bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
It’s about time! Exploring time allocation patterns of adults with lower literacy skills on a digital assessment
Authors: Kaldes Gal , Tighe Elizabeth L. , He Qiwei 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionDespite the necessity for adults with lower literacy skills to undergo and succeed in high-stakes computer-administered assessments (e.g., GED, HiSET), there remains a gap in understanding their engagement with digital literacy assessments.MethodsThis study analyzed process data, specifically time allocation data, from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), to investigate adult respondents’ patterns of engagement across all proficiency levels on nine digital literacy items. We used cluster analysis to identify distinct groups with similar time allocation patterns among adults scoring lower on the digital literacy assessment. Finally, we employed logistic regression to examine whether the groups varied by demographic factors, in particular individual (e.g., race/ethnicity, age) and contextual factors (e.g., skills-use at home).ResultsAdults with lower literacy skills spent significantly less time on many of the items than adults with higher literacy skills. Among adults with lower literacy skills, two groups of time allocation patterns emerged: one group (Cluster 1) exhibited significantly longer engagement times, whereas the other group (Cluster 2) demonstrated comparatively shorter durations. Finally, we found that adults who had a higher probability of Cluster 1 membership (spending more time) exhibited relatively higher literacy scores, higher self-reported engagement in writing skills at home, were older, unemployed, and self-identified as Black.DiscussionThese findings emphasize differences in digital literacy engagement among adults with varying proficiency levels. Additionally, this study provides insights for the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving digital literacy assessment outcomes for adults with lower literacy skills.
On assessing trait rumination using the Ruminative Response Scale
Authors: Int-Veen Isabell , Ehlis Ann-Christine , Fallgatter Andreas J. , Rosenbaum David 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThis study explores the stability of scores on psychometrically validated trait questionnaires over time. We illustrate potential pitfalls through a larger study that used the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS) to categorize participants prior to study inclusion into two groups based on their habitual tendency to ruminate. Surprisingly, when we re-administered the RRS at the start of an experimental session, significant score changes occurred, resulting in participants shifting between the two groups.MethodsTo address this, we modified our recruitment process, aiming to reduce careless responses, including an online RRS assessment a week before the lab appointment. We analyzed the different samples prior to and after changing the recruitment procedure, as well as the total sample regarding the psychometric properties of the RRS. We also explored various indices to identify and predict score changes due to careless responding; however, only a subgroup of participants was successfully identified.ResultsOur findings suggest that Mahalanobis distances are effective for identifying substantial score changes, with baseline state rumination emerging as a marginally significant predictor.DiscussionWe discuss the importance of conducting manipulation checks and offer practical implications for research involving psychometrically validated trait questionnaires.
Development and validation of a nomogram for suicide attempts in patients with first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder
Authors: Liu Junjun , Tong Ruixiang , Lu Zhaomin , Wang Zhiye , Wang Yangchun , Liu Yang , Yuan Hsinsung , Jia Fengnan , Zhang Xiaobin , Li Zhe , Du Xiangdong , Zhang Xiangyang 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveThe risk of suicide can be decreased by accurately identifying high-risk suicide groups and implementing the right interventions. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram for suicide attempts (SA) in patients with first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsThis study undertook a cross-sectional analysis of 1,718 patients diagnosed with FEDN MDD, providing comprehensive clinical data from September 2016 to December 2018. Data on anthropometric and sociodemographic factors were gathered, and the severity of depression and anxiety was evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), respectively. Additionally, thyroid hormone levels, lipid profile parameters, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured. Suicide attempt (SA) history was verified based on an amalgamation of medical records, patient interviews, and family interviews. Participants were randomly divided into a training group (70%, n = 1,204) and a validation group (30%, n = 514). In the training group, LASSO analysis and multivariate regression were used to identify variables associated with SA. A nomogram was then constructed using the identified risk factors to estimate the likelihood of SA within the training group. To assess the accuracy, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was utilized, and calibration plots were employed to evaluate calibration. Additionally, decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the precision of the model. Finally, internal validation was carried out using the validation group.ResultsA practical nomogram has been successfully constructed, incorporating HAMD, HAMA, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) parameters, to estimate the probability of SA in Chinese patients diagnosed with FEDN MDD. The pooled area under the ROC for SA risk in both the training and validation groups was found to be 0.802 (95% CI: 0.771 to 0.832) and 0.821 (95% CI: 0.774 to 0.868), respectively. Calibration analysis revealed a satisfactory correlation between the nomogram probabilities and the actual observed probabilities. The clinical applicability of the nomogram was confirmed through decision curve analysis. To enhance accessibility for clinicians and researchers, an online version of the nomogram can be accessed at https://doctorjunjunliu.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp/.ConclusionsWe constructed and validated a nomogram for the early detection of FEDN MDD patients with a high risk of SA, thereby contributing to the implementation of effective suicide prevention programs.
NARP-related alterations in the excitatory and inhibitory circuitry of socially isolated mice: developmental insights and implications for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Yamaguchi Yasunari , Okamura Kazuya , Yamamuro Kazuhiko , Okumura Kazuki , Komori Takashi , Toritsuka Michihiro , Takada Ryohei , Nishihata Yosuke , Ikawa Daisuke , Yamauchi Takahira , Makinodan Manabu , Yoshino Hiroki , Saito Yasuhiko , Matsuzaki Hideo , Kishimoto Toshifumi , Kimoto Sohei 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundSocial isolation during critical periods of development is associated with alterations in behavior and neuronal circuitry. This study aimed to investigate the immediate and developmental effects of social isolation on firing properties, neuronal activity-regulated pentraxin (NARP) and parvalbumin (PV) expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), social behavior in juvenile socially isolated mice, and the biological relevance of NARP expression in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).MethodsMice were subjected to social isolation during postnatal days 21–35 (P21–P35) and were compared with group-housed control mice. Firing properties in the PFC pyramidal neurons were altered in P35 socially isolated mice, which might be associated with alterations in NARP and PV expression.ResultsIn adulthood, mice that underwent juvenile social isolation exhibited difficulty distinguishing between novel and familiar mice during a social memory task, while maintaining similar levels of social interaction as the control mice. Furthermore, a marked decrease in NARP expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from adolescent humans with ASD as compared to typically developing (TD) humans was found.ConclusionOur study highlights the role of electrophysiological properties, as well as NARP and PV expression in the PFC in mediating the developmental consequences of social isolation on behavior.
Effectiveness of a mHealth platform-based lifestyle integrated multicomponent exercise (PF-Life) program to reverse pre-frailty in community-dwelling older adults: a randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Li Na , Huang Feng , Wang Nan , Lin Siyang , Yuan Yin , Zhu Pengli 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundPre-frailty represents an ideal window of opportunity to potentially prevent frailty and disability. Early and effective interventions to delay or reverse pre-frailty are public health imperative. The present trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of mobile health (mHealth) platform-supported lifestyle-integrated multicomponent exercise (PF-Life) to reverse pre-frailty in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsThis is an open-label, prospective, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment and outcome assessment blinding. We aim to recruit 140 pre-frail community-dwelling older adults who will be randomized into two groups. The control group will receive a health education program, while the intervention group will receive PF-Life training as planned for 1 year. The proportion of pre-frailty, functional performance (muscular strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and balance), body composition, and physical activity will be measured at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 12-month follow-up. Inflammatory biomarkers will also be collected to explore the underlying mechanisms.DiscussionThis is the first study to evaluate the effects of a novel digital lifestyle-integrated multicomponent exercise for pre-frail older people. The results of this trial will provide much-needed information on the short-and long-term effects of PF-Life based on functional performance and body composition. Meanwhile, inflammatory biomarkers and physical activity levels will be used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PF-Life. The findings from this trial will provide evidence for the effectiveness of lifestyle multicomponent exercise intervention supported by the mHealth platform that may reverse or even halt the onset of frailty.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=176477, identifier ChiCTR2200063431.
Correlation of death anxiety with coping strategies among Palestinian women with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmead Muna , Shehadah Feda , Abuiram Issa 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundDeath anxiety and maladaptive coping accompany breast cancer diagnoses. The coping mechanisms and death anxiety among Palestinian patients with breast cancer have not been studied.AimTo assess the prevalence of death anxiety and its relationship with coping strategies among Palestinian women with breast cancer who are treated in Beit Jala Governmental Hospital in Bethlehem.MethodA cross-sectional design was used, and 214 breast cancer patients who visited the Beit Jala Governmental Hospital in Bethlehem were recruited. Templer's Death Anxiety Scale and the Brief COPE Scale were used. To investigate the relationship between coping strategies and death anxiety, frequency, percentages, chi-square tests, and Pearson's correlation tests were utilized.ResultsThe results indicated that 58.40% of the patients experienced death anxiety. The participants who used positive reframing (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.487, p = &lt; 0.026), self-blame (AOR = 1.309, p = &lt; 0.023), and religion (AOR = 1.260, p = &lt; 0.031) as coping mechanisms were more likely to experience death anxiety. Conversely, the participants who adopted substance use (AOR = 0.657, p &lt; 0.005) and active coping (AOR = 0.629, p &lt; 0.007) as coping strategies had a lower likelihood of experiencing death anxiety.ConclusionThe study revealed that breast cancer patients tended to use a combination of functional and emotional coping strategies and that a significant proportion of these patients (58.4%) experienced symptoms of death anxiety. This study emphasizes the significance of screening for death anxiety and understanding the coping strategies utilized by the patients. Gaining this understanding will assist in identifying patients who need more guidance and support.
Knowledge boundaries for implementation of quality improvement interventions; a qualitative study
Authors: Lyng Hilda Bø , Strømme Torunn , Ree Eline , Johannessen Terese , Wiig Siri 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionImplementation and adoption of quality improvement interventions have proved difficult, even in situations where all participants recognise the relevance and benefits of the intervention. One way to describe difficulties in implementing new quality improvement interventions is to explore different types of knowledge boundaries, more specifically the syntactic, semantic and pragmatic boundaries, influencing the implementation process. As such, this study aims to identify and understand knowledge boundaries for implementation processes in nursing homes and homecare services.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative methodology was used for this study. The empirical data, including individual interviews (n = 10) and focus group interviews (n = 10) with leaders and development nurses, stem from an externally driven leadership intervention and a supplementary tracer project entailing an internally driven intervention. Both implementations took place in Norwegian nursing homes and homecare services. The empirical data was inductively analysed in accordance with grounded theory.ResultsThe findings showed that the syntactic boundary included boundaries like the lack of meeting arenas, and lack of knowledge transfer and continuity in learning. Furthermore, the syntactic boundary was mostly related to the dissemination and training of staff across the organisation. The semantic boundary consisted of boundaries such as ambiguity, lack of perceived impact for practice and lack of appropriate knowledge. This boundary mostly related to uncertainty of the facilitator role. The pragmatic boundary included boundaries related to a lack of ownership, resistance, feeling unsecure, workload, different perspectives and a lack of support and focus, reflecting a change of practices.DiscussionThis study provides potential solutions for traversing different knowledge boundaries and a framework for understanding knowledge boundaries related to the implementation of quality interventions.
Does acute aerobic exercise enhance selective attention, working memory, and problem-solving abilities in Alzheimer's patients? A sex-based comparative study
Authors: Ben Ayed Ines , Ammar Achraf , Aouichaoui Chirine , Mezghani Nourhen , Salem Atef , Naija Salma , Ben Amor Sana , Trabelsi Khaled , Jahrami Haitham , Trabelsi Yassine , El Massioui Farid 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThe present study aimed to evaluate the effect of acute aerobic exercise on certain cognitive functions known to be affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a particular emphasis on sex differences.MethodsA total of 53 patients, with a mean age of 70.54 ± 0.88 years and moderate AD, voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (EG), which participated in a 20-min moderate-intensity cycling session (60% of the individual maximum target heart rate recorded at the end of the 6-min walk test); and the control group (CG), which participated in a 20-min reading activity. Cognitive abilities were assessed before and after the physical exercise or reading session using the Stroop test for selective attention, the forward and backward digit span test for working memory, and the Tower of Hanoi task for problem-solving abilities.ResultsAt baseline, both groups had comparable cognitive performance (p &gt; 0.05 in all tests). Regardless of sex, aerobic acute exercise improved attention in the Stroop test (p &lt; 0.001), enhanced memory performance in both forward (p &lt; 0.001) and backward (p &lt; 0.001) conditions, and reduced the time required to solve the problem in the Tower of Hanoi task (p &lt; 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the number of movements. In contrast, the CG did not significantly improve after the reading session for any of the cognitive tasks (p &gt; 0.05). Consequently, the EG recorded greater performance improvements than the CG in most cognitive tasks tested (p &lt; 0.0001) after the intervention session.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate that, irrespective to sex, a single aerobic exercise session on an ergocycle can improve cognitive function in patients with moderate AD. The results suggest that acute aerobic exercise enhances cognitive function similarly in both female and male patients, indicating promising directions for inclusive therapeutic strategies.
Economic sustainability of local food producers: a mixed methods study
Authors: Helgheim Berit Irene , van der Linden Natasha , Teryokhin Sergei 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThis study investigates local food producers’ economic sustainability by examining the impact of six variables: external and internal barriers, the number of economic operators, the imbalance of power, the number of distribution options, and waste.MethodsThe investigation uses mixed methods of questionnaires and interviews. The data was collected using a self-completed questionnaire, which was answered by 57 local food producers across Norway, and four semi-structured interviews with professionals in the food industry. The quantitative data was analyzed with the use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and the qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic analysis.ResultsThe study has statistically confirmed three out of eight hypotheses. The three hypotheses show that when the number of economic operators in the supply chain increases and also imbalances in the sales channels increase. Additionally, the imbalance of power in the sales channels has a negative effect on economic sustainability, and external barriers have a negative effect on the imbalance of power in the sales channels. The interviews supported seven of the hypotheses, although four of them were not supported.DiscussionThe empirical evidence presented in this study indicates that the lack of balance within the supply chain exerts a substantial influence on the economic sustainability of local food producers. By adopting a comprehensive approach, this research demonstrates that a more holistic perspective leads to enhanced economic sustainability. Additionally, it elucidates the diverse ways in which various factors impact the economic sustainability of local food produce.
Fifty years of Teikei: the evolution of the movement’s ten principles and its impact on alternative food initiatives in Japan
Authors: Kondo Chika , Zollet Simona , Kobayashi Mai , Yamamoto Nami 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionJapan’s teikei movement, recognized as a source of inspiration for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Western countries, is now entering its fifth decade. Built upon trust and shared values, teikei has continued to rely on mutually supportive relationships between organic producers and consumers. The movement’s commitments were originally articulated through the ten principles of teikei, which offer a roadmap to create food systems based on solidarity principles going beyond market transactions. Despite a decline in numbers, teikei groups continue to operate in the midst of societal shifts that are altering food practices and consumption patterns. These changes have had an impact on the implementation of the ten principles and on the power dynamics between producers and consumers.MethodsThis research investigates how such shifts have affected the development of alternative food systems in Japan, the evolution of teikei as a social movement, and the tensions that arise from contrasting notions of agri-food system alterity rooted in decommodified relationships versus market-based transactions. We employ the ten principles as a framework to investigate the transformations of some representative teikei groups over time, and identify three types of shifts: relational, operational, and ideological. These shifts show how different teikei actors have been engaging in realizing the vision of building sustainable agri-food systems through alternative market relations.ResultsThe shifts also underscore the fluid and situated nature of agri-food system alterity within historical, geographical, and cultural relational spaces. The current variations of teikei configurations and the progressive diversification of approaches to address the challenges of upholding the original principles demonstrate the movement’s adaptability over time. However, they also demonstrate the necessity to strike a compromise between conflicting needs.DiscussionThe development of the teikei movement is not only important from an historical and geographically-situated perspective, but also as a dynamic and evolving experiment in the potential and challenges of active food citizenship. The democratic decision-making processes embedded within teikei principles and practices offer a valuable model for understanding how individuals enact their food citizenship and contribute to ongoing transformation of the agri-food system. Simultaneously, these shifts also serve as a warning against how democratic principles can be eroded by conventionalization and neoliberalization, and about the assumptions that arise during the process of building alternative agri-food systems, such as gendered labor.