bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
County-level barriers in the COVID-19 vaccine coverage index and their associations with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine across racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.
Authors: Fernandez Jessica R. , Strassle Paula D. , Richmond Jennifer , Mays Vickie M. , Forde Allana T. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundCounty-level vaccination barriers (sociodemographic barriers, limited healthcare system resources, healthcare accessibility barriers, irregular healthcare seeking behaviors, history of low vaccination) may partially explain COVID-19 vaccination intentions among U.S. adults. This study examined whether county-level vaccination barriers varied across racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. and were associated with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, this study assessed whether these associations differed across racial/ethnic groups.MethodsThis study used data from the REACH-US study, a large online survey of U.S. adults (N = 5,475) completed from January 2021-March 2021. County-level vaccination barriers were measured using the COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage Index. Ordinal logistic regression estimated associations between race/ethnicity and county-level vaccination barriers and between county-level vaccination barriers and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Models adjusted for covariates (age, gender, income, education, political ideology, health insurance, high-risk chronic health condition). Multigroup analysis estimated whether associations between barriers and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine differed across racial/ethnic groups.ResultsAmerican Indian/Alaska Native, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino ELP [English Language Preference (ELP); Spanish Language Preference (SLP)], and Multiracial adults were more likely than White adults to live in counties with higher overall county-level vaccination barriers [Adjusted Odd Ratios (AORs):1.63–3.81]. Higher county-level vaccination barriers were generally associated with less willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, yet associations were attenuated after adjusting for covariates. Trends differed across barriers and racial/ethnic groups. Higher sociodemographic barriers were associated with less willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR:0.78, 95% CI:0.64–0.94), whereas higher irregular care-seeking behavior was associated with greater willingness to receive the vaccine (AOR:1.20, 95% CI:1.04–1.39). Greater history of low vaccination was associated with less willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among Black/African American adults (AOR:0.55, 95% CI:0.37–0.84), but greater willingness to receive the vaccine among American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino ELP adults (AOR:1.90, 95% CI:1.10–3.28; AOR:1.85, 95% CI:1.14–3.01).DiscussionFuture public health emergency vaccination programs should include planning and coverage efforts that account for structural barriers to preventive healthcare and their intersection with sociodemographic factors. Addressing structural barriers to COVID-19 treatment and preventive services is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality in future infectious disease outbreaks.
Significant improvements in cataract treatment and persistent inequalities in access to cataract surgery among older Poles from 2009 to 2019: results of the PolSenior and PolSenior2 surveys
Authors: Lange Natalia , Kujawska-Danecka Hanna , Wyszomirski Adam , Suligowska Klaudia , Lange Adrian , Raczyńska Dorota , Jędrychowska-Jamborska Justyna , Mossakowska Małgorzata 
Published: October 2023

Background and aimsCataract is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness among older adults worldwide, that can be corrected through surgical interventions. However, diagnosis and treatment bias can be observed, and it is a major issue for improving health policies. Therefore, we assessed a declared prevalence of cataract and the frequency of surgical treatment of this condition in the Polish population in the years 2009–2019. To provide evidence of health inequalities, we compared operated and non-operated seniors using selected socioeconomic factors and identified variables affecting the availability of cataract surgery services over a 10-year follow-up period.MethodsAn analysis based on a survey among 4,905 participants of the nationwide PolSenior study conducted in 2008–2009, and 5,031 participants of PolSenior2 conducted one decade later to assess the health of Poles over 65 years of age.ResultsCataract diagnosis was declared by 25.5 and 28.2% of the study population in PolSenior and PolSenior2 surveys, respectively. Out of those diagnosed with cataract in PolSenior, 46.5% underwent surgical treatment for at least one eye. This rate increased up to 67.9% in the survey conducted 10 years later. Independent factors increasing the chance for cataract surgery in both cohorts included male sex and age &gt; 75 years. Additional factors were self-reported good health status in PolSenior and lack of financial problems in purchasing medicines in PolSenior2. Over the investigated decade, the chances for cataract surgical treatment increased in single-living and widowed patients. The shortage of funds for medications remained the only significant barrier for surgery.ConclusionAlthough the prevalence of cataract in the older adult population in Poland has not changed from 2009 to 2019, the rate of cataract surgeries has considerably increased over the analyzed decade. Patients with lower socioeconomic status and women have lower access to surgical cataract management.
Barriers and enablers to vaccination in the ultra-orthodox Jewish population: a systematic review
Authors: Jacobson Avraham , Spitzer Sivan , Gorelik Yanay , Edelstein Michael 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe Jewish Ultra-Orthodox (UO) population is an under-vaccinated minority group that has been disproportionally affected by outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) such as measles and polio. Underlying reasons remain poorly characterized. We aimed to identify vaccination barriers and enablers in this population.MethodsWe systematically reviewed the literature (PROSPERO: CRD42021273001), searching Pub-med, Web of science, Medline, PsychNet and Scopus from 1995 to 2021 for quantitative and qualitative primary research in English. Studies published outside the date range, not including barriers or enablers, or that were non-primary research were excluded. We assessed included publications for quality and extracted relevant data based on the 5As taxonomy: access, awareness, affordability, acceptance and activation.ResultsWe included nine qualitative and seven quantitative studies from the 125 studies identified. Access barriers included scheduling difficulties, inconvenient opening hours, and logistical difficulties related to having multiple young children. Acceptance barriers included safety concerns. Insufficient knowledge about the importance of vaccine and timely vaccination and the perception of being shielded from infections because of seclusion from wider society were key awareness barriers. Competing priorities, such as work and housework, were the main affordability barriers. Mainstream religious leadership’s support for vaccination was an enabler, although recent studies suggest their influence on vaccination behavior is decreasing and influence of anti-vaccination messages is growing.DiscussionBarriers to vaccination among the UO were mainly logistical, with little religious framing. Safety and efficacy concerns were similar to those reported in the wider community. Decreasing influence of the traditionally pro-vaccine mainstream religious leadership and growing influence of anti-vaccination movements targeting the UO community are new phenomena that require close monitoring. Tailored interventions are required to protect the community and wider society against future VPD outbreaks.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO: CRD42021273001.
Absolute and relative preferences for mobile phone internet content, mobile phone dependence, and depressive symptoms: a study of Chinese university students in the post-pandemic era
Authors: Yang Hua , Wang Zhikang , Jiang Yujie , Tang Jie 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese university students may have increased mobile phone dependence, a habitual behavior in the student population and a risk factor for depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study explored the association between mobile phone dependence and depressive symptoms in Chinese university students in the post-pandemic era. It also investigated the effects of different types and categories of mobile phone Internet content preferences. In particular, this study examined whether mobile phone dependence mediates the relationship between absolute preference (AP) for mobile phone Internet content and depressive symptoms, and whether relative preference (RP) for mobile phone Internet content moderates the association between mobile phone dependence and depressive symptoms.MethodsA cross-sectional study of Chinese university students recruited through Credamo was conducted in February–March, 2023. Participants completed the Mobile Phone Internet Content Preference Questionnaire, Self-rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use, and Center for Epidemiological Survey, Depression Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and analyses of mediation and moderation effects. The final sample comprised 1,602 students (709 males).ResultsWe found a positive association between mobile phone dependence and depressive symptoms. The mediating role of mobile phone dependence between AP for mobile phone Internet content and depressive symptoms differed according to the type and category of content. Meanwhile, different types and categories of RP for mobile phone Internet content moderated the association between mobile phone dependence and depressive symptoms in opposite directions.ConclusionOur results highlight the interrelationships among mobile phone Internet content preferences, mobile phone dependence, and depressive symptoms in Chinese university students. For different types and categories of mobile phone Internet content preferences, we propose distinct preventive measures to alleviate students’ depressive symptoms.
Sensemaking, adaptation and agency in human-exoskeleton synchrony
Authors: Wilkenfeld J. Nan , Kim Sunwook , Upasani Satyajit , Kirkwood Gavin Lawrence , Dunbar Norah E. , Srinivasan Divya 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Wearable I robots such as exoskeletons combine the strength and precision of intelligent machines with the adaptability and creativity of human beings. Exoskeletons are unique in that humans interact with the technologies on both a physical and cognitive level, and as such, involve a complex, interdependent relationship between humans and robots. The aim of this paper was to explore the concepts of agency and adaptation as they relate to human-machine synchrony, as human users learned to operate a complex whole-body powered exoskeleton.Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants over multiple sessions in which they performed a range of basic functional tasks and simulated industrial tasks using a powered exoskeleton prototype, to understand their expectations of the human-technology partnership, any challenges that arose in their interaction with the device, and what strategies they used to resolve such challenges.Results: Analysis of the data revealed two overarching themes: 1) Participants faced physical, cognitive, and affective challenges to synchronizing with the exoskeleton; and 2) they engaged in sensemaking strategies such as drawing analogies with known prior experiences and anthropomorphized the exoskeleton as a partner entity in order to adapt and address challenges.Discussion: This research is an important first step to understanding how humans make sense of and adapt to a powerful and complex wearable robot with which they must synchronize in order to perform tasks. Implications for our understanding of human and machine agency as well as bidirectional coadaptation principles are discussed.
Gender trait preferences among smallholder cowpea farmers in northern Ghana: lessons from a case study
Authors: Jinbaani Alhassan Nuhu , Owusu Emmanuel Yaw , Mohammed Abdul-Razak , Tengey Theophilus Kwabla , Mawunya Michael , Kusi Francis , Mohammed Haruna 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionThis case study reports on how a gender responsive breeding program contributes to meeting the trait preference of men and women for improved cowpea varieties in northern Ghana.MethodsFifty-eight early-maturing, medium-maturing and dual-purpose cowpea lines were planted at the CSIR-SARI research fields and women and men farmers invited for participatory plant breeding (PPB) in 2016. Selected lines from the PPB were further evaluated in 2017 using participatory varietal selection (PVS) in 5 districts in northern Ghana. In addition, 20 focus group discussions (FGDs) were held in 2018 in 10 randomly selected communities with 260 participants (130 women and 130 men) across the districts where the PVS had been held previously.Results and discussionThe study finds drought tolerance, short cooking time and pest resistance to be the most preferred cowpea traits among both men and women. The study also finds that gender differences exist in trait preference, especially for traits such as seed coat color, earliness, pod above canopy and indeterminate growth habit. As breeding programs focus on improving genetic gains for tolerance of biotic and abiotic stresses, equal attention must be given to breeding for traits desired by women.
Middle school cycling program is associated with improved mental health and wellbeing in adolescents during COVID-19
Authors: Dementyev Fletcher , Fish Brian , Sakyi Opoku Nana Yaa , Tesfaye Lydia , Chan Jason , Ortiz Larry , Montgomery Susanne B. , Walker Esther J. , Wilson Sean M. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among adolescents. Exercise is well-regarded for boosting mental health. Riding for Focus (R4F) is a 6–8 week cycling education program designed to equip middle school adolescents with basic cycling skills and introduce students to lifetime physical activity. A secondary goal of the R4F program is to improve adolescent mental health and psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to quantify the change in adolescent psychosocial well-being associated with the R4F program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program evaluation also examined associations between participating in the R4F and mental health outcomes in the context of established risk factors, including gender, race, socioeconomic status, involvement in IEP programs, participation in after-school clubs, screen time, hours of sleep, and physical activity levels.MethodsAnonymous surveys were collected before and after the program in 20 schools in North America, with psychosocial well-being quantified using WHO-5 and PSC-17-Y. 1,148 middle school students, aged 11–14, completed pre intervention surveys. 815 students also completed post intervention surveys.ResultsThere was a general increase in psychosocial well-being after the R4F program and positive psychosocial well-being changes in students that identified as female, non-white, physically active, part of an IEP program, meeting screentime recommendations, and engaged in school programs, though effect sizes were small. Despite mental health improvements among underrepresented groups, relative risk assessments still indicated that males, white students, those from high socioeconomic status families still had reduced relative risk of developing psychosocial disorders post intervention.DiscussionThese analyses illustrate the feasibility of cycling as a viable PE elective and the need for further, more robust studies to better assess the positive impacts of the R4F scholastic cycling program on the psychological health and well-being of middle school age children.
Diversity of Indicator and Dominant Plant Species along Elevation Gradients in Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Nature Reserve, KSA
Authors: Al-Bakre Dhafer A. 
Published: October 2023

It is essential to protect and preserve biodiversity, especially in habitats in which natural resources are scarce. The differing flora and vegetation distribution on the broad, arid landscape at the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve has yet to be investigated. Based on GPS coordination and the transitional zone of plant communities, 48 symmetric plots of 50 × 50 m2 were distributed evenly over six elevations. In this study, we recorded 70 species in 33 families and elucidated floristic traits correlated with elevation. High species richness was recorded for the families Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Chenopodiaceae. High numbers of chamaephyte and phanerophyte species were observed. In the chorotype, the mono-regional component contained 47% of the species, the bi-regional component 35.7%, and multi-regional and worldwide species comprised 10% and 7%, respectively. This study noted the growth habits of 23 herbs, 15 shrubs, 10 trees, and a single species of grass, vine, climber, and mistletoe. Diversity indices, indicator species, dominant plant communities, and soil profiles were compared for the defined zones of elevation. Alpha and beta diversity were high at elevations of ≥1000, 800, and ≤100 ma.s.l., compared to elevations of 600 m, 400 m, and 200 m. The highest species richness and species turnover were recorded at elevations of ≥1000, 800, and ≤100 m, while species evenness was greater at elevations of 600, 400, and 200 m. Vegetation analyses and indicator species (based on relative abundance) showed species variation with elevation. Species domination was influenced by physical soil structure and soil chemistry. Microclimates, including temperature and relative humidity variations, were found to be a significant driver in the ecosystem, resulting in varying plant diversity and species distribution at different elevations. Through canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), we used an autocorrelation of elevations, plant species, and soil properties to identify three phytogeographic categories that were presumed to be a proxy of microclimate change: Category I: elevations 1000 m and 800 m, including Retama raetam, Zilla Spinosa, and Vachellia gerrardii linked with sandy soil; Category II: elevations 600 m and 400 m, including species Haloxylon salicornicum, Rhazya stricta, and Leptadenia pyrotechnica linked with enriched soils containing CaCO3 and HCO3 and having a clay texture; and Category III: elevations 200 m and 100 m, including Zygophyllum coccineum, Tamarix nilotica, and Hyphaene thebaica, which thrived in salinity and silt soils. The spatial vegetation patterns of the xeric environment and its transition zones in Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve were also documented. It is recommended that microclimate effects on species nominated for vegetation restoration or afforestation be considered for the optimal management of this important nature reserve.
A Strong, Tough and Fire-Retardant Biomimetic Multifunctional Wooden Laminate
Authors: Han Xiaoshuai , Wang Xiaoyi , Tian Wei , Wang Yuli , Wang Jiangbo , Lam Frank , Jiang Shaohua 
Published: October 2023

Mildly delignified wood showed a well-preserved wood cell wall framework, and its derived compressed materials demonstrate excellent mechanical properties and advanced functional material potential. Here, we proposed a simple yet effective approach for making strong, tough, and fire-retardant wooden laminate by a three-step process of mild delignification, infiltrating potassium nonafluoro-1-butanesulfonate (PFBS), and hot-pressing to densify the material. PFBS can be infiltrated into the micro/nano-structures of the mildly delignified wood to achieve a good flame-resistant protective barrier. Flame retardant tests showed that this strong, tough, and fire-retardant wooden laminate has a superior flame-retardant performance to natural wood. Additionally, the wooden laminate also exhibits a simultaneously enhanced tensile strength (175.6 MPa vs. 89.9 MPa for natural wood) and toughness (22.9 MJ m−3 vs. 10.9 MJ m−3 for natural wood). Given these attributes, the resulting wooden laminates are identified as promising candidates for high-performance structural applications, fulfilling stringent requirements for both mechanical resilience and flame-retardant efficacy.
L’Institut de biologie appliquée (IBA) et les vaccins Cépède (1918-1975)
Authors: Cépède Frédéric 
Published: October 2023

The Institut de biologie appliquée (IBA) and Cepede vaccines (1918-1975) – Doctor of Science, neither doctor nor pharmacist, the destiny of the biologist Casimir Cepede (1882-1954) tipps in 1914 when he joins the antityphoid department of Professor Hyacinthe Vincent in Val-de-Grace.
During the first world war, he successfully develops a method for the preparation of non-toxic curative vaccines, presented at the Academy of Sciences by Edmond Perrier. In 1919, he creates the Institut de biologie appliquée (IBA) to broadcast his vaccine creations and offer them at low prices. He is an original scientist, an all-rounder, supported by political, arts and theater personalities.
He also faces administrative difficulties in registering his vaccines and sustaining his institute. The history of the IBA offers an offbeat look at the health and social issues during the twenties up until the fifties as well as conflicts between laboratories. After his death, his pharmacist daughter Annette Cépède (1911-1999) runned the family business until 1975, and kept on honouring the social commitments of his father. Since 2000, Casimir Cépède’s archives are deposited and searchable at the Institut Pasteur (Paris).
Transplant Nephrologists' Preferences for Clinical Decision Support for APOL1 Genetic Testing of Living Kidney Donors: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Rasmussen Luke V. , Agrawal Akansha H. , Gordon Elisa J. 
Published: October 2023

Key Points

Opportunities exist for clinical decision support (CDS) to help transplant nephrologists counsel living donors receiving apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) genetic test results.CDS for APOL1 genetic test results should provide access to patient education materials and reminders at follow-up appointments.Optimal APOL1 CDS would notify providers when results are available, provide information on follow-up appointments, and provide access to patient education materials.

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