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Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

Introduction: The misuse or abuse and dependence of medications containing codeine continue to be a major global public health concern. This study aimed to investigate the role of community pharmacists in preventing the abuse or misuse and dependence of codeine-containing analgesic drugs in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 226 community pharmacists from various community pharmacies across multiple cities of Saudi Arabia was conducted from 09 May 2023 to 09 October 2023. Study data were collected and managed using Research Electronic Data Capture tool. Fourteen trained data collectors visited randomly selected community pharmacies in different cities, provided pharmacists with an electronic questionnaire link, and collected their responses electronically. The dataset was downloaded in SPSS format, and analyzed for both descriptive and inferential purposes. Results: The primary indicators that community pharmacists considered when suspecting cases of abuse or misuse and dependence included customers who requested a larger quantity of the medication (88.5%), frequently visited the pharmacy and sought the specific medicine (82.7%), and those who took advantage of the crowd (70.8%). Pharmacists have been instrumental in preventing abuse or misuse and dependence by ensuring that medicines with abuse potential are not easily accessible to consumers (87.6%), providing alternative options (81%), reducing the dose (65%), referring patients to physicians (62.4%), and refusing to sell or denying availability (54.9%). Additionally, pharmacists primarily focused on raising public awareness (85%) as a noteworthy proportion of customers (54.9%) became desperate to obtain the drug after missing a dose. It was also suggested that community pharmacists should receive specialized training in substance abuse or misuse, as 46.9% of them lacked such training. Discussion: Community pharmacists, being frequently the initial point of contact easily reachable, possess the capability to greatly assist in identifying the patients and averting abuse or misuse and dependence during the dispensing of medication. Further, they can provide valuable guidance to those involved in efforts to reduce drug abuse or misuse and dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions International registration number The development of haemophilic arthropathy causes joint damage that leads to functional impairment that limits the performance of activities in patients with haemophilia. The aim was to identify the best predictive model for performing instrumental activities of daily living in adult patients with haemophilia arthropathy.Cross‐sectional cohort study. 102 patients were recruited. The dependent variable was the performance of instrumental activities of daily living (Lawton and Brody scale). The dependence on the performance of activities of daily living was the dependent endpoint (Barthel scale). The secondary variables were joint damage (Hemophilia Joint Health Score), pain intensity, and clinical, anthropometric, and sociodemographic variables.The degree of dependence, joint damage, pain intensity, and marital status (Cp = 5.60) were the variables that best explain the variability in the performance of instrumental activities of daily living (R2adj = 0.51). Loss of predictive capacity is acceptable with good mean internal (R2 mean = 0.40) and external (R2‐r2 = 0.09) validation. According to the predictive pattern obtained, patients with haemophilia, who were married, without joint pain or damage, and independent in their day‐to‐day lives, had a score of 7.91 points (95% CI: 7.42; 8.39) in the performance of instrumental activities of daily living.The predictive model for the functional capacity of instrumental activities of daily living in haemophilia patients encompasses factors such as level of autonomy, joint impairment, pain severity, and marital status. Notably, despite the presence of joint damage, individuals with haemophilia exhibit a significant level of independence in carrying out both basic daily tasks and instrumental activities of daily living.Id NCT04715100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions A minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol of £0.50 per unit (1 UK unit = 10 mL/8 g alcohol) was introduced in Scotland in May 2018. Few previous studies have examined the impact of alcohol pricing policies on people who are alcohol dependent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MUP on people who are alcohol dependent including changes in alcohol consumption and health status, as well as potential unintended consequences.Three waves of cross‐sectional data were collected in Scotland (intervention) and Northern England (control) at 0–6 months pre‐implementation then 3–9 months and 18–22 months post‐implementation. The sample was N = 706 people receiving treatment related to their alcohol use. We collected structured interview data including recent drinking information via a 7‐day timeline‐follow‐back drinking diary. Difference‐in‐difference analyses estimated change in indicators in Scotland compared to England at both post‐implementation timepoints.The proportion of participants consuming alcohol costing on average <£0.50 per unit in Scotland decreased from 60.6% at 0–6 months prior to MUP implementation to 6.3% at 3–9 months post‐implementation (p < 0.0004). There was no significant change in the indicators for alcohol consumption, severity of dependence, health status, other substance use, deprivation level or parenting.The introduction of MUP in Scotland was associated with increases in the prices paid for alcohol by people with dependence and presenting to treatment services. There was no evidence of changes in their alcohol consumption or health status. There was also no evidence of harmful unintended consequences for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop a method to construct an asymmetric copula, based on which a closed form of the cumulative bivariate failure rate can be obtained. The construction method differs from existing ones. This new method can facilitate the derivation of some results such as the estimation of the expected number of occurrences for a system whose failure process is modelled by a bivariate stochastic process or the expected cost in optimisation of maintenance policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tobacco use is highly addictive and the leading cause of premature mortality in the world. Long-access nicotine self-administration procedures in rats closely model human smoking behavior. However, significant gaps remain in our understanding of sex differences in the development of dependence and relapse in adult rats. Methods: In the present study, we investigated operant responding for both nicotine and saline and the development of dependence in adult rats of both sexes. The rats had daily access to nicotine or saline for 6 h per day, 7 days per week. Dependence was assessed by evaluating precipitated and spontaneous somatic withdrawal signs, measuring locomotor activity in the small open field test, and assessing anxiety-like behavior in the large open field and elevated plus maze test. The sucrose preference test was used to determine if cessation of nicotine intake leads to anhedonia. It was also investigated if a period of forced abstinence affects nicotine-seeking behavior. Results: This study showed that nicotine intake is higher in females than in males when given daily long access to nicotine. Daily nicotine self-administration led to more precipitated and spontaneous somatic withdrawal signs compared to saline self-administration, with no sex differences observed. In addition, cessation of nicotine intake led to a similar increase in activity in both males and females in the small open field test. However, cessation of nicotine intake did not increase anxiety-like behavior or cause anhedonia in either males or females. A time course analysis revealed that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine affected nicotine intake differently in males and females, increasing intake in males and decreasing intake in females. Three weeks of forced abstinence led to an increase in nicotine and saline-seeking behavior. The rats exhibited more nicotine than saline seeking, and the females displayed more nicotine seeking than the males. Discussion: The present findings demonstrate that females self-administer more nicotine and display more nicotine-seeking behavior than males. Furthermore, there were no sex differences in somatic withdrawal signs or activity during abstinence from nicotine. This work underscores the importance of considering sex differences across various aspects of addiction, including intake and relapse, when developing novel treatments for tobacco use disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the risks and rewards of gig work requires examining how gig workers themselves feel about their work and how work satisfaction may vary even among workers on the same gig platform. Platform dependence theory posits that financially disadvantaged workers who depend on gig work for essential income will be less satisfied, in part, because they are less able to work their preferred schedules. These predictions, however, have not been tested quantitatively. Using survey data from workers who do gig microtasks on Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform (MTurk), we examine how platform dependence, schedule mismatches (between preferred and actual work schedules), and work stress are related to work satisfaction. We find that all three factors are associated with lower satisfaction. Furthermore, we find support for a hypothesized mediating mechanism: platform dependence lowers satisfaction, in part, because it is associated with more mismatches between workers' preferred and actual schedules. We conclude by discussing reforms that could improve satisfaction for all microtask workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debate on final value has been so far understood as a debate over what sort of properties final value depends on. The debate's reliance on mere dependence has, I argue, made it very difficult for conditionalists to put forward a coherent positive alternative to intrinsicalism. Talk of dependence is too coarse-grained and fails to distinguish between different ways in which value can metaphysically depend on other properties of the value bearer. To remedy this, I propose that we bring back a 'forgotten' distinction between two ways in which value can depend on other properties. We should distinguish those properties in virtue of which a value is had—the grounds of the value—from those on condition of which it is had—which following Dancy I call the enablers of the value. With this distinction in hand, I offer a clear re-statement of the two main conditionalist accounts of final value: non-instrumentalism and non-derivatism. When understood not as making claims about the properties on which final value depends but rather as making more specific ones about the properties that ground final value, these accounts are perfectly coherent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among Chinese adolescence has been reported. This study seeks to investigate the mediating effect of alexithymia and dependency on anxiety and emotional-behavioral problems among adolescents. The study population included 519 adolescents. The assessments included the completion of standardized scales such as the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (MASC), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Independent-sample t-tests, bivariate correlation, and serial mediation analyses were performed using SPSS23.0. Bivariate analyses revealed that anxiety, emotional-behavioral problem, alexithymia, and dependency were positively correlated. Alexithymia and dependency play a significant role in mediating the effect of multidimensional anxiety on emotional-behavioral problems. The effects of the two mediating paths were 69.86% and 7.81% for indirect effect through alexithymia, dependency, and specific indirect effect by alexithymia and dependency was 12.33%. Anxiety and emotional-behavioral problems mediate the relationship between alexithymia and dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

The article considers the impact made by natural hazards on the parameters of the staple food self-sufficiency for the Russian Federation. It is shown how the negative effect of such phenomena is gradually spreading and affects the components of "food sovereignty" and their links. A list for types and dynamic series of hydrometeorological hazards most frequently occurring on the territory of the Russian Federation is compiled for the time interval from 1991 to 2019. Correlation and regression analysis of the dependence observed for production indicators and the use of certain types of product groups (in the context of food balance sheet items) on the occurrence of specific natural hazard types was carried out. The results of the analytical study show that the integral effect of the consequences brought about by natural hazards is reflected in the matrix representing food balance sheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mounting geopolitical tensions and rivalries between the world's major economies transform the goals and instruments of domestic and external policies. Industrial strategies of leading global powers call for technological decoupling, strategic autonomy, and the de-risking of dependencies in critical value chains. Economic interdependencies become a liability and de-globalisation tendencies come to the fore. The energy sector is not exempted from these trends, leading even to the weaponisation of energy in some cases. In that vein, this article explores the character and directions of EU international energy engagement through the geoeconomic lens. Taking inspiration from literature on energy security and the geopolitics of energy transition, the article theorises the concept of de-risking in energy to investigate how the EU is positioning itself as a power while ensuring security and competitiveness. Looking at three illustrative examples of the energy transition--supply of natural gas, access to energy-critical minerals, and international hydrogen markets-the article shows that EU de-risking means not only diversifying suppliers but, most notably, constructing new economic, sustainable, and potentially long-lasting international relations. As a result, despite the deep geopoliticisation of energy and the new global "disorder," the EU's de-risking has the potential to reshape international relations by forging new partnerships or reconfiguring existing ones, thus establishing a new economic order driven by clean energy while offering new economic opportunities to create local value chains and decarbonise economies in third countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have reported that D,L-thiol esters, including D-cysteine ethyl ester (D-CYSee), are effective at overcoming opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) in rats. Our on-going studies reveal that co-injections of D-CYSee with multi-day morphine injections markedly diminish spontaneous withdrawal that usually occurs after cessation of multiple injections of morphine in rats. Chronically administered opioids are known (1) to alter cellular redox status, thus inducing an oxidative state, and (2) for an overall decrease in DNA methylation, therefore resulting in the transcriptional activation of previously silenced long interspersed elements (LINE-1) retrotransposon genes. The first objective of the present study was to determine whether D-CYSee and the one carbon metabolism with the methyl donor, betaine, would maintain redox control and normal DNA methylation levels in human neuroblastoma cell cultures (SHSY5Y) under overnight challenge with morphine (100 nM). The second objective was to determine whether D-CYSee and/or betaine could diminish the degree of physical dependence to morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats. Our data showed that overnight treatment with morphine reduced cellular GSH levels, induced mitochondrial damage, decreased global DNA methylation, and increased LINE-1 mRNA expression. These adverse effects by morphine, which diminished the reducing capacity and compromised the maintenance of the membrane potential of SH-SY5Y cells, was prevented by concurrent application of D-CYSee (100 μM) or betaine (300 μM). Furthermore, our data demonstrated that co-injections of D-CYSee (250 μmol/kg, IV) and to a lesser extent, betaine (250 μmol/kg, IV), markedly diminished the development of physical dependence induced by multi-day morphine injections (escalating daily doses of 10-30 mg/kg, IV), as assessed by the lesser number of withdrawal phenomena elicited by the injection of the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone (1.5 mg/kg, IV). These findings provide evidence that D-CYSee and betaine prevent the appearance of redox alterations and epigenetic signatures commonly seen in neural cells involved in opioid physical dependence/addiction, and lessen development of physical dependence to morphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between anemia and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in older female patients. Methods: 540 older female outpatients were included in this cross-sectional study. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin below 12 g/dL. Patients' demographic characteristics, comorbidities, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were also recorded. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured with a hand dynamometer to detect dynapenia. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional capacity. Results: The mean age of the participants was 77.42 ± 7.42 years. The prevalence of patients with anemia was 35%. A significant difference was observed between anemic and non-anemic groups in terms of age, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), malnutrition, dynapenia, and MMSE, BADL and IADL scores (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, DM, hypertension, CAD and CKD; there were significant associations between anemia and reduced BADL/IADL scores, dynapenia, falls, the risk of falls, MMSE, and malnutrition (p < 0.05). After adjusting for all confounding variables, deterioration in total BADL and IADL total scores were still more common among anemic older females than those without anemia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: One out of every three older women presenting at one outpatient clinic were anemic. Anemia was observed to be associated with dependence in both BADL and IADL measures. Therefore, the presence of anemia in elderly women should be routinely checked, and possible causes should be investigated and treated to improve their functional capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a reflection on the history of enslaved children (Pon pekpen) in African slavery and post-slavery societies, such as the Bamum Kingdom. This traditional monarchy of the Grassfields of Cameroon, founded in 1394 by Nchare Yen, was one of the largest providers of captives transported to the Atlantic coast and used locally to meet the needs of traditional slavery. In this kingdom, slaves and their descendants, as well as enslaved peoples, represented nearly 80% of the total population. The trade of captives and servile practices left indelible traces, particularly where enslaved children were concerned. So, what did enslaved children represent in African slavery and post-slavery societies, such as the Bamum Kingdom? The aim of this study is to show that the enslaved children were the most vulnerable and dependent members of slavery and post-slavery systems. This study is based on oral, archival iconographic, written and electronic sources, using theories of social dominance and subaltern studies. It clearly shows that the vulnerability and dependence of enslaved children (Pon pekpen) made them special, weak and hopeful links in the slavery system and the persistence of slavery practices. They were mainly victims of traditional slavery and of the trans-Saharan and transatlantic slave trades. Despite the formal abolition of the slave trade and slavery between the 19th and 20th centuries, enslaved children and the descendants of enslaved people continue to be victims of a kind of subalternisation because they are usually considered second-class citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains a serious public health problem. Opioid maintenance treatment is effective but under‐utilized, hard to access under existing federal regulations, and, once patients achieve OUD stability, challenging to discontinue. Fewer than 2% of persons with OUD stop using opioids completely. There have been calls from public advocacy groups, governmental agencies, and public health officials for new treatments for OUD. Dezocine, a non‐scheduled opioid previously used in the United States and currently widely prescribed in China for pain management, could be a candidate for a novel OUD treatment medication in the U.S. Nonetheless, to date, there have been no reviews of the clinical and preclinical literature detailing dezocine's abuse potential, a key consideration in assessing its clinical utility. Discussion: There are no English language reports of human abuse, dependence, or overdose of dezocine, despite years of extensive clinical use. There are a few case reports of dezocine abuse in the Chinese literature, but there are no reports of overdose deaths. Dezocine is perceived as an opioid and is "liked" by opioid‐experienced human and non‐human primates, properties that are not dose‐dependent and are mitigated by ceiling effects—higher doses do not result in more "liking." There is little withdrawal, spontaneous or precipitated, in humans, monkeys, rats, or mice treated chronically with dezocine alone. However, at some doses, dezocine can precipitate withdrawal in humans and monkeys dependent on other opioids. In rodents, dezocine reduces the severity of morphine withdrawal and the rewarding properties of other opioids. Conclusions: Although dezocine is reinforcing in humans and monkeys with prior or concurrent opioid use within a restricted dose range, there are only a few anecdotal reports of dezocine abuse despite of the long history of use in humans. Given the evidence of dezocine's limited abuse potential, it could be useful both as a treatment for OUD. However, in‐depth studies would be required for dezocine to be re‐considered for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use one of two formulations of nicotine—freebase or nicotine salt. This study examines whether maintenance or switching between nicotine formulations is associated with ENDS dependence using longitudinal survey data. 543 U.S. adults (21+) using ENDS frequently (5+ days/week) self-reported and uploaded photos of their most used ENDS liquids in wave 3–5 online surveys from September 2021 to April 2023. Nicotine formulation from photo data was used if available; otherwise, self-reported data were used. ENDS dependence was measured in each wave by a 4-item E-cigarette Dependence Scale (EDS: range 0–4, 4 being most dependent). Data were analyzed using ANCOVA. Participants using nicotine salt liquids in three waves reported the highest EDS in wave 5 (49.3%, EDS = 2.59), followed by participants switching from salt to freebase (3.2%, EDS = 2.58), participants switching from freebase to salt (10.1%, EDS = 2.52), participants using freebase in three waves (34.9%, EDS = 2.18), and participants changing back and forth (2.4%, EDS = 2.11). After controlling for smoking status, participants stably using nicotine salt and participants switching from freebase to salt reported significantly higher EDS than those stably using freebase (p < 0.01). Over an 18-month period, people consistently using nicotine salt liquids and participants switching from freebase to nicotine salt were more likely to have a higher ENDS dependence than those consistently using freebase liquids. Understanding how switching between nicotine formulations relates to ENDS dependence can inform nicotine formulation and concentration regulations that may impact addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines nonlinear and time‐varying dependence structures between a pair of stochastic variables, using a novel approach which combines regime‐switching models and local Gaussian correlation (LGC). We propose an LGC‐based bootstrap test for examining whether the dependence structure between two variables is equal across different regimes. We examine this test in a Monte Carlo study, where it shows good level and power properties. We argue that this approach is more intuitive than competing approaches, typically combining regime‐switching models with copula theory. Furthermore, LGC is a semi‐parametric approach, hence avoids any parametric specification of the dependence structure. We illustrate our approach using financial returns from the US–UK stock markets and the US stock and government bond markets, and provide detailed insight into their dependence structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and objective: Avoidance of opioid withdrawal plays a key role in human opioid addiction. Here, we present a procedure for studying operant negative reinforcement in rats that was inspired by primate procedures where opioid-dependent subjects lever-press to prevent naloxone infusions. Methods: In Experiment 1, we trained rats (n = 30, 15 females) to lever-press to escape and then avoid mild footshocks (0.13–0.27 mA) for 35 days (30 trials/d). Next, we catheterized them and implanted minipumps containing methadone (10 mg/kg/day) or saline. We then paired (4 times, single session) a light cue (20-s) with a naloxone infusion (20 µg/kg, i.v) that precipitated opioid withdrawal. Next, we trained the rats to escape naloxone injections for 10 days (30 trials/d). Each trial started with the onset of the opioid-withdrawal cue. After 20-s, the lever extended, and an infusion of naloxone (1 to 2.2 µg/kg/infusion) began; a lever-press during an 11-s window terminated the withdrawal-paired cue and the infusion. In Experiment 2, we trained rats (n = 34, 17 females) on the same procedure but decreased the footshock escape/avoidance training to 20 days. Results: All rats learned to lever-press to escape or avoid mild footshocks. In both experiments, a subset, 56% (10/18) and 33% (8/24) of methadone-dependent rats learned to lever-press to escape naloxone infusions. Conclusions: We introduce an operant negative reinforcement procedure where a subset of opioid-dependent rats learned to lever-press to escape withdrawal-inducing naloxone infusions. The procedure can be used to study mechanisms of individual differences in opioid negative reinforcement-related behaviors in opioid-dependent rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There has been limited evidence synthesis examining treatment of ketamine use disorder. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological interventions in the management of ketamine use disorder. Methods:We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from database inception to November 14, 2023, for studies of any design that reported on any pharmacological intervention in the management of ketamine use disorder. We extracted any reported measure of efficacy or tolerability and assessed outcome quality using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework. We planned to combine outcomes using random-effects metaanalysis, where this was not possible results were reported narratively. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria reporting on 368 participants. These comprised 1 controlled trial, 2 retrospective case series, and 9 case reports. Two studies reported on ketamine intoxication, 6 on withdrawal, and 4 on craving/relapse prevention. All studies reported only descriptive outcomes, and all evidence was of very low quality. Benzodiazepine regimens and haloperidol were reported to have potential utility in intoxication and withdrawal, whereas naltrexone, lamotrigine, and a combination of paliperidone palmitate and bupropion were reported to have potential utility in craving/relapse prevention. Conclusions: There is a paucity of research into pharmacological management of ketamine use disorder. The limited very low-quality evidence suggests benzodiazepine regimens may be most salient for future exploration in management of ketamine intoxication and withdrawal, whereas case reports suggest naltrexone, lamotrigine, and paliperidone palmitate plus bupropion may potentially merit further investigation with regard to craving/relapse prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Electronic Turkish Studies is the property of Electronic Turkish Studies 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 paper considers a multidimensional risk model with cádlág investment return processes, in which there exists some dependence structure among claims and claim-arrival time. Specifically, if claims follow the subexponential distribution or the regular variation distribution, we obtain some precise asymptotic estimates for the finite-time ruin probabilities. In addition, some numerical simulations are presented to test the performance of the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility is the ability to move and maintain a range of postures, including standing, walking and changing positions; mobilising is considered one of the 12 activities of living. This article discusses mobilising, alongside concepts such as lifespan, independence, dependence and influential factors that affect mobility. The article also offers further insight into the activity of living to help the healthcare assistant (HCA) and assistant practitioner (AP) offer care and support that is holistic and patient centred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose the application of the GARCH‐EVT‐Copula model in estimating liquidity‐adjusted value‐at‐risk (L‐VaR) of energy stocks while modeling nonlinear dependence between return and bid‐ask spread. Using the L‐VaR framework of Bangia et al. (1998), we present a more parsimonious model that effectively captures non‐zero skewness, excess kurtosis, and volatility clustering of both return and spread distributions of energy stocks. Moreover, to measure the nonlinear dependence between return and spread series, we use multiple copulas: Clayton, Gumbel, Frank, Normal, and Student‐t. Based on the statistical backtesting and economic loss functions, our results suggest that the GARCH‐EVT‐Clayton copula is superior and most consistent in forecasting L‐VaR compared with other competing models. This finding has several implications for investors, market makers, and daily traders who appreciate the importance of liquidity in market risk computation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The importance of reward-associated cues in eliciting behavior is well established, with stimuliassociated with drugs of abuse known to play a crucial role in recidivism. Recently, Redish (2004) proposed that drugs,acting as unconditional stimuli (US), remain associable even after being fully predicted by a conditional stimulus (CS),meaning that they are not susceptible to the blocking effect [1]; if correct, this may represent a possible mechanism toexplain exaggerated cue-controlled drug-seeking and reinstatement in nicotine dependence and substance dependenceproblems in general.Objectives: We tested whether pairings between nicotine and an environmental CS would convey conditionedreinforcement properties onto the CS, even when nicotine’s rewarding effects were already fully predicted by another cue(whether there was an absence of the blocking effect).Methods: 134 male Long-Evans rats were implanted with jugular catheters and assigned to either food- or nicotine-reward(0.06 mg/kg/inf) conditions. Each group was exposed to paired or unpaired presentations of their respective reward withone CS in 10 daily sessions; subsequently, they were exposed to 4 more daily sessions of paired presentations of thereward paired with a compound CS composed of the original CS and a second CS. Tests of the conditioned reinforcingvalue of both CSs using the active-lever-presses to total-presses ratio as an outcome were conducted following training.Results: Pressing for a blocked second CS (µ = 0.59, SD = 0.21) was significantly lower than pressing for an unblockedsecond CS (µ = 0.69, SD = 0.14) in the food-reward condition, but not in nicotine-rewarded animals, verifying thehypothesis that nicotine, but not food, is resilient to the blocking effect.Conclusion: The absence of blocking when nicotine is the reward may explain the powerful role for cues in supportingtobacco dependenceby allowing for the extension of nicotine’s rewarding value across numerous associated cues.acting as unconditional stimuli (US), remain associable even after being fully predicted by a conditional stimulus (CS),meaning that they are not susceptible to the blocking effect [1]; if correct, this may represent a possible mechanism toexplain exaggerated cue-controlled drug-seeking and reinstatement in nicotine dependence and substance dependenceproblems in general.

Background. Individual techniques, or decision-making styles, are included in the regulation of hierarchies of processes that mediate a person’s exit from situations of uncertainty. Diagnostics of these styles helps both to solve practical problems and to clarify theoretical issues — in particular, the issue of the generalization of styles and their connections with the intellectual and personal spheres. Objective. The aim is to test and adjust the General Decision-Making Style Inventory questionnaire to a Russian sample. Study Participants. 456 people aged 18 to 50 years (M = 24.80; SD = 7.61); of these, 74 were men (M = 22.96; SD = 4.88) and 358 were women (M = 25.25; SD = 8.08), 24 subjects did not indicate gender. 80% were university students, 20% were working employees. Methods. The study included 3 stages: translation, assessment of structural validity and reliability on a Russian sample, assessment of convergent validity. 4 questionnaires were used: the General Decision-Making Style, Rational-Experiential Inventory, Personal Factors of Decision Making (PFDM), Impulsivity-7. Results. A structural model of connections between the scales (factors) of the General Decision-Making Style Questionnaire has been constructed. The model demonstrated good fit to the data and Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were acceptable (0.75 to 0.85). The convergent validity of the questionnaire scales was confirmed. Analysis of differences by gender revealed significantly higher scores for Intuitive and Dependent styles in women. Conclusions. The General Decision-Making Styles Questionnaire has a 5-factor structure and acceptable psychometric properties. Convergent validity has been demonstrated primarily for the Rational and Intuitive styles when identifying their connections with other similar constructs. Both styles are not related to each other, but are related in the opposite way to the Spontaneous (Impulsive) style.

Abstract Aim The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between anemia and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in older female patients. Methods 540 older female outpatients were included in this cross-sectional study. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin below 12 g/dL. Patients’ demographic characteristics, comorbidities, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were also recorded. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured with a hand dynamometer to detect dynapenia. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional capacity. Results The mean age of the participants was 77.42 ± 7.42 years. The prevalence of patients with anemia was 35%. A significant difference was observed between anemic and non-anemic groups in terms of age, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), malnutrition, dynapenia, and MMSE, BADL and IADL scores (p

Background: College students who identify as a sexual minority (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other sexual orientation) are at higher risk for e-cigarette use than their heterosexual or "straight" peers. However, little is known about factors, such as e-cigarette outcome expectancies, that might influence these differences in prevalence rates. Therefore, the current study examined differences between heterosexual and sexual minority college student e-cigarette users in terms of days of past-month e-cigarette use, e-cigarette dependence, and e-cigarette outcome expectancies. A secondary aim of the study was to examine whether outcome expectancies served as an explanatory mechanism in the association between sexual minority status and e-cigarette use frequency and dependence. Methods: Participants were heterosexual (n = 90; Mage = 19.65, SD = 2.70; 76.7% female; 77.8% White) and sexual minority (n = 44; Mage = 20.02, SD = 2.18; 68.2% female; 90.9% White) college student e-cigarette users who completed self-report measures. Results: Students who identified as a sexual minority reported greater e-cigarette dependence, more frequent past 30-day use, and greater negative consequences and positive reinforcement e-cigarette outcome expectancies. Follow-up mediation analyses indicated a significant indirect effect of sexual minority status on both days of past-month e-cigarette use and e-cigarette dependence through expectancies for negative consequences and positive reinforcement. Conclusions: These findings suggest that positive reinforcement and negative consequences outcome expectancies may be contributing to the disparities in e-cigarette use among college students who identify as a sexual minority and could be useful targets for cessation interventions for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregabalin, approved for various medical conditions, has shown increasing misuse potential globally. However, limited research exists on pregabalin dependence in India. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of pregabalin dependence among individuals seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in North India. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on patients enrolled between August 2022 and July 2023 at an academic institution-based addiction treatment center. Case records of patients with pregabalin dependence were retrieved and compared with controls with opioid dependence but no history of pregabalin use. Results: Among 3766 registered patients, 135 had pregabalin dependence (prevalence: 3.58 per 100 registered patients). Pregabalin-dependent patients were male, with a median usage duration of eight months and a median daily dose of 1200 mg. Most had concurrent opioid dependence, primarily heroin, used via the injection route. The odds of pregabalin dependence among those with opioid dependence were significantly higher than those with other substance dependence (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.13–1.85). Reasons for pregabalin use included opioid craving reduction, sedation, and euphoria. Patients with pregabalin dependence were more likely to have lower socioeconomic status (P < 0.0001) and urban residence (P = 0.032), an earlier age of substance use initiation (P = 0.02) and treatment seeking (P < 0.0001), and a higher co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders (P = 0.007) and less occurrence of alcohol dependence (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Findings underscore the need for heightened awareness, screening, and intervention efforts targeting pregabalin misuse within SUD treatment. Further research should focus on longitudinal studies to elucidate pregabalin dependence’s trajectory.

Purpose of the study. One of the most important functions of the Russian banking sector is the accumulation of temporarily free funds of the population for further active operations, including lending to legal entities and individuals. The volume of deposits of individuals is influenced by various factors, the main ones being indexes of the standard of living of the population, which vary significantly in the regions of the country. In the context of significant differences in the spatial development of regions, it is advisable to carry out a statistical analysis of the influence of the main indexes of the standard of living of the population on the volume of funds attracted by credit institutions from the population in the regions of the Russian Federation. The purpose of this study is a statistical analysis of the dynamics and structure of household deposits, as well as an assessment of the impact of the main indexes of the population’s standard of living on the volume of household funds attracted by credit institutions.Research methods and sources of information. The following statistical tools were used: structural and dynamic analysis, cluster analysis, correlation and regression analysis, as well as tabular and graphical methods for presenting research results. The information base is the official statistical data of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the Central Bank of RussiaResearch results. The analysis of the dynamics of the volume of deposits of individuals showed an increase in the volume of private deposits in rubles with a significant reduction in deposits in foreign currency in all federal districts of the country. As a result of studying the regional structure of deposits of individuals in credit institutions, three federal districts can be identified, the share of which is 73,5% in the total volume of private deposits in the country. The use of the cluster analysis method made it possible to identify three groups of regions. The first cluster included three subjects that are characterized by the highest values of the volume of deposits per capita. The second cluster consisted of 66 regions of the country in which the level of development of savings remains low. In 13 subjects included in the third cluster, there is an average level of depositing funds in credit institutions of the country. The use of the method of correlation and regression analysis made it possible to identify the most significant impact on the volume of private deposits per capita of the average per capita monetary income of the population, i.e. a high level of cash income will contribute to an increase in the volume of citizen deposits attracted by credit institutions, as well as a moderate direct impact of the level of employment of the population. In addition, in certain groups of regions, the degree of influence of factor characteristics on the volume of private deposits per capita varies.

The article reproduces a slightly edited and expanded version of author’s ‘personal manifesto’ presented as a paper at the International Conference «Challenges of the current global uncertainty for transit states» (Astana, Kazakhstan, May 15, 2024), and previously (in 2022) proposed as the author’s discussion ideas for consideration by the experts at the «Kyiv Rysing» forum. In contrast to a strategy of conceptually and economically dependent development, the article offers some initial ideas related to working out of a strategy of relatively «autonomous» development of the country. In the current situation of almost total scarcity of resources in Ukraine, such a strategy would be a very difficult, but challenging and worthy endeavour.

Abstract Background Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) offer a promising approach to tobacco harm reduction, but many people use both ENDS and combustible cigarettes (“dual use”), which undermines potential risk reduction. To explore the role of ENDS nicotine delivery in promoting switching to ENDS, we conducted a study in which people who smoked cigarettes were offered an ENDS that had previously been shown to replicate the rapid nicotine pharmacokinetics of combustible cigarettes (BIDI® Stick). Methods Twenty-five cigarette smoking adults, not seeking smoking cessation treatment, but open to using ENDS as a cigarette substitute, were provided with a 12-week supply of BIDI® Stick in tobacco or menthol flavors, during a study that included seven biweekly sessions and a 6-month follow-up. Daily diaries assessed ENDS and cigarette use, and exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) served as an objective marker of smoke intake. Subjective ratings were collected to assess the rewarding properties of ENDS and combustible cigarettes, and indices of nicotine dependence. Results Over 12 weeks, ENDS use increased to an average of 15.8 occasions per day (SD = 20.2) and self-reported cigarette consumption decreased by 82% from 16.7 cigarettes/day (SD = 6.0) at baseline to 3.0 cigarettes/day (SD = 4.1) at week 12. The eCO level decreased by 27% from an average of 20.0 ppm (SD = 9.8) at baseline to 14.5 ppm (SD = 9.9) at week 12. Four of 25 participants completely switched to ENDS and were smoking abstinent during weeks 9–12. At 6 months one participant was confirmed to be abstinent. Ratings of subjective reward for the ENDS were very similar to those of participants’ usual brands of cigarettes. Dependence level was lower for the ENDS than for combustible cigarettes. Conclusions In this study, the ENDS effectively replicated the subjective rewarding effects of participants’ usual brands of cigarettes and led to a substantial reduction in reported cigarettes/day. Exhaled CO showed less of a decrease, possibly due to compensatory smoking behavior and/or the timing of eCO measurements that might not have reflected smoke intake throughout the day. The relatively low rate of sustained smoking abstinence at 6 months suggests that additional approaches continue to be needed for achieving higher rates of complete switching. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05855343.

Background: Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) dependence affects approximately 30% of people who use AAS. Presently, measures to assess and diagnose AAS dependence are adapted from scales specific to other forms of drug misuse (e.g., alcohol), containing issues with internal consistency and breadth of construct capture. Additionally, there are no measures available to assess AAS craving, which represents a potentially important coeval factor to AAS dependence. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and provide evidence of validity for measures of AAS dependence and AAS craving. Methods: Data were collected from male and female strength athletes who use AAS across two samples (nsample 1 = 206; nsample 2 = 224). Sample 1 completed the new measures alongside instruments assessing theoretically related constructs (Doping Moral Disengagement, Doping Self-Regulatory Efficacy Scale, craving items from the Wisconsin Smoking Withdrawal Scale, AAS adapted Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorder 4th Edition), whereas Sample 2 completed the new instruments. Results: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) with Sample 1 data were used to finalize the item sets for both measures and determine the factorial structures of the AAS Dependence Scale (AASDS) and AAS Craving Scale (AASCS). The AASDS consists of 15-items across five first-order factors that are represented by one second-order factor. The AASCS consists of 16-items across four first-order factors that are represented by one second-order factor. Evidence supporting the concurrent, convergent and discriminant validity of scores obtained with both scales was provided through their associations with the theoretically related variables. CFA with the data from Sample 2 confirmed the factor structures for both scales. Conclusion: The AASDS and AASCS represent valid and reliable measures of AAS dependence and AAS craving for use in research with strength athletes who use AAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a multidimensional statistical model of intraday electricity prices at the scale of the trading session, which allows all products to be simulated simultaneously. This model, based on Poisson measures and inspired by the Common Shock Poisson Model, reproduces the Samuelson effect (intensity and volatility increases as time to maturity decreases). It also reproduces the price correlation structure, highlighted here in the data, which decreases as two maturities move apart. This model has only three parameters that can be estimated using a moment method that we propose here. We demonstrate the usefulness of the model on a case of storage valuation by dynamic programming over a trading session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis article proposes a new association statistic for determining whether random variables are statistically independent. The proposed association statistic can also be used to examine the strength of both linear and nonlinear dependency between variables. This statistic is derived by examining how the conditional probabilities of events differ from their corresponding marginal probabilities. The new statistic is defined in terms of the probability of acceptance commonly associated with the Accept–Reject algorithm and has a very simple formula. The simulated density of the probability of acceptance can be used to measure the degree of uncertainty of the estimated values of the new association statistic. The results from simulations as well as examples that employ real data indicate that this new association statistic is very powerful in detecting linear and nonlinear associations between two random variables. Supplementary materials for this article are available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregabalin, approved for various medical conditions, has shown increasing misuse potential globally. However, limited research exists on pregabalin dependence in India. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of pregabalin dependence among individuals seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in North India. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on patients enrolled between August 2022 and July 2023 at an academic institution-based addiction treatment center. Case records of patients with pregabalin dependence were retrieved and compared with controls with opioid dependence but no history of pregabalin use. Results: Among 3766 registered patients, 135 had pregabalin dependence (prevalence: 3.58 per 100 registered patients). Pregabalin-dependent patients were male, with a median usage duration of eight months and a median daily dose of 1200 mg. Most had concurrent opioid dependence, primarily heroin, used via the injection route. The odds of pregabalin dependence among those with opioid dependence were significantly higher than those with other substance dependence (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.85). Reasons for pregabalin use included opioid craving reduction, sedation, and euphoria. Patients with pregabalin dependence were more likely to have lower socioeconomic status (P < 0.0001) and urban residence (P = 0.032), an earlier age of substance use initiation (P = 0.02) and treatment seeking (P < 0.0001), and a higher co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders (P = 0.007) and less occurrence of alcohol dependence (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Findings underscore the need for heightened awareness, screening, and intervention efforts targeting pregabalin misuse within SUD treatment. Further research should focus on longitudinal studies to elucidate pregabalin dependence's trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research provides a conceptual replication and theoretical extension of the mutual cyclical growth model. This model proposes that dependence promotes relationship commitment, which promotes pro-relationship behavior, which—when detected by partners—promotes partners' trust, which promotes partners' willingness to depend on the relationship. Prior research supports these links on a month-to-month basis, but romantic partners' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may change on a day-to-day basis. The present research sought to replicate the model on a daily level, and to extend the model with an important potential moderator: individuals' attachment orientations. Results from a dyadic daily-report study of romantic couples replicated the links in the mutual cyclical growth model at the level of day-to-day fluctuations in partners' experiences; the links were especially strong for individuals high in attachment anxiety. This research provides insight into mechanisms through which close relationships develop and strengthen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia has one of the highest rates in the world of the use of the crystalline form of methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant that is often associated with a chronic, relapsing dependency. Methamphetamine use is associated with both acquisitive and violent offending, which cause substantial personal and societal costs. Whilst the short-term euphoria and stimulation provide a positive reinforcement to methamphetamine use, the aversive states of withdrawing from methamphetamine and the associated craving, which may last up to five weeks into abstinence, underlie the negative reinforcement to continued methamphetamine use. Although many methamphetamine-dependent users experience high levels of psychological distress, it is likely that less than half engage with treatment or support services, and current intervention and treatment programmes have high discontinuation rates. Stigma and discrimination, even from paramedics and health clinicians, are prominent barriers to methamphetamine-dependent users accessing treatment in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the improvement of equipment reliability, human factors have become the most uncertain part in the system. The standardized Plant Analysis of Risk-Human Reliability Analysis (SPAR-H) method is a reliable method in the field of human reliability analysis (HRA) to evaluate human reliability and assess risk in large complex systems. However, the classical SPAR-H method does not consider the dependencies among performance shaping factors (PSFs), which may cause overestimation or underestimation of the risk of the actual situation. To address this issue, this paper proposes a new method to deal with the dependencies among PSFs in SPAR-H based on the Pearson correlation coefficient. First, the dependence between every two PSFs is measured by the Pearson correlation coefficient. Second, the weights of the PSFs are obtained by considering the total dependence degree. Finally, PSFs' multipliers are modified based on the weights of corresponding PSFs, and then used in the calculating of human error probability (HEP). A case study is used to illustrate the procedure and effectiveness of the proposed method. Graphic Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tolerance and dependence stand out as the most relevant risks observed during benzodiazepine (BZD) treatments. Objectives: To evaluate the degree of dependence of patients on BZD treatments using the Tyrer test; to define a profile of patients at risk of developing BZD dependence; and to discuss the role of the pharmaceutical care offered by the community pharmacy during dispensing. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional descriptive observational study (August 2020–February 2021) involving 127 patients using BZD. They voluntarily answered a questionnaire during the dispensing pharmaceutical care service. The study was evaluated and codified (code: DAA-CLO-2020-01) by the Spanish Agency for Drugs and Health Products (AEMPS), and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 25.0. Results: 19.05% of patients using BZD were suspected of suffering from BZD tolerance, and 77.88% of all patients were identified as being at a high risk of BZD dependence. The Tyrer test for dependence indicated a mean score of 5.59 out of 13 points. An 18-fold increased risk of developing dependence was detected in the case of coexistence of high anxiety or depression. Conclusions: The community pharmacy, through protocolized care practices and supported by tools such as the Tyrer test, can play a decisive role in the detection, prevention, and resolution of the risks associated with BZD treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hedonic smartphone use has been associated with dependence and addiction studied under the umbrella term Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU). Research usually explores total screen time as an index of PSU. A few studies suggest that exercise is inversely related to smartphone use time. However, it is unknown which primary characteristics of exercise behavior are related to more moderate smarthone use. Furthermore, the purpose of smartphone use, such as hedonic use associated with PSU versus utilitarian use, was not tested in the sports and exercise contexts. Hedonic use generally means playing with the smartphone for joy, distraction, and satisfaction. Utilitarian use implies practical and valuable use. There is a conjecture that sports involvement may foster utilitarian use through increased involvement in sports‐related information‐seeking, goal‐setting, and self‐monitoring. Methods: Therefore, we examined whether weekly exercise frequency, workout duration, and perceived exercise intensity relate to total daily smarthone and hedonic use and whether this relationship is mediated by sports‐related utilitarian device use. We tested regularly exercising adults (n = 360, 132 males, Mage = 39.0 ± 9.8, Mweekly exercise = 5.8 ± 1.9) who volunteered for this study and provided demographic information about their exercise habits and smartphone use. Results: The results revealed that all exercise parameters mediated the total daily smartphone use, with perceived exercise intensity being a negative predictor. Further, exercise frequency and duration (but not intensity) positively predicted sports‐related smartphone use, which inversely predicted hedonic use. Conclusion: These results suggest that exercise parameters directly relate to daily smartphone use, which completely mediates hedonic use. These findings may partially account for the frequently reported inverse relationship between regular exercise and PSU by suggesting that the connection is mediated via sports‐related smartphone use. Key points: Exercise frequency and duration are positive predictors of daily smartphone use.Exercise intensity is a negative predictor of total daily smartphone use.Exercise frequency and duration are positively related to sports‐related smartphone use.Sports‐related smartphone use is a negative predictor of hedonic smartphone use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze elder abuse in people over 65 years of age and its relationship with some risk factors—depression symptoms, dependency, gender and age—in the Spanish population. Methods: A battery of questionnaires was administered to a sample of 167 participants electronically (M = 72.42; SD = 6.46), including the Abbreviated Yesavage Scale to assess depression, the Katz Index for Basic Activities of Daily Living to assess dependency, and the American Medical Association and the Canadian Task Force Questionnaire to assess suspicion of abuse. Results: A prevalence of 40.72% of suspected abuse, of 5.99% of established depression, and of 1.20% of severe dependence was obtained. The prevalence of abuse was higher in the population with dependency (75%) than without dependency (37%). In the case of depression, the prevalence of abuse was 70% for people with established depression and 35.4% for people without depression. Conclusion: Women have higher rates of abuse than men, although this difference is not statistically significant. The same occurs with age. Nevertheless, having established depression and dependency are confirmed risk factors for suffering abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) offer a promising approach to tobacco harm reduction, but many people use both ENDS and combustible cigarettes ("dual use"), which undermines potential risk reduction. To explore the role of ENDS nicotine delivery in promoting switching to ENDS, we conducted a study in which people who smoked cigarettes were offered an ENDS that had previously been shown to replicate the rapid nicotine pharmacokinetics of combustible cigarettes (BIDI® Stick). Methods: Twenty-five cigarette smoking adults, not seeking smoking cessation treatment, but open to using ENDS as a cigarette substitute, were provided with a 12-week supply of BIDI® Stick in tobacco or menthol flavors, during a study that included seven biweekly sessions and a 6-month follow-up. Daily diaries assessed ENDS and cigarette use, and exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) served as an objective marker of smoke intake. Subjective ratings were collected to assess the rewarding properties of ENDS and combustible cigarettes, and indices of nicotine dependence. Results: Over 12 weeks, ENDS use increased to an average of 15.8 occasions per day (SD = 20.2) and self-reported cigarette consumption decreased by 82% from 16.7 cigarettes/day (SD = 6.0) at baseline to 3.0 cigarettes/day (SD = 4.1) at week 12. The eCO level decreased by 27% from an average of 20.0 ppm (SD = 9.8) at baseline to 14.5 ppm (SD = 9.9) at week 12. Four of 25 participants completely switched to ENDS and were smoking abstinent during weeks 9–12. At 6 months one participant was confirmed to be abstinent. Ratings of subjective reward for the ENDS were very similar to those of participants' usual brands of cigarettes. Dependence level was lower for the ENDS than for combustible cigarettes. Conclusions: In this study, the ENDS effectively replicated the subjective rewarding effects of participants' usual brands of cigarettes and led to a substantial reduction in reported cigarettes/day. Exhaled CO showed less of a decrease, possibly due to compensatory smoking behavior and/or the timing of eCO measurements that might not have reflected smoke intake throughout the day. The relatively low rate of sustained smoking abstinence at 6 months suggests that additional approaches continue to be needed for achieving higher rates of complete switching. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05855343. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is receiving increasing attention. In particular, violent gameplay or in‐game spending affects the psychiatric conditions and economic difficulties of patients. We conducted regression analysis and path analysis to investigate the associations between a comprehensive list of factors in patients with IGD, including the degree of internet or gaming dependence, developmental problems, family background, severity of depression, sleeping habits, in‐game spending, and first‐person shooter (FPS) and third‐person shooter (TPS) game playing.The participants were 47 Japanese individuals (39 males and 8 females) aged ≤20 years diagnosed with IGD with complete data from the internet addiction test, autism spectrum quotient, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. All participants were asked whether their parents have divorce history, whether they have siblings, whether they play FPS or TPS games, and whether they engage in in‐game spending. Firstly, we compared these factors between males and females; secondly, we conducted regression analysis and path analysis in male patients.As for simple comparison between sex, female patients showed greater severity of IGD and depressive score. In regression analysis of male patients, significant associations were found between FPS or TPS game playing and in‐game spending. We also created path diagrams.The results of the comprehensive analyses suggest the possibility that bidirectional synergistic effects could be achieved by gradually reducing both violent game playing and in‐game spending. The concept of internet dependence has a wide range of meanings, and for each subtype, it is important to consider the background that led to the dependence to make individualized environmental adjustments and provide psychotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between foreign financial aid and economic growth in Central Asian countries. Foreign aid is viewed as a critical resource for promoting long-term growth by addressing key challenges such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. However, the effectiveness of aid remains contentious, with critics arguing that it may foster dependency, corruption, and inefficient use of resources. Central Asia, comprising countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, has received substantial foreign financial aid since gaining independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. While some scholars suggest that foreign aid has positively impacted the economic growth of Central Asian nations, others argue that it has had minimal or even negative effects. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating not only the amount of aid but also its effectiveness, with a particular focus on the role of institutional quality in determining the success of aid in promoting sustainable economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent interconnection and big data will be the core content of the future competition, and a unified digital platform construction of the automobile manufacturing industry will inevitably become an important support for the future development from large to strong. Using literature research and expert consultation, 14 influencing factors of digital platform construction in the automobile manufacturing industry were sorted out. this study uses ISM (Interpretative structural modelling) model to stratify the influencing factors of digital platform construction of the automobile manufacturing industry, draw a multi-layer hierarchical structure diagram of influencing factors, and uses the MICMAC (Matrix impacts cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification) method to analyze the dependence and driving force of the main influencing factors. The results show that 14 factors are more scientific and reasonable as influencing factors of digital platform construction in the automobile manufacturing industry. A1, A3, B1, B3, C3, D2, D3 are the top-level influencing factors. C1 and C2 are the bottom influencing factors, highlighting that technical factors are still the fundamental factors affecting the digital platform of the automobile manufacturing industry. C1, D1 and C2 are autonomous factors with a high driving force and play an important role in promoting digital platform construction in the automobile manufacturing industry. The research results have important reference value for accelerating the digital transformation of the automobile manufacturing industry, enhancing the core competitiveness of automobile industry enterprises, and improving the monitoring degree of operation status of the automobile industry market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing from Laozi's ideals of non-action and naturalness, the ultimate goal in Zhuangzi's philosophy is a state of xiaoyao 逍遥 (free and easy). This is often also described with the Chinese term wudai 無待, variously understood to mean "not depend on anything", "depend on the ten thousand things", or "depend on Dao 道". This confusing expression has sparked a long and considerable debate. However, upon revisiting the original text, it becomes evident that Zhuangzi's key expression is not wudai but rather dai 待 (depend on). I argue that the crucial phrase bi qie wuhu dai zai 彼且惡乎待哉 (not depend on anything, or, what can you depend on?) cannot simply be glossed with wudai, as it often is, but instead hints at the way one can become free and easy. This statement entails two interconnected inquiries: what to depend on and how to depend on it. The answer to both relates to Heaven. It is what we must depend on and this "depending" on Heaven can be divided into internally depending on one's own self-transformative nature and externally depending on one's relationship with Heaven. How we properly depend on Heaven involves realizing an interdependent relationship with Heaven that is seemingly non-interdependent, something only made possible by our full participation in hua 化 (transformation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As a major concern for the clinicians, better treatment of the patients hospitalized to stop opioid abuse has always been a target for the researchers working in this field. On the other hand, the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants has become of great interest to both researchers and consumers in recent years. Among the plants, we can mention those belonging to the genus Marrubium, which have been reported to exert many therapeutic effects. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of Marrubium parviflorum on morphine withdrawal syndrome and its possible relationship with malondialdehyde (MDA), the indicator of lipid peroxidation that is elevated during the syndrome. To perform this study, 48 rats were divided into 6 groups as follows: 1) Saline-Saline 2) Saline-Morphine; 3, 4, 5) Different doses of the Extract-Morphine (10, 20 and 40 mg.kg-1); 6) and the most effective dose of the extract-Saline. To evaluate the withdrawal syndrome, the increasing doses of morphine were injected subcutaneously for 9 days followed by a single dose of naloxone (4 mg.kg-1, i.p.). Withdrawal symptoms were then assessedand the total withdrawal score (TWS) was calculated. On the other hand, to confirm the efficacy biochemically and to investigate the possible relationship between the observed effects and lipid peroxidation, blood samples were taken for malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement. According to the data, administration of the extract (in two higher doses) significantly alleviated the syndrome-related behavioral signs as well as MDA levels significantly. Overally, based on the results, aerial parts of Marrubium parviflorum seem to be beneficial for better coping with morphine withdrawal syndrome through complex pathways such as suppressing lipid peroxidation, further preclinical and clinical studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]