bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Eight Weeks of Pilates Exercises on Anthropometric Indices and Subjective Well-being in Obese Middle-aged Women
Authors: Hushmandi Kiavash , Jamali Jamshid , Saghari Sam , Raesi Rasoul 
Published: October 2024

Background:

Exercise is one of the most effective means of enhancing subjective well-being, preventing obesity, and maintaining good health.

Aim:

This study aimed to investigate the impact of eight weeks of Pilates training on anthropometric indices and subjective well-being in obese middle-aged women.

Methods:
In this quasi-experimental study, 40 eligible obese middle-aged women of Khaf Fitness Plus Sports Club were voluntarily recruited and randomly assigned to Pilates and control groups. The Pilates group participated in eight weeks of Pilates exercises performed three times weekly. The subjective well-being survey and a checklist of anthropometric indices were completed for all individuals 24 hours before and 72 hours after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS-15 statistical software using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests. The significance level was set at p <0.05.

Results:
After the intervention, the experimental group had significantly lower mean weight, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio than the control group (p <0.05). The mean scores of emotional, psychological, and social well-being in the experimental group increased significantly after the intervention compared to baseline (p <0.01).

Conclusion:
The results reveal that eight weeks of Pilates exercises significantly reduce anthropometric indices and increase subjective well-being dimensions (emotional, psychological, and social well-being) in obese middle-aged women.
Exploring the Linkages Among Chronic Illness, Substance Use, and COVID-19 Infection in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of National Representative Data
Authors: Ruksakulpiwat Suebsarn , Niyomyart Atsadaporn , Riangkam Chontira , Phianhasin Lalipat , Benjasirisan Chitchanok , Adams Jon 
Published: October 2024

Background
The co-occurrence of chronic illnesses and substance use presents complex challenges for health care systems. Understanding the interplay between these factors, compounded by the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential for effective intervention strategies.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the relationships among chronic illness, substance use, and COVID-19 infection in adults aged 50 years and older.

Methods
Participants were 1196 adults aged 50 years and older. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic information. Logistic regressions and multiple regression analyses were used to determine associations between chronic illnesses, substance use, and COVID-19 infection. Mediation analysis was used to determine the effect of chronic illness mediators in the association between COVID-19 concerns and substance use.

Results
The mean age was 68 (SD 10.3) years, with 58.6% (701/1196) being women. Adjusted analysis revealed that age and sex (women) significantly predicted a lower level of substance use (P<.05). However, marital status (separated or widowed) and chronic illness significantly predicted a higher level of substance use (P<.05). Furthermore, having dementia, arthritis, and high cholesterol significantly predicted a higher level of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic (P<.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% CI 1.37-2.66; P<.001), lung disease (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.23-4.75; P=.01), heart condition (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.28-3.10; P=.002), stroke (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.07-5.16; P=.03), and arthritis (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.25-2.37; P=.001) were more likely to have their work affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The mediation analysis showed a significant effect of COVID-19 concern on substance use through the mediation of chronic illness, with a 95% CI of –0.02 to –0.01 and an indirect effect of –0.01.

Conclusions
Our study reveals complex associations among chronic illnesses, substance use, and COVID-19 infection among adults aged 50 years and older. It underscores the impact of demographics and specific chronic conditions on substance use behaviors and COVID-19 concerns. In addition, certain chronic illnesses were linked to heightened vulnerability in employment status during the pandemic. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing physical health and substance use in this population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cardiomeds, an mHealth App for Self-Management to Support Swiss Patients With Heart Failure: 2-Stage Mixed Methods Usability Study
Authors: Simioni Lisa , Tessitore Elena , Hagberg Hamdi , Schneider-Paccot Aurélie , Blondon Katherine , Gschwind Liliane , Meyer Philippe , Ehrler Frederic 
Published: October 2024

Background
Mobile health apps have shown promising results in improving self-management of several chronic diseases in patients. We have developed a mobile health app (Cardiomeds) dedicated to patients with heart failure (HF). This app includes an interactive medication list; daily self-monitoring of symptoms, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate; and educational information on HF delivered through various formats.

Objective
This study aimed to perform a mixed methods usability study of Cardiomeds.

Methods
Smartphone users with HF were recruited from the HF outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of Geneva. The usability test was conducted in 2 stages, with modifications made to the app after the first stage to address major usability issues. Each stage required 10 participants to perform 14 tasks, such as entering vital signs, entering a new medication and time of intake, or finding information about HF. Each task was timed, sessions were recorded, and all data were anonymized. After completing the tasks, patients completed the System Usability Scale 10-item questionnaire and answered 5 open questions about their perceptions of Cardiomeds.

Results
Twenty patients with HF, 75% (15/20) of whom were men, with a mean age of 55 years, were included in this study. The average time to complete all 14 tasks was 18 (SD 5.7) minutes. Manual medication entry was the most time-consuming task, taking an average of 154.40 (SD 68.08) seconds in the first stage, 103.10 (SD 42.76) seconds in the second stage, and 128 (SD 63) seconds overall. The mean overall success rate was 77% (SD 0.23%) for the first stage and 94% (SD 0.07%) for the second stage. A total of 30% (3/10) of participants in the first stage completed all tasks without any help compared with 50% (5/10) of participants during the second stage. The average System Usability Scale score was 80% (SD 17%), showing a slight increase from 79% (SD 16%) in the first stage to 80% (SD 28%) in the second stage, which qualifies the app as “good” in terms of usability. Between the 2 stages, part of the app interface was redesigned to address the key issues identified in the first stage. Despite these improvements, problems related to guidance were frequent and comprised 36% (8/22) of the problems in the first stage and 40% (6/15) in the second stage. In response to open questions, 85% (17/20) of the participants responded that they would like to use the app when it became available.

Conclusions
The usability test indicated that Cardiomeds is a suitable and user-friendly app for patients with HF. The app will be further tested in a randomized clinical trial (2022-00731) after acute HF hospitalization to assess its impact on patients’ knowledge about HF, self-care, and quality of life.
Perspectives on Long-Term Follow-Up among Living Kidney Donors
Authors: Singh Sunita K. , Jaure Allison , Caton Natasha , Johnston Olwyn , Hanson Camilla S. , Dominello Amanda , Gill Maia P. , Young Linnea , Yetzer Kathy , Chritchley Sarah , Chang Doris , Gill John S. 
Published: October 2024

Key Points

In a survey of 685 previous living kidney donors, donors wanted lifelong annual follow-up with a primary care provider.Living donors wanted information on clinical and laboratory assessment and health reassurance.Donors also wanted access to specialized care in the event of hospitalization or change in health.

Background
The long-term follow-up of living kidney donors is highly variable in Canada.

Methods
We surveyed perspectives on postdonation follow-up among 685 living donors in the two largest transplant programs in Canada (43% survey response rate). The anonymous survey was informed by semistructured interviews with 12 living kidney donors. The survey was developed on the basis of themes identified in the semistructured interviews, guidance from the research and clinical teams, and feedback from pilot testing with six previous donors.

Results
Most (73%) of the respondents received follow-up after the first donation year from a primary care provider, and 70% reported annual follow-up visits, including blood and urine tests. Most (71%) received a follow-up reminder from their transplant center, and follow-up was higher (86% versus 68%) among those receiving reminders. Donors wanted specialist involvement if new health or kidney-related events occurred. Most (70%) were satisfied with their follow-up, and 66% endorsed annual lifelong follow-up. Donors wanted more information about lifestyle and living donor outcomes and wanted to contribute to research to increase understanding of long-term donor health outcomes.

Conclusions
Donors wanted annual lifelong follow-up, including clinical assessment and laboratory tests, and more information about their postdonation health. A transplant center–led, primary care provider–administered model of long-term follow-up may best meet the care and information needs of most donors.
More-than-Human Jerusalem
Authors: Handel‬‏ ‪Ariel , Mayslits Kassif Ganit , Chen Agmon Yael , Levy Omri 
Published: October 2024

As a city that is at the same time unified, divided, fragmented, contested, mixed, neoliberal, post- and neo-colonial, Jerusalem / Al-Quds presents a unique combination of urban conditions. It is divided between East (part of the occupied West Bank) and West, and between Palestinian, Jewish-orthodox religious, and Jewish secular neighborhoods. It is a religious meta-city, in which past and future fantasies and obsessions are part of quotidian life, but also a fascinating place of everyday practices, unexpected encounters and productive frictions defying top-down categorizations. At the same time, it is a modern neo-liberal city, in which local and global capital play a major role in new urban developments.
It would be a mistake, however, to describe Jerusalem solely from an anthropocentric point of view, while neglecting its more-than-human components. The article will present the fruits of a three-year study, conducted as part of the More-than-Human Jerusalem Lab in Bezalel's Master's in Urban Design: Liquid Jerusalem (2021), Growing Jerusalem (2022) and Terra Jerusalem (2023). Together with the students, we explored possibilities for a renewed interaction between artificial and planned elements and between living organisms in the urban space, focusing on water, vegetation and soil in the city and their interweaving in urban culture and everyday experience.
The lab sought to challenge the separations between "nature" and "culture", and to develop nature-based solutions to offer a new perspective on the city, one that can open different futures of inclusion, care and cooperation between the human populations—but also between them and the more-than-human inhabitants of the city. Through a series of projects, the article will describe the research and methodological process of thinking about Jerusalem as a laboratory of the more-than-human suggesting planning tools designed to enhance urban resilience, justice and inclusion.
LIBERALIZACIÓN COMERCIAL Y RESTRICCIÓN EXTERNA. UN ANÁLISIS COMPARATIVO PARA MÉXICO Y PERÚ, 1990-2022
Authors: López González Teresa , Castañeda Martínez Ana Erika 
Published: October 2024

RESUMEN
En este trabajo presentamos un análisis comparativo del impacto diferenciado de la liberalización comercial sobre la restricción externa al crecimiento económico en México y Perú, en el periodo 1990-2022, utilizando el modelo débil de la ley de Thirlwall (1979). La hipótesis que guio la investigación sostiene que los efectos de la liberalización comercial en el crecimiento económico están determinados tanto por las características estructurales, institucionales y financieras de cada economía como por la política macroeconómica que se instrumente en conjunto con el proceso de liberalización comercial. La evidencia empírica aportada muestra que la liberalización comercial no suavizó la restricción de la balanza comercial sobre el crecimiento de las economías de México y Perú.

TRADE LIBERALIZATION AND EXTERNAL RESTRICTION. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS FOR MEXICO AND PERU, 1990-2022
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a comparative analysis of the differentiated impact of trade liberalization on the external restriction to economic growth in Mexico and Peru, in the period 1990-2022, using the weak model of Thirlwall’s Law (1979). The hypothesis that guided the research maintains that the effects of trade liberalization on economic growth are determined both by the structural, institutional and financial characteristics of each economy, as well as by the macroeconomic policy that is implemented jointly with the trade liberalization process. The empirical evidence provided shows that trade liberalization did not soften the restriction of the trade balance on Mexico’s and Peru’s economic growth.
Vigilancia por laboratorio de mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19 en Colombia
Authors: Lizarazo Diana , Duarte Carolina , Gamba Julieth , Escandón Patricia 
Published: October 2024

Introducción: Ante la alerta epidemiológica emitida por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud / Organización Mundial de la Salud (OPS/OMS) sobre mucormicosis asociada a COVID-19 (CAM) el Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) implementó la vigilancia nacional por laboratorio obligatoria para esta micosis. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos de la vigilancia por laboratorio de CAM en Colombia durante julio 2021 a enero de 2022. Métodos: De acuerdo con los lineamientos emitidos por el INS, se realizó el diagnóstico de mucormicosis por histopatología y cultivo de pacientes que cumplían la sospecha clínica y previo diagnóstico de la micosis realizado por personal de los laboratorios de las Unidades Primarias Generadoras de Datos (UPGD). Resultados: En Colombia se notificaron 16 casos de CAM, de los cuales 10 fueron confirmados y 6 descartados, provenientes de siete departamentos del país. Conclusiones: Los resultados confirman la presencia de casos de CAM en nuestro país, haciendo énfasis en la necesidad de realizar una rápida intervención diagnóstica y terapéutica multidisciplinaria derivada de la toma de acciones de prevención y control oportunas.
Using Bioindicators to Assess Heavy Metal Contamination in Surface Waters and Public Health Impacts
Authors: Martins Ramiro José Espinheira 
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study aims to explore the use of bioindicators for assessing metal contamination in surface waters and its effects on public health.

Theoretical Framework: The persistence and variation of heavy metal contamination in the Ave River Basin over 15 years underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention. The detection of elevated levels of chromium, cadmium, lead, and zinc in aquatic mosses highlights the continuing impact of industrial activities, particularly metal coating facilities, on the river's ecosystem.

Method: In the study area, the Ave River and some of its tributaries, a monitoring programme of twelve sampling points was defined in two campaigns and eight metallic ions were determined in the laboratory by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Ni and Zn).

Results and Discussion: The highest metal accumulation in mosses was observed for iron (Fe), whereas the lowest accumulation was found for mercury (Hg) during Campaign II. The order of metal accumulation in the moss samples, from highest to lowest, was Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Hg. The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) revealed changes in contamination levels between campaigns.

Research Implications: The contamination patterns suggest the influence of industrial activities, particularly metal coating facilities. Monitoring and mitigation efforts are necessary to address persistent heavy metal pollution in the Ave River Basin.

Originality/Value: The results of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the sources and loads of pollutants discharged and responsible for the contaminants. This can be used to discourage potential polluters and better manage the basin's water resources and possible risks to human health.
Women of Maguey and Mezcal: The Other Everyday Symbolic World of the Palenque
Authors: Osorio Ever Sánchez , Romero Yair Romero , Santos Horacio Bautista , Galván Fabiola Sánchez , Echeverría Eduardo Fernández 
Published: October 2024

Objective: To explore and highlight the role of women in the production of maguey and mezcal in Oaxaca, with the aim of analyzing how they have resisted and adapted to the dynamics of gender, class, and ethnicity that have historically limited their participation in a male-dominated context.

Theoretical Framework: It is based on María Lugones' theory of coloniality, Pierre Bourdieu's concept of male domination, and Henri Lefebvre's concept of everyday life.

Method: Qualitative research through semi-structured interviews with women mezcal producers and observations in palenques.

Results and Discussion: It is revealed that women mezcal producers have played a crucial but historically invisible role in mezcal production. Despite barriers of gender, class, and ethnicity, they have redefined their role in palenques, gaining recognition within their communities. However, they still face cultural and structural challenges that limit their full participation and visibility in the mezcal market.

Research Implications: There is a need to revalue the role of women in mezcal production, promoting inclusion and recognition. The visibility of women mezcal producers could transform gender dynamics and open economic and social opportunities.

Originality/Value: This research highlights the role of women mezcal producers, providing a gendered and decolonial perspective. It reveals their resistance in a traditionally male-dominated space, suggesting new inclusion policies in rural sectors.
Analysis of Local Innovation Productivity Agents Within Micro and Small Businesses in The Trade, Industry and Services Segments of The Federal District
Authors: Melo Gustavo Reis , Rocha Angela Machado , Silva Marcelo Santana , Soares Paula Meyer 
Published: October 2024

Objective: To analyze the effects of the Local Innovation Agent – ​​Productivity program on the adoption of innovative practices and its impacts on the productivity of small businesses monitored in the Federal District in 2023.

Theoretical Framework: Innovation is a central element for economic development, a strategy to make companies efficient and competitive in the markets in which they operate, through various types of changes in management and production processes, with results that impact productivity and commercial performance.

Method: This research adopted a quantitative-exploratory approach based on the ALI Management System database, which uses the Innovation Radar tool to measure the impact on SMEs and bibliographic research focused on the culture of innovation in organizations.

Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the companies monitored during the program generally improved their scores in the dimensions analyzed. The results demonstrate that the commerce, industry and services sectors have different impacts and that innovation is still a topic that requires support and access for small businesses.

Research Implications: The data collected in this study show the effectiveness of the Local Innovation Agent Program - Productivity in inducing the adoption of innovative practices by small businesses. It is a fact that by adopting measures to monitor entrepreneurs, it is possible to encourage reflection on the part of managers of these businesses so that they prioritize innovative measures that assist and result in business management capable of facing the adversities of market competition.

Originality/Value: This study is valuable for analyzing the effectiveness of public innovation policies, with a focus on small businesses. It is clear that other studies are needed to compare results from different territories to better understand the needs of small businesses.
The Agrotourism and an Approach to the Ecuadorian Regulation About Tourist Farms
Authors: Mendoza Ángel Guillermo Félix , Rodríguez Jessica Eliana Filián , Alcivar José Luis Zambrano , Muñoz Cecilia Isabel Cáneppa , Chang Dayra Paola Marcial , Macías Marjorie Maleni Montecé 
Published: October 2024

Objective: This essay attempts to contextualize the current reality of tourist haciendas and farms in Ecuador, based on an analysis of agrotourism experiences and an approach to Ecuadorian regulation.

Theoretical Framework: A literature review is carried out on agrotourism and its practices worldwide, also referencing case studies related to rural tourism and agrotourism experiences such as, for example: the coffee region and other experiences close to the Ecuadorian reality.

Method: The theoretical information is organized as a funnel, with the purpose of analyzing agrotourism from international experiences to addressing Ecuadorian regulations. Then, through the review of Ecuadorian regulations and the official database of the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador, results can be illustrated through thematic cartography and comparative tables.

Results and Discussion: The results show a diversity of approaches to the virtues of agrotourism worldwide, which start from improving the quality of life of the receiving communities, to the inclusion of new techniques that raise the level of experience in agrotourism farms such as storytelling that uses historical elements to establish a narrative that accompanies the guidance of visitors.

Research Implication: In Ecuador, although it is true that agrotourism is promoted, aspects that could lead farms or Agricultural Production Units (UPA) to be a registerable tourist category like large haciendas are not fully included in the regulations. This limits the tourist development of potential areas due to the size of their properties and the simplicity of their facilities.

Originality/Value: The concept of a tourist farm is not included in the catalog of services of the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador, but it is a term that is beginning to be used by academics and tourism operators, especially on the Ecuadorian coast, where it is cataloged in this way. to the possession of small arable lands, especially of small size. There is a large field of knowledge that can begin by studying the potential that these tourist farms have to offer for new market niches, so exploring these new trends is a great opportunity for Ecuadorian tourism.
Подготовка специалистов в области образования в Гарвардском университете
Authors: Михайлова Галина Анатольевна 
Published: October 2024

В статье представлены основные результаты, полученные в ходе изучения опыта подготовки специалистов высшей квалификации в Гарвардском университете (США). Описаны основные требования для получения степени Ph.D (доктор философии в области образования) и Ed.L.D (доктор педагогических наук в области руководства). Охарактеризованы этапы обучения, направления, курсы, являющиеся обязательными и факультативными в процессе обучения.
The article reveals the main results obtained during the study of the issue of training highly qualified specialists at Harvard University (USA). The basic requirements for obtaining a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy in Education) and an Ed.L.D (Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences in Leadership) degree are presented, the stages of training, directions, courses that are obligatory and optional in the learning process are characterized.