of this Kyoto mechanism. Weak targets under Paris Agreement could intensify these challenges.
The contribution of drug import to the cost of tuberculosis treatment: A cost analysis of longer, shorter, and short drug regimens for Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Authors: Kohler Stefan , Sitali Norman , Achar Jay , Paul Nicolas
Published: August 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) programs depend on a continuous supply of large amounts of high-quality TB drugs. When TB programs procure TB drugs from international suppliers, such as the Global Drug Facility, they can incur import costs for international transport, customs clearance, and national transport. We assessed the drug costs and import costs of 18 longer (≥18 months), 10 shorter (9–12 months), and 8 short (≤6 months) drug regimens for drug-sensitive (DS) and multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB treatment. Costs per regimen were estimated by multiplying recommended drug amounts with 2021 Global Drug Facility prices and drug import costs of a TB program in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan. The standard short-course treatment of DS-TB requires taking 730 fixed-dose combination tablets, which weigh 0.79 kg and cause an import cost of $4.19 (9.8% of the regimen’s drug cost of $43). A new 4-month DS-TB regimen requires taking 1358 tablets, which weigh 1.1 kg and cause an import cost of $6.07 (2.6% of the regimen’s drug cost of $233). MDR-TB regimens that last between 24 weeks and 20 months involve 546–9368 tablets and injections. The drugs for these MDR-TB regimens were estimated to weigh 0.42–96 kg and cause an import cost of $2.26–507 per drug regimen (0.29–11% of a regimen’s drug cost of $360–15,028). In a multivariable regression analysis, an additional treatment month increased the import cost of a drug regimen by $5.45 (95% CI: 1.65 to 9.26). Use of an injectable antibiotic in a regimen increased the import cost by $133 (95% CI: 47 to 219). The variable and potentially sizable import costs of TB regimens can affect the financial needs of TB programs. Drug regimens that are shorter and all-oral tend to reduce import costs compared to longer regimens and regimens including an injectable drug.
Perceived stress and hair cortisol concentration in a study of Mexican and Icelandic women
Authors: Lynch Rebekka , Flores-Torres Mario H. , Hinojosa Gabriela , Aspelund Thor , Hauksdóttir Arna , Kirschbaum Clemens , Catzin-Kuhlmann Andres , Lajous Martín , Valdimarsdottir Unnur
Published: August 2022

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) represent a potential biomarker of chronic psychological stress. Previous studies exploring the association between perceived stress and HCC have been limited to relatively small and selected populations. We collected hair samples from 881 women from the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort (MTC) and 398 women from the Icelandic SAGA pilot-cohort following identical protocols. HCC was quantified using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The self-reported Perceived Stress Scale (PSS, 10 and 4 item, range 0–40 and 0–16) was used to assess psychological stress. We conducted multivariable linear regression analyses to assess the association between perceived stress and log-transformed HCC in the combined sample and in each cohort separately. MTC participants had slightly higher HCC and PSS scores than SAGA participants (median HCC 6.0pg/mg vs. 4.7pg/mg and mean PSS-10 score 12.4 vs. 11.7, respectively). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health behaviors, we observed a 1.4% (95% CI 0.6, 2.1) increase in HCC for each unit increase in the PSS-10 score in the combined sample. Furthermore, PSS-10 quintiles were associated with a 24.3% (95% CI 8.4, 42.6, mean logHCC 1.8 vs 1.6) increase in HCC when comparing the highest to the lowest quintile, after multivariable adjustment. Similar results were obtained when we analyzed each cohort separately and when using the PSS-4. Despite relatively small absolute differences, an association between perceived stress and HCC was found in a sample of women from two diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds supporting the hypothesis that HCC is a viable biomarker in studies of chronic psychological stress.
Correlates of bike share use and its association with weight status at an urban university
Authors: Stahley Lawrence H. , Camhi Sarah M. , Wright Julie A. , Troped Philip J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Research on the influences on bike share use and potential favorable relationships between use and obesity is limited, particularly in the U.S. context. Therefore, the aims of this exploratory study were to examine correlates of awareness and use of Boston’s Bluebikes bike share system and assess the association between use and weight status.

Methods

Students, faculty, and staff (n = 256) at a public urban university completed an online survey that assessed sociodemographic, behavioral, and physical activity characteristics, Bluebikes awareness, and use of Bluebikes and personal bikes. Multivariable logistic regression models were estimated to examine associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and bike share awareness and use; and between use and overweight/obesity status.

Results

Respondents were mostly students (72.2%), female (69.1%), White (62.1%), and the mean age was 32.4±13.8 years. The percentage of respondents classified as aware of Bluebikes was 33.6% with only 12.9% reporting any use of the system. Living in a community where bike share stations were located (odds ratio (OR) = 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10, 3.67), personal bike ownership (OR = 2.27, 95% CI:1.27, 4.45), and not exclusively commuting to campus via car (OR = 3.19, 95% CI:1.63, 6.22) had significant positive associations with awareness. Living in a bike share community (OR = 2.34; 95% CI:1.04, 5.27) and personal bike ownership (OR = 3.09; 95% CI:1.27, 7.52) were positively associated with bike share use. Any reported use of Bluebikes was associated with 60% lower odds of being overweight/obese (OR = 0.40; 95% CI:0.17, 0.93).

Conclusions

Several environmental and behavioral variables, including access to stations and personal bicycle ownership, were significantly associated with Bluebikes awareness and use. Findings also suggest a potential benefit to bike share users in terms of maintaining a healthy weight, though further longitudinal studies are needed to rule out the possibility that more active and leaner individuals tend to use bike share more frequently.
Predicting flood damage using the flood peak ratio and Giovanni Flooded Fraction
Authors: Ghaedi Hamed , Reilly Allison C. , Baroud Hiba , Perrucci Daniel V. , Ferreira Celso M.
Published: August 2022

A spatially-resolved understanding of the intensity of a flood hazard is required for accurate predictions of infrastructure reliability and losses in the aftermath. Currently, researchers who wish to predict flood losses or infrastructure reliability following a flood usually rely on computationally intensive hydrodynamic modeling or on flood hazard maps (e.g., the 100-year floodplain) to build a spatially-resolved understanding of the flood’s intensity. However, both have specific limitations. The former requires both subject matter expertise to create the models and significant computation time, while the latter is a static metric that provides no variation among specific events. The objective of this work is to develop an integrated data-driven approach to rapidly predict flood damages using two emerging flood intensity heuristics, namely the Flood Peak Ratio (FPR) and NASA’s Giovanni Flooded Fraction (GFF). This study uses data on flood claims from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to proxy flood damage, along with other well-established flood exposure variables, such as regional slope and population. The approach uses statistical learning methods to generate predictive models at two spatial levels: nationwide and statewide for the entire contiguous United States. A variable importance analysis demonstrates the significance of FPR and GFF data in predicting flood damage. In addition, the model performance at the state-level was higher than the nationwide level analysis, indicating the effectiveness of both FPR and GFF models at the regional level. A data-driven approach to predict flood damage using the FPR and GFF data offer promise considering their relative simplicity, their reliance on publicly accessible data, and their comparatively fast computational speed.
Exposure to stereotype-relevant stories shapes children’s implicit gender stereotypes
Authors: Block Katharina , Gonzalez Antonya Marie , Choi Clement J. X. , Wong Zoey C. , Schmader Toni , Baron Andrew Scott
Published: August 2022

Implicit math = male stereotypes have been found in early childhood and are linked to girls’ disproportionate disengagement from math-related activities and later careers. Yet, little is known about how malleable children’s automatic stereotypes are, especially in response to brief interventions. In a sample of 336 six- to eleven-year-olds, we experimentally tested whether exposure to a brief story vignette intervention with either stereotypical, neutral, or counter-stereotypical content (three conditions: math = boy vs. neutral vs. math = girl) could change implicit math-gender stereotypes. Results suggested that children’s implicit math = male stereotypes were indeed responsive to brief stories that either reinforced or countered the widespread math = male stereotype. Children exposed to the counter-stereotypical stories showed significantly lower (and non-significant) stereotypes compared to children exposed to the stereotypical stories. Critically, exposure to stories that perpetuated math = male stereotypes significantly increased math-gender stereotypes over and above baseline, underscoring that implicit gender biases that are readily formed during this period in childhood and even brief exposure to stereotypical content can strengthen them. As a secondary question, we also examined whether changes in stereotypes might also lead to changes in implicit math self-concept. Evidence for effects on implicit self-concept were not statistically significant.
Cost-effectiveness of gasless laparoscopy as a means to increase provision of minimally invasive surgery for abdominal conditions in rural North-East India
Authors: Dawkins Bryony , Aruparayil Noel , Ensor Tim , Gnanaraj Jesudian , Brown Julia , Jayne David , Shinkins Bethany
Published: August 2022

Laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique to treat abdominal conditions, has been shown to produce equivalent safety and efficacy with quicker return to normal function compared to open surgery. As such, it is widely accepted as a cost-effective alternative to open surgery for many abdominal conditions. However, access to laparoscopic surgery in rural North-East India is limited, in part due to limited equipment, unreliable supplies of CO2gas, lack of surgical expertise and a shortage of anaesthetists. We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of gasless laparoscopy as a means to increase provision of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for abdominal conditions in rural North-East India. A decision tree model was developed to compare costs, evaluated from a patient perspective, and health outcomes, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), associated with gasless laparoscopy, conventional laparoscopy or open abdominal surgery in rural North-East India. Results indicate that MIS (performed by conventional or gasless laparoscopy) is less costly and produces better outcomes, fewer DALYs, than open surgery. These results were consistent even when gasless laparoscopy was analysed using least favourable data from the literature. Scaling up provision of MIS through increased access to gasless laparoscopy would reduce the cost burden to patients and increase DALYs averted. Based on a sample of 12 facilities in the North-East region, if scale up was achieved so that all essential surgeries amenable to laparoscopic surgery were performed as such (using conventional or gasless laparoscopy), 64% of DALYS related to these surgeries could be averted, equating to an additional 454.8 DALYs averted in these facilities alone. The results indicate that gasless laparoscopy is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to open surgery for abdominal conditions in rural North-East India and provides a possible bridge to the adoption of full laparoscopic services.
Child emotional and behavioral difficulties and parent stress during COVID-19 lockdown in Sri Lankan families
Authors: Athapathu Ashan , Navaratnam Deluckshi , Doluweera Minul , Liyanage Guwani
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Understanding parents’ and children’s mental health issues would help design population-specific intervention programs. The present study explored parents’ perceived stress and child emotions and behavior during the COVID-19 lockdown among Sri Lankan families.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Sri Lankan parents of children aged 11 to 17 years. Validated instruments (Perceived Stress Scale-PSS and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-SDQ) evaluated parental stress, child emotions, and hyperactivity/inattention. Multiple linear regression assessed the predictors of mental health issues, including the interaction between age and gender.

Results

Three hundred fifty-five parents responded to the survey (mothers:76%). One-third of parents experienced difficulties with their children during the pandemic. Emotions and hyperactivity-inattention problems measured via the SDQ scale were high among 38% of children, while the perceived stress was high in 79.2% of parents. Overall, child emotions and hyperactivity-inattention increased with decreasing age, increasing parent stress, having middle-income compared to high-income, and having a family member/close relative tested positive for COVID-19. Hyperactivity-inattention (29.3%) was more than the emotional problems (22%) among children. The emotional problems were reported more with increasing parent stress, while child hyperactivity-inattention alone was reported more with decreasing age, middle-income compared to high-income families, and increasing parent stress. Also, the interaction effect of age and gender indicated that higher age was related to greater parent-reported hyperactivity-inattention problems in males.

Conclusions

The findings highlight how the COVID-19 crisis and social isolation have contributed to increased parental stress and child emotional and hyperactivity-inattention problems. In addition to cautioning the healthcare workers, socio-culturally appropriate preventive and supportive mental health programs may help deal with further waves of COVID-19 or any other adverse circumstances.
Food and feed safety of the Bacillus thuringiensis derived protein Vpb4Da2, a novel protein for control of western corn rootworm
Authors: Edrington Thomas , Wang Rong , McKinnon Lucas , Kessenich Colton , Hodge-Bell Kimberly , Li Wenze , Tan Jianguo , Brown Gregory , Wang Cunxi , Li Bin , Giddings Kara
Published: August 2022

Western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, LeConte, is an insect pest that poses a significant threat to the productivity of modern agriculture, causing significant economic and crop losses. The development of genetically modified (GM) crops expressing one or more proteins that confer tolerance to specific insect pests, such as WCR, was a historic breakthrough in agricultural biotechnology and continues to serve as an invaluable tool in pest management. Despite this, evolving resistance to existing insect control proteins expressed in current generation GM crops requires continued identification of new proteins with distinct modes of action while retaining targeted insecticidal efficacy. GM crops expressing insecticidal proteins must undergo extensive safety assessments prior to commercialization to ensure that they pose no increased risk to the health of humans or other animals relative to their non-GM conventional counterparts. As part of these safety evaluations, a weight of evidence approach is utilized to assess the safety of the expressed insecticidal proteins to evaluate any potential risk in the context of dietary exposure. This study describes the food and feed safety assessment of Vpb4Da2, a newBacillus thuringiensisinsecticidal protein that confersin plantatolerance to WCR. Vpb4Da2 exhibits structural and functional similarities to other insect control proteins expressed in commercialized GM crops. In addition, the lack of homology to known toxins or allergens, a lack of acute toxicity in mice, inactivation by conditions commonly experienced in the human gut or during cooking/food processing, and the extremely low expected dietary exposure to Vpb4Da2 provide a substantial weight of evidence to demonstrate that the Vpb4Da2 protein poses no indication of a risk to the health of humans or other animals.