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Background: To assess the associations of replacing sedentary behavior with different types of physical activity with mortality among the US adults of varying diabetes statuses. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 21,637 participants (mean age, 48.5 y) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018. Physical activity including leisure-time moderate-vigorous-intensity activity (MVPA), walking/bicycling, worktime MVPA, and sedentary behavior. We conducted an isotemporal substitution analysis using Cox regression to estimate the associations between replacements and mortality risks. Results: We found significant protective associations between replacing 30 minutes per day sedentary behavior with 3 types of physical activity and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk (except worktime MVPA for CVD mortality) among total participants, with hazard ratio (HR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) ranging from 0.86 (0.77–0.95) to 0.96 (0.94–0.98). Among participants with diagnosed diabetes, replacing sedentary behavior with leisure-time MVPA was associated with a lower all-cause mortality risk (HR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.70–0.94), which was also observed in other subgroups, with HRs (95% CI) ranging from 0.87 (0.80–0.94) to 0.89 (0.81–0.99). Among those with prediabetes/undiagnosed diabetes, replacing sedentary behavior with walking/bicycling was associated with lower CVD mortality risk, and replacement to work-time MVPA was associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality risk, with HRs (95% CI) ranging from 0.72 (0.63–0.83) to 0.96 (0.92–0.99). Conclusions: Replacing sedentary behaviors with 30 minutes per day leisure-time MVPA was associated with lower all-cause mortality, regardless of diabetes statuses. Among people with prediabetes/undiagnosed diabetes, walking/bicycling was additionally associated with lower CVD mortality, and worktime MVPA was associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities have a strong role in protecting biodiversity. In addition to participation in restoration, a range of actions in the public or private sphere may support biodiversity. Despite this, there is a lack of clarity about what actions should be prioritized for behavior change campaigns. We developed and applied a method to prioritize community actions for biodiversity conservation that incorporates an expert‐based assessment of impact and a community‐informed measure of the likelihood of uptake. In stage 1, experts (n = 143) completed a survey that quantified the relative impact of actions based on best–worst scaling of perceived impact. In stage 2, surveyed community members (n = 3200) ranked the likelihood of adopting actions based on the ease or difficulty of performing each action, and the opportunity for change based on the proportion of respondents not yet engaging in each behavior. Experts gave the following actions the highest ranking for impact: voting for the environment (first), participating in restoration in ecological priority areas (second), and purchasing and protecting remnant bushland (third). When considering the disciplinary background and institutional background of experts, voting and participating in restoration activities remained in the upper ranked options. However, there was some divergence between these groups. For example, reducing beef consumption was ranked third by university‐based experts but ranked 28th by experts based in state government. Overall, community members ranked the following behaviors as most likely to be adopted: following quarantine laws (first), reducing plastic use (second), and managing pets (third). Top likelihood ranking of actions was minimally affected by community characteristics (nature relatedness, gender, location). Integrating these findings, the action ranked most favorably for impact, likelihood, and opportunity was participating in restoration. Choosing actions for behavior change campaigns requires consideration of the entire social–ecological system—from social factors that enable or constrain adoption to the ecological impact of actions across relevant social and ecological contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem definition: Two disciplines increasingly applied in operations management (OM) are machine learning (ML) and behavioral science (BSci). Rather than treating these as mutually exclusive fields, we discuss how they can work as complements to solve important OM problems. Methodology/results: We illustrate how ML and BSci enhance one another in non-OM domains before detailing how each step of their respective research processes can benefit the other in OM settings. We then conclude by proposing a framework to help identify how ML and BSci can jointly contribute to OM problems. Managerial implications: Overall, we aim to explore how the integration of ML and BSci can enable researchers to solve a wide range of problems within OM, allowing future research to generate valuable insights for managers, companies, and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTreatment fidelity is a key component for assessing the reliability and validity of clinical trials in behavioral medicine. This manuscript reports on the outcomes of a pre-planned fidelity monitoring protocol for a Phase-III clinical trial, project Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis (BIPAMS). The fidelity monitoring protocol included the five areas of the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium with primary data sources including: coaching call checklists, coaching logs, auditing of coaching calls by experts, behavioral resource bank within the treatment group, review of participant website log-ins, review of participant self-monitoring, and team meetings for discussing participant progress and protocol adherence. The fidelity monitoring protocol was implemented across six waves of participants, and a final sample of 269 participants (i.e., n = 135 in BIPAMS intervention and n = 134 in WellMS control) completed the 24-week study. Ten coaches were comprehensively trained to implement the study protocol, which included an orientation call and one-on-one behavioral coaching calls. Among BIPAMS participants, an average of 11.81/13 scheduled calls were completed, and 96 (62% of planned) were audited by an expert. Among WellMS participants, an average of 8.19/9 calls were completed, and 54 (55% of planned) audits were completed. Unplanned protocol deviations included inability to complete live call audits during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and changes in coaching criteria to accommodate unanticipated medical conditions and graduations. This manuscript provides an example and insights for demystifying treatment fidelity monitoring to help facilitate wide-spread use of standard protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poverty negatively impacts beneficial aspects of mental development, such as resilience. Toothbrushing, an oral health behavior, has the potential to protect children's resilience through its anti-inflammatory and self-management effects and may be more effective for children, especially children in poverty. This study investigated whether toothbrushing boosts resilience among children, especially children under poverty, and modifies the association between poverty and resilience using a longitudinal population sample of school children. Methods: Data from the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (A-CHILD Study) were analyzed. A baseline study was conducted in 2015 in which the children were in first grade and followed through fourth grade (N = 3459, response rate: 80%, follow-up rate: 82%). Poverty was assessed by material deprivation (life-related deprivation and child-related deprivation) and annual household income at baseline. Children's toothbrushing frequency was assessed at baseline and classified into less than twice a day or twice or more a day. Children's resilience was assessed at baseline and follow-up using the Children's Resilient Coping Scale (range 0-100). Results: Children who brushed their teeth twice or more a day in first grade had 3.50 points greater resilience scores in fourth grade than those who brushed their teeth less than twice a day in first grade. After adjusting for confounders, including resilience in first grade, among underpoverty children, those who brushed their teeth twice or more a day in first grade had higher resilience scores [2.66 (95% CI = 0.53, 4.79)] than those who brushed their teeth less than twice a day. Among nonpoverished children, toothbrushing frequency in first grade did not significantly correlate with resilience in fourth grade. Conclusions: The beneficial effect of toothbrushing twice or more a day on resilience was more significant among children in poverty than among those without poverty in elementary school in Japan. Health policy focused on frequent toothbrushing may contribute to boosting resilience among children living in poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat to public, animal, and environmental health, consequently producing downstream economic impacts. While top-down approaches to addressing AMR (e.g., laws regulating antimicrobial use) are common in high-income countries, limited enforcement capacities in low-and-middle-income countries highlight the need for more bottom-up approaches. Within agriculture, efforts to apply bottom-up approaches to AMR have often focused on the promotion of biosecurity, which should reduce the need for antimicrobials by mitigating disease risk and limiting AMR transmission. Traditionally, efforts to encourage biosecurity adoption have emphasized training and awareness-raising initiatives. However, a growing body of research suggests a disconnect between knowledge and behavior, highlighting the existence of a knowledge-action gap. Method: To understand the barriers and enablers patterning the knowledge-action gap in on-farmbiosecurity uptake, we draw uponmodels frombehavioral science. We analyzed in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with smallholder poultry producers in Ghana to understand factors underlying the intention-action gap in adopting biosecurity. As an analytical framework, we draw upon the Theoretical Domains Framework in combination with the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behavioral Model. Results and discussion: While smallholder poultry farmers in Ghana were aware of the importance of biosecurity practices, they struggled with consistent implementation. Financial constraints, challenges in adapting practices to the local context, and limited resources hindered adoption. Additionally, cognitive biases like prioritizing short-term gains and underestimating disease risks played a role. However, some farmers found motivation in professional identity and social influences. These findings highlight the need for designing biosecurity interventions that consider human behavioral factors and the context in which behavior occurs. This underscores the importance of collaboration across disciplines, including veterinary science and the social and behavioral sciences. Implications and recommendations for researchers and practitioners are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Socioecological factors are associated with key health behaviors that are critical for weight management, and major life events may disrupt engagement in these behaviors. However, the influence of socioecological factors on health behaviors in the midst of major life events is not clear and is difficult to study due to the random and sporadic nature of their occurrence. The COVID‐19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to study a major life event and its impacts on diet, physical activity, and body weight. Objective: This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate associations between socioecological factors (environmental, interpersonal, and individual) and self‐reported weight change during a major life event using data collected during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and whether the associations were mediated through self‐reported changes in eating and physical activity behaviors. Methods: Participants self‐reported socioecological factors, weight change, and changes in eating behaviors (EB) and physical activity (PA) via online questionnaires between December 2020 and October 2021. Changes in EB and PA were measured using scales with higher scores reflecting more positive changes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results: Participants (n = 1283) were mostly female (84.9%) with age 52.1 ± 14.1 years (mean ± SD) and BMI of 32.9 ± 8.2 kg/m2. Stronger healthy eater and exercise identities (individual factors) were associated with higher EB scores (EBS) and PA scores (PAS), respectively (p's < 0.00001). Less discouragement for healthy eating by family/friends (interpersonal factor) was associated with higher EBS (p = 0.002). Higher EBS and PAS were associated with weight loss. The indirect effect of healthy eater identity (−0.72; 95% CI: −0.90, −0.55) and discouragement for diet (0.07; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.12) on weight change through EBS were significant, as was the indirect effect of exercise identity (−0.25; 95% CI: −0.35, −0.15) on weight change through PAS. Conclusions: Stronger identities and less discouragement from family/friends may support health promoting behaviors and weight loss during a major life event, as well as identify additional behavioral targets for lifestyle interventions. Clinical Trial Registration: IWCR was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04907396). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Poverty negatively impacts beneficial aspects of mental development, such as resilience. Toothbrushing, an oral health behavior, has the potential to protect children’s resilience through its anti-inflammatory and self-management effects and may be more effective for children, especially children in poverty. This study investigated whether toothbrushing boosts resilience among children, especially children under poverty, and modifies the association between poverty and resilience using a longitudinal population sample of school children. Methods Data from the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (A-CHILD Study) were analyzed. A baseline study was conducted in 2015 in which the children were in first grade and followed through fourth grade (N = 3459, response rate: 80%, follow-up rate: 82%). Poverty was assessed by material deprivation (life-related deprivation and child-related deprivation) and annual household income at baseline. Children’s toothbrushing frequency was assessed at baseline and classified into less than twice a day or twice or more a day. Children’s resilience was assessed at baseline and follow-up using the Children’s Resilient Coping Scale (range 0-100). Results Children who brushed their teeth twice or more a day in first grade had 3.50 points greater resilience scores in fourth grade than those who brushed their teeth less than twice a day in first grade. After adjusting for confounders, including resilience in first grade, among underpoverty children, those who brushed their teeth twice or more a day in first grade had higher resilience scores [2.66 (95% CI = 0.53, 4.79)] than those who brushed their teeth less than twice a day. Among nonpoverished children, toothbrushing frequency in first grade did not significantly correlate with resilience in fourth grade. Conclusions The beneficial effect of toothbrushing twice or more a day on resilience was more significant among children in poverty than among those without poverty in elementary school in Japan. Health policy focused on frequent toothbrushing may contribute to boosting resilience among children living in poverty.

Background: Approximately a third of US adults meet the physical activity guidelines of engaging in resistance training 2 times per week, yet few studies have examined how to increase participation rates. The present randomized control trial compared a remotely delivered coaching intervention with an education only control group. Methods: Eligible participants completed 2 remotely delivered Zoom-based personal training sessions during a 1-week run-in period. Participants randomized to the intervention group received synchronous weekly behavioral video coaching sessions over Zoom, whereas the control group received no further contact. Days of resistance training completed were assessed at baseline (pre), 4 weeks (post), and 8 weeks (follow-up). Linear mixed models were used to examine group differences at each time point and within-group differences over time. Results: There were significant between-group differences favoring the intervention, at posttest for both the previous week (b = 0.71, SE = 0.23; P =.002) and the previous 4 weeks (b = 2.54, SE = 0.87; P =.003) but not at the follow-up period for either the last week (b = 0.15, SE = 0.23; P =.520) or the last 4 weeks (b = 0.68, SE = 0.88; P =.443). Conclusion: The present study showed that by providing participants with equipment, skill, and in the case of the intervention group, a remote coaching intervention, resistance training participation increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Although long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is more effective and longer lasting than short-acting methods, uptake remains low among post-abortion clients. Using a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial, we evaluate the impact of a provider-level peer-comparison intervention to encourage choice of LARC in Nepal among post-abortion clients. Methods The intervention used prominently displayed monthly posters comparing the health clinic’s previous month performance on LARC uptake against peer clinics. To understand how the intervention affected behavior, while ensuring voluntarism and informed choice, we used mystery client visits, in-depth provider interviews, and client exit survey data. The trial examined 17,680 post-abortion clients in 36 clinics in Nepal from July 2016 to January 2017. The primary outcome was the proportion of clients receiving LARCs. Statistical analysis used ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with ANCOVA estimation to assess the intervention’s impact on LARC uptake while controlling for client- and clinic-level characteristics. Results The intervention increased LARC use among post-abortion clients by 6.6% points [95% CI: 0.85 to 12.3, p-value

Background: Anemia is associated with fatigue, low physical activity, and poor quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a field trial on 6-month change in anemia and physical activity among nonpregnant women living in rural India. Methods: The Reduction in Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) Project is a cluster randomized controlled trial of a social norms-based intervention to reduce anemia among women (15?49 years). Participants (n?=?292) performed a modified Queen's College Step Test (QCST) and wore an ActivPAL accelerometer for 3 days. Hemoglobin concentrations (g/dL) were determined using a HemoCue 301 photometer. Linear regression tested the effects of the intervention on 6-month change in hemoglobin and physical activity, while adjusting for age, body mass index, education, parity, and predicted VO2max. Results: We observed no differences in hemoglobin (11.8???1.2 vs.11.6???1.4?g/dL) or overall physical activity (36.6???2.1 vs. 35.3???5.8 metabolic equivalent of task-hours/day) at 6 months between the treatment and control groups, respectively. In contrast, steps/day was significantly higher in the treatment, compared with the control group (??=?1353.83; 95% confidence interval: 372.46, 2335.31), independent of other covariables. Conclusion: The potential to modify walking and other health-seeking behaviors using a social norms approach is worthy of further investigation among women living in rural India. Clinical Trial Registry ? India: CTRI/2018/10/016186.

Background: Although long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is more effective and longer lasting than short-acting methods, uptake remains low among post-abortion clients. Using a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial, we evaluate the impact of a provider-level peer-comparison intervention to encourage choice of LARC in Nepal among post-abortion clients. Methods: The intervention used prominently displayed monthly posters comparing the health clinic's previous month performance on LARC uptake against peer clinics. To understand how the intervention affected behavior, while ensuring voluntarism and informed choice, we used mystery client visits, in-depth provider interviews, and client exit survey data. The trial examined 17,680 post-abortion clients in 36 clinics in Nepal from July 2016 to January 2017. The primary outcome was the proportion of clients receiving LARCs. Statistical analysis used ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with ANCOVA estimation to assess the intervention's impact on LARC uptake while controlling for client- and clinic-level characteristics. Results: The intervention increased LARC use among post-abortion clients by 6.6% points [95% CI: 0.85 to 12.3, p-value < 0.05], a 29.5% increase in LARC use compared to control clinics. This effect persisted after the formal experiment ended. Analysis of provider and client experiences showed that the behavioral intervention generated significant change in providers' counseling practices, motivated the sharing of best practices. Quality of care indicators either remained stable or improved. Conclusion: We find that a provider-level behavioral intervention increases LARC uptake among post-abortion clients. This type of intervention represents a low-cost option to contribute to reducing unmet need for contraception through provider behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As US college costs continue to rise, governments and institutions have quadrupled financial aid. Yet, the administrative process of receiving financial aid remains complex, raising costs for families and deterring students from enrolling. In two large-scale field experiments (N = 265,570), we test the impact of nudging high-school seniors in California to register for state scholarships. We find that simplifying communication and affirming belonging each significantly increase registrations, by 9% and 11%, respectively. Yet, these nudges do not impact the final step of the financial aid process – receiving the scholarship. In contrast, a simplified letter that affirms belonging while also making comparable cost calculations more salient significantly impacts college choice, increasing enrollment in the lowest net cost option by 10.4%. Our findings suggest that different nudges are likely to address different types of administrative burdens, and their combination may be the most effective way to shift educational outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of behavioral science into conservation science and climate science has enabled the development of both novel research questions and practical interventions. However, most behavioral interventions aim to change private, individual behaviors, rather than transform the political economic systems that drive current biodiversity, climate, and social crises. In this paper, we argue that closer collaboration between behavioral scientists working on biodiversity and climate issues, on the one hand, and advocates for radical alternatives to current political economic systems, on the other, could advance such needed systemic transformation. While the work of both groups is subject to some critique, we suggest that closer collaboration could enable the strengths of each to address the others' weaknesses. This complementarity is particularly true when behavioral interventions are co-designed with advocates and targeted towards powerful individuals whose behavior could affect systems-level transformation. We use the fossil fuel divestment movement as an illustrative example of one way in which this collaboration could be mutually beneficial, and then outline potential political, practical, and ethical implications that may accompany such collaborations in the biodiversity conservation and climate change fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endowment effect is a behavioral bias; postulating people demand more to part with an object they own than they would offer to acquire the same object owned by others. Recent experimental research, however, suggests that this effect applies to consumption goods rather than exchange goods. Given that housing is a mix of consumption and exchange goods, it presents a unique opportunity to examine whether the effect exists in the real world through a quasi-experiment. Based on a policy change that relaxed the resale constraints of shared ownership housing in Hong Kong, we found that more constrained homeowners were more likely to sell their homes compared to those with fewer constraints when granted the right to exchange, all other factors affecting liquidity being held constant. This marks the first field study revealing that the endowment effect diminishes when a good enhances its exchange nature, such as being given an exchange right. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the information module has identified a range of factors in the adoption model that determine their intention to learn sustainably. This research investigates the determinants of employees' intentions to use an online learning module within an office application, utilizing a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. Data were collected from 564 employees in different organizations and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The research examines correlations between four key determinants—performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions—and eight user experience motivational factors, including career development, business needs, self-management, learning experience, company atmosphere, external pressure, company support, and course quality. The findings indicate that all four UTAUT determinants significantly support employees' use of the online learning module for continuous learning. Performance expectancy is positively influenced by career development and business needs, effort expectancy by self-management, social influence by external pressure, and facilitating conditions by company support and course quality. The learning experience and company atmosphere showed no significant correlation. The study offers valuable insights for managers, investors, and developers to enhance the adoption of online learning modules, promoting sustainable learning and employee development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the business sector has led to a new era of digital transformation. AI is transforming processes, functions, and practices throughout organizations creating system and process efficiencies, performing advanced data analysis, and contributing to the value creation process of the organization. However, the implementation and adoption of AI systems in the organization is not without challenges, ranging from technical issues to human-related barriers, leading to failed AI transformation efforts or lower than expected gains. We argue that while engineers and data scientists excel in handling AI and data-related tasks, they often lack insights into the nuanced human aspects critical for organizational AI success. Thus, Human Resource Management (HRM) emerges as a crucial facilitator, ensuring AI implementation and adoption are aligned with human values and organizational goals. This paper explores the critical role of HRM in harmonizing AI's technological capabilities with human-centric needs within organizations while achieving business objectives. Our positioning paper delves into HRM's multifaceted potential to contribute toward AI organizational success, including enabling digital transformation, humanizing AI usage decisions, providing strategic foresight regarding AI, and facilitating AI adoption by addressing concerns related to fears, ethics, and employee well-being. It reviews key considerations and best practices for operationalizing human-centric AI through culture, leadership, knowledge, policies, and tools. By focusing on what HRM can realistically achieve today, we emphasize its role in reshaping roles, advancing skill sets, and curating workplace dynamics to accommodate human-centric AI implementation. This repositioning involves an active HRM role in ensuring that the aspirations, rights, and needs of individuals are integral to the economic, social, and environmental policies within the organization. This study not only fills a critical gap in existing research but also provides a roadmap for organizations seeking to improve AI implementation and adoption and humanizing their digital transformation journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High‐risk medications like benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics, and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for hospitalized older adults, despite guidelines recommending avoidance. Prior interventions have not fully addressed how physicians make such prescribing decisions, particularly when experiencing stress or cognitive overload. Simulation training may help improve prescribing decision‐making but has not been evaluated for overprescribing. Methods: In this two‐arm pragmatic trial, we randomized 40 first‐year medical resident physicians (i.e., interns) on inpatient general medicine services at an academic medical center to either intervention (a 40‐minute immersive simulation training) or control (online educational training) groups. The primary outcome was the number of new benzodiazepine, sedative hypnotic, or antipsychotic orders for treatment‐naïve older adults during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the same outcome by all providers, being discharged on one of the medications, and orders for related or control medications. Outcomes were measured using electronic health record data over each intern's service period (~2 weeks). Outcomes were evaluated using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for clustering. Results: In total, 522 treatment‐naïve older adult patients were included in analyses. Over follow‐up, interns prescribed ≥1 high‐risk medication for 13 (4.9%) intervention patients and 13 (5.0%) control patients. The intervention led to no difference in the number of new prescriptions (Rate Ratio [RR]: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.31–2.35) versus control and no difference in secondary outcomes. In secondary analyses, intervention interns wrote significantly fewer "as‐needed" ("PRN") order types for the high‐risk medications (RR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.08–0.99), and instead tended to write more "one‐time" orders than control interns, though this difference was not statistically significant (RR: 2.20, 95%CI: 0.60–7.99). Conclusions: Although this simulation intervention did not impact total high‐risk prescribing for hospitalized older adults, it did influence how the interns prescribed, resulting in fewer PRN orders, suggesting possibly greater ownership of care. Future interventions should consider this insight and implementation lessons raised. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov(NCT04668248). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent absence of a documented history of sexual assault/rape in the prior research on serial sexual murderers is curious. In order to address several methodological problems in prior research, a closed-case archival review of a nonrandom national sample of 53 serial sexual homicide cases was conducted which identified 14 offenders with a history of sexual assault/rape for an overall prevalence rate of 26.4%. Of the 14 offenders with a prior known history of sexual assault/rape, 11 (78.6%) sexually penetrated at least one of their homicide victims at the crime scene. Implications for investigation of serial sexual homicide as well as for further understanding of this exceptionally rare crime are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a semi-static water exposure method was employed to investigate the early developmental and neurotoxic effects of four benzothiazole substances (BTHs), namely benzothiazole (BTH), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (BTON), and 2-aminobenzothiazole (2-ABTH), on zebrafish at an equimolar concentration of 10 μM. The findings revealed that all four BTHs exerted certain impacts on early development in zebrafish. MBT stimulated spontaneous movement in juvenile zebrafish, whereas BTON inhibited such movements. Moreover, all four BTHs hindered the hatching process of zebrafish larvae, with MBT exhibiting the strongest inhibition at 24 h post-fertilization (hpf). Notably, MBT acted as a melanin inhibitor by suppressing melanin production in juvenile zebrafish eyes and weakening phototaxis. Additionally, both BTH and BTON exhibited significantly lower speeds than the control group and other test groups under conditions without bright field stimulation; however, their speeds increased to average levels after percussion stimulation, indicating no significant alteration in motor ability among experimental zebrafish groups. Short-term exposure to these four types of BTHs induced oxidative damage in zebrafish larvae; specifically, BTH-, MBT-, and BTON-exposed groups displayed abnormal expression patterns of genes related to oxidative damage. Exposure to both BTH and MBT led to reduced fluorescence intensity in transgenic zebrafish labeled with central nervous system markers, suggesting inhibition of central nervous system development. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR results demonstrated abnormal gene expression associated with neural development. However, no significant changes were observed in 2-ABTH gene expression at this concentration. Overall findings indicate that short-term exposure to BTHs stimulates neurodevelopmental gene expression accompanied by oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Translation of cancer research into practice takes around 15 years. Programs informed by implementation science methods and frameworks offer potential to improve cancer outcomes by addressing the implementation gap. Methods: We describe the development of a Test Evidence Transition (TET) program which provides funding and support to health system delivery teams and project design and evaluation partners working together to achieve three objectives: Test innovations to support optimal cancer pathways that transform clinical practice; Evidence the process, outcome, and impact of implementation; and work with strategic partners to ensure the Transition of best practice into effective and equitable adoption across UK health systems. Results: Phase 1 launched in April 2023. Teams with the capability and motivation to implement evidence-based pathway innovations were identified and invited to submit expressions of interest. Following peer-review, teams were supported to develop full proposals with input from academics specializing in health services research, evaluation, and implementation science. Projects were selected for funding, providing an opportunity to implement and evaluate innovations with support from academic and health system partners. Conclusions: TET aims to improve cancer outcomes by identifying and addressing local-level barriers to evidence-based practice and translating findings into consistent and equitable adoption across health systems. Phase 1 projects focus on pathway innovations in diagnosis for breast and prostate cancer. We are now launching Phase 2, focusing on colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Socioecological factors are associated with key health behaviors that are critical for weight management, and major life events may disrupt engagement in these behaviors. However, the influence of socioecological factors on health behaviors in the midst of major life events is not clear and is difficult to study due to the random and sporadic nature of their occurrence. The COVID‐19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to study a major life event and its impacts on diet, physical activity, and body weight. Objective This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate associations between socioecological factors (environmental, interpersonal, and individual) and self‐reported weight change during a major life event using data collected during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and whether the associations were mediated through self‐reported changes in eating and physical activity behaviors. Methods Participants self‐reported socioecological factors, weight change, and changes in eating behaviors (EB) and physical activity (PA) via online questionnaires between December 2020 and October 2021. Changes in EB and PA were measured using scales with higher scores reflecting more positive changes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results Participants (n = 1283) were mostly female (84.9%) with age 52.1 ± 14.1 years (mean ± SD) and BMI of 32.9 ± 8.2 kg/m2. Stronger healthy eater and exercise identities (individual factors) were associated with higher EB scores (EBS) and PA scores (PAS), respectively (p's

Purpose: Evidence of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cancer prevention and control is growing, but little is known about patient‐level factors associated with delayed care. We analyzed data from a survey focused on Iowan cancer patients' COVID‐19 experiences in the early part of the pandemic. Methods: Participants were recruited from the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center's Patients Enhancing Research Collaborations at Holden (PERCH) program. We surveyed respondents on demographic characteristics, COVID‐19 experiences and reactions, and delays in any cancer‐related health care appointment, or cancer‐related treatment appointments. Two‐sided significance tests assessed differences in COVID‐19 experiences and reactions between those who experienced delays and those who did not. Results: There were 780 respondents (26% response), with breast, prostate, kidney, skin, and colorectal cancers representing the majority of respondents. Delays in cancer care were reported by 29% of respondents. In multivariable‐adjusted models, rural residents (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.03, 2.11) and those experiencing feelings of isolation (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.37, 3.47) were more likely to report any delay, where experiencing financial difficulties predicted delays in treatment appointments (OR 5.72; 95% CI 1.96, 16.67). Health insurance coverage and concern about the pandemic were not statistically significantly associated with delays. Conclusion: These findings may inform cancer care delivery during periods of instability when treatment may be disrupted by informing clinicians about concerns that patients have during the treatment process. Future research should assess whether delays in cancer care impact long‐term cancer outcomes and whether delays exacerbate existing disparities in cancer outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the importance of integration in systems biology and medicine research, highlighting the need to address fragmentation and biases in the field. It emphasizes the significance of considering the exposome, which encompasses cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors, in research. The article identifies challenges in implementing systems biology and medicine approaches, such as cost, participant burden, imprecise measures, limited cross-disciplinary implementation of analytical tools, and regulatory barriers. It concludes by emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in healthcare and the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical care. The document also includes references and acknowledgments related to systems biology and systems medicine, covering topics such as social environments and health, wearable devices, bias in research, stress management, and the impact of genetics and the environment on health. [Extracted from the article]

Normative models of decision-making that optimally transform noisy (sensory) information into categorical decisions qualitatively mismatch human behavior. Indeed, leading computational models have only achieved high empirical corroboration by adding task-specific assumptions that deviate from normative principles. In response, we offer a Bayesian approach that implicitly produces a posterior distribution of possible answers (hypotheses) in response to sensory information. But we assume that the brain has no direct access to this posterior, but can only sample hypotheses according to their posterior probabilities. Accordingly, we argue that the primary problem of normative concern in decision-making is integrating stochastic hypotheses, rather than stochastic sensory information, to make categorical decisions. This implies that human response variability arises mainly from posterior sampling rather than sensory noise. Because human hypothesis generation is serially correlated, hypothesis samples will be autocorrelated. Guided by this new problem formulation, we develop a new process, the Autocorrelated Bayesian Sampler (ABS), which grounds autocorrelated hypothesis generation in a sophisticated sampling algorithm. The ABS provides a single mechanism that qualitatively explains many empirical effects of probability judgments, estimates, confidence intervals, choice, confidence judgments, response times, and their relationships. Our analysis demonstrates the unifying power of a perspective shift in the exploration of normative models. It also exemplifies the proposal that the "Bayesian brain" operates using samples not probabilities, and that variability in human behavior may primarily reflect computational rather than sensory noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigated the effects and target of gastrodin (GAS) for treating depression through network pharmacology combined with experimentation. Methods: The therapeutic target and signal of GAS for depression were analyzed by network pharmacology. Depression in mice was mimicked with a chronic unpredictable mouse stress (CUMS) model. Through open field, elevated plus maze, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests, the effects of GAS on the CUMS mice behaviors were examined, and the levels of neurotransmitters were detected. The histopathological changes were assayed by H&E and IHC staining, and the protein expressions were detected by Western blotting. Small molecule‐protein docking and molecular dynamics experiments were conducted to simulate the binding mode between GAS and Caspase‐3. Results: Network pharmacological analysis revealed that Caspase‐3 was the action target of GAS. GAS could improve depression‐like behaviors in CUMS mice, elevate their neurotransmitter levels, ameliorate their nerve cell injury, and inhibit their Caspase‐3 expression. After knocking out Caspase‐3, the effects of GAS were inhibited. Molecular dynamics simulation and small molecule‐protein docking found that GAS bound to Caspase‐3 at SER25, inhibiting the maturation and activation of Caspase‐3. Conclusion: We find that GAS can act as a Caspase‐3 inhibitor, which improves depression‐like behaviors and nerve cell injury in CUMS mice by inhibiting Caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSIs) of digital health are important when researchers and practitioners are using technology to collect, process, or store personal health data. Evidence underscores a strong need for digital health ELSI training, yet little is known about the specific ELSI topic areas that researchers and practitioners would most benefit from learning. To identify ELSI educational needs, a needs assessment survey was administered to the members of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM). We sought to identify areas of ELSI proficiency and training need, and also evaluate interest and expertise in ELSI topics by career level and prior ELSI training history. The 14-item survey distributed to SBM members utilized the Digital Health Checklist tool (see recode.health/tools) and included items drawn from the four-domain framework: data management, access and usability, privacy and risk to benefit assessment. Respondents (N = 66) were majority faculty (74.2%) from psychology or public health. Only 39.4% reported receiving "formal" ELSI training. ELSI topics of greatest interest included practices that supported participant engagement, and dissemination and implementation of digital tools beyond the research setting. Respondents were least experienced in managing "bystander" data, having discussions about ELSIs, and reviewing terms of service agreements and privacy policies with participants and patients. There is opportunity for formalized ELSI training across career levels. Findings serve as an evidence base for continuous and ongoing evaluation of ELSI training needs to support scientists in conducting ethical and impactful digital health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoos and aquariums are well placed to connect visitors with the issues facing biodiversity globally and many deliver interventions that seek to influence visitors’ beliefs and behaviors with respect to conservation. However, despite primary studies evaluating the effect of such interventions, the overall effect of engaging with zoos and the factors that influence this effect remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effect of zoo‐led interventions on knowledge, beliefs (attitudes, intentions, self‐efficacy, and social norms), and behavior among zoo visitors. These outcomes were identified using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical lens. We identified and described the nature of zoo‐led interventions in 56 studies and used the behavior change technique (BCT) taxonomy to identify 6 specific BCTs used in interventions to date. Multilevel meta‐analyses revealed a small to medium positive effect of engaging with zoo‐led interventions on outcomes (d+ = 0.40, 95% confidence interval = 0.28–0.51). Specifically, visitors were more knowledgeable about conservation issues, held more favorable attitudes toward conservation, and reported being more likely to act for the benefit of biodiversity. No evidence of publication bias was present. Effect sizes were, however, heterogeneous and subgroup analyses revealed that the nature of the intervention or type of outcome did not explain this variance. Larger effects were, however, found in studies conducted at a single institution relative to research at multiple institutions and studies that used within‐participant designs relative to between‐participant designs. Taken together, these findings demonstrate how behavior change frameworks can be used to describe zoo‐led interventions and supports the assertion that zoos and aquariums can promote changes in beliefs and behaviors that may help protect biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of study was to investigate whether depression and anxiety symptoms and illness perception prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) predict health related quality of life (HRQOL) at Day 100 and 1 year following HSCT. Methods: A total of 205 patients who underwent HSCT (N = 127 autologous transplants, N = 78 allogeneic transplants) were included in this prospective study. Baseline assessment was assessed prior to transplantation and post HSCT data were collected at Day 100 and 1 year. At baseline we assessed depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9), anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7), illness perception (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), and HRQOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐BMT). Results: Patients who expressed a greater level of concern about the severity, course, and ability to exert control over one's illness (i.e., illness perception) and who reported a greater level of depression and anxiety symptoms prior to HSCT reported lower HRQOL at both Day 100 and 1 year posttransplant, with a similar degree of association observed at the two follow‐up time points. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that pretransplant perceptions about their illness and negative mood are significant predictors of HRQOL following HSCT. Illness perception, depression, and anxiety are potentially modifiable risk factors for less than optimal outcome after HCSCT and intervention strategies should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat to public, animal, and environmental health, consequently producing downstream economic impacts. While top-down approaches to addressing AMR (e.g., laws regulating antimicrobial use) are common in high-income countries, limited enforcement capacities in low- and middle-income countries highlight the need for more bottom-up approaches. Within agriculture, efforts to apply bottom-up approaches to AMR have often focused on the promotion of biosecurity, which should reduce the need for antimicrobials by mitigating disease risk and limiting AMR transmission. Traditionally, efforts to encourage biosecurity adoption have emphasized training and awareness-raising initiatives. However, a growing body of research suggests a disconnect between knowledge and behavior, highlighting the existence of a knowledge–action gap.MethodTo understand the barriers and enablers patterning the knowledge-action gap in on-farm biosecurity uptake, we draw upon models from behavioral science. We analyzed in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with smallholder poultry producers in Ghana to understand factors underlying the intention–action gap in adopting biosecurity. As an analytical framework, we draw upon the Theoretical Domains Framework in combination with the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behavioral Model.Results and discussionWhile smallholder poultry farmers in Ghana were aware of the importance of biosecurity practices, they struggled with consistent implementation. Financial constraints, challenges in adapting practices to the local context, and limited resources hindered adoption. Additionally, cognitive biases like prioritizing short-term gains and underestimating disease risks played a role. However, some farmers found motivation in professional identity and social influences. These findings highlight the need for designing biosecurity interventions that consider human behavioral factors and the context in which behavior occurs. This underscores the importance of collaboration across disciplines, including veterinary science and the social and behavioral sciences. Implications and recommendations for researchers and practitioners are discussed.

The realm of sports and physical exercise is abuzz with a plethora of opinions, ranging from enthusiastic support to disheartening criticism. Delving into this sea of sentiment can be quite challenging due to the vastness and complexity of the data. This study proposes a novel approach that combines the power of dimensionality reduction with conventional machine learning techniques to effectively analyze sentiment in sports and exercise-related texts. We have encountered that the emotions regarding sports and exercise have been flooded because of the lockdown conditions and machines are not trained to analyze these emotions. The objective of this analysis is to enhance the accuracy of sentiment classification, enabling machines to better understand the nuances of human emotions expressed in sports and exercise contexts. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed Dimensionality Reduction-Enhanced Machine Learning approach outperforms traditional methods in identifying the sentiment in sports and exercise-related texts. This technique achieves a significant improvement in weighted F1-score of 5 %, indicating a more precise and reliable sentiment classification. Among the conventional machine learning algorithms employed, Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Logistic Regression & Artificial neural network emerged as the most effective methods, achieving a weighted F1-score of respectively 0.92,0.925, 0.935, and 0.91. This study paves the way for a deeper understanding of public opinion during pandemic times and their effect on sports and physical exercise, enabling organizations and individuals to make informed decisions regarding marketing strategies, program development, and community engagement. The ability to accurately discern sentiment from a vast array of sports and exercise-related texts holds immense potential for fostering a more engaged and inclusive sporting landscape.

Delivery in well-equipped facilities is important to prevent the major causes of maternal mortality. Social and structural barriers are well established across low-resource contexts; less understood is the interaction between the psychological dimensions of behavior and a pregnant woman's environment to either facilitate or hinder facility delivery. We conducted formative research applying the behavioral design approach to explore this context shaping decision-making and behavior of pregnant women, and others with influence, in Grand Cape Mount, Liberia. In-depth interviews (n = 58) were conducted in 2021 with pregnant and postpartum women, family members, facility-based providers, trained traditional midwives, community health assistants, and community leaders. Our findings highlight that while most women intend to deliver in a facility, poverty compounds difficulties at each step of the continuum of care, with the cumulative impact making facility-based delivery more difficult for lower-income, rural women to achieve. Delivering in a facility requires extensive planning and saving to overcome these difficulties and we present insights into the context contributing to a series of delays across the course of a woman's pregnancy – from initial care seeking through preparing and seeking care for childbirth, to arriving and receiving care at the facility. Our findings reveal the importance of delays earlier in pregnancy, as poor families have to weigh trade-offs of various aspects of planning and saving more carefully while also faced with chronic scarcity and competing demands for attention. Behavioral solutions that support women to make these difficult decisions and empower communities to address local challenges are still sorely needed.

Should policymaking assume humans are irrational? Using empirical, theoretical, and philosophical arguments, we suggest a more useful frame is that human behavior is reasonable. Through identifying goals and systemic factors shaping behavior, we suggest that assuming people are reasonable enables behavioral science to be more effective in shaping public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial perception ability is a critical factor to influence the motor skills of soccer players and also plays a central role in enhancing athletic performance. In this study, 20 national-level soccer players (expert group) and 20 physical education college students from football clubs (novice group) were selected, and by using the functional near-infrared spectroscopic imaging (fNIRS), between-group differences in behavioral performance, prefrontal cerebral blood oxygenation (Oxy-Hb) activation, and functional brain connectivity during a mental rotation task were also discussed. The results revealed that: (1) The expert group exhibited significantly higher correct rates (P < 0.05) and shorter reaction times (P < 0.01) in the mental rotation task compared to the novice group. (2) Activation in the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, frontal pole area, and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex was lower in the expert group (P < 0.05), with stronger interbrain functional connectivity. The study suggested that: long-term football training appears to alter the spatial perceptual processing mode in athletes, enhancing neural resource efficiency and promoting stronger brain network connectivity, and these findings contribute valuable insights into the cognitive benefits associated with soccer training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of California, Davis has established a new research Center for Women's Cardiovascular and Brain Health, funded through residual legal settlement funds. The center aims to address sex disparities in cardiovascular disease and dementia by conducting transdisciplinary research that considers social determinants of health. The center focuses on the intersection of heart and brain health in marginalized and diverse communities, particularly women, and adopts a convergence research approach. The center's work is unique and innovative, with a focus on sex differences in heart and brain health and the potential for direct clinical impact. The center also emphasizes behavioral and implementation science, addressing social determinants of health and promoting diverse participation in clinical research. The document contains a list of references and citations from various scientific articles and reports related to topics such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, social determinants of health, and Alzheimer's disease, providing a starting point for further research on these topics. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: The Agile Nudge University is a National Institute on Aging-funded initiative to engineer a diverse, interdisciplinary network of scientists trained in Agile processes. Methods: Members of the network are trained and mentored in rapid, iterative, and adaptive problem-solving techniques to develop, implement, and disseminate evidence-based nudges capable of addressing health disparities and improving the care of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias (ADRD). Results: Each Agile Nudge University cohort completes a year-long online program, biweekly coaching and mentoring sessions, monthly group-based problem-solving sessions, and receives access to a five-day Bootcamp and the Agile Nudge Resource Library. Discussion: The Agile Nudge University is evaluated through participant feedback, competency surveys, and tracking of the funding, research awards, and promotions of participating scholars. The Agile Nudge University is compounding national innovation efforts in overcoming the gaps in the ADRD discovery-to-delivery translational cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is no agreed taxonomy of the techniques used to support patients to receive professional oral healthcare. This lack of specification leads to imprecision in describing, understanding, teaching and implementing behaviour support techniques in dentistry (DBS). Methods: This review aims to identify the labels and associated descriptors used by practitioners to describe DBS techniques, as a first step in developing a shared terminology for DBS techniques. Following registration of a protocol, a scoping review limited to Clinical Practice Guidelines only was undertaken to identify the labels and descriptors used to refer to DBS techniques. Results: From 5317 screened records, 30 were included, generating a list of 51 distinct DBS techniques. General anaesthesia was the most commonly reported DBS (n = 21). This review also explores what term is given to DBS techniques as a group (Behaviour management was most commonly used (n = 8)) and how these techniques were categorized (mainly distinguishing between pharmacological and non‐pharmacological). Conclusions: This is the first attempt to generate a list of techniques that can be selected for patients and marks an initial step in future efforts at agreeing and categorizing these techniques into an accepted taxonomy, with all the benefits this brings to research, education, practice and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Realist methods offer a novel approach to intervention design. Such novelty is needed for effective oral health promotion interventions with people with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) and their carers because existing interventions are poorly described and lack theoretical underpinning. In this study, the steps between inception and final intervention development are presented, with an aim to expand understanding of how realist theorizing can be used to develop interventions, and to demonstrate theory‐driven intervention development in the field of oral health promotion. Methods: In this intervention development study, the use of realist methods to develop an intervention aiming to improve the oral hygiene of people with IDD is presented. Realist theories (RTs) arising from a mixed synthesis were used to develop the Keep My Teeth intervention. The use of realist theory in intervention development was mapped across seven domains and 18 actions with emphasis on how theory informed key actions. Results: Realist theories informed many but not all actions in the development process. Where gaps arose, this was augmented with other systems of intervention development, such as the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) systems. The resulting intervention and underlying theory are presented using TiDieR criteria. Conclusions: It is demonstrated how realist methods could be integrated with substantive theory when developing an intervention. RTs enhanced the contextualization of the intervention that was developed but were insufficient in their own right to guide the development process from conception to intervention. This was overcome by augmenting with substantive theory, in this case, using the BCW and BCT behaviour change systems, to select and specify the behaviours that needed to change. In essence, the BCTs guided which techniques to select, while the RTs guided how to develop and intervene. Robust intervention development in the field of oral health promotion is also presented in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International government policy narratives responding to population aging have emphasized the public expenditure challenges associated with this demographic change. Despite this, ageism remains a major obstacle to extended working lives and the preferred retirement ages of older workers do not always mirror the policy direction. In this commentary, we argue that behavioral science can offer insights into how these deeply engrained attitudes and behaviors might be changed to promote extended working lives. Behavioral science involves a systematic study of human behavior, actions, and the choice architecture, with particular emphasis on understanding how incentives and information could be used to change behavior. We review the existing social gerontological and human resource management literature on ageistic attitudes and behaviors and embed this in the behavioral science literature to establish a cross-disciplinary research agenda that recognizes the heterogeneous needs, preferences, and experiences of older workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Government of Nepal has achieved high and sustained childhood vaccination coverage, reaching under-immunized and zero-dose children requires different approaches. Behavioral science offers promise in better understanding the drivers of vaccination and development of more effective programs; however, the application of behavioral science to immunization programs in Nepal is nascent. Through the Behavioral Science Immunization Network, JSI, UNICEF Nepal, and Dhulikhel Hospital–Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences established a Behavioral Science Center to engage a diverse group of stakeholders in increasing the capacity of practitioners to use behavioral science in immunization programming. As a result of the engagement during formative research, government stakeholders requested and applied tools from behavioral science to solve different immunization challenges. Of particular value was the use of the Journey to Health and Immunization framework, which helped stakeholders identify behavioral and social drivers of zero-dose communities in Kathmandu. Our experience in Nepal demonstrates that there is strong demand for approaches and tools from behavioral science to use in relation to immunization and that this type of engagement model is effective for generating demand for and strengthening capacity to use behavioral science approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many American employers seek to alleviate employee mental health symptoms through resources like employee assistance programs (EAPs), yet these programs are often underutilized. This pilot study explores the design of a behavioral science-based email campaign targeting engagement with stress management and mental health resources via an EAP, among employees of a large home builder in the Southeastern US. Methods: Behavioral designers created a behavioral science intervention using a multi-step design approach and evidence based behavioral strategies. For this pilot intervention, employees received either a treatment message [i.e., behavioral science message assembled and delivered via the behavioral reinforcement learning (BRL) agent] or a control message (i.e., a single generic, supportive message with a stock photo) with a call to action to utilize their EAP. Results: A total of 773 employees received emails over the course of 1 year. Engagement was high, with an 80% email open rate. Over 170 employees (22%, 159 treatment and 14 control) clicked the CTA and logged into the EAP site at least once. Discussion: This pilot study suggests that using behavioral science and artificial intelligence can improve employee usage of EAP, specifically with the intention of exploring mental health and stress management resources, compared to benchmark rates of 5% per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose Evidence of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cancer prevention and control is growing, but little is known about patient‐level factors associated with delayed care. We analyzed data from a survey focused on Iowan cancer patients' COVID‐19 experiences in the early part of the pandemic. Methods Participants were recruited from the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center's Patients Enhancing Research Collaborations at Holden (PERCH) program. We surveyed respondents on demographic characteristics, COVID‐19 experiences and reactions, and delays in any cancer‐related health care appointment, or cancer‐related treatment appointments. Two‐sided significance tests assessed differences in COVID‐19 experiences and reactions between those who experienced delays and those who did not. Results There were 780 respondents (26% response), with breast, prostate, kidney, skin, and colorectal cancers representing the majority of respondents. Delays in cancer care were reported by 29% of respondents. In multivariable‐adjusted models, rural residents (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.03, 2.11) and those experiencing feelings of isolation (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.37, 3.47) were more likely to report any delay, where experiencing financial difficulties predicted delays in treatment appointments (OR 5.72; 95% CI 1.96, 16.67). Health insurance coverage and concern about the pandemic were not statistically significantly associated with delays. Conclusion These findings may inform cancer care delivery during periods of instability when treatment may be disrupted by informing clinicians about concerns that patients have during the treatment process. Future research should assess whether delays in cancer care impact long‐term cancer outcomes and whether delays exacerbate existing disparities in cancer outcomes.

IntroductionTranslation of cancer research into practice takes around 15 years. Programs informed by implementation science methods and frameworks offer potential to improve cancer outcomes by addressing the implementation gap.MethodsWe describe the development of a Test Evidence Transition (TET) program which provides funding and support to health system delivery teams and project design and evaluation partners working together to achieve three objectives: Test innovations to support optimal cancer pathways that transform clinical practice; Evidence the process, outcome, and impact of implementation; and work with strategic partners to ensure the Transition of best practice into effective and equitable adoption across UK health systems.ResultsPhase 1 launched in April 2023. Teams with the capability and motivation to implement evidence-based pathway innovations were identified and invited to submit expressions of interest. Following peer-review, teams were supported to develop full proposals with input from academics specializing in health services research, evaluation, and implementation science. Projects were selected for funding, providing an opportunity to implement and evaluate innovations with support from academic and health system partners.ConclusionsTET aims to improve cancer outcomes by identifying and addressing local-level barriers to evidence-based practice and translating findings into consistent and equitable adoption across health systems. Phase 1 projects focus on pathway innovations in diagnosis for breast and prostate cancer. We are now launching Phase 2, focusing on colorectal cancer.

Abstract Aim The aim of study was to investigate whether depression and anxiety symptoms and illness perception prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) predict health related quality of life (HRQOL) at Day 100 and 1 year following HSCT. Methods A total of 205 patients who underwent HSCT (N = 127 autologous transplants, N = 78 allogeneic transplants) were included in this prospective study. Baseline assessment was assessed prior to transplantation and post HSCT data were collected at Day 100 and 1 year. At baseline we assessed depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9), anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7), illness perception (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), and HRQOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐BMT). Results Patients who expressed a greater level of concern about the severity, course, and ability to exert control over one's illness (i.e., illness perception) and who reported a greater level of depression and anxiety symptoms prior to HSCT reported lower HRQOL at both Day 100 and 1 year posttransplant, with a similar degree of association observed at the two follow‐up time points. Conclusions Our findings suggest that pretransplant perceptions about their illness and negative mood are significant predictors of HRQOL following HSCT. Illness perception, depression, and anxiety are potentially modifiable risk factors for less than optimal outcome after HCSCT and intervention strategies should be explored.

Since the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of companies have switched their employees to remote work. This has led to a number of problems, both technical and psychological. Technical problems related to online work are accompanied by questionable employee productivity and an unsatisfactory psychological climate in virtual teams. In order to address these shortcomings of working in virtual teams, the purpose of the article is to systematize employees’ feedback on the specific positive and negative aspects of remote work, and to propose effective methods for improving the efficiency of such work, using the principles of behavioral economics already tested in practice. The paper attempts to describe the importance of a comprehensive approach to evaluating work in virtual teams, which is based not only on the analysis of the effectiveness of such work, but also on the moral and psychological state of the team. It is also shown that behavioral principles (including various motivational tools) should be considered in the management strategy of virtual teams. The article proposes a comprehensive approach to the management of virtual teams based on the systematization of problems and specific ways to solve them. As a result of this study, it is proposed to use behavioral science approaches to improve remote work, such as loss aversion, endowment effect, framing effect, priming, and social comparison, which has already proven to be effective to a certain extent. Further studies, taking these aspects into account, will need to be undertaken.

Abstract Background Transportation has been identified as a specific source of burden for cancer caregivers. This study examined cancer caregivers' subjective experiences and objectives costs associated with transportation over a 6‐month period of providing end‐of‐life care to a family member or friend. Methods This was a multi‐site longitudinal, prospective cohort study that followed 223 caregiver–patient dyads. Data were collected using biweekly, semi‐structured interviews for up to 6 months and collection of all caregiving related receipts. Interviews were coded and analyzed using a comparative, iterative analysis and actual out of pockets costs were described using descriptive statistics. Results Over the 6‐month study period most caregivers (n = 143; 74%) discussed transportation at one or more timepoints. Average biweekly transportations costs to caregivers were $43.6. Caregivers described (n = 56; 39%) multiple direct and indirect costs of transportation, and 58% (n = 84) discussed the need for transportations services or assistance at the institutional level. Conclusions Caregivers described the multifaceted costs of transportation they experienced which are in line with previous work. Alongside descriptions of direct costs, caregivers described key opportunity costs, such as personal and work time forgone to transporting patients. Caregivers also made suggestions for institutional and/or civic based solutions to facilitate reliable modes of transportation, rather than individual‐level intervention.