Recent publications
First-order stochastic dominance is a core principle in rational decision-making. If lottery A has a higher or equal chance of winning an amount x or more compared to lottery B for all x , and a strictly higher chance for at least one x , then A should be preferred over B . Previous research suggests that violations of this principle may result from failures in recognizing coalescing equivalence. In Expected Utility Theory (EUT) and Cumulative Prospect Theory (CPT), gambles are represented as probability distributions, where probabilities of equivalent events can be combined, ensuring stochastic dominance. In contrast, the Transfer of Attention Exchange (TAX) model represents gambles as trees with branches for each probability and outcome, making it possible for coalescing and stochastic dominance violations to occur. We conducted two experiments designed to train participants in identifying dominance by splitting coalesced gambles. By toggling between displays of coalesced and split forms of the same choice problem, participants were instructed to recognize stochastic dominance. Despite this training, violations of stochastic dominance were only minimally reduced, as if people find it difficult—or even resist—shifting from a trees-with-branches representation (as in the TAX model) to a cognitive recognition of the equivalence among different representations of the same choice problem.
The purpose of this study was to calculate the effects of recent eHealth interventions to promote physical activity in young, middle‐aged, and late middle‐aged adults with obesity or overweight. This meta‐analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines. In the search, 3550 articles were identified, and 15 studies met all inclusion criteria. The effects of recent eHealth interventions depended on the type of outcome variable: (a) intensity‐based physical activity (e.g., moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity physical activity, average minutes per day from intensity categories, steps per day) or (b) energy expenditure‐based physical activity (e.g., metabolic equivalent of task, kilocalories per week). The overall effects of recent eHealth interventions on the physical activity outcomes in adults with obesity were positive and ranged from small to medium in size. Ethnicity and weight status moderated the effects of recent eHealth interventions on physical activity outcomes. Results from this meta‐analysis provided some evidence for both the utility of, and possible improvements to, eHealth interventions to promote health‐enhancing physical activity in at‐risk populations.
Background
Circulating plasma total tau (t‐tau) concentrations are increasingly being utilized for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnoses. Nonetheless there is a dearth of data on the use of t‐tau in diverse groups, including Hispanic populations who are at elevated risk for AD. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of biomarker data availability in diverse groups and subsequently assessed the relationship between t‐tau with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD/dementia in Hispanic participants across multiple datasets available via the Global Alzheimer's Association Interactive Network (GAAIN).
Method
Initially, we explored demographic (age, gender, ethnicity), APOEε4 and t‐tau, as well as MCI and AD/dementia data from nine studies (ADNI, HABS‐HD, TARCC, NACC, APOE4, ALFA, ADNI‐ARG, ACE and 10/66) via GAAIN. Multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusted for co‐variates [(age, sex, education, BMI and APOEε4 (for TARCC)], were conducted to investigate the relationship between t‐tau and AD/dementia in non‐Hispanic white (NHW) and Hispanic participants.
Result
Three studies provided biomarker data, and two (HABS‐HD and TARCC) had sufficient Hispanic sample sizes for model estimation (nADNI = 9; nHABS‐HD = 793; nTARCC = 867). Among NHW participants, plasma t‐tau was associated with AD (TARCC: OR = 7.88, 95% CI = 3.28, 20.8, p < 0.001) and dementia (HABS‐HD: OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.17, 2.47, p = 0.005). However, for Hispanic participants, the association between t‐tau and AD (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.38, 4.21, p = 0.002) was weaker (interaction p = 0.03) in TARCC, and no significant relationship was detected with dementia in HABS‐HD.
Conclusion
Increasing tau concentrations by one pg/ml was associated with nearly an eight‐fold higher odds of AD dementia and 71% increase in AD among NHW participants; however, for Hispanic participants, increasing t‐tau was associated with nearly a two and a half‐fold increase in AD only, suggesting that Hispanic participants may potentially be more susceptible to non‐AD dementia. Although plasma biomarker data are available for Hispanic participants, large population‐based studies need to further recruit diverse groups in order to more feasibly study the role of plasma biomarkers in AD and non‐AD dementia and/or etiology in diverse, at‐risk populations.
Binary black holes are the most abundant source of gravitational-wave observations. Gravitational-wave observatories in the next decade will require tremendous increases in the accuracy of numerical waveforms modeling binary black holes, compared to today’s state of the art. One approach to achieving the required accuracy is using spectral-type methods that scale to many processors. Using the SpECTRE numerical-relativity (NR) code, we present the first simulations of a binary black hole inspiral, merger, and ringdown using discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods. The efficiency of DG methods allows us to evolve the binary through ∼ 18 orbits at reasonable computational cost. We then use SpECTRE’s Cauchy Characteristic Evolution (CCE) code to extract the gravitational waves at future null infinity. The open-source nature of SpECTRE means this is the first time a spectral-type method for simulating binary black hole evolutions is available to the entire NR community.
Background
Early initiation of treatment for lung cancer has been shown to improve patient survival. The present study investigates disparities in time to treatment initiation of invasive lung cancer within and between Black and White patients in Tennessee.
Methods
A population-based registry data of 42,970 individuals (Black = 4,480 and White = 38,490) diagnosed with invasive lung cancer obtained from the Tennessee Cancer Registry, 2005–2015, was analyzed. We conducted bivariate ANOVA tests to examine the difference in time to treatment initiation among independent factors, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to identify independent factors that influence median time to treatment initiation after diagnosis.
Results
When considering the estimate of the proportion of time to treatment initiation based on the combined influence of all independent factors (sex, age, race, marital, county of residence, health insurance, cancer stage, and surgical treatment), Black patients were generally more at risk of delayed treatment compared to Whites. Black patients aged <45 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.94) and married White patients (aHR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.07–1.18) had the highest increased risk of late treatment among their respective racial subgroups. In the general sample, patients with private health insurance had (aHR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.01–1.16) higher risk of late treatment beyond 2.7 weeks compared to self-pay/uninsured patients. This was consistent among both Black and White subsamples. Patients with localized and regional lung cancer stages had a decreased risk of delayed treatment compared to those diagnosed at the distant stage among both Black and White patients.
Conclusions
Black patients were often at greater risk of late initiation of treatment for invasive lung cancer in Tennessee. Additional research is needed to understand factors influencing time to treatment initiation for Black patients in Tennessee. Further, cancer care resources are needed in Black communities to ensure timely treatment of invasive lung cancer, reduce disparities, and promote equitable care for all cancer patients.
The methane seeps on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica support extensive animal diversity and offer insights into deep-sea biogeography. During five expeditions between 2009 and 2019, we conducted intensive faunal sampling via 63 submersible dives to 11 localities at depths of 300–3600 m. Based on these expeditions and published literature, we compiled voucher specimens, images, and 274 newly published DNA sequences to present a taxonomic inventory of macrofaunal and megafaunal diversity with a focus on invertebrates. In total 488 morphospecies were identified, representing the highest number of distinct morphospecies published from a single seep or vent region to date. Of these, 131 are described species, at least 58 are undescribed species, and the remainder include some degree of taxonomic uncertainty, likely representing additional undescribed species. Of the described species, 38 are known only from the Costa Rica seeps and their vicinity. Fifteen range extensions are also reported for species known from Mexico, the Galápagos seamounts, Chile, and the western Pacific; as well as 16 new depth records and three new seep records for species known to occur at vents or organic falls. No single evolutionary narrative explains the patterns of biodiversity at these seeps, as even morphologically indistinguishable species can show different biogeographic affinities, biogeographic ranges, or depth ranges. The value of careful molecular taxonomy and comprehensive specimen-based regional inventories is emphasized for biodiversity research and monitoring.
Cosmic Explorer is a next-generation ground-based gravitational-wave observatory that is being designed in the 2020s and is envisioned to begin operations in the 2030s together with the Einstein Telescope in Europe. The Cosmic Explorer concept currently consists of two widely separated L-shaped observatories in the United States, one with 40 km-long arms and the other with 20 km-long arms. This order of magnitude increase in scale with respect to the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observatories will, together with technological improvements, deliver an order of magnitude greater astronomical reach, allowing access to gravitational waves from remnants of the first stars and opening a wide discovery aperture to the novel and unknown. In addition to pushing the reach of gravitational-wave astronomy, Cosmic Explorer endeavors to approach the lifecycle of large scientific facilities in a way that prioritizes mutually beneficial relationships with local and Indigenous communities. This article describes the (scientific, cost and access, and social) criteria that will be used to identify and evaluate locations that could potentially host the Cosmic Explorer observatories.
During the Progressive Era, the playground movement ushered in a period of extensive park and playground building in cities across the country. Playground advocates emphasized how organized play reduced juvenile delinquency, and that green space made cities aesthetically pleasing. Bay Area cities created playground commissions, hosted conferences, and initiated projects to improve the city landscape. Finding themselves excluded, the small but active Black middle-class fought to gain access to these public spaces while also investing in their own institutions. With the eruption of World War I, the rhetoric around recreation shifted from juvenile delinquency to cultural pluralism, creating opportunities for Black Americans to demand full citizenship.
Loneliness has been recognized as a pressing global health threat. Research shows that loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms, but less is known about what factors might influence this relationship. This study tested the hypothesis that mindfulness would buffer the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. A total of 220 Chinese adults completed validated measures of loneliness, mindfulness, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderator analyses were conducted. Mindfulness was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (β = -.485, p < .001) after controlling for demographic variables and loneliness. Furthermore, mindfulness was a statistically significant moderator. Loneliness was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms when the levels of mindfulness were low. Mindfulness buffered the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Encouraging mindfulness practices might offer community-wide benefits from a public health perspective. While some studies showed that mindfulness could reduce loneliness, future studies should further evaluate whether mindfulness-based programs could also prevent the mental health consequences of loneliness.
Black women (BW) experience age-adjusted breast cancer mortality rates that are 40% higher than White women. Although, screening rates for breast cancer are similar between White and Black women, differences in mammography utilization exist among women with lower socioeconomic status (SES). Moreover, perceived everyday discrimination (PED) has been shown to have an inverse relationship on health screening behavior among BW. However, mammography behaviors of BW with low SES, who also report higher levels of PED, is not well known. This study aims to explore the relationship between perceived discrimination, SES, and mammography behavior. Participants were recruited between 2020 and 2022 through the Bench to Community Initiative, a community-based participatory research study, and completed a 41-item survey. Logistic regression was used to test the associations of mammography utilization with PED (assessed by a shortened version of the Everyday Discrimination Scale), SES, and race/ethnicity. Most participants (77%) identified as BW (African American, African, and Caribbean) followed by White (17%) and other groups (6%). Many respondents (87%) had health insurance; 67% reported having had a mammogram; and 41% were breast cancer survivors. Most respondents (63%) had a college education and income between 75,000. In an initial logistic regression model, race/ethnicity, income, and PED significantly predicted mammography behavior (χ² (8) = 45.464, p < .01). In an additional stepwise logistic regression model that controlled for a history of breast cancer, race/ethnicity, income, PED, and education accounted for 35% of mammogram screening behavior (χ² (12) = 112.410, p < .01). Race/ethnicity, income, education, and PED were associated with mammography behavior. Addressing these social determinants of health factors may improve our understanding of ways discrimination leaves BW vulnerable to disparate health outcomes, including breast cancer.
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-024-81638-x.
Background:
Stress plays a pivotal role in physical health. Although many studies have linked stress reactivity (daily within-person associations between stress exposure and negative affect) to physical health outcomes, we know surprisingly little about how changes in stress reactivity are related to changes in physical health.
Purpose:
The current study examines how change in stress reactivity over 18 years is related to changes in functional health and chronic health conditions.
Methods:
Three measurement bursts from the National Study of Daily Experiences (N = 2880; 55% female) each included daily measures of stressor exposure and negative affect across 8 consecutive days, yielding 33 944 days of data across 18 years of adulthood. At each wave, participants reported their functional health limitations (ie, basic activities of daily living [ADL] and instrumental activities of daily living [IADL]) and chronic health conditions. Multilevel structural equation models simultaneously modeled stress reactivity at Level 1, longitudinal changes in stress reactivity at Level 2, and the association between changes in stress reactivity and changes in functional limitations and chronic conditions at Level 3.
Results:
Higher levels of stress reactivity at baseline were associated with more functional health limitations 18 years later (ADLs: Est. = 0.90, P = .001; IADLs: Est. = 1.78, P < .001). Furthermore, individuals who increased more in their stress reactivity across the 18-year period also showed greater increases in their functional health limitations (ADLs: Est. = 4.02, P = .017; IADLs: Est. = 5.74, P < .001) and chronic conditions (Est. = 11.17, P = .008).
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the strong connection between health and stress in daily life, and how they travel together across adulthood.
Though widely assessed, research on perceptions of procedural justice and police legitimacy has predominantly focused on assessing the general population and has neglected racial and ethnic minorities, as well as other historically marginalized people. Among the neglected groups are undocumented immigrants from Latin America. The present study examines a community sample of undocumented and documented immigrants ( n = 208) residing in a large county in the southwest of the United States. We include immigrants of varying status for comparison purposes as we seek to examine whether undocumented status matters. Results indicated that undocumented immigrants were not significantly different from persons with legal status in their perceptions of procedural justice, legitimacy (measured as an obligation to obey and trust in the police), and willingness to report to the police. Older immigrants, regardless of status, perceived the police to be more procedurally just, more obliged to obey, and had higher levels of trust in the police. Overall, police perceptions, including perceived distributive justice, procedural justice, and trust had the strongest impact on willingness to report. The results from this study provide promising implications for police policy and practice.
Lockie, RG, Young, MA, Lanham, SN, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, and Nagel, TR. Scenario and shooting performance in incumbent deputy sheriffs/police officers, cadets, and cadets who worked in custody/corrections facilities. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Job-specific fitness of law enforcement personnel can decline during their careers. Personnel could offset fitness deficiencies with greater skill and knowledge. Cadets in certain counties may work in custody/corrections before their training academy. This study used archival data to compare job-specific scenario performance of incumbent deputy sheriffs/police officers (INC; n = 15), cadets entering academy (CAD; n = 19), and cadets entering academy after working in custody/corrections facilities (CADCUST; n = 25). Subjects completed a scenario (step-ups, jumping jacks, sprawls, strikes, drags, sandbag carries, and a simulated fight) as fast as possible followed by a firearms test where they had to hit 6 steel plates. Steel time (time to hit all plates) and number of shots required were recorded. Univariate analysis of covariances, with sex and age as covariates and Bonferroni post hoc analyses, derived between-group differences in all variables (p < 0.05). The CAD group completed the scenario faster than the INC group (p = 0.011). Though not significant, the INC group did have the fastest steel time and lowest number of shots. The CADCUST group completed the scenario 10% slower than the CAD group, was 138-366% slower in steel time, and needed 61-100% more shots than the other groups. The INC group likely had fitness limitations that affected scenario performance but demonstrated better shooting skills. The CADCUST group was slower than the CAD group in the scenario and performed worst in the shooting test. Cadets who work in custody/corrections facilities before academy may require fitness and skill interventions while INC should attempt to maintain their fitness during their career.
This article is a literature review that explores the knowledge, skills, dispositions, components of lessons and gaps in digital learning in mathematics education among pre- and in-service teachers. This review employs PRISMA utilizing the Scopus and Web of Science databases to explore topics related to teacher preparation, digital learning, mathematics and Indonesia. The search resulted in 58 papers, of which 17 were meticulously chosen for in-depth analysis. The results highlight the importance of practical adaptability and continuous reflection, showing that the dynamic nature of knowledge must align with the evolving landscape of technology. This alignment is crucial in addressing challenges related to access, financial constraints and students’ familiarity with technological tools. Furthermore, the integration of pedagogical knowledge, content knowledge and skills, including proficiency in computer-related skills and higher-order thinking skills, is crucial for successful technology integration. Additionally, teachers’ positive dispositions, innovative teaching strategies and diverse research methods contribute to meaningful and equitable technology integration in mathematics education.
Hydrogen trucks (HTs) offer promising potential for decarbonizing the transportation sector. Based on current technologies, they have significant advantages over electric trucks (ETs) in terms of range, refueling time, and performance in cold conditions. However, HTs are costly, and there are insufficient hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs). Gradually integrating HTs into the existing diesel truck (DT) fleet is a practical approach for many freight logistics companies. In this article, we formulate a mathematical model to route a mixed fleet of HTs and DTs, and we propose an algorithm called the curve descent search (CDS) to generate the Pareto set based on cost and carbon emissions. We find that CDS can generate better Pareto sets compared to existing algorithms in the literature. We use CDS to comprehensively explore the cost–carbon trade‐off in using a mixed fleet. This question differentiates our study from previous research and is motivated by discussions with one of the largest third‐party logistics companies in North America. Detailed experiments reveal important managerial insights, such as: (1) Achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions (e.g., a 30% reduction compared to the current diesel fleet) does not need a very dense refueling infrastructure; (2) The cost–carbon trade‐off for mixed fleets is relatively insensitive to variations in customer density and demand, suggesting that HTs can be applicable across a wide range of scenarios (including different sectors or regions); and (3) Although ETs are cheaper to use compared to HTs, their shorter range limits their competitiveness in terms of decarbonization efficiency and customer service.
Dr H. Keith Sigmundson co-authored a seminal article (with the late Dr Milton Diamond) that revealed the truth about a highly controversial twin case. Specifically, the genitals of an infant male monozygotic twin were accidentally destroyed during a medical procedure performed to alleviate his difficult urination. The child’s parents were advised to physically and psychologically transform their twin son into a girl. Occasional reports about the case indicated that the plan was successful, but some members of the medical community were doubtful. An interview with Dr H. Keith Sigmundson, for the purpose of obtaining his unique perspective on this case, is presented. The interview is followed by a tribute to our late twin research colleague, Dr John L. Hopper, of Melbourne, Australia. A review of research on nonhuman primate twinning, an overview of a 2024 documentary film, The Accidental Twins, and a story of different looking identical twin newborns are also provided.
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