scholarly journals Cyclists' Perception of Maintenance and Operation of Cycling Infrastructure—Results From a Norwegian Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole Aasvik ◽  
Torkel Bjørnskau
Keyword(s):  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Additional Indication ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Operation And Maintenance ◽  
Travel Mode Choice ◽  
Snow Plowing ◽  
Combat Climate Change ◽  
Improve Health

The Norwegian authorities want to limit the extent of car use in city areas to existing levels. Such a limitation would help combat climate change, improve health of citizens, and alleviate congestion. This implies that any further increase in transport needs will have to be met by walking, cycling and use of public transport. Reaching this ambitious goal requires knowledge about cyclists' preferences concerning operation and maintenance (M&O) of roads and foot/cycle paths. Previous research suggests that M&O have great implications for travel mode choice, bicycle route/path choice, safety, security, and comfort. With the need to serve bicyclists of all ages and genders, this study additionally explores which M&O of roads and foot/cycle the different demographic groups perceive positively or negatively. This article reports results from a nationwide survey in the summer of 2019. Two thousand three hundred seventy-six cyclists across Norway (55% male; 29% <40; 17% >60) participated to determine the cyclists' perceptions about year-round M&O of roads and foot/cycle paths. Respondents, rather than being randomly selected, completed an internet-linked survey. The variables included maintenance of foot/cycle paths in terms of salt and snow plowing and operation and maintenance of roads in terms of glass, holes/bumps, and conditions. Our results suggest that female cyclists suffer more from adverse conditions than do males. We also find that males are more likely to cycle during winter, which is an additional indication that adverse conditions affect women and men differently. Surprisingly, older cyclists report to be less affected by poor conditions than younger cyclists. Self-selection to participate in the survey among older cyclists might be an important explanation for this result. Cycling conditions vary greatly between geographical areas, reflecting the large climatic variations across Norway. Most respondents have experienced a cycle accident where conditions contributed, and many sometimes forfeit cycling due to adverse conditions. Implications for future research and practice of M&O are discussed.

scholarly journals Synthesizing evidence on nutrition challenges among people living with HIV/AIDS in sub- Saharan Africa: a protocol for a scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 3173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tafadzwa Dzinamarira ◽  
Moreblessing Chipo Mashora
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Nutritional Management ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Improve Health ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: Good nutritional status is highly significant for individuals who are infected with HIV. However, they still face a number of nutritional challenges. The proposed scoping review will map literature on the nutritional challenges facing people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) and guide future research in nutritional management to improve health outcomes for PLWH. Here we outline a scoping review protocol designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P 2015 Guidelines).Methods: The Arksey and O’Malley’s 2005 scoping methodological framework further improved by Levac et al. 2010 will guide the search and reporting. Searches will be conducted for eligible articles from MEDLINE (PubMed), MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete and ISI Web of Science (Science Citation Index) electronic databases. Two independent reviewers will conduct the search guided by an inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality appraisal of the included articles will be conducted guided by the mixed methods appraisal tool 2018 version. We will employ NVivo version 12 for thematic content analysis.Conclusions: The findings of this review will guide future research in nutritional management to improve health outcomes for PLWH in sub-Saharan African. This review will be disseminated electronically in a published peer reviewed article and in print.

scholarly journals Social Security Benefit Valuation, Risk, and Optimal Retirement

Risks ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Yassmin Ali ◽  
Ming Fang ◽  
Pablo A. Arrutia Sota ◽  
Stephen Taylor ◽  
Xun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Social Security ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Term Structure ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Disease Diagnosis ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Numerical Studies ◽  
Future Research Directions

We develop valuation and risk techniques for the future benefits of a retiree who participates in the American Social Security program based on their chosen date of retirement, the term structure of interest rates, and forecasted life expectancy. These valuation methods are then used to determine the optimal retirement time of a beneficiary given a specific wage history and health profile in the sense of maximizing the present value of cash flows received during retirement years. We then examine how a number of risk factors including interest rates, disease diagnosis, and mortality risks impact benefit value. Specifically, we utilize principal component analysis in order to assess both interest rate and mortality risk. We then conduct numerical studies to examine how such risks range over distinct income and demographic groups and finally summarize future research directions.

scholarly journals Using hypothetical product configurators to measure consumer preferences for nanoparticle size and concentration in sunscreens

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda S. Barnard ◽  
Jordan J. Louviere ◽  
Edward Wei ◽  
Leon Zadorin
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Potential Toxicity ◽  
Protection Factor ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Type Size ◽  
The One ◽  
Nanoparticle Sizes

Although nanoparticles have been shown to have clear technological advantages, their use in some consumer products remains controversial, particularly where these products come in direct contact with our bodies. There has been much discussion about using metal oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens, and numerous technology assessments aimed at predicting the type, size and concentration of nanoparticles and surface treatments that will be best for consumers. Yet, the optimal configuration is ultimately the one that people actually want and are willing to pay for, but until now consumer preferences have not been included in model predictions. We describe and discuss a proof of concept study in which we design and implement a hypothetical sunscreen product configurator to predict how people tradeoff sun protection factor (SPF), product transparency and potential toxicity from reactive oxygen species (ROS) in configuring their most preferred sunscreen. We also show that preferred nanoparticle sizes and concentrations vary across demographic groups. Our results suggest that while consumers choose to reduce or eliminate potential toxicity when possible, they do not automatically sacrifice high SPF and product transparency to avoid the possibility of toxicity from ROS. We discuss some advantages of using product configurators to study potential product designs and suggest some future research possibilities.

Concept Analysis of Unintended Consequences

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104
Author(s):  
Mykin Higbee
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Concept Analysis ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Model Case ◽  
Or Economics ◽  
Theoretical Application ◽  
Nursing Professionals ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Improve Health

The concept of unintended consequences is widely discussed in the realms of politics or economics, but not as frequently as related to health care. Nursing professionals act with the intent to improve health outcomes for patients; however, with every action, there are risks and consequences that may or may not be anticipated. This article utilizes a modified version of Walker and Avant’s framework for concept analysis (2011) to identify the characteristics, defining attributes, and antecedents of the concept of unintended consequences, present a model case and empirical referents, and provide a practical and theoretical application to nursing. Opportunities for future research related to the concept of unintended consequences include a closer study of nurses’ choices that may affect their well-being or productivity, as well as educational opportunities to better inform nurses of the impact unintended consequences may have on them and the care they provide.

scholarly journals Effects of a Motivational Self-Talk Intervention for Endurance Athletes Completing an Ultramarathon

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alister McCormick ◽  
Carla Meijen ◽  
Samuele Marcora
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Control ◽  
Endurance Athletes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Talk ◽  
Group A ◽  
Randomized Controlled Experiment

This study examined the effects of strategic, motivational self-talk for runners completing a 60-mile, overnight ultramarathon using a randomized, controlled experiment. Data were collected before, during, and after an annual ultramarathon. Twenty-nine ultramarathon runners were randomly allocated to a motivational self-talk group or an alternative control group. A condition-by-time mixed ANOVA indicated that learning to use motivational self-talk did not affect preevent self-efficacy or perceived control. A t-test and magnitude-based inference indicated that motivational self-talk did not affect performance. Nevertheless, follow-up data suggested that most participants found the intervention helpful and continued to use it six months after their research commitment, particularly in endurance events and to a lesser extent in training. Participants continued to use self-talk to cope with exertion, as well as other stressors such as blister discomfort and adverse conditions. Suggestions are offered for future research examining the effects of psychological interventions on performance in endurance events.

scholarly journals Acute toxicity of maneb in the tadpoles of common and green toad / Akutna toksičnost maneba u punoglavaca smeđe i zelene krastače

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mert Gürkan ◽  
Sibel Hayretdağ
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Liver Necrosis ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Green Toad ◽  
Aquatic Vertebrates ◽  
The Common

Abstract Pesticides used in agriculture can have hazardous effects on aquatic organisms, and amphibians are even more threatened than other aquatic vertebrates. Maneb is widely used to control fungal diseases on crops, fruits, and vegetables. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute toxic effects of maneb on the common (Bufo bufo) and green toad (Pseudepidalea viridis) tadpoles. Tadpoles at the development stage 21 were exposed to maneb (0-5 mg L-1) for 120 h. Maneb LC50 values at hour 120 were 1.966 mg L-1 for B. bufo and 0.332 mg L-1 for P. viridis. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first published LC50 findings for the two species. Visceral oedema and tail deformations were observed in both species. We also observed liver necrosis, pronephric tubule deformations, somite deteriorations, and visceral oedema at maneb concentrations ≥0.1 mg L-1 for B. bufo and ≥0.05 mg L-1 for P. viridis. Our results show that B. bufo tadpoles have a much higher resilience to maneb than P. viridis tadpoles. This resilience seems to be related to the larger size of the B. bufo tadpoles and their ability to metamorphose faster in adverse conditions. Future research should look into the mechanisms of toxic action of maneb in anurans.

scholarly journals Understanding the Transient Nature of STEM Doctoral Students’ Research Self-Efficacy Across Time: Considering the Role of Gender, Race, and First-Generation College Status

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaylee Litson ◽  
Jennifer M. Blaney ◽  
David F. Feldon
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
First Generation Students ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Transient Nature ◽  
Random Intercept ◽  
First Generation College ◽  
Over Time

Developing research self-efficacy is an important part of doctoral student preparation. Despite the documented importance of research self-efficacy, little is known about the progression of doctoral students’ research self-efficacy over time in general and for students from minoritized groups. This study examined both within- and between-person stability of research self-efficacy from semester to semester over 4 years, focusing on doctoral students in biological sciences (N = 336). Using random intercept autoregressive analyses, we evaluated differences in stability across gender, racially minoritized student status, and first-generation student status. Results showed similar mean levels of self-efficacy across demographic groups and across time. However, there were notable differences in between-person and within-person stability over time, specifically showing higher between-person and lower within-person stability for racially minoritized and first-generation students. These findings indicate that racially minoritized and first-generation students’ research self-efficacy reports were less consistent from semester to semester. Such results may indicate that non-minoritized and continuing-generation students’ experiences from semester to semester typically reinforce their beliefs about their own abilities related to conducting research, while such is not the case for racially minoritized nor first-generation students. Future research should examine what types of experiences impact self-efficacy development across doctoral study to offer more precise insights about factors that influence these differences in within-person stability.

scholarly journals Attitudes of College Students Toward People with Disabilities

2009 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wonsun (Sunny) Seo ◽  
Roy K. Chen
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Disabled Persons ◽  
Public University ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Attitudinal Differences ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Moderate Positive Correlation ◽  
Prior Contact

The current study sought to explore attitudinal differences in college students toward people with disabilities (PWD) based on their demographic backgrounds and levels of prior contact. Participants were 311 undergraduate and graduate students at a large public university in the Midwest. Using the Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons Scale, Form-O (Yuker & Block, 1986) and the Contact with Disabled Persons Scale (Yuker & Hurley, 1987), a moderate positive correlation between attitudes and levels of contact was found (r = .302, p < .001). Significant differences in the mean scores of the ATDP were observed for different demographic groups. A subsequent ANCOVA indicated that levels of prior contact were influential on attitudes towards PWD. Implications for rehabilitation practice and future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Cost-effectiveness in health: consolidated research and contemporary challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Kaun dos Santos Silva ◽  
June Alisson Westarb Cruz ◽  
Maria Alexandra Viegas Cortez da Cunha ◽  
Thyago Proença de Moraes ◽  
Sandro Marques ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Private Institutions ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Essential Step ◽  
History Of Research ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
History Of ◽  
Improve Health

AbstractThe need to develop alternatives to improve health assistance access and qualification was emergent and urgent even before the advent of Covid-19. Such demand is necessary in regard to both public and private systems. In this context, the theme of cost and effectiveness is technically adequate and viable to analyze these alternatives. Analyzing the history of research development on the topic and identifying its gaps is thus an essential step in facing this challenge. Therefore, the objective of this study was to modestly contribute to a bibliometric examination of scientific production based on the theme of cost-effectiveness to guide future research, despite the maturity of the theme, and as well as its future challenges. As a result, several essential aspects of the theoretical approach to the theme were observed, such as its conceptualization, purpose, and objective within public and private institutions, identifying its main authors, universities, reference countries, and funding institutions, authors’ relationship networks, and related themes. One of the most important factors identified is the absence of the theme applied to contemporary topics in health, such as telemedicine, telehealth, robotics, artificial intelligence, new drugs and medicines, and new healthcare protocols.

Perceptions and use of sources of health knowledge by young adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Racey ◽  
David Machmueller ◽  
David Field ◽  
Verena Kulak ◽  
Genevieve S. Newton
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Learning Preferences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Young Adolescents ◽  
Knowledge Presentation ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Related Behaviour ◽  
Improve Health

Abstract Background: Understanding how adolescents acquire health knowledge and where they currently seek answers to health-related questions may facilitate the development of interventions that will be both engaging and effective, and may help to improve health over the short- and long-term. Objective: The present study sought to investigate the perception and use of sources of health knowledge by young adolescents as stratified by gender. Methods: Thirty 50-min long focus groups were conducted with 143 participants. Focus group questions were built around the following three main categories: sources of knowledge, including preferred sources, sources accessed for general health, and sources accessed for personal/sensitive health; health information and behaviour change, including characteristics of health knowledge presentation that have influenced behaviour change; and learning preferences to promote behaviour change. Content analysis of focus group transcripts was performed. Results: The use of sources of health knowledge was similar between genders, with some differences noted between sources accessed for general as compared to personal health questions. As well, motivation appeared to be the primary influence of health behaviour change, with knowledge being reported as both as positive and neutral influence, most notably in the areas of diet and exercise. Lastly, adolescents reported several characteristics of health knowledge presentation that they felt would motivate positive behaviour change, including engaging and participatory activities. Conclusion: These results should be considered in the development of interventions to improve health-related behaviour in adolescents, although future research to quantify the use of sources of health knowledge by this population is recommended.

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