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AbstractPurposeMaterials and methodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHealth-related low back pain costs can be direct monetary, indirect monetary, or intangible, non-monetary. The purpose of this review was to identify the intangible, non-monetary costs of low back pain from the perspective of the individual.A scoping review of literature was undertaken. Four databases were searched up to 6th August 2024. Data were charted and coded using deductively derived categories in line with our purpose; additional categories were developed for text that did not fit these categories. Data were analysed using directed content analysis.Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Six categories were derived from the data, which express the experience of the person with low back pain: Perceptions of pain, Experience of healthcare, Becoming defined by low back pain, Life on hold, My social self, and Disrupted work life. Each category explored an aspect of life affected by low back pain.This review highlights that low back pain profoundly affects many areas, with implications for peoples’ personal, social, and work lives. Our findings suggest that suffering can be reduced when healthcare practitioners show empathy and legitimise the lived experience of low back pain, acknowledging the restrictions it imposes on peoples’ lives.Intangible costs of low back pain are less frequently reported than direct or indirect monetary costs, so may be under-recognised in service planning.There needs to be recognition of, and empathy for, the impact low back pain has on all areas of life.The search for a definitive diagnosis from a person with low back pain is frequently caused by a need for legitimisation.Healthcare practitioners need to identify people with low back pain at risk of a poor outcome early in treatment to minimise the risk of chronicity and the concomitant intangible costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is something particularly depressing about the current moment—when the possibility of thriving as a geography academic in British academia seems incompatible with anything else, be that a life outside work, a family, activism, or even sleep. What connects these multiple intensifications of demands on academics, and many of the external crises we are living through (the climate emergency, wage deflation, cost of living, the COVID pandemic etc.) is how we value, use and understand time. The non‐linearity of time is a useful way to understand how we work in academia. In this paper, I explore how can we change how we use our time. I propose three responses, which each play with time as non‐linear, multiple rhythms, and as having a lack of balance or stability. First, the possibility of working with the delight of shifting pace in helping us to enjoy our working time more. Second, in acting in collaboration, solidarity, and being alongside each other in ways where shared time is more expansive than individual time. Finally, in how we can collectively and structurally re‐order our time together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a multidimensional framework for monitoring progress on disability inclusion over time and among countries where reliable, disability disaggregated data is available. However, the SDGs alone do not provide insights into the causes of the social and economic disparities that people with disabilities face or offer specific policy solutions to alleviate them. This paper highlights the extra costs of living with disability in Indonesia to advance the country's commitment to further the rights of people with disabilities. It utilizes three primary estimation methods, combining an analyses of national survey data with primary data from interviews and focus group discussions. Findings reveal significant and varying costs based on disability type, severity and life cycle stages. It also highlights the unaffordability of these costs for most individuals with disabilities and their families. Leveraging these estimates, the paper proposes 'disability concessions' aligned with Indonesia's legal framework on disability inclusion, aiming to alleviate financial burdens through discounts across health, education, utilities and transportation. By contributing to methodological approaches in understanding extra costs of living with disability inclusion in emerging country context and promoting discussions on leveraging the results for disability inclusive policymaking, this paper supplements the SDG framework to foster disability inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an uncommon but serious and potentially fatal condition that can result in reduced life expectancy and a broad spectrum of sequelae, many of which may be lifelong and devastating for those who survive the acute disease period. In the United States of America (USA), vaccination is available against the five meningococcal serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y), but meningococcal vaccination rates among healthy USA adolescents and individuals at high risk because of medical conditions are low, rendering them vulnerable to IMD and its sequelae. Despite the severity of the disease, the clinical impact and rates of IMD sequelae in the USA are poorly understood, as USA-specific data are limited, and the methodology of existing research is heterogenous. This commentary presents clinical experts' perspectives on IMD sequelae based on the available published evidence and direct clinical experience. Among sequelae previously identified in a global systematic literature review, 16 conditions were considered as related to IMD by the present authors. These sequelae include short- and long-term physical, neurological, and emotional consequences that impose a substantial humanistic burden on survivors and their caregivers and result in considerable healthcare and societal costs. This commentary highlights existing knowledge gaps concerning IMD sequelae, including the unclear relationship between IMD and mental health disorders, the contribution of sequelae to the disease burden, prevalence of late-onset sequelae among survivors, and timing of the development of sequelae in different age groups. Addressing these knowledge gaps can inform decisions regarding clinical management in the post-acute period and help quantify the impact of prevention through meningococcal vaccination. Plain Language Summary: Invasive meningococcal disease is uncommon but life-threatening. Those who survive may have lasting conditions, also known as sequelae, that negatively impact their health. In this commentary, expert physicians used previous publications to identify 16 sequelae of invasive meningococcal disease, many of which, including loss of limbs, blindness, and intellectual disabilities, can severely affect the lives of survivors and their caregivers. It is important to better understand how sequelae affect patients and the cost of living with these conditions for the healthcare system and society. This information would help policymakers make decisions on preventing invasive meningococcal disease with vaccination and managing its sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portable ex vivo lung perfusion during lung transplantation is a resource‐intensive technology. In light of its increasing use, we evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of ex vivo lung perfusion at a low‐volume lung transplant center in the USA. Methods: Patients listed for lung transplantation (2015–2021) in the United Network for Organ Sharing database were included. Quality‐of‐life was approximated by Karnofsky Performance Status scores 1‐year post‐transplant. Total transplantation encounter and 1‐year follow‐up costs accrued by our academic center for patients listed from 2018 to 2021 were obtained. Cost‐effectiveness was calculated by evaluating the number of patients attaining various Karnofsky scores relative to cost. Results: Of the 13 930 adult patients who underwent lung transplant in the United Network for Organ Sharing database, 13 477 (96.7%) used static cold storage and 453 (3.3%) used ex vivo lung perfusion, compared to 30/58 (51.7%) and 28/58 (48.3%), respectively, at our center. Compared to static cold storage, median total costs at 1 year were higher for ex vivo lung perfusion ($918 000 vs. $516 000; p = 0.007) along with the cost of living 1 year with a Karnofsky functional status of 100 after transplant ($1 290 000 vs. $841 000). In simulated scenarios, each Karnofsky‐adjusted life year gained by ex vivo lung perfusion was 1.00–1.72 times more expensive. Conclusions: Portable ex vivo lung perfusion is not currently cost‐effective at a low‐volume transplant centers in the USA, being 1.53 times more expensive per Karnofsky‐adjusted life year. Improving donor lung and/or recipient biology during ex vivo lung perfusion may improve its utility for routine transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using retailer scanner data, we investigate how a sharp and abrupt depreciation of the exchange rate affects consumers' cost of living. We find that the marginal cost of imported goods increased, whereas their retail markups decreased compared to domestic products. There was also a surge in the entry and exit of both foreign and local product varieties post‐depreciation. Wealthier consumers, who spend more on imports, are hit harder by higher marginal costs but benefit from reduced markups and increased product diversity, unlike their less affluent counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live streaming has significantly transformed the landscape of both offline and online retail operations. This article explores the optimal timing and circumstances under which a firm with a specific product should launch a live streaming channel, and if so, whether it should use third-party streaming, self-run streaming, or a combination of both. We demonstrate that no single channel structure is universally superior to the others: the firm's optimal channel strategy depends on the third-party streamer's popularity and bargaining power, the investment and broadcasting effort cost for the live streaming channel, consumer's channel preference and extra cost for watching live streaming, cross-channel spillover, as well as the price sensitivity of a product. In general, live streaming is most beneficial for firms selling products that aren't highly price sensitive, where traditional pricing tool is less important for attracting consumers. Start-ups should collaborate with either highly popular streamers or those with a small but dedicated following, avoiding those with intermediate popularity. In contrast, established firms should partner with streamers who have a moderate level of popularity. An established firm considering leveraging two or more channels concurrently should additionally take into consideration the cross-channel spillover, channel encroachment cost, and channel competition. Our research reveals that, contrary to expectation, price in live streaming channels may not always be lower than those in traditional channels. Furthermore, highly popular streamers do not always demand higher revenue-sharing ratios and slotting fees. This research sheds light on the key decisions for firms considering live streaming commerce: whether to adopt it, when to integrate it into their strategy, and how to effectively implement it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Design Methods Results Conclusion Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care Patient or Public Contribution The aim of this study was to explore experiences of internationally educated nurses' first 2 years working and living in England in an age of contemporary migration.Exploratory mixed method design.An online survey collected responses from August 2022 to October 2022. A mixed‐methods approach was applied to gain a breadth of understanding through quantitative outcomes integrated with depth of qualitative analysis.Data findings from 773 international nurses identified the recognition of prior professional skills and experiences, induction processes, career development systems and the role of line managers are integral to professional integration and could be improved. Communication barriers were frequently transient and time limited, and participants often had incomplete insight of human resource policies. Personal factors affecting life outside of work revealed compromise and sacrifice with accommodation choices, and participants were often not satisfied with their economic status, housing, cost of living in England, and social support. Mental well‐being scores varied by country of origin and participants happier with decision to migrate to England had significantly higher mental well‐being scores.International nurses have divergent professional and personal motivations for migration unique to individual circumstances. Recognition for transferable skills and experience, receipt of a comprehensive and warm welcome from organisations, safe and well‐maintained suitable accommodation and living conveniently located to shops, work and transportation, improve experience. International nurses must have sufficient financial gains from salaries and opportunity to unite with children and families.Progressing migration experience of international nurses can improve retention and augment improving patient care and outcomes.No patient or members of public contributed to this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Real-world data were employed to determine clinical characteristics of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) with differing degrees of muscle weakness, as defined using the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification system. Methods: Data were drawn from the Adelphi MG Disease Specific Programme (DSP)™, a multinational (United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) survey completed by physicians and their patients with MG in 2020. The association between MGFA class and impairment in activities of daily living (ADL) was tested using linear regression adjusting for sex and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Bivariate comparisons were performed for each individual item. A range of other clinical characteristics were also explored according to MGFA class. Results: Among 1232 patients, those in MGFA class I had significantly lower ADL impairment versus class II or III/IV (adjusted for sex and Charlson Comorbidity Index) (p < 0.01). However, heterogeneity occurred within each MGFA class. Bulbar symptoms (impaired speech, difficulty swallowing, and/or difficulty chewing/choking on food) were reported in some class I patients (mild in 1.1–1.9% and moderate in 0.3–1.1% of patients) and class II patients (mild in 8.5–16.4%, moderate in 4.7–7.4%, and severe in 0.3–0.9% of patients), and shortness of breath was reported in some class I (mild in 0.5% of patients) and class II patients (mild in 9.8%, moderate in 4.8%, and severe in 0.3% of patients). Conversely, in 11.2–19.2% of class III/IV patients, bulbar symptoms and shortness of breath reported were only mild in severity. In line with this finding, despite significant correlations between MGFA class and several clinical characteristics, patients across every class were at risk of experiencing myasthenic crisis or hospitalization, experiencing comorbidities including anxiety and depression, and not being in remission. Conclusions: Although MGFA class correlates with greater ADL impairment and presence of other clinical characteristics, there is variability between patients in each class in terms of symptoms experienced, overall disease burden, and the precise nature of ADL impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of food insecurity amongst Bronx residents. Applying a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted a qualitative study, entailing 38 interviews with food pantry recipients, 4 key informant interviews with social service administrators, and two focus groups with 12 food pantry staff and social service providers in New York City (NYC). Applying a precarity framework, we identified three themes: (1) unaffordability of living expenses in NYC; (2) financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (3) institutional and technological barriers to food access. We identified the following subthemes under theme one: rising food costs and high cost of living. Under theme two, we identified four subthemes: (a) large household size driving poverty for Bronx families; (b) vulnerabilities to food insecurity among older adults; (c) budgeting for reduced incomes during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (d) managing unstable employment. Under the third theme, we identified three subthemes: (a) lack of access to healthy, culturally appropriate foods; (b) need for wider service availability; (c) and not having smartphones for telehealth. Study findings demonstrate how precarity impacts the lived experiences of food insecurity and financial hardship for residents of the South Bronx during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Loss of the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) leads to negative health outcomes such as reduced quality of life, institutionalization, and mortality. In Korea, the proportion of older adults with disabilities is increasing along with rapid population aging. Therefore, providing a comprehensive approach to the prevention and management of ADL limitations in people with disabilities is necessary. This can be accomplished by understanding the trends and factors affecting these limitations over time. Purpose: This study was developed to examine the longitudinal trend and factors affecting ADL limitations over time among people with disabilities in Korea. Methods: Data from 346 people with disabilities in the 2008–2020 Korean Welfare Panel Study were used. Bivariate analysis and a Kendall trend test were performed to determine the longitudinal trends for ADL limitations, and multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate whether relevant variables could predict these limitations. Results: The prevalence of ADL limitations among people with disabilities increased by 16.5% over the 12 years of the study. The highest rate of increase in these limitations over time was found in people with mental disorders (27.8%), those over 65 years of age (27.3%), and those with depression (25.6%). In multiple logistic regression, the odds ratios of the variables were slightly different at each survey wave. However, severe disability and low educational level were consistently found to be associated with ADL limitations over time. Conclusions: The findings provide evidence of a significant relationship between level of disability and/or educational status and ADL limitations in people with disabilities in Korea. To prevent the development of ADL limitations in people with disabilities, comprehensive identification of longitudinal trends and factors affecting ADL limitations is necessary. Early intervention, including integrated services such as home rehabilitation services to prevent ADL limitations, especially for disabled people with severe disabilities and low educational levels, has the potential to delay ADL limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After 20 years of stagnation, federal scholarships have finally been increased within the new budget of the Canadian government. Tuition fees, inflation, and costs of living kept rising, which has resulted a rising number of graduate students in the life sciences living below poverty line, despite working far more than 40 h a week on science research in Canada. This does not only negatively affect the students research projects and thus science and innovation in Canada, but also their downstream decisions on whether to continue a research career in Canada and what jobs and economic endeavors to pursue. Graduate students are not just a line item in the budgets of universities, but integral for science and innovation, as well as the future high-quality personnel of the country. This importance should be reflected in all stipends and salaries of graduate students, not just the ones with a government scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article develops ideas contained in a previous paper on conflict inflation (Rowthorn [1977]. 'Conflict, Inflation and Money.' Cambridge Journal of Economics 1 (3): 215–239). It begins with a summary of that paper, stressing the importance of staggered markets, conflicting aspirations and unanticipated inflation. It then examines three recent articles that share a similar perspective. In the light of this discussion, it makes some general observations about the nature of conflict inflation. Finally It concludes with an application of conflict theory to the recent cost of living crisis in the UK. It argues that private companies have used their market power to defend their profit margins and ensure that the entire burden of higher world prices is borne by consumers, in particular wage and salary earners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food allergies are an increasing global problem and societal issue. In addition to the potential for severe allergic reactions from accidental ingestion, food allergies impose a significant burden on the quality of life, nutrition, cost of living, and social activities of both those afflicted and their caregivers. Strict avoidance of allergens and use of emergency medications to treat allergic reactions are the traditional management and treatment strategies; however, significant progress has been made in recent years toward better treatment of food allergies. Many clinical trials on food allergen immunotherapy (oral, epicutaneous, and sublingual) have revealed its efficacy in increasing reaction thresholds and desensitization. These positive results led to the first FDA approval of peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT). However, safer and more effective approaches are required, and adjunct treatments and allergen modifications are being considered. More than 100 facilities in Japan conduct OIT, and numerous studies on it have been reported. Unlike in Europe and the US, stepwise oral food challenges with dietary guidance are conducted separately from the OIT. This review describes the current perspectives on allergen immunotherapy for the treatment of food allergies, focusing on evidence from Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents empirical research on the livelihood resources of Ukrainian households that fled to Poland due to the Russian invasion and reside there long term. Using a nationwide sample of these households and an accurate econometric framework, we investigate the factors influencing the role of income from work, other private resources and public assistance in covering their living costs in exile. Our findings confirm the importance of public assistance addressed to professional activation and childcare for households' self‐reliance. Assistance from employers, housing conditions, intentions to settle permanently in Poland and financial responsibility for relatives in Ukraine are also among the decisive factors. However, sufficient monetary aid hinders households' self‐reliance, along with health problems, language barriers and a lack of professional qualifications. Household composition is also significant, as those with children face the most adverse outcomes. Based on our results, we provide recommendations for public authorities responsible for migration policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a global phenomenon impacting ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods. This research carried out in Bol in the Lake Province of Chad, a region heavily affected by climate change, aims to analyze the gender-differentiated impacts of this phenomenon. It was carried out using the rapid analysis and participatory planning (RAPP) method and structural analysis for social systems (SAS2). Meteorological and socioeconomic data were collected through interviews, household surveys, and focus groups. The results indicate variability in rainfall, with a slight downward trend and an increase in temperature. The women identified an increase in the cost of living, human and material losses, warmer housing, and health problems as socioeconomic socioeconomic consequences of climate change. Their coping strategies include community self-help, humanitarian aid, and welfare activities. Obstacles to full participation in the search for solutions include access to education, low decision-making power, and political representation. This research enriches our understanding of the interactions between gender, climate change, adaptation, and inclusive policy importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background Income-related food insecurity is an important determinant of health. This study aimed to provide an update on the food security status of Canadian households using the most recent available data from a health-oriented national-level survey. This study also examined trends in food insecurity since 2017, and how these have tracked with changes in price inflation. Data and methods Data on household food security status in the 10 Canadian provinces came from five annual cycles of the population-representative cross-sectional Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS): 2017, 2018, 2020 (September to December), 2021, and 2022. The Household Food Security Survey Module was used to categorize household food security status during the previous 12 months as food secure or marginally, moderately, or severely insecure. Results Before 2019, approximately 1 in 10 households had experienced some level of food insecurity in the previous 12 months (9.6% in 2017 and 11.6% in 2018). Household food insecurity prevalence was slightly lower and stable during the COVID-19 pandemic years (8.5% in fall 2020 and 9.1% in 2021) and increased to 15.6% in 2022. Levels of household food insecurity generally tracked with changes in consumer price inflation. Compared with 2021, there were notable increases in levels of moderate and severe food insecurity in 2022 among one-parent households with children, renters, and those reliant on government financial assistance. Interpretation The prevalence of household food insecurity in the CCHS was relatively stable from 2017 to 2021, increased in 2022, and generally tracked with changes in price inflation. Monitoring levels of household food insecurity will continue to be important as price inflation eases but the cost of living remains high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the rapid urbanisation of China in recent decades, a vast proportion of the labour force left rural hometowns to find employment in cities. In the context of rural revitalisation and tourism development in China, rural tourism is booming, bringing many tourism‐related jobs to the countryside. As a result, some young urban adults have moved to work in rural areas. Based on in‐depth interviews in Su village in Nanjing, China, this study seeks to investigate the motivations of those who choose to work in the countryside and the connections between this and stages in the life course of urbanites in the 90s generation, a cohort that is quite distinct from older cohorts. This study finds that the motivations of these younger workers range from career development and cost reduction to a preference for a rural lifestyle. Engaging in tourism‐related work in rural areas is associated with two life courses (work career and individual/family pathway). This study also finds that the cohort working rural tourism in rural areas is differentiated: while some pursue career development, others aim to escape certain pressures and obligations by 'lying flat' in the more congenial rural setting where living costs are lower than in cities. Pro‐tourism rural areas, with an acceptable distance from cities, become valuable places for these youth to resist or balance their life in front of increasingly competitive urban life during their adult transitional period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What are the unequal effects of changes in consumer prices on the cost of living? In the context of changes in import prices (driven by, e.g. changes in trade costs or exchange rates), most analyses focus on variation across households in initial expenditure shares on imported goods. However, the unequal welfare effects of non-marginal foreign price changes also depend on differences in how consumers substitute between imported and domestic goods, on which there is scant evidence. Using data from Switzerland surrounding the 2015 appreciation of the Swiss franc, we provide evidence that lower-income households have higher price elasticities. We quantify the contribution of heterogeneous elasticities for the unequal welfare effects of observed price changes between 2014 and 2015 and for counterfactual shocks to the mean and dispersion of import price changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by population growth, rising living costs, and the urgent need to address climate change, sustainable food production and circular economy principles are becoming increasingly important. Conventional agriculture faces significant challenges, including land scarcity, water shortages, and disrupted supply chains. As a solution, cities are adopting vertical farming to enhance urban food security and promote circularity. This research introduces FLOAT (Farming Lab on a Trough), an innovative vertical farming system made from bio-polymers and recycled polyethylene terephthalate glyco (rPETG) pellets from plastic bottles. FLOAT's design emphasizes sustainability and closed-loop material usage. The study showcases the versatility of additive manufacturing (AM) in creating complex geometries with fully functional 1:1 prototypes. These prototypes highlight FLOAT's potential as a scalable and adaptable solution for sustainable food production in urban settings, contributing to improved food security and environmental sustainability. By integrating FLOAT with conventional practices, we aim to exceed Singapore's 2030 food security targets and achieve lasting urban food resilience. FLOAT aims to scale sustainable food production, fostering community ties with food, and nurturing future responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered the immediate outmigration of its citizens, hundreds of thousands of whom fled to the Caucasus and Central Asia. Yet, extant theories of conflict-based migration offer limited insight into why so many Russians left suddenly in response to the war. Nor can they account for the reversal of flows of skilled labor migration, which had previously gone to the metropole. Drawing on in-depth interviews and focus groups with first-wave Russian emigres, we find that the domestic support for the invasion intensified opposition-minded Russians' sense of political alienation, while legal repression motivated their immediate exit. However, the globalization of white-collar labor shaped who left. Finally, migration policy and a lower cost of living, in conjunction with other colonial legacies, shaped legal and economic mobility in ways that drew Russians to Central Asia and the Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality are significantly increasing in the elderly worldwide. Their optimal health outcomes are hampered by medication related burden (MRB) and poor treatment adherence. Understanding th e MRB status from patients’ perspectives and its association with adherence among elderly TB patients will help achieve the End TB targets. Thus, we aimed to identify the incidence of MRB and nonadherence among elderly TB patients in Guizhou, and determine their association. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three prefectures with high TB notifications in Guizhou in 2022. The data were collected via face-to-face structured interviews. MRB was measured using the Living with Medicines Questionnaire version 3 (LMQ-3), which consists of eight domains. Nonadherence was assessed by treatment interruption, which was defined as any interruption lasting at least 1 day at any time within the last 3 months. A binary unconditional logistic regression model was used to determine the association between variables. Results: Of the 405 elderly TB patients enrolled, 49.4% and 42.7% of the respondents perceived suffering from moderate and high MRB, respectively. The incidence of nonadherence among patients was 33.6%. Patients with higher scores in domain 2 (practical difficulties) [ORadj = 1.19; 95% CI (1.11–1.28)] and domain 4 (side effects burden of prescribed medications) [ORadj = 1.16; 95% CI (1.06–1.27)] were more likely to experience nonadherence. But, patients with higher scores in domain 8 (control/ autonomy of medicine use) [ORadj = 0.70; 95% CI (0.61, 0.81)] were more likely to occur adherence. Patients with a high education level [ORadj = 0.29; 95% CI (0.08, 0.92)] had a decreased risk of nonadherence, but those with a living expense from a retirement salary [ORadj = 2.55; 95% CI (1.16, 5.71)] had an increased risk of nonadherence. Discussion: The incidence of MRB and medication nonadherence is high among elderly TB patients in Guizhou. The significant associations between the three domains of MRB and nonadherence highlight that measuring MRB in multiple dimensions using the LMQ-3 in elderly TB patients could assist clinicians in providing patient-centered care, and multifaceted interventions targeting the identified problems should be implemented to reduce MRB and nonadherence among elderly TB patients in Guizhou. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The cost of living in the United Kingdom has risen to unprecedented levels, leaving people experiencing intensifying hardship. However, there is a tension between the ways in which the cost‐of‐living crisis has been framed in public discourse and the experiences of the public, who focus less on coping with short‐term shocks and more on the erosion of personal resilience over the long term. To explore how resilience has been practised during the crisis and the types of policy change people want to see, this article draws on findings from a mixed‐methods study, taking in a longitudinal survey fielded in Britain in 2022–2023, alongside findings from deliberative workshops and peer research conducted in three London boroughs. Our contribution is both theoretical, connecting lived experience to the existing literature on resilience, and empirical, through the application of novel methods to policy responses to hardship. Using Item Response Theory, supported by insights from peer research and deliberative workshops, we identify the differential nature of the strategies people are taking to cope with rising costs. We then consider the types of policy changes people would like to see, finding far greater appetite for long‐term, ambitious systemic reform to rebuild resilience, not short‐term measures to weather the peaks of inflation. Our findings suggest a distrust in those with the power to enact change as well as stigma around accessing support, while also highlighting the need for engaging the most vulnerable in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Smoking is responsible for over 8 million deaths globally per annum. While socially disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected, few interventions effectively reach these groups. We progressed a participatory action research (PAR) study on smoking‐related health inequalities in the context of the current UK cost‐of‐living crisis. We worked with people living in deprived neighbourhoods in rural northeast Scotland. The objective was to engage affected communities together with the health authority in cooperative action learning. Community‐based participants (n = 9) engaged in a series of workshops (n = 8) adopting roles as co‐researchers, collecting and arranging new data and evidence. We then connected with service providers in a series of additional workshops (n = 3) to analyse and interpret the data, appraise local action and reflect on the process. Community partners identified a convergence between increased stress owing to the crisis, and increased availability, affordability and acceptability of tobacco‐related products, namely e‐cigarettes. The situation was compounded by lack of awareness of available cessation services. A shared action agenda was developed prioritising: (a) the stress‐related root causes of smoking, (b) inclusive access to cessation support, (c) incentivised cessation with locally framed messaging and (d) deliberative dialogue between communities and service providers. There was a high level of engagement, openness and honesty and the strategic relevance of the process was acknowledged. The study provides holistic understandings of health and hardship and demonstrates that existing services can be enhanced with community intelligence. We provide practical methods to support policy commitments to community health emphasising mutual empowerment between service users and providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, people belonging to the older age group (60+ years old) have been increasingly involved in international migration processes. This segment of migration is also undergoing specific changes at the global level, as wider social groups become involved, the process becomes more and more geographically differentiated. Based on domestic data, it can be established that Hungary has become a destination for international migration of the elderly in recent decades, and during the 2022 census, nearly 38,000 foreign citizens over the age of 60 were listed. The research is aimed at examining the spatial preferences of the German elderly, who make up the most populous group: by involving multivariate statistical methods, the authors intend to explore what attractive and repulsive forces at the settlement level can influence their settlement decisions. Among the results, it should be highlighted that, on the one hand the migration of the elderly to Hungary is becoming less and less ethnic, and on the other hand there are different motivations behind the migration of the elderly, which can also be seen in the choice of location. In the case of the German elderly, the proportion of those registered in rural areas is exceptionally high, but the data at the settlement level indicate that those staying in the country do not necessarily prefer popular tourist destinations. Moreover, a significant part of them appears in areas characterized by particularly unfavorable socio-economic indicators, which may indicate that in their case, migration is not driven by factors related to lifestyle (lifestyle migration), but by economic driving forces (search for lower living costs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop abandonment is when farmers decide not to harvest their previously planted crop. There is limited but emerging literature on crop abandonment or failure predominantly examining weather and crop failure rates. Consistent with these existing scant studies, it is not immediately clear to what extent historical relationships can be extrapolated in the long run under climate change. This paper seeks to improve our understanding of determinants of crop abandonment decisions in Zambia for maize production at subnational level. We find that crop abandonment (harvesting) is positively (negatively) related to fertiliser use, rainfall and temperature and negatively (positively) related to cost of living, price of maize, index-based insurance cover, town and random shocks. Therefore, fertiliser, rainfall and temperature increase the likelihood of crop abandonment in Zambia whereas increasing cost of living, maize price, insurance participation, town specific and random shock reduce it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deceased donor organs for transplantation are costly. Expenses include donor assessment, pre‐operative care of acceptable donors, surgical organ recovery, preservation and transport, and other costs. US Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) serve defined geographic areas in which each OPO has exclusive organ recovery responsibilities including detailed reporting of costs. We sought to determine the costs of procuring deceased donor livers by examining reported organ acquisition costs from OPO cost reports. Using 6 years of US OPO cost report data for each OPO (2013–2018), we determined the average cost of recovering a viable (i.e., transplanted) liver for each of the 51 independent US OPOs. We examined predictors of these costs including the number of livers procured, the percent of nonviable livers, direct procurement costs, coordinator salaries, professional education, and local cost of living. A cost curve estimated the relationship between the cost of livers and the number of locally procured livers. The average cost of procured livers by individual OPO‐year varied widely from $11 393 to $65 556 (average $31 659) over the six study years. An increase in the overall number of procured livers was associated with lower direct costs, administrative, and procurement overhead costs, but this association differed for imported livers. Cost per local liver decreased linearly for each additional liver, while importing more livers was only cost saving until 200 livers, with imported livers costing more ($39K vs. $31.7K). The largest predictor of variation in cost was the aggregate of direct costs (e.g., hospital costs) to recover the organ (57%). Cost increases were 2.5% per year (+$766/year). This information may be valuable in determining how OPOs might improve service to transplant centers and the patients they serve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To map and explore primary research about factors related to retention, turnover and turnover intention among migrant nurses. Background: Understanding retention and turnover among migrant nurses is essential, especially in the context of nursing shortage. There is a range of factors motivating nurses to emigrate; however, factors related to retention and turnover among migrant nurses in the host country are unclear. Methods: This review utilised Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for scoping reviews, and is reported with the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Four electronic databases were searched—CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest and PubMed—to identify primary research published between January 2000 and May 2022. Titles and abstracts were reviewed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then full‐text versions were reviewed. Data extracted were summarised, and results synthesised. Results: Fifteen studies were included, with studies mainly from the Middle East, the United Kingdom and the United States. Personal, organisational, financial, political and environmental factors were found to influence retention and turnover among migrant nurses. Conclusion: Retention and turnover rates among migrant nurses vary among host countries. The factors identified are related to each other; hence, retention and turnover among migrant nurses are best understood in the context of their source country, host country and individual circumstances. Implications for nursing policy, social policy, and health policy: Host countries must promote strategies that foster retention, such as reviewing immigration policies to support long‐term immigration and family unity. Organisations employing migrant nurses need to consider the presence of a social network to facilitate adaptation and integration. It is also recommended that source countries address the reasons for emigration and initiate policies encouraging return migration, including providing merit to overseas experience. International nursing organisations should call for an examination of the conditions of migrant nurses to ensure equality across all source countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost-of-living crisis is a public health threat; however, the effects of the rising cost of living were not a policy priority for integrated care systems (ICSs) in early 2022. At the request of ICS leaders, the National Health Service (NHS) Confederation created an online cost-of-living hub in October 2022 to raise awareness of the consequences of the rising cost of living among ICS policymakers and support systems in mitigating these effects. This study aims to investigate the impact of this hub. Mixed methods. To quantify hub utilisation, the hub viewing figures collected by the NHS Confederation website were analysed. A thematic analysis was performed to characterise how cost-of-living features in integrated care strategies, and the results compared to information published on the hub. The pages that comprise the hub were well engaged with, having between 2736 and 6161 views. Alongside this, the impacts of the rising cost of living feature extensively in integrated care strategies, being discussed in 32 out of 37 strategies across four contexts: health, communities, economic, and environmental. The significant majority of subthemes reflect points made by the hub. These results suggest the hub may have raised awareness about the impacts of–and possible responses to–the cost-of-living crisis among ICS policymakers. This may act as an impetus and guide for future public health interventions using policy and practice hubs. Furthermore, the discussion of cost-of-living across a range of contexts implies ICSs are engendering a collaborative, system-wide approach to tackling complex local issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife sometimes impose unmitigated costs and provide unevenly distributed benefits that exacerbate conflict among people or between wildlife and groups of people. Although previous research has primarily focused on the visible effects of wildlife, reducing conflict will require a broader understanding of wildlife effects on human well-being. Using a "noticing, collecting, thinking" analysis of 25 interviews with people living near grizzly bears in Montana, USA, we provide a nuanced profile of their perceived costs and benefits, including hidden and nonmaterial effects. Interviewees described the interconnected nature of grizzly bear effects on people, where visible effects on livelihoods, health, social relations, personal security, and freedom led to negative hidden effects such as threats to cultural identity and diminished perceptions of livelihood sustainability. Positive effects included enhanced mental, spiritual, and cultural well-being, such as enhanced feelings of connection to wild places. We discuss how this broader understanding of wildlife costs and benefits helps provide a more thorough understanding of the effects of living with grizzly bears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK cost-of-living increases from 2022 to 2023, referred to as the cost-of-living crisis, has had a sudden and unprecedented impact on students' ability to cope financially, leading many higher education students to take on work or increase their working or caring hours to make ends meet. Any increase in working commitments may impact on their ability to fulfil their study commitments. A survey of over 800 students enrolled on psychology online courses indicated that their studies were suffering as a result. Students reported on lower levels of engagement with study materials, an in-course reduction of the study commitments (withdrawing from a module), and potentially studying less modules than planned in the subsequent year. The impact of this unforeseen time-poverty was increased stress and study strategies which may compromise their achievement overall. The impacts to their current study plans may have longer term detrimental effects on the poorer students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether quarantined individuals complied with rules to prevent transmission at home and whether the government provided appropriate support to individuals in quarantine. Between November 2020 and August 2021, we surveyed 198 individuals who had been or were quarantined at home without infection. The online survey results show that respondents experienced difficulties living in close quarters with their cohabitants and had low compliance with in-house hygiene rules. The government needed to provide adequate employment protection, living expense, or care support. Such failures of the system were mainly due to a lack of legal grounds for the government to operate. To improve compliance, the government can amend laws to permit active communication of public health messages with those quarantined at home and provide the necessary support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that 17% of the UK population experiences food insecurity, with increasing evidence to suggest a direct link with oral health. As such, dental professionals should be prepared to tailor their advice accordingly to support. At time of writing, there is a paucity of information available about food insecurity and oral health, and methods of support for the dental profession. Therefore, this article provides an overview of the concepts of poverty and food insecurity, and their impact on oral health, as well as presenting actionable suggestions for ways in which the dental team can identify and signpost those needing support. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Awareness of the relationship between dental caries and food insecurity is important to be able to provide tailored advice to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents have long been concerned with the transition to adulthood of their children with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) particularly with financial issues. The purpose of this study was to explore the financial concerns of mothers of adults with IDD. Five mothers of adults with IDD participated in a focus group to share their experiences, opinions, concerns, and challenges related to finances. Five themes emerged from the qualitative data analysis: (a) job-related difficulties, (b) living expenses, (c) access to essential services, (d), skills deficits and/or challenging behavior, and (e) long-term care. Mothers in general indicated tremendous financial burdens, loss of income, and expressed concerns about long-term care of their children with IDD. These themes are discussed and implications for practice and research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high cost of living and prolonged lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic made the financial well-being of individuals vulnerable, especially young adults. This paper examines the impact of financial behaviour on financial well-being (FWB) among young Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study collected variable data on financial literacy, financial behaviour, financial socialisation, self-control, financial technology and FWB. To collect a representative sample of Malaysian young adults, a multi-stage random sampling method was used, and 360 young adults aged 18–29 years old completed the questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was adopted to investigate the factors influencing young adults' FWB. The empirical findings revealed a significant mediating effect of financial behaviour in the relationships between financial literacy, financial socialisation, self-control, financial technology, and FWB. The research concluded that the mediation analysis yields a clear and firm conclusion that financial behaviour is important in empowering young adults' FWB. Thus, the present study adds value to the existing literature on the relationship between financial behaviour and FWB. Furthermore, the paper's findings will assist government agencies and non-governmental organisations in developing outreach programmes for young adults per the strategies outlined in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan and the aspirations pledged in the Malaysian Youth Policy 2015–2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores Japan's economic outlook and the challenges it faces due to a labor shortage. Dr. Kyohei Morita, the interviewee, expresses skepticism about the full establishment of a virtuous cycle of wages and prices in the Japanese economy. He discusses various factors such as global oil and food price increases, wage-setting behavior by corporations, and changes in household behavior affecting price increases and personal consumption. Dr. Morita emphasizes the need for fiscal ingenuity to address income distribution challenges caused by a weak yen. He also discusses the potential impact of US interest rate cuts on the yen and the structural factors that could contribute to increased capital investment. The article emphasizes the importance of creating a supply chain in Japan and the need for domestic capital investment in the face of geopolitical risks. Dr. Morita predicts a high possibility of economic recovery surpassing the potential growth rate in the near future. The article also addresses the potential impact of Japan's declining population on its economy, suggesting that financial assets and increased consumption can help offset this decline. It emphasizes the importance of increased private investment in the digital economy and labor-saving measures. The text also discusses changes in Japanese corporate management, the sustainability of overseas investments, the budget deficit, and the significance of attracting foreign labor and students to Japan. [Extracted from the article]

This study contributes to the literature examining public acceptance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in the US. The examination of factors that shape public support for CCS projects provides policymakers with insights to address public concerns, balance CCS development with public sentiments, and make informed decisions about optimal locations and timing. Based on a nationally representative survey on 1850 respondents, the study finds that in the US, there is very low familiarity (6.4%) regarding CCS technology and some limited opposition (11.5%) to increased CCS development. Regression results suggest that support for increased CCS projects in the US is influenced by perceptions of technical and social risks (leakage and community danger, respectively) but not cost of living risks, perceptions of environmental and economic benefits, familiarity with the technology, confidence in government regulations, and a desire for the US to lead in CCS. We fail to find the 'Not-in-My-Backyard' effect, and individuals supporting the development of more CCS in their states also support it at a national level. Understanding these factors helps policymakers anticipate challenges in implementing CCS initiatives and allows for the development of strategies to address concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we assess the utility of the American Voices Project in supplementing more traditional sources of labor market data. To do so, we explore the effects of safety net program expansions on household financial stability and labor force participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that despite the expanded safety net, employment loss was sometimes associated with declines in financial well-being. We find little evidence of the programs disincentivizing work, however. Pandemic relief programs helped cover essential living expenses, but implementation challenges muted their effects for some. Connections between employment loss and declines in mental well-being, as well as both the vulnerability and importance of gig work, emerged as prominent, if unexpected, themes. Our analysis suggests that, with improvements, an ongoing, large-scale qualitative data collection effort could be an invaluable asset in monitoring labor market conditions in low-income communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By relying on information on wages from primary sources, I estimate welfare ratios in Lima in 1757–1819. I use two alternative methods to estimate the subsistence basket and welfare ratios. The results indicate that working families in Lima faced severe difficulties to cover their basic needs if they did not deviate from typical consumption habits. However, they could cover their nutritional and other basic needs if they replaced expensive foods, such as meats and bread, with cheaper sources of nutrients, such as maize flour. An international comparison shows that the welfare ratio in Lima was lower than the ratios in Northern Europe and North America. However, Lima compared well to several important European cities, such as Paris, Munich and Toledo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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