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Food insecurity (FI) is a modifiable social determinant of health that impacts approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population. FI has been linked to poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare costs. Given the prevalence of chronic health conditions in the United States, including serious mental illness (SMI), the current study aims to better understand the relationship between FI and chronic conditions, including SMI, in a nationally representative sample. Authors analyzed data from the 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey household component and food security supplement. Findings indicate the prevalence of FI among those with diabetes, lung disease, stroke, and SMI is higher than among the general population, with the prevalence for those with SMI being particularly high (43 percent of the sample). Logistic regression models indicate strong, statistically significant relationships between FI and chronic conditions, including SMI, as well as FI and two or more chronic illnesses, even when controlling for sociodemographic and health factors. There are likely bidirectional relationships between FI and chronic conditions. Findings have implications for social workers, in relation to prevention and treatment of SMI and FI through direct care, advocacy, and integrated services in health, mental health, and social services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the long-run effect of higher education, measured in average years of tertiary schooling, on the level and growth rate of national per capita income. It uses an improved dataset on educational attainments which not only reduces measurement error but also overcomes data comparability issues and allows us to estimate the long-run effect of human capital through higher education on economic development. Using unique long panel data for 36 advanced and emerging economies spanning over the period 1870-2010, we find that higher education has a positive and significant effect on the level and the growth rate of national per capita income. Specifically, our empirical results indicate that a 1% increase in educational attainment at higher education level would raise the growth rate of per capita income by about 0.01% to 0.02% over a five-year period. That is, at the sample mean, an increase in average tertiary education by one year would raise output growth by about 6% to 11% in five years. We find that the returns to female education are lower than the returns to male education at tertiary schooling levels. Our results are robust to alternative specifications.

Purpose: Sexual violence (SV) and adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) are common in the U. S. and have strong associations with negative health and wellbeing outcomes. Manhood 2.0 is the first U.S. program designed for community settings to build bystander skills while also challenging harmful gender norms. A cluster-randomized trial comparing Manhood 2.0 to Job Skills, a job readiness training control condition, demonstrated that it is a promising strategy to prevent sexual violence and adolescent relationship abuse. Such community-based interventions may be particularly relevant in lower resource urban settings, and the costs of such prevention programs have not been considered previously. Methods: The aim of the present study is to perform systematic and standardized cost calculations associated with implementing Manhood 2.0 among adolescent males. In addition, this study provides detailed cost information of the community-based intervention program, as well as costs associated with implementing the Job Skills control program. Program implementation data were recorded throughout the study period (2015–2019) by the Manhood 2.0 study team. Results: The cost of implementing Manhood 2.0 is $4,771 per complete round of program delivery and $451 per participant, which is approximately the same cost as the control Job Skills program ($4,432 and $453 per participant). The marginal cost per additional round of Manhood 2.0 program is $3,682. Conclusion: Implementation of a community-based program requires substantial resources and collaborations with community partners especially in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. This study provides a snapshot of the cost information of a community-based intervention program from the implementing agency's perspective, which is essential in helping decision-makers understand the costs they will incur by implementing prevention programs and ensuring program feasibility and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in social media use among emerging adults in the United States has been well-documented, but researchers are still working on identifying how the type—not just the frequency—of use impacts psychological well-being. We identified "profiles" of social media use among young adults based on the frequency and purposes of use, and examined their associations with benefits and harms to psychosocial well-being, using data from 2828 incoming undergraduate students (Mage = 18.29 years; age range: 17 to 25 years). Using Latent Profile Analysis, we identified three unique profiles of individuals who used social media with varying levels of intensity across different purposes: Active Users (32.4%), Passive Users (25.3%), and Average Users (42.4%). Each profile was associated with varying levels of beneficial and harmful psychosocial outcomes. Compared to Average Users, (a) Active Users reported significantly better psychosocial well-being, but also more harmful outcomes; and (b) Passive Users experienced significantly lower levels of perceived social media benefits and social connectedness, while also reporting less problematic social media use and social media stress. Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does the appointment of more women and ethnic minority directors on corporate boards help combat discriminatory work environments? This empirical study addresses this question by exploring the occurrence of large-scale discrimination lawsuits. Drawing from social identity theory and empathy-based perspectives, we propose that a greater presence of female and minority directors on boards reduces the likelihood of large-scale discrimination lawsuits given their propensity to advocate for underrepresented groups in the workplace. Our analysis of data from 452 US firms from 2010–2015 indicates that a higher proportion of female and minority directors on boards is associated with a lower likelihood of such lawsuits. Specifically, the likelihood of such lawsuits is lower where there are three or more (a critical mass) female and minority directors. "Token" appointments (one or two female or minority directors) do not reduce the occurrence of these lawsuits. Further, the joint presence of minority and female directors on boards significantly reduces the likelihood of such lawsuits. Finally, we found that female CEOs help in reducing the occurrence of such lawsuits when the board has two or more female directors. Overall, our findings highlight the utility of greater gender and ethnic diversity on boards in combating workplace discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social workers (SW) and community health workers (CHW) have emerged as key workforce personnel in efforts to care for elders in the U.S. However, little is known about the presence and roles of SW and CHW in primary care practices. This paper presents findings from a nationally representative survey of geriatrics and primary care practices. Physician and nurse practitioner clinicians were randomly selected within practices, stratifying by practice staffing and presence/absence of geriatric clinicians; our final sample for this analysis included 341 practices. Key findings include: reported challenges in meeting the social service needs of elders, underutilization of SW, and fuller utilization of social work competencies in practices in which both SW and CHW were present. These findings offer a unique perspective of SW on interprofessional teams and have implications for the future of the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct venous inoculation of 3.2 × 103 aseptic, purified, cryopreserved, vialed Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) strain NF54 sporozoites, PfSPZ Challenge (NF54), has been used for controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) in the United States, 4 European countries, and 6 African countries. In nonimmune adults, this results in 100% infection rates. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, dose-escalation study to assess the infectivity of the 7G8 clone of Pf (PfSPZ Challenge [7G8]). Results showed dose-dependent infectivity from 43% for 8 × 102 PfSPZ to 100% for 4.8 × 103 PfSPZ. PfSPZ Challenge (7G8) will allow for more complete assessment by CHMI of antimalarial vaccines and drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing Gram-negative bacteria has emerge as a global threat in clinical practices. The treat is more serious in developing countries due to inappropriate use, poor adherence, use of counterfeit, sub-standard antibiotics and poor infection control practices. Data on ESBL producing Gram-negative bacteria are limited in developing countries including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was therefore, to describe the burden of ESBL producing Gram negative pathogens isolated from patients attending at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Amhara region. Materials and methods: A total of 532 clinical samples of blood, urine, stool, wound, abscess, ear discharge, nasal discharge, cervical discharge and body fluid specimens were aseptically collected and bacteriologically processed. Identification of the bacterial species was performed using an automated system (Vitek-2 Compact 27530, USA) and antibiotic susceptibility test was determined by disk diffusion method and selection of antibiotics were in accordance with CLSI guidelines. The MDR pattern of the Gram-negative pathogens was assessed using phenotypic methods of ESBL and carbapenemase production following standard procedure. Result: A total of 532 samples were processed and 263 pathogens were isolated. Of these, 185 (70.3%) were Gram-negative and 78 (29.7%) Gram-positive. Of the Gram-negative bacteria the high proportion of the isolates were identified from blood 146/185 (78.9%) and 29/185 (15.7%) were from urine cultures. The most common isolate in all clinical samples was Klebsiella pneumoniae 97/185 (52.4%) followed by Escherichia coli 23/185 (12.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii 15/185 (17.6%) and Enterobacter aerogenes 12/185(6.5%). Of the total Gram negatives, the prevalence of MDR was 148/185 (80.0%). Of the MDR isolates the prevalence of ESBL producers were, 127/148 (85.8%) and 24/148 (16.2%) were carbapenemase producers. Conclusion and recommendation: Prevalence of MDR and ESBL producing Gram-negative pathogens in this hospital is alarmingly high. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the problem with effective infection prevention and careful selection of empirical therapy are warranted in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Genetic diversities in different countries affect the performance of HIV test kits. Therefore, WHO recommends evaluation of every HIV test kit in countries' context before its use. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of Genscreen ULTRA HIV Ag–Ab and Bioelisa. Materials and methods: The study had used 400 characterized plasma samples obtained from CDC Atlanta bio-bank derived from Africa, USA, and Thailand. Results: Diagnostic performance of both test kits under evaluation was assessed at 95% CI. Genscreen ULTRA HIV Ag–Ab had sensitivity and negative predictive value of 99.5% [95% CI, 97.2–99.9] and the specificity and positive predictive value of 98.5% [95% CI, 95.7–99.7]. Bioelisa HIV test kit had exhibited sensitivity and negative predictive value of 99% [95% CI, 96.4–99.7] and specificity and positive predictive value of 98.5% [95% CI, 95.7–99.7]. Both test kits were able to detect almost all samples with HIV-2, dual infections, and seroconversion. Conclusion: Both the test kits were highly sensitive and specific in detecting HIV. However, there are still few samples containing HIV antibody which were not identified by both kits. Therefore, additional screening measures should be done in using these assays for blood transfusion and organ transplantation. In addition, the study can be used as a reference by other African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, the breadth of the president's warmaking authority has been governed by the Constitution, the Supreme Court's jurisprudence, and, over time, historical practice; in short, the president's powers are constrained by a well- developed body of US foreign relations law. But the prospect of a new kind of conflict--cyberwar--potentially challenges the existing regulatory regime, which rests on assumptions that are common to traditional, conventional war. For some, the complexities of cyberwar generate new foreign relations-law questions about the president's authority to engage in offensive cyberoperations, and they thus necessitate a new regulatory framework. For others, cyberwar is not meaningfully different from traditional war for purposes of foreign relations law, and the extant regime regulating the president is sufficient. As it currently stands, the debate about the scope of the president's cyberwar authority turns on arguments about cyberwar's similarity or dissimilarity to conventional war. This Essay argues that any claim about regulating the president's authority to engage in cyberwar requires consideration of the United States cyberstrategy and the capacity and national interests of the United States'cybercompetitors. For the United States to achieve its foreign policy goals in cyberspace, the president must navigate both the internal constraints from domestic law and the external constraints from international politics. Building on previous work, the Essay provides two models with which to understand internal and external constraints and their consequences on any potential cyberwar regulation. It contends that a framework that does not consider the complex relationship between the two types of constraints might result in a regulatory regime that leaves the president overconstrained and unable to achieve US cyberpolicy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of a contrarian investment strategy focusing on frequently traded large-cap US stocks. Previous criticisms that losers' gains are not due to overreaction but due to their tendency to be thinly traded and smaller-sized firms than winners are addressed. Design/methodology/approach - Portfolios based on past performance are constructed and it is examined whether contrarian returns exist. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Fama and French three-factor model and the Carhart's (1997) momentum portfolio are used to test whether excess returns are feasible in a contrarian strategy. Findings - The results show an asymmetric performance following portfolio formation. Although both, winners and losers portfolios, have gains during holding periods, losers outperform winners at all times, and with a differential of up to 29.2 per cent 36 months after portfolio formation. Furthermore, the loser and the winner portfolios' alphas are significant, suggesting that the CAPM and the multifactor models are unable to explain return differentials between winners and losers. Our evidence supports two main conclusions. First, stock market overreaction still holds for a sample of large firms. Second, this is robust to the Fama and French's (1993,1996) three-factor model and Carhart's (1997) momentum portfolio. Findings emphasize the relevance of a contrarian strategy when rebalancing investment portfolios. Practical implications - Portfolio managers can improve stock returns by selling past winners and buying previous loser large-cap US stocks. Originality/value - This paper is the first, to the authors' knowledge, to examine frequently traded large-cap US stocks to avoid infrequent trading and size concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a revisionist approach for analyzing how American courts should resolve cases involving foreign affairs and federalism concerns when no constitutional, statutory, or treaty-based rules apply. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the immigration and criminal law case Arizona v. United States, which deals with Arizona's Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, is examined, along with the views of U.S. Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy and Antonin Scalia.

A prominent criticism of United States delegations to international institutions - or international delegations -focuses on agency costs. The criticism draws a stark contrast between international delegations and domestic delegations. For domestic delegations to agencies, U.S. congressional, executive, and judicial oversight mechanisms exist to try to ensure agency accountability. Since the agency is democratically accountable, agency costs are low. For international delegations of binding authority to international institutions, however, the conventional wisdom is that oversight mechanisms are absent and the United States cannot monitor the international institution to ensure it acts within its delegated authority. Therefore, in the international context, agency costs are high. The fear of high agency costs through the loss of democratic accountability, so the argument goes, justifies constitutionally inspired limits on international delegations. This Article challenges the conventional wisdom. It argues that the claim of high agency costs rests on weak foundations because agency costs will likely vary depending on the type, scope, and nature of the delegation; that the United States has actually implemented many of the domestic oversight tools in the international context, ensuring a surprisingly high level of accountability to American interests; and that the potential costs and benefits of international delegations may not be substantially different from those in domestic delegations. In other words, it is unlikely that there are dramatic differences between domestic and international delegations with respect to the efficacy of oversight mechanisms or the balance of costs and benefits. This Article concludes that constitutionally-inspired limits on binding international delegations are probably unnecessary because they will increase the costs for the United States to participate in potentially beneficial international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination of perianal folds of stinkpot turtles, Sternotherus odoratus, from Virginia, USA, revealed several monhysterid nematodes. The general morphological characteristics of this population, such as circular amphids, unstriated cuticle under light microscope, single outstretched ovary, single testis, caudal glands, terminal spinneret and the absence of an apophysis on the gubernaculum, with the exception of the position of the gonad in relation to the intestine, shows the affinity of this population to the Monhysteridae. Microscopic observations of the inner stoma show three (one dorsal and two ventro-sublateral) buccal wall extensions towards the lumen and numerous (ca 50) distinct denticles on its wall. Because this stoma structure is a morphological novelty within the Monhysterida and this is the first monhysterid group associated with perianal folds of turtles, we propose to establish Testudinema n. gen. within the Monhysteridae to accommodate this morphologically distinct population. We provide a detailed comparison with known monhysterid genera including those that possess a cup-shaped stoma, stoma with denticles or those genera reported to be commensals (Gammarinema, Monhystrium, Tripylium, Odontobius). Stinkpot turtles feed on benthic fauna and may acquire these commensals when the sediment is disturbed. The denticles and structure of the buccal cavity could be morphological adaptations for transition to ecto-parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there is a burgeoning literature on entrepreneurial career intentions, much scholarly work is yet to be done in understanding the dynamic factors that influence entrepreneurial venture formation among minority groups. In this study, I specifically examined the social (i.e. perceived social status, perceived social support) and institutional (perceived institutional support) predictors of entrepreneurial career intentions among 186 young Hispanic American Adults in the southern part of U.S. After controlling for personality, work experience and educational attainment, the results provide strong empirical support for the social, not institutional, predictors of entrepreneurial career intentions. Overall, the findings of this study contribute to the on-going research on minority entrepreneurship in general and Hispanic entrepreneurship in particular by identifying important social predictors of entrepreneurial career intentions. Practical implications of the study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign affairs legalism, the dominant approach in academic scholarship on foreign relations law, holds that courts should abandon their traditional deference to the executive in foreign relations, and that courts and Congress should take a more activist role in foreign relations than they have in the past. Foreign affairs legalists believe that greater judicial involvement in foreign relations would curb executive abuses and promote adherence to international law. This Article argues that foreign affairs legalism rests on implausible assumptions about the incentives and capacities of courts. In U.S. history, the executive has given more support to international law than the judiciary or Congress has, which suggests that foreign affairs legalism would retard, rather than spur, the advance of international law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines how world politics affect the interpretation of law concerning foreign relations by domestic judiciaries. A hypothesis is proposed that to the extent to which a great power enjoys dominance in international relations, its judiciary will correspondingly be more willing to make judgments limiting executive power in international relations and assert the authority of norms of international law, with the reverse also being true, that periods of great power rivalry will create judicial deference to the executive. U.S. Supreme Court judgments from 1920-2008 are presented as evidence to support this thesis, as the author acknowledges that the U.S. is the country to which his hypothesis is most relevant.

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of integrated supply chain management on productivity, efficiency, and performance of participants in the system, in an industrial setting in the USA. Design/methodology/approach - This study uses longitudinal and experiment field study. Actual organizational data from the survey firm was used. Follow-up interviews were conduced with key managers in the manufacturing facility. Findings - The results show positive and substantial improvements in overall performance as a result of integration and coordination of the internal functions within the firm and effectively linking them with their external suppliers. The results also support the claims that an integrated supply chain involves aligning outsourcing activities to achieve the organizational goal of responding positively to the needs of consumers. Several factors were identified as key contributors to supply chain program success in this firm. These included sharing information through new technologies, established partnerships with key suppliers, and constant communication with employees. Research limitations/implications - Organizations must realize that integration and coordination in each stage of the supply chain design, planning and operation result in considerable impact on the complete chain. Firms should realize that it takes commitment and skill to implement an integrated supply chain program and reap its benefits. Managers interested in applying an integrated supply chain management system would benefit from this study. Originality/value - This exploratory empirical study provides insight into the effectiveness of implementing an integrated supply chain management approach for increasing the probability of success in the supply chain management approach and identifies areas that need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The use of herbal supplements in the US has increased dramatically in recent years. These products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the same scrutiny as conventional drugs. Patients who use herbal supplements often do so in conjunction with conventional drugs. This article is a review of potential adverse interactions between some of the commonly used herbal supplements and analgesic drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly aspirin, have the potential to interact with herbal supplements that are known to possess antiplatelet activity (ginkgo, garlic, ginger, bilberry, dong quai, feverfew, ginseng, turmeric, meadowsweet and willow), with those containing coumarin (chamomile, motherworth, horse chestnut, fenugreek and red clover) and with tamarind, enhancing the risk of bleeding. Acetaminophen may also interact with ginkgo and possibly with at least some of the above herbs to increase the risk of bleeding. Further, the incidences of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity may be augmented by acetaminophen when concomitantly used with the potentially hepatotoxic herbs Echinacea and kava, and with herbs containing salicylate (willow, meadowsweet), respectively. The concomitant use of opioid analgesics with the sedative herbal supplements, valerian, kava and chamomile, may lead to increased central nervous system (CNS) depression. The analgesic effect of opioids may also be inhibited by ginseng. It is suggested that health-care professionals should be more aware of the potential adverse interactions between herbal supplements and analgesic drugs, and take appropriate precautionary measures to avoid their possible occurrences. However, as most of the interaction information available is based on individual case reports, animal studies and in vitro data, further research is needed to confirm and assess the clinical significance of these potential interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) won one of the largest awards from NASA to develop curriculum and research capability in space science in partnership with NASA centres, National Institute of Aerospace, the North Carolina Space Grant, the American Astronomical Society and a number of institutions affiliated with NASA. The plan is to develop curricula and research platforms that prepare science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students to be employed by NASA. The research programme initially focuses on the study of space and atmospheric physics, and the development of a general capability in atmospheric/space science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The prevalence of general and disease-specific sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns is unknown in the United States (U.S.) female CF population. This study aimed to describe and compare the SRH experiences and behaviors of young women with CF with the general U.S. population. Methods Young women with CF ages 15–24 years from five geographically diverse U.S. CF centers participated in a survey investigating SRH. Results were summarized and compared to the U.S. National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) using logistic regression adjusting for confounders. Findings A total of 188 young women with CF (mean age 19.7 ± 2.7 years) completed the survey; data were compared to 1997 NSFG respondents (mean age 19.6 ± 0.10 years). Fifty-four percent of women with CF reported having had vaginal sex with a male partner compared to 66% of U.S. women (p = 0.55). Women with CF were less likely to have ever used contraception (55% vs. 74%, p = 0.0001) or have been tested for sexually transmitted infections in the past year (19% vs. 34%, p = 0.001) compared to the general population. Two percent of women with CF reported having ever been pregnant compared to 24% of U.S. women (p < 0.0001). One-third of young women with CF reported perceived pubertal delay, 16% urinary incontinence, 16% sexual dysfunction, and 49% yeast infections. Interpretation Young women with CF face significant SRH concerns and appear to be experiencing gaps in SRH care provision. Opportunities exist for intervention development around this aspect of comprehensive CF care. Funding CF Foundation ( KAZMER15A0 ); U.S. National Institutes of Health ( UL1TR000005 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin contamination of maize by Aspergillus flavus poses serious potential economic losses in the US and health hazards to humans, particularly in West Africa. The Southern Regional Research Center of the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS-SRRC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) initiated a collaborative breeding project to develop maize germplasm with resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. Resistant genotypes from the US and selected inbred lines from IITA were used to generate backcrosses with 75% US germplasm and F(1) crosses with 50% IITA and 50% US germplasm. A total of 65 S(4) lines were developed from the backcross populations and 144 S(4) lines were derived from the F(1) crosses. These lines were separated into groups and screened in SRRC laboratory using a kernel-screening assay. Significant differences in aflatoxin production were detected among the lines within each group. Several promising S(4) lines with aflatoxin values significantly lower than their respective US resistant recurrent parent or their elite tropical inbred parent were selected for resistance-confirmation tests. We found pairs of S(4) lines with 75-94% common genetic backgrounds differing significantly in aflatoxin accumulation. These pairs of lines are currently being used for proteome analysis to identify resistance-associated proteins and the corresponding genes underlying resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. Following confirmation tests in the laboratory, lines with consistently low aflatoxin levels will be inoculated with A. flavus in the field in Nigeria to identify lines resistant to strains specific to both US and West Africa. Maize inbred lines with desirable agronomic traits and low levels of aflatoxin in the field would be released as sources of genes for resistance to aflatoxin production.