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This study aimed to investigate the effect of interventions applied in addition to Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) application to the upper extremities on activity and participation in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). A systematic review was performed using the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Methodology. The PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All the included articles were evaluated based on their level of evidence and conduct. Six articles met the inclusion criteria and included children and adolescents with CP. Studies have examined the effectiveness of different approaches, and some studies have found that the intervention applied is effective for activities or participation. It was concluded that BoNT-A followed by upper limb rehabilitation approaches is effective in improving activity and participation levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). However, the superiority of combining BoNT-A with rehabilitation programs over rehabilitation programs alone remains inconclusive. Therefore, further clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of combining BoNT-A with a rehabilitation program to improve ICF parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We explore the intersectoral linkages of the Greek tourism sector. • We find that tourism demonstrates strong forward linkages. • The backward linkages of the tourism sector appear to be weak. • The growth of the economy would lead to the expansion of tourism, not vice versa. This paper assesses the intersectoral linkages of the tourism sector of the Greek economy using an extended version of the hypothetical extraction method, which allows the intersectoral effects of the labor force reproduction process to be taken into account, and data from the symmetric input-output table for the year 2015. The findings of our analysis show that the role of tourism in the Greek economy is more as a seller of inputs in other sectors than as a buyer of inputs, a finding that can be reduced to the high participation of the tourism product in the labor force reproduction process. In other words, an increase in demand for the tourism product cannot bring about a strong growth in the economy, since the sector's dependence on inputs from other sectors for its operation is low and, therefore, the increase in the tourism product does not lead to a large increase in the production of the other sectors. On the contrary, an increase in demand for the products of other sectors will lead to a strong growth of the tourism sector, since the dependence of other sectors on inputs of the tourism sector is high. The interdependencies in the production structure of the Greek economy show that the tourism sector cannot be the basis of a growth policy (i.e. by stimulating tourism demand), but, conversely, the growth of the Greek economy will lead to a significant increase in its tourism sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of science and technology, data has been called a very important factor of production. And in the process of data utilisation, the comparative computation of data needs to be used in many cases, and data security needs to be guaranteed. Therefore, it is necessary to study the schemes that support ciphertext comparison computation. At the same time, since the current schemes require the participation of trusted parties and online execution by users, they do not meet the needs of applications. In this paper, we study the problem of offline execution of ciphertext comparison, and propose a ciphertext comparison scheme that can be executed offline, while removing the participation of trusted parties. The security analysis proves the security of this scheme, and also shows the usability of this scheme in the comparison of other schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how house purchase restriction (HPR) affects stock market participation among households in China. Using a staggered difference-in-differences (DID), we observe a decrease in household stock market participation following the adoption of the HPR policy in a city. HPR decreases stock market participation by 1.72 percentage points and households' net equity purchase and equity to total wealth ratio by 17% and 0.2 percentage points, respectively. These findings suggest that house and stock investments cannot substitute each other. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that the negative effect of HPR is not driven by pecuniary consideration (house price and income risks) but rather by nonpecuniary consideration (risk aversion). Although the HPR policy is designed to curb the surge in local house prices, it reduces household's demand for equity investing, which creates a negative externality on the financial market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Social media recruitment is effective in a urogynecological questionnaire study. • Potential participant benefit can be an incentive in social media recruitment. • Online recruitment benefits from simplifying online enrolment procedure. This study explores the opportunities of social media advertisements as a recruitment strategy in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This feasibility study was part of a larger clinical trial on the effects of a patient decision aid for SUI treatment. We started a 61-day social media advertisement campaign to recruit women for the trial. The primary outcome of our study was enrolment pace. Secondary outcomes involved cost per participant, baseline demographic comparison and ad campaign performance metrics. Additionally, we interviewed recruited participants to identify the facilitators and barriers of our approach. Ten participants were recruited, of whom 8 completed the full study protocol (2 questionnaires 6 months apart). The enrolment pace, 4.0 study participants per month, was faster compared to the average of 2.7 participants per month through conventional methods. The campaign reached 87 clicks on the advertisement per day and 1 % of these women showed interest in our study by contacting us. The overall conversion rate from click to full participation was 0.2 %. The costs per participant were €112. Besides higher age, the demographics of the social media recruited participants were comparable to the conventional inclusions. Qualitative analysis identified more user-oriented enrolment procedures and potential participant benefit as facilitators of social media recruitment. This study shows that social media recruitment can be feasible in trials for women with SUI. It can accelerate recruitment of eligible participants. Optimising the enrolment procedure to better meet participants' needs and recruitment benefits may improve participation and cost-effectiveness. Trial registration ID 2017-3540 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cerebral palsies (CP) have a UK prevalence of 1–2/1000. 60–80% of children with CP have upper-limb involvement. Physical movement difficulties including tone abnormalities, weakness and secondary musculoskeletal function are associated with sensory, cognitive difficulties and medical co-morbidities. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology of CP and structured multidisciplinary assessment in the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can guide management to improve activity and participation for children with CP. A range of therapy, medical and surgical interventions may be offered to a child and their family. The selection of treatment options should be focused on individualized and realistic goals. Clear outcomes should be evaluated. This review aims to summarize a structured approach to assessment and management of upper limb function in CP; and is illustrated by case examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data collection by mailing questionnaires to the study population is one of the main research methods in epidemiologic studies. As participation rates are decreasing, easy-to-implement and cost-effective strategies to increase survey participation are needed. In this study, we tested the effect of a pragmatic combination of evidence-based interventions. We conducted a two-armed randomized controlled trial, nested in a cohort of breast cancer survivors (n = 1000) in the setting of a health outcomes survey. The intervention arm received a postal pre-notification, a non-monetary incentive (ballpoint with the study logo) and an alternative invitation letter in which several lay-out and textual adjustments were implemented according to behavioural science techniques. The alternative invitation letter also contained a QR-code through which an information video about the study could be accessed. The control arm was invited according to standard practice. Participants had the option to fill-out a questionnaire either on paper or online. A questionnaire with more than 50% of the questions answered classified as participation. Overall participation rate was 62.9%. No significant difference in participation rate was observed between intervention and control arm (64.5% vs 61.3%, Risk Ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% CI [0.96 – 1.16]). Older age at study (>65 vs <51 years), and high socio-economic status (highest vs lowest quartile) were associated with higher participation rates (RR 1.30, 95% CI [1.07 – 1.57] and 1.24, 95% CI [1.09 – 1.42] respectively). In-situ carcinoma compared to invasive cancer and longer interval since treatment were associated with lower participation (RR 0.86, 95% CI [0.74 – 0.99] and RR 0.92, 95% CI [0.87 – 0.99] per 5 year increase, respectively). Overall, the combination of four interventions tested in this study did not improve survey participation among breast cancer survivors. The overall participation rate was relatively high, possibly due to the study population of cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Studied GVC trade of Chinese industrial firms on environment pollution. • Merged three rich firm-level data sets from production, trade to emissions. • Estimated the firm-level vertical specialization of China's industrial firms. • Identified GVC participation significantly reduce SO 2 emissions intensity. The global value chain (GVC) had brought different pattern to the environment impact of trade. Thus, exploring the effect of participation in GVCs on firms' environmental performance is of great significance. Using micro data on Chinese industrial firms between 2000 and 2013, we investigate the degree of vertical specialization in their sulfur dioxide (SO 2) emission intensity. The results showed that the higher degree of vertical integration in GVCs is conducive to decreasing SO 2 emission intensity through the channels of imported intermediate inputs and enhancement coal-use efficiency. Besides, we construct two different instrument variables to mitigate the endogeneity problem, along with a series of robustness and heterogeneity tests. This study contributes to the literature on the effect of GVC trade on the environment by providing firm-level evidence from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group decision-making involves selecting among limited options. Experts share their perspectives in a comparative debate but then evaluate alternatives using preference relations, which can result in inconsistencies between their expressions and assessments. To address this, a method is proposed that automates the generation of these relationships from the debate comments, classifying them into positive and negative using sentiment analysis, namely with the Large Language Model. A new operator is introduced that weights these comments to calculate preference relations. Furthermore, modification of the relationships is allowed if the experts so wish. Moreover, another operator is incorporated that adjusts the weight of each expert according to his or her active participation in the discussion, assigning more weight to those who contribute more comments. Finally, this innovative method promotes coherence and equal participation in group decision-making by employing an innovative sentiment analysis detection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Since 2014, several natural history studies and clinical trials have been conducted in centronuclear myopathies (CNM). Many members of international patient organizations dedicated to CNM have been involved as (parents of) participants. • Understanding the participants' experience as well as barriers and facilitators of participation are important to optimize future research and to inform clinical trial management. • The most common barriers to trial participation of patients with various neuromuscular disorders comprise concerns about potential harmful effects, opportunity loss and the expected burden on daily life. • The most common facilitators are an expected benefit on the disease course, altruism and collateral benefit. The limited availability of relevant literature suggest that future research should focus on (qualitative) studies regarding trial experience of CNM patients. The design of a clinical trial for a rare disease can be challenging. An optimal study design is required to effectively study the clinical outcomes for possible therapies for these types of disorders. Understanding the study participants' experiences as well as barriers and facilitators of participation are important to optimize future research and to inform clinical trial management. Centronuclear myopathies (CNMs) including X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) are a group of rare congenital myopathies for which there is no cure currently. Since 2014, a number of natural history studies and clinical trials have been conducted in CNMs. Two trials have been prematurely terminated because of severe adverse events. Since no research has been conducted regarding trial experience in CNM, we performed a scoping literature research on clinical trial experience of patients with neuromuscular disorders in general. The most common barriers to trial participation of patients comprise concerns about potential harmful effects, opportunity loss and the expected burden on daily life. The most common facilitators were an expected benefit on the disease course, altruism and collateral benefit. While several results are in line with trial experiences of other types of patients, for example oncological patients, distinctions can be made for patients with CNM and other neuromuscular disorders. However, the limited availability of relevant literature suggests that future (qualitative) research should focus on trial experiences in CNM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the network micro-selection mechanisms responsible for patterns of high school student extracurricular activity (ECA) participation, with a particular focus on those that can lead to ethnoracial segregation. We identify six types of mechanisms by which students select into activities (e.g., peer influence, homophily), which we test using a unique longitudinal dataset that combines student surveys with yearbook data on ECA involvement. These contexts represent two ethnoracially diverse U.S. high schools involving 2403 students and over 200 different activities spanning two school years. Using a stochastic actor-oriented model for two-mode networks, we find support for the hypothesized activity selection mechanisms. Follow-up analyses convey the relative importance of different mechanisms and inform our discussion of how ECA participation patterns develop and possible sources of segregation. Whereas selection is driven by mechanisms that include influence from friends and co-participants and similarity to fellow participants, no single overarching mechanism appears strong enough to fully account for ECA segregation • We outline and test several classes of two-mode network selection mechanisms. • We analyze novel yearbook data on extracurricular activity membership networks. • Mechanisms driving activity selection include peer influence and comember similarity. • No selection mechanism appears inordinately responsible for segregated activities. • We discuss implications for understanding segregation in extracurricular activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die positiven gesundheitsfördernden Wirkungen des Sports sind allgemein anerkannt. Sport fördert dabei auch die sozialen Kontakte und damit die Teilhabe. Menschen mit Behinderungen daher die Teilhabe am Sport zu bieten, sollte eine grundsätzliche Aufgabe für eine umfassende, ganzheitliche Rehabilitation sein und frühestmöglich einsetzen. Man unterscheidet dabei verschiedene Phasen mit unterschiedlichen Zugangsmöglichkeiten, die es zu nutzen gilt. Moderne Onlinesysteme bieten umfassende aktuelle Informationsmöglichkeiten (u.a. www.parasport.de). The positive effects of sports for general health are well known. As well sports is a promotor for social contacts and participation. To give persons who have a handicap the chance to do sports should be a basic goal to achieve a holistic rehabilitation and should begin as early as possible during the rehabilitation process. There are several subphases in rehabilitation with different accessibilities which can be used. Modern communication techniques support a large scale of possibilities to get information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient-powered research networks (PPRNs) for autoimmune disease are widely used in the adult population to recruit patients and drive patient-centered research, but few have included pediatric patients. We aimed to characterize viewpoints regarding research needs and participation in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) via a PPRN-disseminated survey. This is an exploratory, cross-sectional study. The study period was February 1, 2022, to February 9, 2023. Three questionnaires were disseminated to (1) patients with POMS (PwPOMS), (2) caregivers of PwPOMS (C-PwPOMS), and (3) health care providers/researchers in POMS (HR-POMS). A total of 88 participants were included for analysis; 44% (n = 39) were PwPOMS, 42% (n = 37) were C-PwPOMS, and 14% (n = 12) were HR-POMS. Some PwPOMS (18%) and C-PwPOMS (9%) expressed research hesitancy, but more, 69% of PwPOMS and 68% of C-PwPOMS, were interested in research participation. Nevertheless, less than half of PwPOMS (38%) and C-PwPOMS (38%) reported previous research involvement. HR-POMS reported difficulties in funding (100%) and recruiting participants (58%). PwPOMS (67%), C-PwPOMS (62%), and HR-POMS (67%) were open to future involvement in PPRNs. Participants with POMS in this study expressed strong interest in research involvement but also expressed participation hesitancy, which may contribute to recruiting challenges expressed by researchers. Although the exploratory design limits generalizability to the larger POMS population, this study shows PPRNs are well-suited to soliciting attitudes and opinions of key stakeholders in POMS. Future studies utilizing PPRNs for POMS should prioritize diverse, representative cohorts and focus on understanding and mitigating issues hindering research participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the published research on the relationship between climate change and skin cancer and the implications for prevention, management and further research. Scoping review. This scoping review following JBI methodology reviewed English articles identified in searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus on 14 April 2023. The screening of articles was completed by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted by a single reviewer and checked by another. A causal pathway diagram was iteratively developed throughout the review and was used to categorise the findings. The search identified 1376 papers, of which 45 were included in the final review. Nine papers reported primary research, and 36 papers were reviews, perspectives, commentaries, editorials, or essays. The papers examined climate change influencing behaviours related to ultraviolet exposure (30 papers), ambient temperature (21 papers) and air pollution (five papers) as possible risk factors; occupational, rural, and contextual factors affecting skin cancer (11 papers); and prevention and access to health care in the context of climate change (seven papers). Most papers were published in journals in subject areas other than health. This review identified ultraviolet radiation, occupation, rising temperature, individual behaviour and air pollution as possible influences on skin cancer rates. Furthermore, it highlights the complexity and uncertainties in the relationship between climate change and skin cancer and the need for further research on this relationship, including primary epidemiological research and reviews that follow recognised review guidelines and include assessment of health services and social determinants in the causal pathways of this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine if there are longer-term effects on symptoms, health status, mood, and behavior 10 years after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Prospective cohort study. Community-based, civilian sample. Adults aged ≥16 years at follow-up who experienced an mTBI 10 years ago, and an age and sex-matched non-injured control group. Not applicable. mTBI cases and controls were asked to complete self-report assessments of functioning (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule Version 2), symptoms (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire), health status (100-point scale), alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and substance use (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test), and whether they had engaged in any anti-social behaviors over the past 12 months. Data were analyzed for 368 participants (184 mTBI cases and 184 age-sex matched controls). Just over a third of mTBI cases (64, 34.8%) reported that they were still affected by their index mTBI 10 years later. After adjusting for education and ethnicity, the mTBI group had statistically higher overall symptom burden (F=22.32, P <.001, ηp2=0.07) compared with controls. This difference remained after excluding those who experienced a recurrent TBI. The mTBI group were more than 3 times as likely to have engaged in anti-social behavior during the previous 12 months (F=5.89, P =.02). There were no group differences in health status, functioning, or problematic alcohol or substance use 10 years post-injury. This study provides evidence of potential longer-term associations between mTBI, post-concussion symptoms, and anti-social behavior which warrants further evaluation. Future research should also examine if longer-term effects may be preventable with access to early rehabilitation post-injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is not only an important energy carrier needed to achieve the global goal of carbon neutrality, but also an important way of international energy trade in the future. This research analyzes the advantages and challenges of China's participation in international hydrogen trade in detail, proposes the possible routes of China's international hydrogen trade, and proposes specific measures to enhance China's participation in international hydrogen trade. This paper proposes that China should take green hydrogen as its development direction, and guide the development of China's hydrogen trade with the principle of blue green cooperation and gray hydrogen withdrawal. In the future, China's hydrogen trade forms will be diversified, and the types of trade will cover the entire hydrogen energy industry chain. Therefore, China should accelerate the overall deployment of hydrogen trade and the construction of hydrogen trade infrastructure, and build a more sophisticated hydrogen economy. [Display omitted] • The advantages of China's international hydrogen trade are analyzed. • Discussed China's possible international hydrogen trade routes in the future. • The obstacles affecting China's hydrogen competitiveness are analyzed. • Put forward suggestions to promote China's international hydrogen trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The proportion of women surgeons is increasing, although women in surgical leadership and research has not kept pace. The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT) pledged its commitment to diversity and inclusion in 2016. Our study sought to evaluate the temporal trend of gender representation in leadership, speakership, and research at SSAT. Methods: Publicly available SSAT meeting programs from 2010 to 2022 were reviewed to assess gender proportions within leadership positions (officers and committee chairs); invited speakerships, multidisciplinary symposia, and committee panel session moderators and speakers; and contributions to scientific sessions (moderator, first author and senior author). Verified individual professional profiles were analyzed to categorize gender as woman, man, or unavailable. Descriptive and trend analyses using linear regression and chi-squared testing were performed. Results: A total of 5506 individuals were reviewed; 1178 (21.4%) were identified as women and 4328 (78.6%) as men or did not have available data. The absolute proportion of total female participation increased by 1.05% per year (R2=0.82). There was a statistically significant difference in the total proportion of women participation before and after 2016 (18.5% vs. 27.1%, p<0.01). Increases in the proportion of women were demonstrated in leadership, invited speakerships, multidisciplinary symposia, committee panel sessions, research session moderators, and abstract first authors. The proportion of women senior authors remained stagnant. Conclusion: Though this upward trajectory in SSAT women participation is encouraging, current trends predict that gender parity will not be reached until 2044. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low market participation of pastoral livestock producers is a challenge to the development of a climate-resilient economy in drought-prone areas. Without deliberate and well-designed efforts to transform livestock production into a thriving profit-oriented commercial business, the development of pastoral societies will remain far-fetched. By applying bivariate selection model and dose-response function to a case study of 357 pastoral households in Ethiopia, this study examines pastoralists' participation in goat markets and the impact of participation on per capita income, poverty headcount, and poverty gap. Our results show that the propensity and intensity of participation of pastoralists in goat marketing were influenced by flock size, transaction costs (TC), and access to veterinary services. An important finding in this study is that pastoralists are willing to pay for marketing services up to 97 % of the total variable TC, indicating the financial feasibility of public investment in the development of market infrastructure through cost recovery schemes. The results also reveal that participation in goat marketing has a positive impact on per capita income, poverty headcount, and poverty gap. These findings shed some light on more practical strategies for poverty reduction among pastoralists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenges in the transition to a low-carbon economy is how to improve the energy and environmental performance of migrants. China has experienced rapid urbanization and a surge in domestic migration in recent years. People migrate within China are an indispensable integral part of sustainable development. Do migrants engage in environmental affairs to the same extent as the locals? Extant literatures have paid insufficient attention to this topic. This paper contributes to the understanding of differences in environmental participation among urban residents who hold varying types of household registration (namely, hukou) identity. Drawing on large-scale survey datasets and the technique of matching, the study finds that: (1) the environmental engagement of migrants is less active than those owning hukou , (2) migrants' duration of residence, household income, and the level of barriers to obtaining local hukou moderate the above relationship, and (3) the lack of social trust and sense of belonging that comes with the absence of hukou identity are channels constraining migrants' environmental involvement. This article contends that further reform of the hukou system might be necessary to incentivize migrants to take a more proactive role in environmental matters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores children's interactional competence in the context of bilingual early childhood education, looking specifically at how very young children initiate conversations with teachers by informing them about something interesting and new. Video recordings collected from ethnographic fieldwork in a Swedish–English preschool are investigated from the conversation analytic perspective, paying particular attention to multimodal aspects of naturally-occurring interactions. The analysis reveals that in initiating informings aimed at teachers in a multiparty institutional setting, children practice their bilingual skills in turn-taking and recipient design, and present their topic as relevant and coherent within the local material and conversational context. In so doing, children navigate institutional constraints on participation, secure teachers' recipiency, and establish themselves as knowledgeable speakers. Child-initiated participation in multiparty institutional settings provides a co-operative, transformative social process that constitutes an essential affordance for children's development of interactional competence in a bilingual educational context. • Bilingual children's conversational initiatives in interactions with teachers are analyzed. • The data from a Swedish-English preschool highlight bilingual children's interactional competence. • Children issue informings as a recognizable social action in relation to sequential organization and recipient design. • Children's informings are made relevant through their material and discursive situatedness. • Teachers may ratify and expand on children's interactional initiatives within multiparty participation framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Provider subsidy participation is examined in a mixed methods statewide study. • Centers' operations and funding structures are related to subsidy participation. • Centers in high poverty areas are more likely to accept subsidies. • State policies play an important role in subsidy participation decisions. • Center, community, and state level factors can influence subsidy participation. The number of early care and education centers that accept child care subsidies has declined, limiting access for children and families from low-income backgrounds. This statewide mixed methods study explores how centers make decisions about accepting subsidies in Arkansas. Quantitative results suggest that provider and community characteristics are important, while qualitative results help to enhance our overall understanding of the decision-making process by emphasizing the importance of a center's overall operational and financial structure and state subsidy policies. Integrated findings suggest the importance of the combination of a variety of factors at the center, community, and state levels. Findings from this study point to ways that policymakers may encourage early learning programs to accept child care subsidies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in technology have made it possible to deliver parenting interventions online, known as eHealth interventions. Little is known about the rate at which parents participate in eHealth interventions, characteristics of parents who watch eHealth interventions at an accelerated pace (i.e., binge-watching), and if binge-watching impacts intervention outcomes. The sample included 142 Hispanic parents who were randomly assigned to an eHealth family-based intervention and completed 100% of eight online, prerecorded and self-paced video group sessions delivered across 12 weeks. We examined baseline predictors (parent sociodemographic characteristics, report of child's externalizing behaviors, and family functioning) of watching group sessions in two weeks or less (n = 23, 16.2%). Using latent growth curve modeling, we tested the impact of binge-watching on the trajectory of adolescent drug use, condomless sex, and depressive symptoms across 36 months. We also examined the impact of binge-watching on changes in family functioning from baseline to 6 months postbaseline. Parents with high levels of education and of children with attention problems were more likely to binge-watch. Conversely, parents of children with conduct disorder symptoms were less likely to binge-watch. The trajectory of depressive symptoms increased for adolescents with parents who binge-watched the intervention, but the trajectory of condomless sex decreased. There was no impact on drug use. Binge-watching was also associated with decreases in parental monitoring. The findings of this study have implications for eHealth interventions; the pace that parents watch eHealth interventions may subsequently impact adolescent outcomes, such as condomless sex and depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effects of cultural proximity on countries' participation in global value chains (GVCs) using a large country-pair dataset with 60,910 observations from 1996 to 2018. GVC participation is defined as the value-added embedded in exports, looking both backward and forward from a reference nation. Trade in cultural goods is used as a proxy for time-varying and asymmetric dimensions of cultural proximity. After extensive robustness checks, our main findings reveal that cultural proximity drives up both backward and forward participation. The impacts of cultural proximity are transmitted through the following channels: sourcing cost reductions and local content requirements. These effects become stronger for geographically diverse country pairs and hold for an alternative measure of cultural goods classification and when controlling the endogeneity problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Age is a powerful predictor of cognitive impairments. • Hemiplegic side is a strong predictor of cognitive impairments. • BMI in limits is one important factor influence participation in rehabilitation. • Treatment of cardiovascular diseases contributes to participation in rehabilitation. • Well-being of cognitive functions contributes to participation in rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to examine the parameters that may influence the willingness of patients to participate in post-stroke rehabilitation. Patients in the subacute phase of stroke who underwent inpatient rehabilitation for one month were included in this study. The primary outcome measure was the level of rehabilitation participation as measured on the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale (PRPS). Other outcome measures evaluated were Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive functions, Brunnstrom stage for motor recovery, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) for disability, Functional Independence Measure for functionality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, and Beck Depression Inventory for emotional state. A total of 38 patients with first-time stroke were studied. A negative correlation was found between the participation in rehabilitation and body mass index (BMI) (r: −0.398p = 0.012), myocardial infarction (MI) history (r: −0.387p = 0.015) and mRS (r: −0.351p = 0.031), while a positive correlation was determined with MMSE (r: 0.432P = 0.007). A 1-unit increase in BMI, MI history, and mRS resulted in a 0.176, 0.673, and 0.294-unit decrease in participation in rehabilitation, respectively. In addition, a 1-unit increase in MMSE provided an increase of 0.606-unit in participation. BMI within normal limits, prevention/treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and well-being of physical and cognitive functions might be the factors that positively influence participation in rehabilitation process. We consider that it would be appropriate to evaluate these parameters with particular emphasis in stroke patients in the subacute period to be rehabilitated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stakeholder participation is increasingly seen as beneficial for short and long term responses to climate change risks. Past research highlights the role social networks play as both a key outcome of participation, as well as an important step towards other environmental governance goals. This paper focuses on the social relation of mutual understanding , which is often discussed in the environmental governance literature, but has yet to be studied as an empirical social network in its own right. Our paper builds and tests a conceptual framework linking participation to mutual understanding and social learning. We analyze three waves of network and perceptions data gathered on stakeholders participating in the Integrated Coastal Resiliency Assessment (ICRA) project, a 2.5 year-long project aimed at developing a collaborative research assessment on the vulnerabilities to climate change experienced by an island community located in the Chesapeake Bay, USA. Our findings suggest that participation (measured as co-attendance in project events) leads to the formation of mutual understanding ties among stakeholders, but these ties do not necessarily lead to more similarity in stakeholders' perceptions on climate change. We reflect on these findings, and the project more broadly, noting that our study lends support to scholars arguing that feelings of mutual understanding are potentially more important for certain forms of collective action, as opposed to whether or not stakeholders increase their shared beliefs or perceptions about the environmental problem in question. • We conceptualize and test the links between participation, mutual understanding and social learning. • We use Stochastic Actor Oriented Models (SAOMs) to examine the evolution of mutual understanding as a non-directed, cognitive network. • Findings show tendencies for stakeholder participation leading to mutual understanding. • There is no support for mutual understanding leading to greater similarity in climate change perceptions. • For certain collective actions, mutual understanding is more important than increased similarity in perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CenteringPregnancy emphasizes nutrition, learning, and peer support through a group meeting format in contrast to the standard of prenatal care that maximizes a pregnant patient's time with their provider. It was hypothesized that the program may yield a reduced risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension. In this observational study, authors examined the impacts of the CenteringPregnancy program versus those of standard of prenatal care on pregnancy-induced hypertension. In 2021, birth certificate data were linked to hospital discharge records of women who delivered in obstetric clinics in the Midlands of South Carolina between 2015 and 2019. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between CenteringPregnancy participation (n =547) and any pregnancy-induced hypertension and specific pregnancy-induced hypertension diagnoses (gestational hypertension/unspecified hypertension, mild pre-eclampsia, and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia). Propensity score techniques (e.g., inverse probability of treatment weighting) were used to adjust for self-selection into the program versus into standard of prenatal care. CenteringPregnancy participants had higher odds of developing any pregnancy-induced hypertension under all specifications (OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.15, 1.92) and specifically gestational hypertension/unspecified hypertension (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.28, 2.42) than those in standard of prenatal care. However, CenteringPregnancy participants did not experience significantly higher odds of mild pre-eclampsia (OR=1.06, 95% CI=0.65, 1.78) and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (OR=1.21, 95% CI=0.78, 1.89) compared with standard of prenatal care participants. Participation in CenteringPregnancy was associated with higher odds of pregnancy-induced hypertension, particularly gestational hypertension, than participation in standard of prenatal care. Additional research is warranted to definitely rule out selection bias and identify contributing factor(s) that increased pregnancy-induced hypertension despite efforts to improve pregnancy-related health outcomes among CenteringPregnancy participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on participation, support, and barriers at home in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and without ADHD. This study included a total of 227 participants with a mean age of 11.93 ± 2.96 years, comprising 116 children and adolescents with ADHD and 111 without ADHD. The parents or primary caregivers of all the children completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY), which was used to assess participation and environmental factors in the home. The Student's t- test was used to compare numeric data and Chi-square test to categorical data between children and adolescents with ADHD and those without ADHD in all three settings. The children with ADHD were determined to play computer and video games significantly more than children without ADHD (p < 0.001). The mean frequency of participation in arts, crafts, music, hobbies (p < 0.001), school preparation (<0.0001), and homework (<0.003) was significantly higher in children without ADHD. A moderate effect size (ϕ = 0.42) was determined in respect of cognitive demands making it more difficult for children with ADHD to participate in home activities than children without ADHD. Children with ADHD were negatively affected in terms of participating in home activities than their typically developing peers. In addition, cognitive demands prevented their participation and involvement in the home environment while cognitive demands were a support for non-ADHD children. A highlight of this research was the comprehensive investigation of the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on participation in all activities at home, in addition to the support and barriers in the home environment for children with ADHD compared to typically developing peers. • Based on COVID-19's long-term effects, ADHD children participated less in home activities than their peers. • Children with ADHD participate frequently and were more involved in computer and video games than their peers. • Cognitive demands restricted their home participation and involvement in home while supporting non-ADHD children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Most participants (77.4%) reported a willingness to participate in AF screening. • Participants demonstrated poor knowledge of the consequences, treatment, and symptoms of AF, whereas they generally held positive attitudes toward AF screening. • Participants were more likely to participate in AF screening when they perceived great control over the behavior, held a positive attitude toward screening, and had an AF diagnosis. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased stroke risk, but many cases of AF remain undiagnosed. Screening is suggested for early detection of AF. However, nonparticipation in screening is frequently reported, and the underlying causes of why patients choose to participate or not are poorly understood. To explore factors associated with participation in AF screening in a high-risk population in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted among community residents who were at risk for AF in Guangzhou, China, from February to September 2022. Data on AF knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and willingness to participate in AF screening were collected. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was performed to explore predictors for participation in AF screening. In total, 420 participants were included, with a mean age of 74.4 (±7.43) years old. The results showed that 77.4% of participants reported that they were likely to participate in AF screening. The results of multiple linear regression showed that perceived behavioral control (β =0.591, 95% CI: 0.071, 0.094), attitude (β =0.085, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.025), and having an AF diagnosis (β =0.098, 95% CI: 0.068, 0.494) were positively associated with willingness to participate in AF screening. Chinese patients are more likely to participate in AF screening when they perceive great control over their behavior, hold a positive attitude, and have an AF diagnosis. The findings provide clues for future interventions aimed at improving the AF screening participation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammography screening programs have been implemented in European countries as prevention tools aimed at reducing breast cancer mortality through early detection in asymptomatic women. Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland) demonstrated high participation rates; however, breast cancer mortality could be limited by further optimizing screening. This review aimed to explore factors that affect women's participation in mammography screening in Nordic countries. A systematic review of segregated mixed research synthesis using a deductive approach was conducted. The following databases and platforms were searched to identify relevant studies: CINAHL with Full Text (EBSCOHost), MEDLINE (EBSCOHost), PsycInfo (ProQuest), Scopus (Elsevier) and Web of Science Core Collection (SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, A&HCI, CPCI-S, CPCI-SSH, and ESCI). The Critical Appraisal Skills Program was used for quality assessment. The Health Promotion Model was applied to integrate findings from qualitative and qualitative research. All methodological steps followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The final selection (16 articles) included studies from three Nordic countries: Denmark (four quantitative studies), Norway (one qualitative and four quantitative studies), and Sweden (three qualitative and seven quantitative studies). Sixty-three factors were identified as barriers, facilitators, or factors with no influence. A substantial number of obtained factors, spread across a wide spectrum, describe (non-)participation in mammography screening as a versatile phenomenon. Implications for practic e: The findings of this review could benefit the mammography staff and providers regarding possible interventions aimed at improving screening participation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Clinical trial participation is not equitable across people with cystic fibrosis (CF). • Self-study is a valuable tool for reducing disparities in CF clinical trial participation. • Tailored approaches to recruitment and referrals can increase diversity in CF clinical trials. Clinical trials are a necessary tool for evaluating the effectiveness of newly developed treatments and interventions for cystic fibrosis (CF). Prior work demonstrated a proportional underrepresentation of people with CF (pwCF) identifying as part of a minoritized racial or ethnic group in clinical trials. In order to establish a baseline for improvement efforts, we undertook a center-level self-study to evaluate if the racial and ethnic backgrounds of pwCF participating in clinical trials at our CF Center in New York City reflect our overall patient diversity (N = 200; 55 pwCF identifying as part of a minoritized racial or ethnic group and 145 pwCF identifying as non-Hispanic White). A smaller proportion of pwCF identifying as part of a minoritized racial or ethnic group participated in a clinical trial as compared to pwCF identifying as non-Hispanic White (21.8% vs. 35.9%, P = 0.06). A similar trend was present for pharmaceutical clinical trials (9.1% vs. 16.6%, P = 0.3). When limiting the study population to the pwCF most likely to be eligible for a CF pharmaceutical clinical trial, a larger proportion of pwCF identifying as part of a minoritized racial or ethnic group participated in a pharmaceutical clinical trial as compared to pwCF identifying as non-Hispanic White (36.4% vs. 19.6%, P = 0.2). No pwCF identifying as part of a minoritized racial or ethnic group participated in an offsite clinical trial. Efforts to improve the racial and ethnic diversity of pwCF in clinical trials, both onsite and offsite, will require a shift in how recruitment opportunities are identified and communicated to pwCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Participation is key to the successful implementation of nutrition-related interventions, but it has been relatively overlooked. Objective: We sought to describe participation intensity among smallholder farmers in a randomized nutrition-sensitive agroecology study in rural Tanzania. We explored the association between baseline characteristics and overall participation intensity (quantitatively at the individual level and qualitatively at the group level), the association of participation intensity with 2 process indicators, and the association between participation intensity and key study outcomes. Methods: Data came from 7 rounds of surveys with 295 women and 267 men across 29 months and 2 rounds of semi-structured interviews with the 20 "mentor farmers" who delivered the intervention. Participation intensity was based on the number of months of attendance at village-level project meetings or household visits (range: 0-29). Multivariable models of participation were built. Results: Women and men participated for 17.5 ± 7.2 and 13.6 ± 8.3 months, respectively. Participation intensity followed 1 latent trajectory: initially low, with a sharp increase after month 7, and plateaued after the first year. At baseline, higher participation intensity was associated with older age, higher education, level of women's empowerment, being in the middle quintile of wealth, and qualitatively, village residence. Higher participation intensity was associated with 2 process indicators - better recall of topics discussed during meetings and greater knowledge about key agroecological methods. High participation intensity was positively associated with increased use of sustainable agricultural practices among all participants, and among women, with husband's involvement in household tasks and child's dietary diversity score. Conclusions: Participation intensity covaried with key study outcomes, suggesting the value of increased attention to implementation in nutrition-related programs for providing insights into drivers of impact. We hope that investigations of participation, including participation intensity, will become more widespread so that intervention impacts, or lack thereof, can be better understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We simulate CF birth incidence to account for changes in live births by race and Hispanic ethnicity and we account for the introduction of newborn screening for CF by state and year of implementation. • The prevalence of CF in the United States in 2020 is approximately 40,000 individuals. • Participation in the CF Foundation Patient Registry is nearly 80% of the total population of individuals living with CF, with highest participation among children under 15 years of age. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) collects data on individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the United States (US). In 2012, the US CF population was estimated at 33,292 to 34,327 individuals, with 81-84% CFFPR participation. In this study, we update these estimates via simulation to account for uncertainty in CF incidence by race or Hispanic ethnicity, initiation of CF newborn screening (NBS) programs by state, and updated cumulative survival for CF births 1968-2020. We defined registry participation as the proportion of individuals alive as of 2020 with any prior CFFPR participation as well as the proportion with contributing data in 2019 or 2020; we summarize CFFPR participation for those born prior to 1968. We estimated the 2020 prevalent CF population between 1968-2020 to be 38,804 (95% Uncertainty Interval (UI): 38,532 to 39,065) individuals, with 77% of the prevalent CF population contributing recent data. CFFPR participation differs by age (54% of those born in 1968) and exceeds >90% of the population born in 2009 or later. We demonstrate that the CFFPR remains a valid data source generalizable to the CF population. High participation among younger individuals may reflect the success of newborn screening programs and early referral to CF care. If engagement can be sustained, the percentage of individuals participating in the CFFPR will grow over time and there is an opportunity to identify factors associated with loss to follow up among older individuals to optimize the quality of the CFFPR data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a class Ia recommendation by international guidelines. However, the participation remains disappointingly low. Multiple barriers were already identified. Nevertheless, the relationship with psychosocial factors remains unsettled. The aim of this study is to analyse the role of psychosocial factors in CR participation. A prospective study on 165 patients with a percutaneous coronary intervention. The main outcome was participation in a centre-based CR programme. The independent relationship between participation and optimism, type D personality or distressed personality, health literacy, depression, social support and self-efficacy. A total number of 165 patients were included in the study of which 81 (49.1%) participated in a centre-based CR programme. Participants were predominantly male. Solely, patients participating in CR were significantly younger (P = 0.005). Participants of CR had significantly higher levels of social support especially from their significant other (P = 0.020) and family (P = 0.050). Furthermore, the health literacy score was significantly higher in the participants group (P = 0.030). A multiple logistic regression demonstrated that higher age, higher social support, not working, being obese and being able to drive a car were significant statistical predictors for CR participation. This study is one of the first to demonstrate the role of social support and health literacy in the participation of CR. Other well-known barriers for CR participation such as age, transport and scheduling issues were identified as barriers in this study. • Social support is critical factor in cardiac rehabilitation participation. • Common barriers such as transport and age remain important. • Optimism is linked with cardiac rehabilitation participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess lower extremity proprioception and investigate its relationship to activity and participation levels in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). A total of 22 children with USCP between the ages of 5 and 16 years participated in this study. Lower extremity proprioception was evaluated with a protocol that consisted of verbal and location identification, unilateral and contralateral limb matching, and static and dynamic balance tests performed with the impaired and less impaired lower extremities under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Furthermore, the Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were used to evaluate the independence levels in daily living activities and participation levels. Children demonstrated proprioceptive loss, as evidenced by an increase in matching errors under the eyes-closed condition compared to the eyes-open condition (p <0.05). Also, the impaired extremity had greater proprioceptive loss than the less impaired extremity (p <0.05). The 5–6-year age group experienced greater proprioceptive deficits than did the 7–11 and 12–16 age groups (p <0.05). Children's lower extremity proprioceptive deficit was moderately associated with their activity and participation levels (p <0.05). Our findings suggest that treatment programs based on comprehensive assessments, including proprioception, may be more effective in these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevention can be powerful. In the current issue of this Journal , Sandler et al. report on the long-term effects of the Family Bereavement Program (FBP), an intervention designed to promote resilience among parentally bereaved youth, as assessed 15 years after receipt of the initial intervention.1 Youth who received the FBP had half the rate of depression compared to those who received the comparison condition (13.46% vs 28.05%). This effect is as large or larger than many of our evidence-based treatments for depression, and considerably more enduring.2 An additional, elegant feature of this paper is that it identifies some mechanisms by which the FBP appears to exert its preventive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective intervention, policy, and research in mental health and well-being (MHWB) require young people to be understood not only as beneficiaries, but also as active agents in codesigning and implementing initiatives. To identify pathways for young people's participation in promoting MHWB in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this study surveyed young people's aspirations for engagement, their spheres of influence, capacity building needs, and key barriers to participation. Using U-Report, United Nations Children's Emergency Fund's social messaging tool and data collection platform, we distributed a short quantitative survey to a nonrepresentative, but large sample of young people aged 15–29 across five LMICs: Nigeria, Brazil, Jamaica, South Africa, and Burundi. A total of 42,689 young people responded, with representation from most or all provinces within each country. Participants' average age was 23.8 years (SD = 3.77). Young people's core aspirations were to join a mental health awareness project and to support their peers. Participants considered schools and community settings to be the most important spheres for engagement. Lack of information about mental health was the main perceived barrier to participation, and mental health classes the main training need. In many countries, MHWB is not taught or discussed in schools and youth-led mental health interventions are rare. Findings from this study reveal clear aspirations for participatory engagement to promote MHWB among young people in LMICs. To support meaningful participation, policymakers and youth service providers must ensure that young people have access to mental health literacy training and opportunities to raise awareness in schools or community settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The child care subsidy program in Virginia reached few eligible children before they enter kindergarten. • Families received child care subsidies for brief periods of time, with a median rate of less than a year (10 months) in 2019. • Stability in child care subsidy participation varied by gender, race, and geography. • Males, non-Hispanic white children, and those in rural areas experienced higher levels of stability than their counterparts. Child care subsidies help low-income families purchase child care, but the field lacks recent and longitudinal studies of patterns of participation. This study uses longitudinal administrative data from the Commonwealth of Virginia to: 1) examine subsidy program participation and duration in 2019 (N = 29,122); and 2) examine participation in public assistance programs including subsides among a cohort of children born in 2015 (N = 6,267). Findings indicate that, in general, few eligible children in Virginia benefit from child care subsidies before they enter kindergarten, and spells of participation in the subsidy program are brief. Results suggest that participation and stability vary by children's sex, race, ethnicity, and geography, with males, non-Hispanic white children, and those in rural areas experiencing higher levels of stability than their counterparts. Findings highlight the importance of additional investment in child care subsidies to reach eligible families and to support stable child care arrangements, key to children's development and parental employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of several treatment modalities used for children diagnosed with cancer. Several studies have designed interventions aimed to alleviate the stress that can occur in conjunction with RT. To include children in the design of interventions is rare and dependent on the parents giving consent to participation in research on their children's behalf. The aim was to illuminate, from the parents' perspective, the experience of their children being part in the co-creation of a serious game and their previous experiences of RT. Ten parents of children taking part in a participatory action research study of the development of a serious game were invited to an interview and seven parents consented. An inductive, manifest content analysis was performed. The analysis resulted in an overarching theme: Parents' pre-understanding from their child's cancer treatment created a sensitivity to their child's wishes and a willingness to contribute to science. Four categories are presented: Intrinsic factors influenced the intent to participate, Extrinsic factors that had an effect on participation, Parents role in the game development, and Radiotherapy impinged the child and the parent. To be able to pay it forward to healthcare and other families with a child diagnosed with cancer was a contributing factor for parents' willingness to consent to participation after their children had undergone RT, especially since their children wanted to do so. Parents indicated interest in the developmental process and in following their children being part of the creation of a serious game about RT. To understand why parents allow their children to participate in studies creates opportunities for the research community to structure studies that facilitate participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For children (age 6-18) the greatest proportion of their treatment priorities align with specific aspects of hand and arm use (ICF chapter d445). • Participation in sports and fitness, performing arts, and play are of greater priority that participation in self-care for the population. • The body functions priorities for the population include: pain, joint mobility and strength. Patient reported outcome measures are used to evaluate hand therapy outcomes. Yet, limited evidence is available regarding the outcomes children desire from hand therapy. To determine the desired treatment outcomes of children with acquired upper extremity impairments. Descriptive case series Two raters independently applied International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) linking rules to the Canadian Occupational Performance goals of 151 children, age 6-18, receiving occupational therapy for acquired upper extremity impairments. Prevalence of the linked ICF codes was examined using frequency distributions. Kappa and the proportion of positive agreement assessed inter-rater agreement of the linked codes. Following consensus, two independent raters linked 894 meaningful concepts to the study population's 501 goals derived from the Canadian Occupational Performance. Ninety-two unique ICF codes were linked to these 894 meaningful concepts. Twenty-three ICF codes account for 77.2% of the most frequently linked codes. For these top 23 codes, the greatest proportion (51.4%) of ICF codes are in the d4 mobility chapter representing specific constructs of hand and arm use. The second largest proportion (14.2%) of linked codes are in the d9 Community, society and civic life chapter aligning with participation in sports, music, performing arts and play. Within the d5 self-care chapter , the study population's top priorities included hair care, fitness and drinking. The primary concerns within the b body functions domain are reduced pain, improved joint mobility and strength. The study population's top priorities align with specific dimensions of hand and arm use and participation in sports and fitness, performing arts, and play. Further research may elucidate alignment of these patient-desired outcomes and the item banks of commonly used patient reported outcome measurement scales in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air conditioner (AC) is a grid friendly load, monitoring its operating status plays a key role in evaluating user side potential for participation in demand response. With continuous innovations in AC technology, the AC operation characteristics have shown increasing complexity, which poses significant challenges for non-intrusive AC load monitoring. Furthermore, obtaining labeled training data for target scenarios is often challenging, which hinders deployment of many Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) methods in practice. In this regard, this article proposes a training-free non-intrusive AC load monitoring method based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), which is very easy to deploy and has good robustness. Firstly, considering various influence factors, a FCE model is constructed based on common knowledge about AC. This model simulates the manual labeling process to locate AC operation periods. Secondly, an AC power estimation method based on weighted filtering is established, in which weighted filter is used to eliminate the non-AC load components that may overlap during AC operation periods. Specifically, an optimization model is constructed to make the cumulative power of the AC events in its working cycle approach zero, with the filter weight vector as the objective variable, in which a heuristic greedy algorithm is used to find the optimal filter weight vector. When multiple feasible solutions with similar objective function values are derived in the solving process, the probability of load events appearing in AC and non-AC operation periods are compared. The final solution is selected, taking into account the likelihood of each feasible solution corresponding to a load event sequence belonging to AC load. The testing results on the PecanStreet dataset and multiple real-world measured datasets prove the effectiveness of the proposed method in monitoring complex ACs with poor waveform consistency. • Proposed an easily deployable training-free NILM method of AC with high robustness. • Proposed a FCE based AC identification method, simulating manual labelling process. • Designed an AC weighted filtering algorithm capable of removing mixed non-AC data. • Proposed method is effective in monitoring ACs with poor waveform consistency. • Proposed method could serve as embedded module to enhance NILM overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This concurrent embedded-design study evaluated the initial efficacy of the Social Participation and Navigation (SPAN-ASD) remote intervention for autistic adolescents and young adults (AYA) in achieving personal goals and enhancing self-efficacy. The study also explored participants' experiences through follow-up interviews. Twelve autistic AYA (9 male; 12–20 years, M = 16.2, SD = 3.3) completed baseline data using demographic, Daily Routine and Autonomy (DRA), and Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) questionnaires, and set two goals. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and SPAN Self-Efficacy Scale (SPAN-SES) assessed Goal 1 at baseline, preintervention, and postintervention, and Goal 2 at postintervention and follow-up. We applied Friedman's and Wilcoxon's tests to evaluate time differences and calculated effect sizes. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' perceptions, with thematic analysis identifying key themes. Postintervention, Goal 1 performance and satisfaction improved significantly (p <.01) with large effect sizes (respectively, Z = −2.92, r = −.59; Z = −2.86, r = −.58). Goal 2 also showed significant improvement (p <.05) in performance (Z = −2.5, r = −.51) and satisfaction (Z = −2.08, r = −.43). SPAN-SES scores showed no significant differences; medium effect sizes (>.30) suggested increased self-efficacy in setting and planning goals and decreased ability to review plans. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: facilitating personal change, using metacognitive strategies, and perspectives on the SPAN-ASD intervention. SPAN-ASD improves functional goal achievement and self-efficacy in goal-setting and planning for autistic AYA. Future research should explore its potential for promoting autonomy. • SPAN-ASD improved goal achievement in autistic adolescents and young adults. • Participants reported increased self-efficacy in setting and achieving goals. • Semi-structured interviews revealed personal change and autonomy enhancement. • Strength-based, remote intervention improved functional independence in AYA. • SPAN-ASD offers effective, technology-based support for autistic AYA's goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valuable fully substituted 1,2,4-triazoles are obtained via a gold-catalyzed three-component reaction involving ethyl diazoacetate, aryldiazonium salts, and nitriles. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, is regioselective, and allows the introduction of mono- and di-substituted aryl rings at the ortho , meta, and para positions. Mechanistic evidence suggests the participation of Au(III) species as the active catalysts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first global empirical study that specifically explores the perspectives of Indigenous peoples, people working for Indigenous Peoples' Organisations (IPOs) and people working in other relevant roles (e.g., conveners of large environmental NGOs) on the barriers to meaningful and effective participation in global environmental governance forums. A total of 30 key informant participants were interviewed for this study. Participants were invited based on their engagement with and/or their interest in Indigenous participation and leadership related to environmental governance. Inductive analysis of the interview data revealed that 'capacity barriers', 'representation, grouping and disconnect', 'inclusion and exclusion', and 'insights for how to proceed in the future' to be important primary themes for discussion. Secondary themes were also determined for each primary theme to highlight the key issues and to develop implications and recommendations for enhancing meaningful Indigenous leadership and collaboration in international governance forums. • Access to international forums is a major obstacle for effective participation of Indigenous peoples. • Indigenous perspectives, experiences, and knowledge were often excluded in international forums. • The importance of youth and intergenerational knowledge sharing was highlighted by participants. • Targeting participation from various genders, youth, and equity-deserving groups can increase diversity. • Indigenous representation in specific international environmental governance forums is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of food systems' transformations worldwide in order to achieve sustainability is recognised at all levels and scales, and the assessment of the said sustainability appears as a central element to understand the very aspects that need transforming. In parallel, the territorial scale is increasingly seen as the right one to produce such transformations, both in the scientific literature and in policy debates. There has been a proliferation of sustainability assessment methods and tools over the past couple of decades. Yet, researchers agree that these have been mostly unable to support the aforementioned transformations. A post-normal outlook may help in doing so, and it is of interest to identify the aspects that can help rendering assessment coherent with post-normal science. We identify three central categories that can help in doing so, and should thus be considered as central elements in sustainability assessment of Food Systems. These are interdependencies between system components, the system's trajectories and actors' participation. We draw elements from the scientific literature to justify the importance of these elements, and carry out a focused literature review of Food System sustainability assessment at the territorial scale to see the extent to which the methodologies proposed incorporate them. • Proposes a post-normal science framework for assessing food system sustainability. • Identifies system interdependences, trajectories and participation as drivers of transformation of territorial food systems. • Studies current existing approaches to food system assessment to gauge the extent to which these include the said elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a marked increase in fishers' participation in fisheries science and management processes. If inappropriate or uncareful, science that over relies on low level participation can backfire and lead to fishers' research fatigue: a state of emotional and psychological exhaustion that causes fishers to refuse further participation. This study aims to examine how research fatigue has emerged in Azorean small-scale fisheries, and to provide suggestions that address the determinants of research fatigue in the Azores and comparable small-scale fisheries contexts. Group discussions between researchers and fisher representatives provided extracts on fishers' frustrations with participating in science, which underwent two rounds of thematic analysis. Drivers of fatigue found in the Azores related to lack of dialogue, fishers' distrust of stakeholders, the opacity of science, tiredness from being consulted, and fisher associations' inability to handle participation requests. Data also connected to the main drivers of research fatigue in transdisciplinary literature, namely concentration, burdensomeness and usefulness of research. Researchers should avoid over-researching small-scale fishers, envision less burdensome participation, and ensure that fishers perceive participation as useful and aligned with their interests. The Azores highlights how low engagement levels, large geographical distances, poor science outreach, and administrative overload can contribute to research fatigue. Ultimately, fisheries researchers should understand how participation impacts the distinct determinants of research fatigue and take precautions to minimise those impacts, or risk nonparticipation from their fisher communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand response (DR) is a promising solution to unlock the flexibility of numerous customers with the rising proliferation of renewable energy (RE) in power system. However, the current demand response mechanisms face the challenge of low customers participation. The main reason is the significant diversity in customers' energy consumption characteristics, while existing mechanisms often provide a uniform DR signal without personalized guidance. To address these gaps, this paper proposes a novel personalized DR scheme based on sub-customer directrix load (SCDL) that considers the diversities of the customers' energy consumption characteristics. Firstly, the concept of SCDL is proposed, which decomposes the unified customer directrix load (CDL) into multiple SCDLs considering the energy consumption characteristics of massive customers. Subsequently, the formulation method of SCDL is described. The extraction of energy consumption characteristics is emphasized to ensure the reduction of regulation cost under the personalized guidance of SCDL. Furthermore, the collaborative interaction between the load aggregator layer and the customer layer is depicted by the bi-layer optimization model to achieve the optimal response effect. Finally, a multidimensional portrait method is designed to measure customers' performance in DR programs. Test systems comprising diverse DR customers are generated using the real-world data from Open Energy Information. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed personalized DR mechanism which considerably reduces the customers' regulation cost and significantly improves the DR effect. • Proposing a novel concept of sub-CDL by decomposing the unified CDL. • Designing a personalized demand response (DR) mechanism based on the sub-CDL. • Customers select a sub-CDL in the DR according to their energy consumption characteristics. • Tailoring a bi-layer optimization-based sub-CDL formulation method to promote the demand response effect. • Presenting a multidimensional portrait method to measure the demand response performance of customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discussion of fairness is gaining considerable attention in the context of Local Energy Systems (LES). This is partially motivated by the energy transition, which has put more attention on technologies and production closer to the end-user. In other words, we are evolving towards a more user-centric approach, which requires dealing with fairness and justice due to the users' participation in the loop. Their willingness to participate depends on the perceived fairness regarding the systems they use. The current literature started to adopt the concept of fairness within LES but without a universally accepted approach. This review highlights the work described in the literature by thoroughly analyzing 80 scholarly papers addressing fairness in LES. The main objectives are twofold: to provide a definition of fairness within this domain and to examine how this concept is currently shaped and interpreted. The analyzed studies are categorized according to their applicability to LES, fairness and justice interpretation (e.g., equality, meritocracy), and use of post-method indicators to evaluate fairness performance. The work explores the identified gaps in the existing literature and outlines guidelines and prospective research directions for future studies addressing fairness issues in LES. [Display omitted] • The study explores fairness in LES, focusing on user-centric approaches. • The paper reviews 80 research papers on fairness in LES. • Literature-based interpretations of fairness in LES are identified and categorized. • The paper identifies gaps and proposes future research directions on fairness in LES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]