Search

In this study, given the critical role and importance of the energy transition, the effect of information and communication technologies (ICT) is researched and the levels of energy‐related research and development (R&D) investments on the energy transition index (ETI), controlling for human capital (HC), energy consumption (EC), and income (gross domestic product [GDP]) are disaggregated. Therefore, in this study, the United States of America (USA) is focused on as the world's leading economy, a total of five machine learning (ML) algorithms are performed, and the data from 2000/Q1 to 2021/Q4 are used. In the outcomes, it is shown that: 1) the multivariate adaptive regression splines approach is the best estimation algorithm among the ML approaches based on the coefficient of determination (R2), which has 85% estimation capacity for ETI; 2) ICT and EC are the most important factors for ETI, followed by renewable energy R&D investments, energy efficiency R&D investments, HC, GDP, and nuclear energy R&D investments, in that order; and 3) R&D investments in carbon capture and storage has no significant effect on ETI. In the overall results of the study, it is suggested that technological progress is central to energy transition in the USA and that environmental policies implemented for energy transition should be closely linked to technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on health and socio-economic determinants of later-life labour force participation have mainly come from high-income European countries and the United States of America (USA). Findings vary between studies due to different measures of socio-economic status and labour force outcomes. This study investigated longitudinal associations of physical incapacity and wealth with remaining in paid employment after age 60 in middle- and high-income countries. Using harmonised cohort data in the USA, England, Japan, Mexico and China (N = 32,132), multilevel logistic regression was applied for main associations. The age-related probabilities of remaining in paid employment by physical incapacity and wealth were estimated using marginal effects. This study found that physical incapacity predicted lower odds of remaining in paid employment in each country. Wealth was associated with higher odds of remaining in paid employment in the USA, England and Japan, but not in Mexico. Probabilities of remaining in paid employment were high in Mexico but low in China. The absolute difference in the probability of remaining in paid employment between the richest and the poorest groups was greater in the USA than that in any other country. In the USA, England and Japan, the inverse association between physical incapacity and remaining in paid employment could be partially compensated by wealth only when physical incapacity was not severe. National policies, including considering older adults' changing capacities for job placement and prioritising the provision of supportive services for socio-economically disadvantaged older adults, developing pathways for informal workers to access social security and pension coverage, and encouraging employers to hire socio-economically disadvantaged older workers and enhancing their employability, could be facilitated. Future studies, such as exploring health and socio-economic determinants of remaining in part-time and full-time paid employment separately in more countries, and the moderating effects of relevant policies on these associations, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the disproportionate impact of the novel coronavirus on Black Americans, there is little research that centres Black college students' information behaviours during the pandemic. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify information needs, resources and use regarding the novel coronavirus pandemic among Black American college students. Methods: This is a quantitative study among 389 college students in the USA. Data were collected using an online crowdsourced survey instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data through SPSS. Results: The most salient information needs related to Covid‐19 symptoms, personal protective equipment, vulnerable populations, and risk assessment; however, students also wanted information on Covid‐19's impact on the Black community. There were no statistically significant gender differences in students' information seeking, resources or use with one exception; male students believed the internet alone could provide all relevant information about the coronavirus in comparison to female students. Barriers related to the volume of information, information fluidity and determining the quality of information. Conclusion: Colleges and universities can play a critical role in information dissemination during crisis events. Students need critical information literacy skills that intersect with everyday information needs, particularly health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As follow‐up to their previous survey on health information outreach (HIO) in 2010, the authors became interested in the evolving nature of HIO activities at academic libraries within the past decade. Objectives: The aim of this study was to understand how HIO activities at academic libraries have evolved since 2010, especially considering the current COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: An online survey, designed to collect quantitative data on general HIO activities and qualitative data specifically on COVID‐19 information outreach, was distributed to over 1700 librarians at US general academic and academic health science libraries. Results: Two hundred and fifty‐five respondents completed the survey. Quantitative findings generally paralleled the 2010 results, except in a few areas. Most notably, a greater percentage of librarians in 2020 were participating in HIO (44%) than in 2010 (37%). Qualitative findings revealed that librarians are leveraging traditional information services and implementing innovative partnerships to promote reputable health information resources on COVID‐19. Discussion: Evidence suggests that further engagement and campus partnerships can enhance libraries' supportive roles as trustworthy purveyors of quality health information. Conclusion: US academic librarians are increasingly engaging in HIO to support the health information needs of campus communities and should consider aligning outreach activities with national health goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the cross-cultural role of Time Perspective (TP) tendencies [Past Positive (PP), Past Negative (PN), Present Hedonistic (PH), Present Fatalistic (PF), and Future (F)], the Deviation from a Balanced Time Perspective (DBTP) profile, the Deviation from a Negative Time Perspective (DNTP) profile, and mindfulness on life satisfaction (LS). The sample consisted of psychology undergraduate students (N = 867, MAGE = 20.19, SD = 3.417) in four countries: USA, Spain, Poland and Japan. We used a 17-item short version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in all countries. For ensuring measurement invariance, we conducted pairwise CFAs for the ZTPI-17, MAAS and SWLS. Regression analyses showed that PN predicted decreased LS in Poland and Japan. PP predicted increased LS in Spain. F predicted increased LS in Poland. DNTP predicted decreased LS in Poland. Mindfulness predicted decreased LS in Japan and increased LS in USA, Spain and Poland. Moreover, mediation analyses revealed that the DBTP partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and LS in Spain and USA. The DNTP partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and LS in Spain, Poland and Japan (opposite direction). The findings suggest that the association of TP, mindfulness and LS differs across the investigated countries as a function of culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some nation-states, i.e., Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, repeatedly score the highest in environmental indicators such as the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). Their cities win environmental awards; they have well-developed recycling systems; they perform well with biodegradable waste; and their citizens show awareness of environmental problems, protesting publicly and even sueing their governing bodies if they don't do the same. For these and other reasons, recent scholarship defined these countries as “exemplary” green nation-states. The question is, which factors pushed them toward the green transition faster than others? And overall, what stops top polluting countries such as China, the United States and Russia from walking the same path? This article attempts to answer these questions by looking at climate change through a theoretical framework based on theories of nationalism and case studies of green nation-states. It compares three of said top polluting countries, China, the United States, and Russia, with “exemplary” green nation-states, and argues that the pace of greener nation-states rests on (1) a tradition of ecologism and environmentalism rooted in the long run, (2) the lock in of “green nationalism,” a form of nationalism grounded on sustainability, (3) free and effective environmental movements, (4) inclusivity and welfare, and (5) a sense of national pride in environmental achievements. The available evidence seems to suggest that top polluting nation-states lack one or more of these factors.

Background: Health librarians have traditionally provided mediated searches to support patient care, education and research. Objectives: This study aims to discover the types of search result formats used by health science libraries, determine current practice among health science libraries (types of requesters served, fees, deduplication, turnaround time and citation manager use) and uncover innovative methods for providing search results. Methods: An online survey was distributed to the MEDLIB‐L, ExpertSearching, MidContinental Chapter of the Medical Library Association and ICON listservs and through direct email to selected Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries reference and education librarians. Results: Librarians affiliated with 127 institutions from 11 countries (including the USS) and 36 USS states and territories responded. One hundred and forty‐two of the total 150 analysed responses provided information on full‐text access, and 81 of those 142 responses (57%) indicated that the institutions' link‐resolver links were included in search results provided to the requester. The survey responses provide information on literature search services regarding turnaround time, use of a citation managers, fees and deduplication. Conclusion: With the developing landscape of citation managers and the tools offered, these data can be used as a benchmark for librarians who are considering evaluating or modifying their search service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evangelical movement or Evangelicalism was at the forefront of the political, religious, social, and cultural life of the United States in the 20th century, especially in the last quarter. After seeing some laws issued by the state as a direct intervention in their religious life, the evangelicals organized and entered the political scene. There are many evangelical organizations with different purposes under the Christian Right. The Christian Right has continued to convey its demands to politicians and conducts lobby activities since the 1976 presidential elections. After this date, the influence of the Evangelical movement on politics has continued increasingly. There are many issues on which the Christian Right Movement has concentrated. The main ones are anti-abortion, anti-homosexuality rights, Israeli support, demands for Christianity in public schools, and anti-evolution. This study aims to reveal and examine the religious demands of the Christian Right from the political institution, which is mostly formed by the Evangelicals. While doing this, it explains the concept of Evangelicalism first, and then gives the historical background of the evangelical movement. It also reveals the reasons for evangelicals entering politics and their religious demands from politicians.

The author of the article attempts to analyze the scientific achievements of American researchers on the subject of Sub-Saharan Africa in the 1960s, using the example of two countries in the region – the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nigeria. In both countries, which decolonized in 1960 and embarked on an independent path of development, during the first decade of their existence, various stormy events took place that shook the entire Sub-Saharan region and largely reflected on processes in other parts of the continent. Therefore, these countries are a particularly striking example on the basis of which this study was conducted. Based on a thorough review of the dissertations on the list, developed and defended in the United States by different generations of researchers over the course of half a century, the main priorities and areas of interest to the American scientific community have been identified. Although this paper does not claim to be a comprehensive and complete analysis, statistics based on available material are systematized in chronological and thematic dimensions. In particular, the events and phenomena of the history of the Congo and Nigeria, which particularly attracted the attention of American scholars, are highlighted. Predictably, the lion’s share of the research was devoted to the events of the Congolese crisis of 1960-1965, as well as the civil war for Biafra independence that unfolded in Nigeria. At the same time, it is found that most researchers were not so interested in the fate of the Sub-Saharan African countries themselves as the role and place of the United States in the region, their foreign policy, and the advancement of American national interests.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem. Novel resistance mechanisms continue to emerge, and the pipeline of antimicrobial development struggles to keep up. Antimicrobial stewardship and proper infection control are key in preventing the spread of these infections. A case of a carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex urinary isolate was identified in an 81-year-old male patient at the San Antonio Veterans Affairs hospital, Texas, USA. The patient was placed on isolation, and further testing of the isolate to other antibiotics requested. The purpose of this study is to analyze the details of reports of such cases and to review at-risk populations and appropriate treatment for resistant organisms., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Chandramohan et al.)

Objective: This longitudinal observational study explored relationships between actual and expected usage of library resources as well as anticipated and encountered barriers to that usage among public health affiliates over the course of a semester. Methods: School of Public Health master’s degree students were sent questionnaires monthly throughout a semester that asked about usage of and barriers to library resources to examine changes over time. Results: Most students utilized library resources less often than they predicted at the beginning of the semester and did not have accurate expectations about which library resources they would use. Although most students encountered no difficulties using library resources, those who did often had multiple problems and seldom sought library assistance. Conclusion: As School of Public Health master’s students had unrealistically high expectations of library resource usage, librarians may need to manage students’ expectations and assist in overcoming difficulties. Further studies across health sciences disciplines are needed to determine differences between different populations of users.

The bipolar world order that emerged after the Second World War has shaped the international system. This change in the international system has also affected the Asia-Pacific region. A similar balance of power and threat in the international system has also experienced at the regional level in Asia-Pacific. During the Cold War, nation states in the Asia-Pacific region became the instrument of the power struggle and balancing strategy between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. In this period, some important developments such as Korea War, Vietnam War and disputes between this region states have legitimized and facilitated the US presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The Alliance relationship has been the most important instrument used in balancing policies in the region. States' power, capacity, geographical positions, intentions and perceptions about each other are the most important parameters in determining balancing strategies. In the light of these parameters, Asia-Pacific region has created a systemic balance during the Cold War. This study aims to reveal Asia-Pacific balancing strategy in the context of U.S. bilateral relations with China, Japan, South Korea and North Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continent of Africa, which has long been neglected in the international stage for many years, and which has not received the attention it deserves from neither centres of power poles, especially Sub- Saharan Africa has become a centre of interest after the collapse of the bipolar system. The global financial crisis of 2008 intensified the competition the Powers across the world, and enhanced Africa's attractiveness as a resource-rich continent. After the 2008 crisis, Africa has become one of the geopolitical competition grounds for the United States (US) and rising powers (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Turkey). After the year 2005, the US began to show real interest in the continent, and with the establishment of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) in 2007, African policy of the USA was identified with AFRICOM. The policies that the United States followed for sub-Saharan Africa between 2005 and 2015, when current theories and analyses of international relations were yet to be fully implemented, have influenced Africa's transformation and regional balances of power. In the adoption of US foreign policy decisions, domestic and international public opinion is critical; however, the external threat perception based on identity and background in African countries have also been important in determining these policies. After the 2008 Crisis, the US engagements in Africa were carefully selected and governed in such a way to achieve national interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how a three‐way collaboration between a University library, writing centre and faculty created avenues of training and support for students within a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in an American University. The role of each partner involved in the collaboration is discussed alongside the profile of the DNP students. Lesson planning and classroom techniques for DNP information literacy classes are described and feedback from the partners and the students are discussed. The study confirms that collaboration is effective in improving research and writing skills. D.I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donald Trump's arrival in the White House has tested the special relationship between Canada and the US. Admittedly, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has had a harder time connecting with the new president than with his predecessor, President Barack Obama, but the difficulties between Washington and Ottawa go far beyond personal affinities. More specifically, Trump's change of attitude toward both traditional allies of the United States and usual rivals has often put Canada in a difficult position. On the one hand, Canada cannot afford to antagonize its closest ally and commercial partner, but, on the other, it cannot sacrifice the other relationships it is trying to maintain across the globe. In an attempt to understand how Canada has managed to navigate this complicated relationship, this article will look at how Ottawa has dealt with third parties when its approach toward said parties differs from Washington's. Additionally, using situations from the first three years of the Trump presidency, we will try to determine if third-party issues tend to alleviate or accentuate tensions in the bilateral relationship between Ottawa and Washington. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world and often is a chronic long term disease. This calls for an expanded workforce to include non‐traditional health care providers. Objective: To determine effectiveness of a cancer information training project with clergy from selected rural Appalachian areas to improve comfort and willingness to work as part of the cancer health care team. Methods: Clergy were trained in the consumer health database of the National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus.gov. Exercises were required that were done using an iPad tablet with an online curriculum. They were also taught how to do a population health assessment of their particular area and develop a health ministry for their church. Results: Three key elements were confirmed that would enable replication of the pilot: access to medlineplus, programmed learning modules using mobile technology such as iPads, and staff support including librarians and medical staff. With these key elements, the cancer project is potentially replicable with other groups beyond clergy. Conclusion: Knowledge about population health, built on new awareness and topical health knowledge, and using new skills to identify relevant information and library resources, could open minds and enhance community support for preventive and medical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Trump administration's 'American Patients First' blueprint proposes to reduce drug prices in the USA by increasing drug prices abroad, ex USA. The possibility of the Trump administration to raise drug prices ex USA through legal action via the WTO and bilateral negotiations with foreign trade partners was reviewed. Methods: A literature review was conducted through PUBMED, EMBASE, Media and grey literature to consolidate publications of the Trump administrations' policies and strategies towards foreign countries and drug prices. Results: The Trump administration has withdrawn from and halted major multilateral agreements including the TPP, Paris Agreement, TTIP, UNESCO, NAFTA (now USMCA), and NATO. The Trump administration has been successful in bilateral negotiations for pharmaceuticals' pricing, as seen with Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Mexico and Canada. Conclusion: The objective of raising prices abroad is attainable. Action through the WTO is unlikely, due to its nondiscriminatory principle. Bilateral trade negotiation have proven more promising. In this bilateral framework, financial security and military protection are strong assets for the USA to levy higher drug prices abroad. Although raising drug prices ex USA is possible, further questions as to whether this will directly translate into lower drug prices for American patients are raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core Obama’s foreign policy, specifically in his second term, was to solve the country’s international crisis in the Middle‌ East and also to solve Iran’s nuclear issue. White House, in harmony with Europe, tried hard to put pressure on Iran, taking advantage of sanctions to create and expand civil unrest in Iran in order to undermine legitimacy of the government. It is clear that the root of the Iranian-Western conflicts cannot be reduced to Iran’s nuclear program. In fact, religious ideology of Iran’s Islamic system is the main reason of this controversy. Meanwhile, presence of Israel in the region and the role of other countries specifically Arab countries should not be neglected. The hypothesis of this paper is: US foreign policy in Iran’s nuclear issue follows rational, organizational and bureaucratic models of decision making and orchestrated toward interaction of national interests.

Background: The Trump administration’s ‘American Patients First’ blueprint proposes to reduce drug prices in the USA by increasing drug prices abroad, ex USA. The possibility of the Trump administration to raise drug prices ex USA through legal action via the WTO and bilateral negotiations with foreign trade partners was reviewed. Methods: A literature review was conducted through PUBMED, EMBASE, Media and grey literature to consolidate publications of the Trump administrations’ policies and strategies towards foreign countries and drug prices. Results: The Trump administration has withdrawn from and halted major multilateral agreements including the TPP, Paris Agreement, TTIP, UNESCO, NAFTA (now USMCA), and NATO. The Trump administration has been successful in bilateral negotiations for pharmaceuticals’ pricing, as seen with Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Mexico and Canada. Conclusion: The objective of raising prices abroad is attainable. Action through the WTO is unlikely, due to its nondiscriminatory principle. Bilateral trade negotiation have proven more promising. In this bilateral framework, financial security and military protection are strong assets for the USA to levy higher drug prices abroad. Although raising drug prices ex USA is possible, further questions as to whether this will directly translate into lower drug prices for American patients are raised.

Copyright of Carta Internacional is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Relacoes Internacionais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Mentoring programmes are commonplace, yet little is known about the circumstances in which they operate. This study aimed to gain insight into the context surrounding youth mentoring programmes by asking programme managers and experts in the United Kingdom about their experiences. Telephone interviews with twenty-three programme managers and five experts were undertaken. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed iteratively using thematic analysis. Contextual influences at the individual-, interpersonal-, organisational-, community-, policy-, and societal-level were identified to impact on programme's development, delivery and maintenance and were summarised in a model. This study further found that youth mentoring programmes operate within a complex context. This context provides challenges and opportunities that impact on programme's sustainability; resulting in many externally-funded programmes to 'hang by a thread'. It is important for service providers, commissioners and academics to recognise the complexity surrounding mentoring programmes to ensure that programmes are delivered as intended and evaluated appropriately. Highlights • Formal mentoring programmes in the United Kingdom operate within a complex context • Individual-, interpersonal-, organisational-, community-, policy-, and societal-level influences were identified • A conceptual model was established highlighting the range of contextual influences on formal mentoring programmes • The context provides challenges and opportunities that impact on programme's sustainability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nezahat Nurettin Ege had met with ideas of Prince Sabahattin in 1918 and shortly afterwards she had met with him as one of the young people who had worried about crisis which Ottoman Empire exists in and deepens after First World War. She had been in always contact with Prince face to face until 1924 when he was in Istanbul and then she had continued to contact via letters until 1948 when he died. This liaison which can be regarded as a 'teacher-student' relationship has turned into an effort to 'not let to forget Prince' which Ege exhibits after Prince's death. Ege approached directly personality of Prince Sabahattin in the copyright or translation manuscripts in which her signature is found or she treated Meslek-i İçtimaî which can be seen as a way to evaluate social events namely as a method. In this frame, this paper will focus on writing activities which spread in different fields and forms and are conducted by Ege who can be called as a Prince Sabahattin follower. Thus, it is aimed to reveal and understand how Prince Sabahattin has left a trace in thought and idea world of Ege and both how Ege adapts what she learned from her 'teacher' to conditions that she exists in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bajo Palabra: Journal of Philosophy is the property of Bajo Palabra: Journal of Philosophy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article is the third in a series in this regular feature. The intention of the series is to look at important global developments in health science libraries. These articles will serve as a road map, describing the key changes in the field and exploring factors driving these changes. The present article by the current president of the Medical Library Association outlines two important developments in the United States. The topics chosen for consideration are national initiatives in the United States impacting health sciences libraries and librarians and enhanced roles for U.S. health sciences librarians in providing support for research. J.M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal transplantation is the sine qua non consummate form of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite the increasing ESRD burden worldwide, developing countries continue to experience a gross lack of RRT options for its teeming citizens with ESRD. This report is a demonstration of a nephrologist's experience and dilemma trying to make sense of the yawning disparity between RRT options, especially renal transplantation, as it applies to the citizens of the USA versus the citizens of Nigeria. The limited three-year experience of renal transplantation at Garki Hospital, located in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, which is one of the very few centers carrying out renal transplantation in Nigeria, was starkly contrasted with this author's first-hand experience at the University of Maryland Medical School, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, as a Nephrology Fellow between 2000 and 2002. The potential role of public-private partnership (PPP) ventures in developing countries is considered as a way to help bridge this gap. Prologue: Just the other day, in late April 2017, during weekly scheduled hemodialysis rounds at one of the Mayo Clinic Dialysis Services outpatient hemodialysis units in Northwestern Wisconsin, this author was rounding on a pleasant 76-year old Caucasian widow who had been on dialysis since June 2016 for end stage renal disease (ESRD). Her other past medical history was notable for statin-induced myopathy, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and gout, as well as peripheral vascular disease with previous bilateral femoral artery bypass procedures, a left knee meniscus repair, and unilateral renal artery stenosis, which was stented in November of 2013 and re-stented again in December of 2014. During the hemodialysis rounds, she had been asked how she was doing. "Today is my last day," she had chuckled with a broad smile. She was getting a living kidney transplant in two days' time at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. "The donor is my 49-year old daughter!" she added with an even broader smile. "I hope all goes well," this author had intoned. "It will. It will," she added, with glee. This tells the whole story; for the ESRD patient on thrice weekly hemodialysis, or any other renal replacement therapy (RRT) option for that matter, the act of getting a kidney transplant is a transformative phenomenon. "It is as if being born again," one of my patients had noted previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To identify health-related websites Americans are using, demographic characteristics associated with certain website type and how website type shapes users' online information seeking experiences. Methods Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 1 were used. User-identified websites were categorised into four types: government sponsored, commercially based, academically affiliated and search engines. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between users' sociodemographic characteristics and website type, and associations between website type and information search experience. Results Respondents reported using: commercial websites (71.8%), followed by a search engines (11.6%), academically affiliated sites (11.1%) and government-sponsored websites (5.5%). Older age was associated with the use of academic websites ( OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02, 1.04); younger age with commercial website use ( OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95, 0.98). Search engine use predicted increased levels of frustration, effort and concern over website information quality, while commercial website use predicted decreased levels of these same measures. Discussion Health information seekers experience varying levels of frustration, effort and concern related to their online searching. Conclusion There is a need for continued efforts by librarians and health care professionals to train seekers of online health information to select websites using established guidelines and quality criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some nation-states, i.e., Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, repeatedly score the highest in environmental indicators such as the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). Their cities win environmental awards; they have well-developed recycling systems; they perform well with biodegradable waste; and their citizens show awareness of environmental problems, protesting publicly and even sueing their governing bodies if they don't do the same. For these and other reasons, recent scholarship defined these countries as "exemplary" green nation-states. The question is, which factors pushed them toward the green transition faster than others? And overall, what stops top polluting countries such as China, the United States and Russia from walking the same path? This article attempts to answer these questions by looking at climate change through a theoretical framework based on theories of nationalism and case studies of green nation-states. It compares three of said top polluting countries, China, the United States, and Russia, with "exemplary" green nation-states, and argues that the pace of greener nation-states rests on (1) a tradition of ecologism and environmentalism rooted in the long run, (2) the lock in of "green nationalism," a form of nationalism grounded on sustainability, (3) free and effective environmental movements, (4) inclusivity and welfare, and (5) a sense of national pride in environmental achievements. The available evidence seems to suggest that top polluting nation-states lack one or more of these factors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Posocco and McNeill.)

Background Except for one study in 2004, the literature has no data on the information-seeking behaviour of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning ( LGBTQ) health professionals. After a decade of change for LGBTQ people, and the growth of electronic information sources and social networks, it is appropriate to revisit this subject. Objectives To gain an updated understanding of the information-seeking behaviour of LGBTQ health professionals and of how medical libraries can provide a culturally competent service to such users. Methods A mixed-methods approach was adopted combining a Web-based questionnaire with email follow-up discussions. One hundred and twenty-three complete responses were received, mostly from the USA and Canada, between November 2012 and October 2013. Results LGBTQ health professionals remain more comfortable seeking LGBTQ health information from a medical librarian whom they know to be LGBTQ because they perceive LGBTQ librarians as more likely to have specialist knowledge, or through concern that non- LGBTQ librarians may be more likely to react in a stigmatising or discriminatory way. The study also provides evidence suggesting that online chat has marginal appeal for respondents seeking LGBTQ health information, despite its anonymity. Medical libraries seeking to demonstrate their cultural competency should provide visible evidence of this, such as through the creation of dedicated resource lists, promotion of LGBTQ literature on the library's website, and display of other symbols or statements supporting diversity. Conclusion Opportunities exist for LGBTQ health professionals and medical librarians to work together to ensure that medical libraries are culturally competent and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ patrons, that library collections match their needs, and in the creation of guides to ensure maximum access to the results of LGBTQ health research. Medical libraries should also consider nominating and, if necessary, training a specialist in LGBTQ health information. Such measures are more likely to be successful than reliance on online chat, despite contrary suggestions in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Public libraries may promote health through literacy, education and social connections. Objective To conduct the first broad-based, quantitative exploration of health and public library patronage. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study. All 2925 adult patients at a general practice clinic living in a small north-eastern U.S. city were invited by mail to participate; 243 consented. Clinical variables from the medical records were combined with library usage variables from the public library patron database. The authors analysed how patient health characteristics were associated with library cardholding, average card use or recency of use. Results Approximately 72% of participants held a library card; 40% of these had used it within the last month. Library cardholding was not associated with patient characteristics. Higher average card use was associated with pregnancy, having youth at home and depression severity. Lack of recent library usage was associated with current smoking ( P = 0.01) and drug use ( P = 0.01). Among ever-smokers, moderate/high card use and card use within six months were both associated with over two times the odds of quitting smoking. Conclusions Public libraries and health appear to intersect around substance abuse and depression-anxiety disorders. Moderate or higher use of public libraries is strongly associated with tobacco cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a reflection on the outcomes of an international collaboration between health librarians and academics at York St John University and Pacific University Oregon. In particular, it describes how a month-long visiting professorship from an academic with a clinical librarian background at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences helped to develop and inform teaching practice in the areas of information literacy and evidence-based health practice on health programmes at Pacific University. Perspectives are offered from both institutions on the rich exchange of knowledge and practice that took place during the visit and the ongoing impact it has had on teaching practices. H. S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal transplantation is the sine qua non consummate form of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite the increasing ESRD burden worldwide, developing countries continue to experience a gross lack of RRT options for its teeming citizens with ESRD. This report is a demonstration of a nephrologist’s experience and dilemma trying to make sense of the yawning disparity between RRT options, especially renal transplantation, as it applies to the citizens of the USA versus the citizens of Nigeria. The limited three-year experience of renal transplantation at Garki Hospital, located in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, which is one of the very few centers carrying out renal transplantation in Nigeria, was starkly contrasted with this author’s first-hand experience at the University of Maryland Medical School, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, as a Nephrology Fellow between 2000 and 2002. The potential role of public-private partnership (PPP) ventures in developing countries is considered as a way to help bridge this gap.