bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Result: Analysis of Dominant Frequency in Western Part of Java, Indonesia using Hilbert-Huang Transform-HVSR Method
Authors: Widityani N A , Nugraha A D , Zulfakriza  , Rosalia S
Published: December 2023

The western part of Java is situated near various geological formations stemming from the collision between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates. These formations include the Java Trench, Sunda Strait, and several active onshore faults, rendering the area susceptible to seismic activity. The dynamic response of the soil to seismic shaking in this region warrants thorough investigation, particularly due to the prevalence of alluvium deposits in certain areas, which have the potential to amplify ground motion. In this research endeavor, seismic data recorded by 81 temporary seismic stations in West Java were utilized. The analysis employed the Hilbert-Huang Transform technique in conjunction with the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method to derive the Horizontal-to-Vertical (H/V) spectral response curve for each measurement point. The implementation of the Hilbert-Huang Transform served the purpose of mitigating non-stationary transient noise commonly encountered in urban measurements, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the HVSR curve in portraying the dominant frequency characteristics of the measurement area. The findings of this study reveal that within the western part of Java, the dominant frequency values fall within the range of 0.9 to 7 Hz. Areas exhibiting lower dominant frequencies are indicative of a greater sediment thickness, predominantly observed in the northern region of the western part of Java, the Bandung Basin, some areas surrounding active volcanoes as well as various locales within the province of Banten.
Response of Geologic Units to The Ground Parameters of Tarutung Earthquake 2022 Mw 5.8 : A Preliminary Study
Authors: Idha Resa , Sari Endah P , Humaidi Syahrul , Simanjuntak Andrean V H , Muksin Umar
Published: December 2023

On 1st October 2022, a moderate crustal earthquake with Mw 5.8 occurred in the northen part of Tarutung region and was strongly felt by the local peoples and followed by massive damages. The occurrence of the Tarutung earthquake was firstly assumed in the southern part of the Renun fault then updated to the pull-apart system of Toru fault. Here, we concern about the ground paramaters that generated a massive shaking and connect with the recent geologic units beneath the Tarutung region. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) and peak ground velocity (PGV) clearly show an amplification case may arise in the basin formation that consists of Alluvium Formation whereas the attenuation to the west and east part with Martimbang and Sipoholon Caldera Formation. The PGV was ranging at 0 – 10 cm/s and the PGA was ranging at 0% – 16% gal which are suitable with the intensity range at 3 – 6 MMI. The PGV, PGA and intensity relationship show a possibility of the building damage percentage is up to 80% and 50% of the surrounding area may potentially experience a complete damage. The pseudo-spectral acceleration (PSV) at 0.3s, 1.0s, and 3.0s also show a potential damage that can be found at low-moderate building structure with 8% - 16% gal. The ground parameters show an empirical relationship that can be used to assess the possible of geologic units in the Tarutung region. Furthermore, our result benefits can be applied to support the mitigation program and environmental planning in Tarutung region in the near future.
Application of Vertical Electrical Sounding Method Using Damped Least-Square Inversion for Leachate Identification at Bakung Landfill, Lampung
Authors: Rizka R , Santoso D , Warsa W , Waruwu P , Parnadi WW
Published: December 2023

This paper has reviewed the application of the damped least square inversion method for the VES (vertical electrical sounding) with Schlumberger array. The damped least squares solved using singular value decomposition were applied in Bakung Landfill to determine the aquifer contaminated by leachate. The ability of damped Least Squares inversion algorithm were verified using the resistivity variation of synthetic model which simulates aquifer layer of subsurface. Based on the results of 1D resistivity model, low resistivity zone can be used to identify the existence leachate contaminants of aquifer.
Analysis of processing efficiency, surface, and bulk chemistry, and nanomechanical properties of the Monel® alloy 400 after ultrashort pulsed laser ablation
Authors: Ronoh Kipkurui , Novotný Jan , Mrňa Libor , Knápek Alexandr , Sobola Dinara
Published: December 2023

Monel® alloy 400 has excellent corrosion resistance and finds applications in marine industries. The processing of marine components requires high processing efficiency and a quality finish. Hence, this research aims to investigate the effects of the laser processing parameters such as laser fluence, scanning velocity, hatching distance, and the scanning pass on the ablation rates and efficiency, chemistry, and nanomechanical properties of the Monel® alloy 400 after pulsed picosecond (ps) laser ablation. From the experimental findings, the ablation depth increases as the laser fluence increases while decreasing as the scanning velocity increases. Surface roughness was noted to increase as the laser fluence increased. The findings demonstrated that the ablation rate increases as laser fluence increases while ablation efficiency decreases. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed that the elemental composition of laser-ablated zones is almost similar to that of the polished sample. X-ray spectroscopy (XPS) shows that the outer layer on the surface of Monel® alloy 400 is composed of NiO and CuO. The hardness and Young’s modulus of the laser-processed alloy were found to be less than those of the bulk material. This study can be used to establish optimal processing parameters for the ultrafast ps laser processing of materials to achieve high ablation efficiency with a high-quality surface finish for industrial applications.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of nanostructured nickel vanadate for supercapacitor and photocatalytic applications
Authors: Naik Ramavathu Lakshmana , Narsaiah T Bala , Justin P , Khasim Syed , Kumar A Naveen , Raghavendra N , Ramesh R , Ravikumar C R
Published: December 2023

We successfully synthesised nickel vanadate (NiVO3) nanocomposite by an inexpensive hydrothermal technique. Several analytical methods have been employed to characterise the synthesised nanocomposite. The crystal structure of NiVO3 is orthorhombic, and its crystallite size is around 10.3 nm. The NiVO3 nanocomposite has an optical band gap of 2.62 eV from the absorption spectra analysis. At a current density of 5 Ag−1, the NiVO3 nanocomposite exhibits a specific capacitance value of 398 Fg−1 and a retention rate of almost 90% after 2000 cycles. Furthermore, stability studies show that at a current density of 5 Ag−1, 90% of the capacitance is retained for 4000 cycles. The photocatalytic studies to break down the industrial pollutant Fast Orange Red (F-OR) dye show a 98.7% decolourization rate after 120 min of exposure to UV light irradiation. These features promote the creation of such nanocomposites for practical energy and environmental applications while providing a deeper understanding of the material’s characteristics.
Effect of a negative DC bias on a capacitively coupled Ar plasma operated at different radiofrequency voltages and gas pressures
Authors: XIANG 相 Yaojun 垚君 , WANG 王 Xiaokun 晓坤 , LIU 刘 Yongxin 永新 , WANG 王 Younian 友年
Published: December 2023

The effect of a negative DC bias, |V
dc|, on the electrical parameters and discharge mode is investigated experimentally in a radiofrequency (RF) capacitively coupled Ar plasma operated at different RF voltage amplitudes and gas pressures. The electron density is measured using a hairpin probe and the spatio-temporal distribution of the electron-impact excitation rate is determined by phase-resolved optical emission spectroscopy. The electrical parameters are obtained based on the waveforms of the electrode voltage and plasma current measured by a voltage probe and a current probe. It was found that at a low |V
dc|, i.e. in α-mode, the electron density and RF current decline with increasing |V
dc|; meanwhile, the plasma impedance becomes more capacitive due to a widened sheath. Therefore, RF power deposition is suppressed. When |V
dc| exceeds a certain value, the plasma changes to α–γ hybrid mode (or the discharge becomes dominated by the γ-mode), manifesting a drastically growing electron density and a moderately increasing RF current. Meanwhile, the plasma impedance becomes more resistive, so RF power deposition is enhanced with |V
dc|. We also found that the electrical parameters show similar dependence on |V
dc| at different RF voltages, and α–γ mode transition occurs at a lower |V
dc| at a higher RF voltage. By increasing the pressure, plasma impedance becomes more resistive, so RF power deposition and electron density are enhanced. In particular, the α–γ mode transition tends to occur at a lower |V
dc| with increase in pressure.
Design and optimization of fluid lubricated bearings operated with extreme working performances—a comprehensive review
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Huang Ming , Chen Gangli , Li Jiasheng , Liu Yang , He Jianguo , Zheng Yueqing , Tang Siwei , Cui Hailong
Published: December 2023

Fluid lubricated bearings have been widely adopted as support components for high-end equipment in metrology, semiconductor devices, aviation, strategic defense, ultraprecision manufacturing, medical treatment, and power generation. In all these applications, the equipment must deliver extreme working performances such as ultraprecise movement, ultrahigh rotation speed, ultraheavy bearing loads, ultrahigh environmental temperatures, strong radiation resistance, and high vacuum operation, which have challenged the design and optimization of reliable fluid lubricated bearings. Breakthrough of any related bottlenecks will promote the development course of high-end equipment. To promote the advancement of high-end equipment, this paper reviews the design and optimization of fluid lubricated bearings operated at typical extreme working performances, targeting the realization of extreme working performances, current challenges and solutions, underlying deficiencies, and promising developmental directions. This paper can guide the selection of suitable fluid lubricated bearings and optimize their structures to meet their required working performances.
Modeling and Simulation of CZTS Solar Cell using Zn1-xMgxO as a buffer layer and Cul as a hole transport layer for efficiency improvement
Authors: Yadav Ambrish , Patel Alok Kumar , Mishra Rajan
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the impact of CZTS based solar cells using zinc magnesium oxide (Zn1-XMgXO) as a buffer layer and CuI (Copper iodide) as the hole transport layer using through SCAPS-1D(Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) simulator. In the proposed work, the cell characteristics of the CZTS absorber layer, including electron affinity, defect density, and acceptor concentration, have been tuned. In addition, the study examines the effects of CBO which enhances the transfer of charge carriers by optimizing band alignment, Series resistance(Rs), Shunt resistance(Rsh), and Work Function (WF) of the metal contacts on the solar cell’s performance. From structures, CZTS/Zn1-XMgXO with x = 0.0652 demonstrated the highest PCE of 32.63% improvement in open circuit Voltage (Voc) = 1.0885 Volts, Short circuit density (Jsc) = 33.89, and fill factor (FF) = 88.43%.
Transcriptional survey of abiotic stress response in maize (Zea mays) in the level of gene co-expression network and differential gene correlation analysis
Authors: Nazari Leyla , Zinati Zahra
Published: December 2023

Abstract. Maize may be exposed to several abiotic stresses in the field. Therefore, identifying the tolerance mechanisms of natural field stress is mandatory. Gene expression data of maize upon abiotic stress were collected, and 560 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through meta-analysis. The most significant gene ontology terms in up-regulated genes were ‘response to abiotic stress’ and ‘chitinase activity’. ‘Phosphorelay signal transduction system’ was the most significant enriched biological process in down-regulated DEGs. The co-expression analysis unveiled seven modules of DEGs, with a notable positive correlation between the modules and abiotic stress. Furthermore, the statistical significance was strikingly high for the turquoise, green and yellow modules. The turquoise group played a central role in orchestrating crucial adaptations in metabolic and stress response pathways in maize when exposed to abiotic stress. Within three up-regulated modules, Zm.7361.1.A1_at, Zm.10386.1.A1_a_at and Zm.10151.1.A1_at emerged as hub genes. These genes might introduce novel candidates implicated in stress tolerance mechanisms, warranting further comprehensive investigation and research. In parallel, the R package glmnet was applied to fit a logistic LASSO regression model on the DEGs profile to select candidate genes associated with abiotic responses in maize. The identified hub genes and LASSO regression genes were validated on an independent microarray dataset. Additionally, Differential Gene Correlation Analysis (DGCA) was performed on LASSO and hub genes to investigate the gene-gene regulatory relationship. The P value of DGCA of 16 pairwise gene comparisons was lower than 0.01, indicating a gene–gene significant change in correlation between control and abiotic stress. Integrated weighted gene correlation network analysis and logistic LASSO analysis revealed Zm.11185.1.S1_at, Zm.2331.1.S1_x_at and Zm.17003.1.S1_at. Notably, these 3 genes were identified in the 16 gene-pair comparisons. This finding highlights the notable significance of these genes in the abiotic stress response. Additional research into maize stress tolerance may focus on these three genes.
On selection and conditioning in multiple testing and selective inference
Authors: Goeman Jelle J , Solari Aldo
Published: December 2023

We investigate a class of methods for selective inference that condition on a selection event. Such methods follow a two-stage process. First, a data-driven collection of hypotheses is chosen from some large universe of hypotheses. Subsequently, inference takes place within this data-driven collection, conditioned on the information that was used for the selection. Examples of such methods include basic data splitting as well as modern data-carving methods and post-selection inference methods for lasso coefficients based on the polyhedral lemma. In this article, we take a holistic view of such methods, considering the selection, conditioning and final error control steps together as a single method. From this perspective, we demonstrate that multiple testing methods defined directly on the full universe of hypotheses are always at least as powerful as selective inference methods based on selection and conditioning. This result holds true even when the universe is potentially infinite and only implicitly defined, such as in the case of data splitting. We provide general theory and intuition before investigating in detail several case studies where a shift to a nonselective or unconditional perspective can yield a power gain.
Social Value of Public Information in Bargaining
Authors: Basak Deepal
Published: December 2023

We consider a bargaining game in which both sides are uncertain about their opponent’s commitment, which leads to delay and welfare loss in equilibrium. We address the following question: does ex ante better public information about a player improve expected social welfare? We show that if the information cannot turn the bargaining table (turns the weak bargainer into a strong one and vice versa), more information does not help. More information about a weak bargainer has zero impact, whereas that about the strong bargainer is strictly detrimental. Moreover, by specialising in a binary signal structure, we show that if the information is more accurate in every state, it improves social welfare when it can turn the table.
Cervical headgear effectiveness in distalizing molars in relation to patient compliance
Authors: Gratsia Sofia , Cocos Alina , Vastardis Heleni , Halazonetis Demetrios
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of the cervical headgear for distalizing first permanent maxillary molars in relation to hours of use.

Methods

This was a one-centre, prospective, clinical study conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. Participants (N = 26; 17 females, 9 males) were patients with no history of orthodontic treatment, no syndromes or clefts, and Angle’s Class II malocclusion, where the treatment plan included a cervical headgear. They were instructed to wear the appliance for at least 12 h per day. A TheraMon® microsensor was embedded in the headgear’s strap to objectively measure wear-time. To measure tooth movement, pre- and post-treatment digital models were superimposed, using the palate as a reference area; translation and rotation were measured along three axes. Superimposition and movement measurements were made with the Viewbox 4 software.

Results

Average treatment time and headgear wear were 130 days and 55 days, respectively, i.e. 10.1 h/day. During this period, distal movement averaged 1.75 mm with high variability (min 0.2 mm, max 4.5 mm). Distal tipping and rotation had an average of approximately 5 °C. Cumulative headgear wear was significantly correlated with distal movement (r2 = 0.32, P < .002), distal tipping (r2 = 0.27, P < .01), and distal rotation around the long axis of the tooth (r2 = 0.20, P < .05).

Conclusion

Compliance is critical for having a successful clinical outcome. Distalization of the molar with a cervical headgear is correlated with the cumulative hours of appliance use, with hours per day being a weaker predictor.
Biomechanical analysis of miniscrew-assisted molar distalization with clear aligners: a three-dimensional finite element study
Authors: Guo Runzhi , Lam Xiang Yao , Zhang Liwen , Li Weiran , Lin Yifan
Published: December 2023

Background/Objectives

To compare the biomechanical characteristics of maxillary molar distalization with clear aligners in conjunction with three types of miniscrew anchorage.

Materials/Methods

Three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of maxillary molar distalization with clear aligners and three types of miniscrew anchorage were established, including (A) control group, (B) direct buccal miniscrew anchorage group, (C) direct palatal miniscrew anchorage group, and (D) indirect buccal miniscrew anchorage group. The 3D displacement of maxillary teeth and the principal stress (maximum tensile and compressive stress) on the root and periodontal ligament (PDL) during molar distalization were recorded.

Results

The tooth displacement pattern during maxillary molar distalization in the four groups showed similarities, including labial tipping of anterior teeth, mesial and buccal tipping of premolars, and distal and buccal tipping of molars, but with varying magnitudes. Group C exhibited the greatest molar distalization, with the first molar achieving 0.1334 mm of crown distalization. Group D demonstrated a notable buccal crown movement (0.0682 mm) and intrusion (0.0316 mm) of the first premolar. Compared to Groups A and B, Groups C and D showed less labial crown tipping of the central incisor. Group B showed the greatest amount of maxillary incisor intrusion (central incisor: 0.0145 mm, lateral incisor: 0.0094 mm). Moreover, Groups C and D displayed significantly lower levels of compressive and tensile stress in the roots and PDL of the maxillary central and lateral incisors.

Limitation

Molar distalization is a dynamic process involving sequential tooth movement stages; however, our research primarily examined the tooth movement patterns in the initial aligner.

Conclusions/Implications

The use of miniscrew anchorage, especially direct palatal miniscrew anchorage, may enhance the treatment efficacy of maxillary molar distalization with clear aligners, leading to increased molar distalization, reduced mesial movement of premolars, and minimized labial tipping of anterior teeth.
Trends of perceived disruption in healthcare services during the pandemic: findings from the COVID-19 National Resilience Cohort in Iceland
Authors: Wang Yue , Unnarsdóttir Anna Bára , Magnúsdóttir Ingibjörg , Fang Fang , Thordardottir Edda Bjork , Rúnarsdóttir Harpa , Love Thorvardur Jon , Kristinsson Sigurður Yngvi , Pálsson Runólfur , Jakobsdóttir Jóhanna , Zoega Helga , Ásbjörnsdóttir Kristjana Hrönn , Song Huan , Hauksdóttir Arna , Aspelund Thor , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur Anna
Published: December 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused major disruptions in healthcare services worldwide. Yet, little is known about the association between perceived disruption in healthcare services and socio-demographic factors, pre-existing health conditions as well as concurrent physical and psychological symptoms.

Methods

Leveraging data from the Icelandic COVID-19 National Resilience Cohort, we performed a repeated measure analysis among 15 754 participants who responded to the question on perceived disruption in healthcare services from December 2020 to July 2021, to explore its association with socio-demographic factors, health indicators and conditions. Furthermore, we performed a longitudinal analysis among 7848 participants with two repeated measures to explore the association between timing and duration of perceived disruption in healthcare services and changes in depression, anxiety, sleep quality and somatic symptoms.

Results

The prevalence of perceived disruption in healthcare services slightly decreased over time (P < 0.01). Perceived disruption in healthcare services was more prevalent among individuals with pre-existing health conditions, i.e. history of psychiatric disorders (prevalence ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval 1.48–1.72) and chronic somatic conditions [1.40 (1.30–1.52)]. However, no increase in the prevalence of perceived disruption in healthcare services was observed among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 [0.99 (0.84–1.18)]. Moreover, we found that emerging perceived disruption in healthcare services was associated with an increase in symptoms of mental illness during the pandemic (βs 0.06–0.68).

Conclusions

A disruption in healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by vulnerable groups, while the Icelandic healthcare system managed to maintain accessible services to individuals with COVID-19.
Telomere Length Is a Driving Hallmark for Aging-Related Biochemical Hallmarks: Evidence From the Shared Genetic Effect and Causal Inference
Authors: Niu Ben , Wu Jia-Xin , Huang Xiao-Li , Lei Shu-Feng , Deng Fei-Yan
Published: December 2023

Telomere shortening is an important sign and driving factor of aging, but its association mechanisms and causal effects with other aging-related biochemical hallmarks are largely unknown. This study first performed comprehensive genetic analyses (eg, shared genetic analysis, pleiotropic analysis, and gene enrichment analysis) to detect the underlying molecular mechanisms for the associations between telomere length (TL) and aging-related biochemical hallmarks. Then, further bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses investigated the causal effects between TL and other biochemical hallmarks. The genetic correlations were negative between TL and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) (p = .024), C-reactive protein (p = .007), hemoglobin A1c (p = .007), and red blood cell (RBC) (p = .022), but positive between TL and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (p = .002) and white blood cell counts (p = .007). The increased TL has causal effects on the low levels of GDF15 (p = 3.73E-06), sex hormone binding globulin (p = 6.30E-06), testosterone (p = 5.56E-07), fasting insulin (p = 2.67E-05), and RBC (p = 1.54E-05), but the higher levels of IGF-1 (p = 3.24E-07). In conclusion, the observed phenotypic correlations between TL and aging-related biochemical hallmarks may arise from a combination of shared genetic components and causal effects. Telomere length is regarded as a driving hallmark for aging-related biochemical hallmarks.
Individual Differences in Older Adult Frontal Lobe Function Relate to Memory and Neural Activity for Self-Relevant and Emotional Content
Authors: Daley Ryan T , Bowen Holly J , Fields Eric C , Parisi Katelyn R , Gutchess Angela , Kensinger Elizabeth A
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Older adults show memory benefits for self-relevant and emotional content, but there are individual differences in this effect. It has been debated whether processing of self-relevant and emotional information relies on similar processes to one another. We examined whether variation in frontal lobe (FL) function among older adults related similarly to the processing of self-relevant information as it did to emotional information, or whether these relations diverged.

Methods

While undergoing fMRI, participants (ages 60–88) viewed positive, negative, and neutral objects, and imagined placing those objects in either their home or a stranger’s home. Participants completed a surprise memory test outside of the MRI. In a separate session, a cognitive battery was collected and composite scores measuring FL and medial temporal lobe function were computed and related to the behavioral memory performance and the neural engagement during fMRI.

Results

Behaviorally, FL function related to memory for self-relevant, but not emotional content. Older adults with higher FL function demonstrated reduced self-bias in memory performance. During the processing of self-relevant stimuli, independent of emotion, levels of activity in the middle frontal gyrus showed positive associations with FL function. This relationship was not driven by compensatory activity or disruptions to nonself-relevant neutral content.

Discussion

These findings point to divergence in the cognitive functions relating to memory enhancements for self- and emotional-relevance. The results further suggest self-relevance as a mnemonic device for older adults, especially in those with lower FL function.
A DIGITAL INTERVENTION TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE COPING DURING CRISIS AND ROUTINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Shapira Stav , Yeshua-Katz Daphna , Avigezer Avital , Hou Su-I , Sarid Orly
Published: December 2023

Introduction

We developed and evaluated a short-term group intervention aimed at promoting effective coping and alleviating adverse mental health impacts during the first wave of COVID-19 in Israel. The intervention consists of seven sessions, each including: a guided group discussion, and learning and practicing cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques.

Methods

In this pilot randomized controlled trial, we recruited eighty-two community-dwelling older adults who were assigned to either an intervention group (n=64) or a wait-list control group (n=18). Participants completed questionnaires assessing depression, loneliness, subjective health, and social support. We collected measurements before (T0), immediately after participation (T1), 4 weeks after participation (T2), and 1.5 years after participation in the intervention (T3).

Results

Our findings revealed statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression in the intervention group, with results maintained at one-month and 1.5-year follow-ups. While loneliness levels also significantly decreased post-intervention, this benefit was not maintained at follow-up measurements. Social support and subjective health did not change significantly. The wait-list control group did not show any overall changes. Participants reported frequently using cognitive reconstruction and positive self-talk techniques at the 1.5-year follow-up. The current degree of technique use/practice significantly predicted depression level at T3.

Conclusions

Our intervention presents a simple and easy-to-implement tool with broad relevance beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, as the skills acquired also positively influence mental health outcomes during routine life. This relatively simple model can be effectively utilized by communities globally to help connect lonely and isolated older inhabitants and promote effective coping with various stressful situations.
THE IMPACT OF CONTRACT NURSE UTILIZATION ON NURSING HOME QUALITY
Authors: Davlyatov Ganisher , Weech-Maldonado Robert , Pradhan Rohit , Ghiasi Akbar , Lord Justin
Published: December 2023

Nurse staffing intensity and skill mix have a significant impact on NH quality of care. For instance, higher staffing levels, particularly for registered nurses (RNs), have been associated with better resident outcomes. NHs have increasingly relied on contract nurse staffing to address pressing and persistent nursing shortages. Research suggests that contract nurses may be unfamiliar with institutional policies and procedures or organizational culture. They may require increased supervision, be less participatory in teamwork, and may increase the workload for the permanent staff. The objective of this study is to examine the association between contract nurse utilization and quality of care at US nursing homes.We used secondary data from PBJ nurse staffing, Nursing Home Compare, Healthcare Cost Report Information System (HCRIS) Dataset, and the American Community Survey (ACS) for the period 2017-2021. The dependent variable was CMS quality star rating, and the independent variables were contract nurse to total nurse proportions for each of RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. We employed multivariate random effects ordered logistic regression to test the hypothesis. We found that across all our three models (RNs, LPNs, CNAs), quality star ratings were negatively associated with contract nurse utilization. A 10% increase in contract nurse proportion was associated with a 10% decrease in the odds of reporting a higher quality star rating (OR=0.99, p<0.001). Our results suggest the increased utilization of contract nurse staffing may have a negative impact on US NH quality---an important issue that has agitated policymakers for nearly three decades.
ESTIMATING THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF FAMILY CAREGIVING AT A NATIONAL AND STATE LEVEL
Authors: Caldera Selena , Reinhard Susan , Houser Ari , Choula Rita
Published: December 2023

The 2023 update to the Valuing the Invaluable series estimates the economic value of unpaid, family caregiving in America at $600 billion in 2021. This is the latest estimate in almost 20 years of work tracking the economic value of family caregiving in the U.S. The Valuing the Invaluable series of reports uses a meta-analysis approach drawing on various surveys of family caregivers to produce estimates at the state and national levels of the numbers of caregivers, the hours of care they provided, the average economic value of that care per hour, and the total economic value of all caregiving provided in that year. This presentation will detail the methodology for this meta-analysis, the 2021 national estimate of the economic value of caregiving, and variation in state-level estimates of the economic value of caregiving. While this estimated economic value of caregiving seeks to be comprehensive, it does not account for opportunity costs tied to forgoing work or scaling back work because of caregiving, out-of-pocket costs of caregivers, or foregone retirement savings of caregivers. These limitations will be discussed and the direction they offer for future work understanding the full value of unpaid caregiving contributions to the LTSS system and the state and federal budgets.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN DISABILITY, CHRONIC DISEASES, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN VIETNAMESE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Miyawaki Christina , Garcia Joshua , Medina Luis , Nguyen Kim , Meyer Oanh , Markides Kyriakos
Published: December 2023

After the fall of Saigon in 1975, several waves of Vietnamese immigrants/refugees migrated to the U.S. currently comprising 2.2 million individuals, the 4th-largest Asian-origin subgroup in the U.S. Despite the large number and their traumatic, adverse lifelong experiences, health research on this population is scarce. To fill this gap, we developed the Vietnamese Aging and Care Survey and collected health data on older Vietnamese in Houston, Texas, the 2nd-largest Vietnamese-populated metropolitan area in the nation. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between their physical disability, chronic diseases, and depressive symptoms. Respondents (N=210) were 76 years old (mean), married (63%), and female (56%) with 8 years of education. They lived in the U.S. for 25 years (mean) and spoke Vietnamese only (88%) in multi-generation (80%) low-income households (91%, ≤$25K). They self-rated their health as fair/poor (80%) with ≥1 chronic condition (76%). Those with higher depressive symptoms were less likely to be married (p=0.004) and have more chronic diseases (p=0.004) compared to those without depressive symptoms. Regression analyses showed significant associations between arthritis (β=2.73), liver disease (β=6.24), ADL disability (β=0.72), and higher depressive symptoms. Limited control over their basic function (ADL disability) would restrict their daily lives, and mobility issues and pain (arthritis and liver disease) might impact them psychologically. While older Vietnamese may leverage their multi-generation living condition, and receive tangible support with ADL disability within their families, healthcare professionals should connect them with culturally and linguistically relevant adult daycare centers that provide social and exercise opportunities.
GIS/GPS METHODOLOGIES TO MEASURING OUTDOOR MOBILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT, AND HEALTHY AGING
Authors: Roecke Christina , Luo Minxia , Kaye Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

There has been increasingly more interest in using GIS/GPS methodologies in healthy aging research, but insufficient consideration of the latest developments in this area. This symposium showcases recent studies using GIS/GPS methodologies to measure outdoor mobility and environmental context across different countries, including one long-term longitudinal study and three micro-longitudinal studies. Specifically, Lum and colleagues examine a four-year survey from over 2,000 older adults in Hong Kong. They show that public open space (including its accessibility, its number of leisure facility types, and social interactions happened therein) was not only associated with functional ability cross-sectionally, but also with the decline of functional ability over time. Perchoux and colleagues collect seven days data from 471 older adults in Luxembourg. They show that built environments (such as higher street connectivity and lower density of parking lots) were associated with lower total sedentary time. Luo and colleagues examine data from a 15-day study with 109 older adults in Switzerland. They show that characteristics of neighborhood walkability (including higher street connectivity, more access to places for walking and cycling, and lower mixture of land use) strengthens the positive associations between daily out-of-home mobility and daily working memory performance. Giannouli and colleagues present their project of a mobile app for early detection of mobility impairments. Through two one-week studies, they demonstrate the reliability, validity, and usability of their app as a tool to assess walking speed and life-space mobility of older adults. Finally, Jeffrey A. Kaye will discuss all papers from a healthy aging perspective.
EFFECT OF OLDER ADULT HEALTH STATUS AND AGE ON TRAINEES’ PERCEPTIONS OF CLINICAL WORK WITH OLDER ADULT CLIENTS
Authors: Caskie Grace , Johnson Benjamin , Root Eve
Published: December 2023

The growing older adult population in the US will result in more psychologists providing services to older clients. Yet, most psychology doctoral programs lack specific training on mental healthcare for older adults, which allows ageism and healthism to remain unchallenged. To examine how age and health status affect trainees’ clinical perceptions, we used a 2 age X 3 health repeated-measures experimental design. Doctoral trainees (N=219; age=21-58) in clinical and counseling psychology were randomly assigned to the 71-year-old or 81-year-old condition. Trainees then read three randomly-ordered clinical vignettes depicting clients with depressive symptoms that varied health condition (healthy, recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis, heart disease). Trainees provided clinical ratings for each client. Regardless of age, relative to the client with a recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the healthy client was perceived as more likely to develop an effective therapeutic relationship, and both the healthy client and client with heart disease were considered more appropriate candidates for therapy. For the 71-year-old client, prognosis, competence, and comfort did not differ between the healthy client and the client with heart disease, but both were rated significantly better than the client with Alzheimer’s. For the 81-year-old client, competence and comfort treating were significantly lower for the client with Alzheimer’s as compared to both the client with heart disease and the healthy client, but trainees also expressed less comfort and competence treating the client with heart disease than the healthy client. Doctoral psychology programs should include training addressing trainees’ clinical knowledge and biases to ensure competent care for older adults.
HARNESSING NETWORKS IN TRANSLATIONAL GEROSCIENCE RESEARCH
Authors: Justice Jamie
Published: December 2023

Understanding and addressing age-related chronic diseases and disability requires a “root cause” approach: to look beyond the individual diseases to biological aging as the shared driver of multiple conditions. This goal is the foundation of an emerging discipline, geroscience. Geroscience has fostered new research on the basic biology of aging with rapid development of biomarkers of biological age, and therapeutics that target aging biology advancing to clinical trials. This presentation will provide a translational framework for early-career investigators who seek to evaluate biological processes underlying aging, and test promising interventions targeting these processes from animal models to clinical trials. This includes: 1) developing outcomes and biomarker frameworks for aging outcomes trials, and 2) establishing functional consequences of cellular senescence in older adults; and 3) creating opportunities to grow a diverse inter-disciplinary research program in geroscience through professional organizations, scientific networks, and NIA-supported research centers.
DOES WORKFORCE ROLE IMPACT LEARNING IN NURSING HOME EDUCATION? EVIDENCE FROM THE CHATO NATIONAL TRIAL
Authors: Shaw Clarissa , Williams Kristine , Hein Maria , Perkhounkova Yelena , Coleman Carissa , Yang Frances
Published: December 2023

Nursing home residents rely on a variety of staff to meet their physical and psychosocial needs. Our communication intervention for nursing home staff—entitled CHATO—is currently being tested in a pragmatic clinical trial nationwide. All staff, regardless of role, are encouraged to participate to create a culture of person-centered communication. We analyzed differences in learning outcomes, and completion and satisfaction, among five staff roles including 274 aides (CNA, CMA), 180 nurses (LPN, RN), 52 administrators, 42 professional staff (social work, speech-, physical-, occupational-therapy), and 134 other non-care staff (dietary, custodial, transport). We compared changes in knowledge of effective person-centered communication, measured by (1) scores on the Changing Talk Scale (CHATS) and (2) ratings of video-based communication appropriateness, communication effectiveness, recognizing person-centered, and elderspeak communication. At baseline, aides and non-care staff had significantly lower CHATS scores than professional staff (p<.05). All roles demonstrated similar and significant knowledge gain with mean score increases ranging from 17.8-24.6 (p’s <.001). Similar patterns of changes were observed for communication ratings. The overall completion rate for enrolled staff was 82.6%, of whom only 6.2% reported dissatisfaction. The completion and satisfaction outcomes did not vary by role. These findings suggest that CHATO can be a useful education program for enhancing person-centered communication across different staff roles. Although baseline knowledge was higher in certain roles, the knowledge gains, completion rates, and satisfaction ratings did not vary by staff role. It is important to remember that all staff, not just direct care staff, benefit from education in nursing homes.
AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN ASSISTED LIVING TO INCREASE STAFF SELF-EFFICACY IN PROVISION OF DEMENTIA PALLIATIVE CARE
Authors: Dobbs Debra , Meng Hongdao , Yauk Jessica , Buck Harleah , Haley William
Published: December 2023

Advance care planning among persons with dementia, their family members and staff in assisted living (AL) communities can facilitate meeting care preferences. In a recent NIH Stage 1a feasibility cluster randomized trial in AL communities (N=118 residents with dementia, 23 staff; k=10 ALs). The Palliative Care Education in Assisted Living for Dementia Care Providers (PCEAL-DCP) intervention showed an increase in documentation of ACP discussions (e.g., completion of advance directives, having goals of care discussions with family) in the treatment group from 12% to 51% compared to control group (8% to 23%) from baseline to six-months (effect size 0.86, Cohen’s d statistic). The current study is an NIH Stage 1b pilot using the same sample to test staff self-efficacy as a mechanism and if staff self-efficacy mediates the effects of increased documentation of ACP discussions. The measure of staff self-efficacy includes two self-reported survey items at pre- and post-intervention (baseline and one-month) that asks them how much they agree with their ability to provide care for terminally ill persons and terminally ill persons with dementia (completely agree, somewhat agree, completely disagree). Descriptive results indicate a larger increase for the treatment AL staff from baseline to one month for the percentage who completely agreed with both items. For the item specific to providing care for terminally ill persons with dementia, the treatment group was 47% baseline to 84.6% one-month compared to 66% baseline and 50% control group. Results for mediation between staff-self efficacy and ACP will be discussed.
HARNESSING COMPLEMENTARY RESEARCH SKILLS TO ADVANCE RESEARCH ON FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING
Authors: DeLiema Marti , Hemmy Laura
Published: December 2023

Financial decision making comprises a set of cognitive skills including problem-solving, critical thinking, and an understanding of key financial facts that help people make informed decisions about their money. Research indicates that financial decision making is one of the earliest areas of cognitive functioning to be affected by aging and by aging-related neurological disease. The Financial Decision Making Special Interest Group (SIG) has brought together several interdisciplinary researchers from social work and neuropsychology to advance our understanding of financial decision making trajectories in older adults, and how these trajectories impact their risk of harmful financial outcomes. Members bring different skills to the collaboration--cognitive assessment, working with clinical populations, and deep knowledge of the effects of poor decision making on financial security and risk of fraud and exploitation. In this presentation, SIG members will share how they overcame challenges to develop a collaborative research agenda, including building membership and identifying samples in which to pilot measures of financial decision making.
THE ROLE OF PSYCHOSOCIAL AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS IN PROMOTING COGNITIVE HEALTH
Authors: Willroth Emily
Published: December 2023

This symposium will highlight the role of psychosocial and lifestyle factors in cognitive health. Across four talks, we consider a wide range of psychosocial and lifestyle factors including personality, stress, physical activity, and nutrition, and a wide range of cognitive health outcomes including subjective and objective cognitive performance, clinical diagnoses of cognitive status, and cognitive healthspan. First, Dr. Patrick Hill will share findings on links between Big Five personality traits and the degree of concordance between subjective and objective cognitive functioning. Second, Dr. Tomiko Yoneda uses longitudinal data to investigate personality trait predictors of transitions between cognitive states (no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, dementia) and death, as well as personality effects on cognitive healthspan (i.e., years without cognitive impairment) and total longevity. Third, Nicole Stuart used ecological momentary assessment and activity trackers to investigate links among daily stress, daily physical activity, and daily cognitive performance. Finally, Dr. Julia Sheffler will discuss how we can apply our knowledge of psychosocial and lifestyle factors in cognitive health to inform the development of interventions. She will share quantitative and qualitative findings from proof-of-concept (N=9) and pilot (N=58) studies of a nutrition intervention in older adults at risk for dementia, and she will discuss implications for lifestyle intervention development more broadly. Together, this symposium showcases how a wide range of methods can be employed to reveal the importance of psychosocial and lifestyle factors for promoting healthy cognitive aging.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CAREGIVER BURDEN AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Duangjina Thitinan , Jeamjitvibool Thanakrit , Park Chang , Raszewski Rebecca , Gruss Valerie , Fritschi Cynthia
Published: December 2023

Family caregiving for individuals with dementia is associated with high levels of burden. Caregiver burden is likely contextual and related to sociocultural norms, including those for gender. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine gender differences in caregiver burden among family caregivers of persons with dementia and to compare such gender differences across cultures. After searching five databases—CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts, we included relevant articles published in English through December 2022. Two independent reviewers extracted study data and assessed the risk of bias. Forty-three studies were included, and from those, 17 effect sizes were extracted for meta-analysis. We found that family caregivers providing homecare were mainly female and adult children of care recipients. Most studies used the Zarit Burden Interview to measure caregiver burden. Random-effects models revealed moderate effects of gender, with higher burden in female than in male family caregivers (d = 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.32 to 0.50, p<.05). However, we found that only 20% of Asian studies reported effects of gender on caregiver burden, while more than half the U.S. (83.33%) and European (56.41%) studies reported gender effects. We conclude that, due to sociocultural norms, female Asian caregivers may more readily accept their caregiving role than females in other regions. Thus, future studies should include measures of cultural expectations related to caregiving. Also, researchers should more extensively explore gender-specific sources of caregiver burden before creating gender-specific caregiver interventions and social policy recommendations for alleviating the burden of female caregivers.