bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE MATCH/MISMATCH IN PERCEPTIONS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG OLDER BURUNDIAN REFUGEES IN THE US
Authors: Owino Jonix , Fuller Heather 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Perceptions of successful aging may be impacted by unique lived experiences such as migration, adaptation, and traumatic life experiences. While there exist studies on successful aging among immigrant communities, research studies on successful aging among older refugees, who flee due to life threatening situations, are sparse. The present qualitative study aimed to shed light on the match or mismatch that may exist between older refugees’ perceptions of successful aging and their perceptions of their lived experiences, as well as sex variations in those perceptions. Twenty-one Burundian refugees, aged 50+, were recruited from an upper Midwest community to participate in in-depth interviews. The qualitative interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Themes denoting a match in aging refugees’ perceptions of success aging and lived experience included: wisdom/ability to give advice (i.e., guidance especially to younger individuals), experiencing peace and security, and fostering family relationships. A mismatch was highlighted in themes related to work experiences (i.e., the challenge of engaging in jobs not related to their prior skills), lack of social connections, and communication difficulties. Gender differences were apparent in that women emphasized shifts in work-related gender roles while men emphasized shifts in dependency-related gender roles. In many ways, aging refugees’ unique backgrounds and experiences seemed influential for their match/mismatch in successful aging perceptions and experiences. These findings highlight the importance for host communities to better understanding how refugees perceive and experience successful aging to best inform the implementation of effective interventions for aging refugees.
HOW AN INTERGENERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP MODEL BUILDS CAREER READINESS AND AGE FRIENDLINESS
Authors: Leedahl Skye , Souza Kristin , Pascuzzi Emma 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This presentation will describe the key elements of the University of Rhode Island (URI) Engaging Generations Cyber-Seniors Program internship and discuss results from an assessment study that examined post-survey data related to student experiences. Past research has shown that this program is successful in reducing ageism in student participants. In this study, we examined questions from two scales about youth empowerment and participation in planning that corresponded to the Career Readiness Competencies employers seek in graduates today as determined by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) and measures for building age-friendliness. Survey findings (n=112) showed that the areas in which students stated the most impact were: effort, problem solving, identity exploration, goal setting, and time management. This corresponds to improvements in the NACE Career Readiness Competencies of career & self-development, professionalism, equity & inclusion, and leadership. Related to age-friendliness, scores were particularly high for questions about students speaking out and educating people about older adulthood, telling people about how older people can be digitally included, feeling confident about teaching older adults to use technology, and having ideas about how to improve digital support for older people. The key takeaway from this presentation will be for educators to identify a way in which student experiences can be assessed for growth in career readiness and building age-friendliness.
MOVEMENT AND HEALTH: NOVEL INSIGHTS INTO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, ENERGY EXPENDITURE, AND MOTOR FUNCTION
Authors: Schrack Jennifer , Wanigatunga Amal , Glynn Nancy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Physical activity, energy expenditure, and motor function are well-established predictors of health and longevity with aging. Traditionally, most research using these measures has focused on speed of movement and intensity of activity. More recently, interest has grown in ways to refine these movement-related measures—and the methods used to analyze them—to improve predictive and discriminatory power for older adult health outcomes. This symposium will focus on measures derived from traditional in-lab assessments of motor function as well as free-living accelerometry, and their novel application across a variety of large U.S. cohort studies. Ms. Marino will present analyses on the links among heart rate variability, physical activity, and cognitive health in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Dr. Dougherty will present the association of fine and gross motor function with MRI-derived brain volumes in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Dr. Davoudi will present evidence on the link between physical activity quantities and variability with dementia in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Dr. Schumacher will compare measures of absolute and relative physical activity intensity with incident cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in the Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health (OPACH) Study. Finally, Dr. Wanigatunga will describe objectively measured physical activity quantities and patterns by self-reported fatigue levels and HIV status in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Collectively, these presentations will highlight novel ways to utilize motor function, energy expenditure, and physical activity data to advance prevention science and promote healthy aging. \ This is an Epidemiology of Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
FREE-LIVING HEART RATE VARIABILITY/PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND DEMENTIA IN ARIC
Authors: Marino Francesca , Wu Hau-Tieng , Rooney Mary , Soliman Elsayed , Deal Jennifer , Wanigatunga Amal , Schrack Jennifer , Chen Lin Yee 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Low heart rate variability (HRV) and physical activity (PA) are associated with cognitive dysfunction in clinical settings. Yet, associations with these measures among older adults in the free-living environment remain unexplored. We hypothesize higher free-living HRV and PA are associated with higher cognitive test scores and less likelihood of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia. This study includes 1,590 ARIC participants aged 72-94 years who wore the Zio XT Patch for 14-days to simultaneously capture ECG and accelerometry, from which we derived HRV as the standard deviation (SDNN) or root mean squared successive difference (rMSSD) of normal RR intervals and PA as total mean amplitude deviation (TMAD; higher values represent more movement). Linear or ordinal regression models were fitted to estimate cross-sectional associations between log transformed HRV or PA with latent-variable derived global and domain-specific cognitive factor scores or adjudicated MCI/dementia, respectively. Participants were on average 79 years, 57% female, and 32% Black. There were no significant associations between either HRV measure and cognition. After adjusting for demographic and medical covariates, 1-unit higher in log TMAD was associated with a 0.30-point higher global factor score (95% CI: 0.16-0.44), 0.38-point higher executive function factor score (95% CI: 0.22-0.53), 62% lower odds of MCI (95% CI: 0.22-0.67) and 75% lower odds of dementia compared to normal cognition (95% CI: 0.08-0.74). In summary, free-living PA, but not HRV of RR intervals, is associated with cognitive and dementia status. Further investigation of other objective HRV measures and directionality of associations between PA and cognition is needed.
SHARED AND DISTINCT ASSOCIATIONS OF MANUAL DEXTERITY AND GROSS MOTOR FUNCTION WITH BRAIN ATROPHY
Authors: Dougherty Ryan , Wang Hang , Gross Alden , Schrack Jennifer , Agrawal Yuri , Simonsick Eleanor , Resnick Susan , Tian Qu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Poor motor function is associated with brain volume and cognitive impairment. Less is known about the associations among motor domains and brain atrophy and whether associations are affected by cerebrovascular burden and/or physical activity. We analyzed data from 726 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants (mean age 70.6±10.1 years, 56%women, 27%Black), 525 of whom had repeat MRI scans over 5.0±2.1 years. Two motor domains were operationalized as latent variables. Manual dexterity using the Purdue Pegboard and gross motor function using grip strength and comprehensive physical performance testing. Associations between the latent variables and cortical and subcortical brain volumes of interest were examined using latent growth curve modeling, adjusted for demographics, white matter hyperintensities, and physical activity. Both higher manual dexterity and gross motor function were cross-sectionally associated with smaller ventricular volume and greater white matter volumes in the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes (all p&lt;.05). Higher manual dexterity was also cross-sectionally associated with greater parietal gray matter ( =0.14;95%CI:0.05,0.23), hippocampal ( =0.10;95%CI:0.01,0.20), postcentral gyrus ( =0.11;95%CI:0.01,0.20), and occipital white matter ( =0.10;95%CI:0.01,0.21) volumes, and better gross motor function with greater temporal gray matter volume ( =0.16;95%CI:0.05,0.26). Longitudinally, higher manual dexterity and gross motor function were associated with lower temporal white matter and occipital gray matter atrophy (all p&lt;0.05). Greater manual dexterity was also associated with a slower rate of ventricular enlargement ( =-0.17;95%CI:-0.29,-0.05) and less atrophy of occipital white matter ( =0.39;95%CI:0.04,0.71). Among cognitively normal middle- and older-aged adults, manual dexterity and gross motor function exhibited shared as well as distinct associations with brain atrophy over time.
RESEARCHERS BEWARE: CAUTIONARY TALES OF FRAUDULENT RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Authors: Sefcik Justine , Buck Harleah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This symposium presents a series of cases where gerontological researchers identified fraudulent participants and bots engaging in their studies. These presentations describe the complex nature of participants misrepresenting themselves and being creative to enroll in studies for financial incentives. Dr. Sefcik shares how a snowball sample led to participants enrolling in a study and misrepresenting themselves during virtual qualitative interviews. Dr. Boon illuminates how Facebook recruitment led to bot responses and steps taken to identify if participants were real. Dr. Frechman reveals how recruitment on social media platforms and email distribution lists led to bot attacks of the study survey. Dr. Carpenter explains a study involving a multi-methods approach in which a bot completed several surveys and an interviewee gave nonsensical responses. Dr. Wallace explains two types of fraudulent activity occurring, the first with bots completing an online survey and the second with deception during interviews. All presenters discuss their experiences of suspecting fraudulent research participation, approaches on how they verified participants, action steps to address misrepresentation, processes put in place to uphold the integrity of their studies, and tips to mitigate future fraud. This is a Nursing Care of Older Adults Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
WHEN SNOWBALL SAMPLING LEADS TO AN AVALANCHE OF FRAUDULENT PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Sefcik Justine , Hathaway Zachary , DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The scientific literature has examples of how fraudulent respondents who gainfully access studies for financial incentives negatively affect the integrity of research results. However, there have been less examples shared of participant misrepresentation in qualitative research, the implications, and how to prevent deception. This session entails the presentation of a qualitative study where we believe participants misrepresented themselves during an interview for the financial incentive. For the study, we sought caregivers for individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease related dementia with a history of chronic leg wounds. One of our recruitment efforts was through ResearchMatch. After one ResearchMatch interviewee completed the interview, he reached out to the project manager and asked if the study flyer could be shared with others that were “dealing with similar issues”. This resulted in an uptick of people being interested in study participation. Several of these participants were scheduled to complete individual interviews on one day with an experienced qualitative researcher. Clues indicating potentially fraudulent participants were vague and illogical responses to questions, and similar nonsensical responses shared across interviews. Once potential fraud was detected, interviews were paused for the following interview day so the study team could regroup and none of the interviews were used for data analysis. The lessons learned and steps for researchers to take to help reduce the number of fraudulent individuals participating in interviews will be shared. This includes two-step screening where the study staff interacts with the potential participants through methods other than over email.
USING PARADATA AND MANUAL REVIEW TO DETECT AUTOMATED ONLINE RESEARCH SURVEY PARTICIPATION
Authors: Boon Jeffrey , Maxwell Cathy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With an increase in health research recruitment on social media, there is also an increase in prevalence of software known as bots auto-enrolling in online studies. Despite efforts to prevent automated fraudulent enrollment, bots have become more sophisticated with some able to bypass a CAPTCHA and generate false email addresses. This session describes such fraudulent enrollment in one study and our efforts to detect it. For an online study of family caregivers of people with dementia, we recruited via family caregiver groups on Facebook. Potential participants could proceed to the online study and immediately answer screening questions and complete the study. A CAPTCHA was used to screen non-human respondents, but we detected rapid enrollment compared with other methods, raising suspicions. Paradata generated in the process of survey administration and unusual email addresses flagged suspected bot responses. To screen the responses, we reviewed the time to complete surveys compared with known human responses. We also noted email addresses that consisted of long alphanumeric usernames not common with most human respondents. After screening for suspicious respondents, we attempted to contact the email addresses of borderline cases to verify they were real respondents. Only one of 157 (0.006%) were determined to be a real respondent. Lessons learned from this experience include using paradata as part of data quality monitoring, using survey design methods to elude automated bots, and the value of researchers interacting with participants during enrollment.
INCENTIVES + SOCIAL MEDIA RECRUITMENT + MINIMAL SUBJECT INTERACTION = POTENTIAL FOR FRAUD!
Authors: Carpenter Joan , Jackson Casey , Behrens Liza 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social networking technologies create opportunities to recruit a more diverse and representative research sample. However, social media recruitment strategies with low researcher interaction for screening brings threats to data integrity, especially when incentives are involved. During a recent study designed to ascertain direct care nursing home staffs’ perceptions of risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced fraudulent research participants. We aimed to recruit, enroll, and collect survey and semi-structured interview data from N=30 participants between June 2021 through March 2022. Participants were compensated $25. Initial recruitment efforts targeted Facebook listservs for licensed and unlicensed nurses, social workers, and activity directors. Research staff provided participants who screened eligible for the study via email a link to initiate consent and complete the survey electronically. Four months into study recruitment, study staff discovered during an interview that one participant was unable to answer questions in the correct context as a direct care worker and responses were nonsensical. Additional quality control measures confirmed that “bots” had completed surveys (N=8). The fraudulent data were removed from the study database and corrective actions implemented into screening to rule out ineligible participants/bots including screening for repetitive language and grammatical errors in email conversations, verifying eligibility through phone communications, and adding a Captcha verification prior to electronic survey consent. Our experiences highlight the importance of creating study protocols that include social media recruitment with safeguards to fraudulent participants. This is especially important for investigators attempting to recruit hard to reach populations and participants who wish to remain anonymous.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES: ROLES OF AGING ATTITUDES, PLACE ATTACHMENT, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
Authors: Hou Su-I , Liu Li-Fan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As the global population ages, communities must find innovative ways to support older adults. This symposium focuses on the intersections of aging, community, and culture, particularly emphasizing the importance of place attachment, aging attitudes, psychological well-being, and engagement in promoting healthy aging. Leading experts from social gerontology, psychology, and public health across the globe will explore the complex relationships between aging, community, and culture. Drs. HM Chen from Texas A&M University–Central Texas (TAMCT) and Hou from the University of Central Florida (UCF) from the United States will start the symposium with a systematic literature review on culture and aging in the community among Chinese older adults. Drs. JJ Chen and Liu from the National Cheng-Kung University (NCKU) will examine the mediating effect of psychological place attachment, how older adults perceive their living environments, and (positive versus negative) attitudes towards aging and psychological well-being. Dr. Hou from UCF will further assess aging attitudes (engagement versus enjoyment) among older adults participating in neighborhood lunch versus lifelong learning programs to discuss the implications of tailored aging service development. Finally, Drs. Lin and Fung from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) will discuss the association between activity diversity and psychological well-being among community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and sharing of lessons learned, this global symposium promotes a deeper understanding of the roles of aging attitudes, place attachment, culture, and psychological well-being among older adults to foster innovative approaches to promoting healthy aging and community engagement. This is an Aging Among Asians Interest Group Sponsored Symposium. This is a collaborative symposium between the Aging Among Asians and International Comparisons of Healthy Aging Interest Groups.
NEIGHBORHOOD AFFLUENCE AND RISK OF INCIDENT DEMENTIA: ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DESTINATIONS
Authors: Moored Kyle , Desjardins Michael , Crane Breanna , Donahue Patrick , Garg Parveen , Rosso Andrea , Lovasi Gina , Carlson Michelle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neighborhood affluence encompasses the degree of high educational, occupational, and wealth concentration within residential communities. Highly affluent neighborhoods may reduce dementia risk in part by providing amenities that promote physical activity. We examined associations between neighborhood affluence, and specifically the quantity of nearby physical activity (PA) destinations (e.g., gyms), with incident dementia. Participants were 2,942 adults ≥65 years old from the Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study. Baseline neighborhood measures included 1) a 1990 Census-derived affluence index (percent with college education, percent with professional/managerial occupation, median home value) and 2) the count of PA destinations from the 1990 National Establishment Time Series (NETS) database that fell within a 1-km Euclidean buffer around the home. A total of 469 dementia cases (240 Alzheimer’s, 208 mixed/vascular, 21 other) were clinically adjudicated from neurological/neuropsychological examinations (Mean=5.3±1.8 follow-up years). In Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for clinic site and individual demographics (age, gender, race, marital status), each 1-SD higher neighborhood affluence was associated with 15% reduced hazard of all-cause dementia (HR=0.85, 95%CI: 0.77-0.94), largely driven by mixed/vascular subtype (HR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.64-0.86), but not Alzheimer’s subtype (HR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.81-1.07). Further, participants with ≥2 (versus no) nearby PA destinations had 37% reduced hazard of specifically mixed/vascular dementia (HR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.41-0.99). After also adjusting for individual health, income, and education, neighborhood affluence remained protective against mixed/vascular dementia (HR=0.77, 95%CI: 0.65-0.90), but number of PA destinations was no longer associated. Neighborhood affluence may reduce dementia risk via improved vascular health and operate through additional mechanisms beyond nearby PA amenities.
TOXIC CHEMICAL EMISSIONS AND DEMENTIA RISK: RESULTS FROM THE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH COGNITION STUDY
Authors: Crane Breanna , Moored Kyle , Donahue Patrick , Corrigan Anne , Curriero Frank , Rosso Andrea , Lovasi Gina , Carlson Michelle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Air pollution is a modifiable risk factor for dementia. Yet, studies on specific forms of air pollution (e.g., toxic chemical emissions from industrial facilities) and dementia risk are underexplored. We examined associations between toxicity-weighted concentrations of industrial pollution and dementia outcomes among a large, multi-site cohort of older adults. Participants (n=2,770) were ≥ 65 years old (M=75.3, SD=5.1 years) from the Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study. Toxicity-weighted concentrations were estimated using the Risk Screening Environmental Indicator (RSEI) model which incorporates total reported chemical emissions with toxicity, fate, and transport models. Estimates were aggregated to participants’ baseline census tract, averaged across 1988-1992, and log10-transformed. Dementia status was clinically adjudicated in 1998-1999 (M=5.2 person-periods) by subtype (all-cause, Alzheimer’s, vascular, mixed). We assessed whether RSEI-estimated toxicity-weighted concentrations were associated with: 1) odds of prevalent dementia and 2) incident dementia risk by subtype. After adjusting for individual and neighborhood-level covariates, a 1-unit increase in log10-toxicity was associated with a 34% increase in the odds of prevalent dementia (OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.78). In discrete-time survival models, each 1-unit increase in log10-toxicity was associated with a 65% increased hazard of vascular dementia (HR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.61) but was not significantly associated with all-cause, Alzheimer’s disease, or mixed dementia. Living in regions with higher toxic air emissions was associated with greater odds of prevalent dementia and a heightened risk of incident vascular dementia. Results suggest that the RSEI model may be a novel screening tool for examining associations between toxic chemical releases and dementia risk.