95038 research outputs found
Sort by
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SAFETY NETS IN SHAPING DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES: EFFECTS ON PERSONALITY, GENDER NORMS AND EMPLOYMENT TRAJECTORIES
Get PDFI examine the impact of social safety nets on personality traits, labor market outcomes, and gender norms and attitudes. For the first two outcomes, I draw on data from a nine-year longitudinal evaluation of Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Program (SCTP), implemented by the Government of Malawi. In the first chapter, I investigate how cash transfers influence personality traits among young adults in Malawi, specifically those aged 19 to 28. I pay particular attention to whether these effects differ by receiving three additional years of treatment and gender. Given the variation in age within the sample, I also explore whether the program’s impact varies across different age cohorts. The second chapter is a systematic literature review to assess the impact of social safety nets on gender norms and attitudes. I hypothesize that social safety nets that are gender aware or those that have plus components are likely to have favorable impacts. Hence, I examine whether impacts vary by the type of social safety net, whether they are gender aware or not, integration of plus components, or the domain (type) of gender-related attitudes and norms measured. Finally, the third chapter examines the impact of cash transfers on time use among young adults in Malawi. I specifically examine whether receiving three additionally years of unearned income helps young adults’ transition from low productive jobs to high productive jobs in a context of a fragile macroeconomic situation and whether this impact varies by gender. Taken together, the three chapters of this dissertation contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of the effects that cash transfers can have across multiple dimensions of individuals’ lives.Doctor of Philosoph
IMPROVING EDUCATION ACCESS AND QUALITY IN GRANVILLE AND VANCE COUNTIES THROUGH POLICIES ADDRESSING GRADE LEVEL PROFICIENCY AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Get PDFThis proposal focuses on how to improve education access and quality in public schools in Granville and Vance Counties. Through our research it became evident that kindergarten through twelfth grade school districts struggle to address the chronic racial and socioeconomic disparities impacting student success. We are recommending that the County Boards of Education enact short-term suspension reform, multigenerational learning, and implicit bias training as first steps to improve education in the public school system. As a social determinant of health, education affects not only academic and career advancement in the short-term, but also lifelong well-being and the health of the next generation. We believe that through policy change and engagement with community stakeholders, Granville and Vance Counties can provide high quality, equitable education to all school-aged residents.Master of Public Healt
Waves I-V Neighborhood Concentrated Disadvantage Data for Longitudinal Analyses User Guide
Get PDFThis document provides an overview of the Add Health ancillary study entitled, “Wave I-V Neighborhood Concentrated Disadvantage Data for Longitudinal Analyses” and its accompanying dataset (w5nbrhddisad.xpt). The data file contains five census indicators of neighborhood concentrated disadvantage, as well as a weighted composite score, for each of the five Add Health Waves (30 variables total). These data are linked to Add Health participant addresses and reflect concentrated disadvantage at the census block group level. The five indicators of neighborhood concentrated disadvantage are listed below.
Proportion of persons below the federal poverty level (last year)
Proportion of persons 16+ years old in the labor force and unemployed
Proportion of persons 25+ years old with less than a high school diploma
Proportion of households on public assistance (last year)
Proportion of households with children that are single-headed
These data differ from existing contextual data available from Add Health in several key ways, such that 1) the census block group boundaries are standardized to 2010 boundaries, 2) the values of each indicator variable are linearly interpolated to estimate the values of intercensal years and align with the year of Add Health assessment (e.g., 1994 values of the proportion of persons below the federal poverty line were estimated from 1990 and 2000 decennial census values), and 3) weighted composite variables of neighborhood concentrated disadvantage are included. To calculate the composite neighborhood concentrated disadvantage variables, a series of principal component analyses were conducted to extract weights for each indicator. Each indicator was then multiplied by the extracted weight, and the weighted items were then summed
EXPANDING MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL (MBH) SERVICES FOR NORTH CAROLINA’S FOSTER CARE YOUTH
Get PDFChildren and youth in foster care (CYFC) face significantly higher rates of adverse childhood experiences, which place them at a heightened risk for mental and behavioral health (MBH) challenges. These challenges are compounded by inappropriate and unstable foster care placements, such as social services offices, emergency rooms, or congregate care settings (e.g., psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs)). North Carolina lacks appropriate community-based services for CYFC with significant mental or behavioral health problems. This proposal expands the current Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC), which is a career pathways program for Social Work students to intern in the child welfare system, with the commitment to continue this work post-graduation. This bill would expand the CWEC program to recruit students pursuing Psychology and Counseling degrees. The expanded CWEC program would also bring in licensed MBH professionals to provide direct care to CYFC, while training student interns.Master of Public Healt
Enhancing HIV Prevention for Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Under 26 in the United States: An Evidence-Based Intervention Brief
Get PDFYoung men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States, particularly those under 26, are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Despite national declines in HIV incidence, nearly two-thirds of new diagnoses among men in 2022 were MSM. Black and Latino YMSM are especially affected, with structural, behavioral, and social factors exacerbating their risk. This intervention brief examines the key determinants of HIV risk in this population, including condomless sex, low adherence to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), misinformation, stigma, and limited healthcare access. This paper evaluates three existing interventions that address HIV in MSM in the US, and proposes a hyrbid intervention that would be most impactful for this population.Master of Public Healt
“I’m Excited to Have my Voice Heard”: Understanding Autism Research Participation From the Perspective of Autistic Women, Non-Binary Adults, and Parents of Autistic Girls
Get PDFLay Abstract Previous studies have asked autism community members (parents of young children, autistic adults, caregivers of adults) about their views towards autism research, and found that community members are motivated to participate in research that they think will be helpful to the community or themselves/their child. They also found that personal values play a large role in the decision to engage with a research study. To our knowledge, this study is the first to focus on gender while examining study participation. We interviewed groups that have historically been underrepresented in autism research: autistic women, autistic non-binary people, and parents of autistic girls. Our results were very similar to studies focused on other community members, but one new motivator to participate in autism research for these underrepresented groups was the idea of improving the representation of their gender in autism research. By focusing on groups that have been historically under-recruited as autism research participants, we were able to identify group-specific suggestions for how autism researchers can make the experiences of their participants more comfortable and fair.The purpose of this qualitative study is to better understand how underrepresented gender groups within the autism community engage with autism research as participants. Using reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with autistic women, autistic non-binary adults, and parents of autistic girls/women (N = 41), we identified themes that encompass motivations to participate in research, barriers to participation, and elements of a research study that facilitate or hinder the research experience. Some themes overlapped with previous research with different groups of community members. However, other themes surrounding representation in autism research and the importance of community in facilitating research participation were novel and particularly salient among members of these underrepresented gender groups. This study builds upon previous research aimed at understanding gender-specific research priorities to extend the field's understanding of research participation for these historically underrepresented groups. Themes from the current study can therefore improve the facilitation of future research partnerships with members of this community to achieve shared research goals moving forward
SARS-CoV-2 N protein and anti-spike serologies: insights into COVID-19 disease severity and mortality—a secondary analysis of the ACTIV-1 trial
Get PDFBackground: Understanding factors that predict progression to severe COVID-19 is critical. Antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein confer protection, while the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays roles in viral replication and immune dysfunction. This study explores the significance of N protein and anti-spike antibodies on disease severity, progression, and mortality. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 N protein and anti-spike antibody levels with disease severity, clinical outcomes, and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Design: A secondary analysis of serologic data from participants in the ACTIV-1 randomized clinical trial, which evaluated immunomodulators for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: A subanalysis of the ACTIV-1 immune modulator trial was conducted. Samples collected at randomization were tested for N protein levels and anti-spike antibodies. Logistic regression and linear models were employed to examine the association between serological measures and clinical outcomes, including 28-day mortality as well as progression to high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and invasive mechanical ventilation (MV). Results: Among the 496 participants with detectable serum N protein, the median was 1143 ng/dL, and levels decreased from 2559 ng/dL in participants randomized at 6 days of symptom onset to 477.6 ng/dL at 11 days. Higher anti-spike antibody levels were seen as the days from symptom onset progressed or disease severity increased. Greater disease severity at randomization was associated with 28-day mortality, prolonged days of oxygenation, ventilation, hospitalization, and risk of new non-invasive ventilation, HFNC, MV, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. N protein levels were associated with a higher risk of new non-invasive ventilation or HFNC use, longer oxygenation duration, and extended hospitalization. Anti-spike antibody serologies were not associated with clinical outcomes. Conclusion: N protein levels could provide insights into COVID-19 disease progression and prognosis. Further research is needed to explore the clinical implications of these findings to optimize patient care and enhance outcomes. Plain language summary Understanding COVID-19 severity: the role of viral proteins and antibodies COVID-19 severity can vary widely, and predicting who will develop severe disease is crucial for effective treatment. This study looks at two key components of the virus: the N protein, which helps the virus replicate, and anti-spike antibodies, which help the body fight off the virus. We studied blood samples from participants in a clinical trial to see how levels of these two components related to disease severity and outcomes, such as the need for advanced respiratory support or death. The study found that higher levels of the N protein were associated with more severe disease and worse outcomes, including a higher risk of requiring advanced respiratory support and longer hospital stays. On the other hand, anti-spike antibodies, which are typically seen as protective, did not show a clear relationship with the severity of illness or outcomes in this study. These findings suggest that the N protein might be a useful indicator for predicting how severe a person's COVID-19 illness might become, which could help doctors better manage and treat the disease. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of these viral components in COVID-19 and how they can be used to improve patient care
Diving into Diversity: Harnessing Neurodivergent Strengths to Transform Aquatic Sciences
Get PDFThe Early Career Committee (ECC) of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) calls for amplified acknowledgment and embrace of neurodiverse individuals in aquatic sciences. We advocate for a transformative shift, urging the broader scientific community to recognize and embrace the unique approaches, abilities, and well-being of each researcher. Despite increased attention to demographic heterogeneity, neurodiversity remains an underexplored aspect of society, particularly in scientific disciplines. The neurodiversity paradigm reframes cognitive differences as assets rather than deficits, emphasizing the strengths, specialized skills, and high-performance potential of neurodivergent individuals in science (Jaarsma and Welin 2011; Lefevre-Levy et al. 2023). This approach aligns with the broader views of cognitive variances as essential components of human diversity, resilience, and social collaboration (Goldberg 2023), akin to the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning and resilience. This paper advocates for systemic reforms to enhance the careers and experiences in aquatic sciences, thereby enriching the discipline by incorporating a wider array of perspectives and talent
Phase I study on the pharmacokinetics of intravaginal, self-administered artesunate vaginal pessaries among women in Kenya
Get PDFOBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics of Artesunate (AS) and its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) following intravaginal use at the dosing and frequency intended for cervical precancer treatment. A secondary objective is to assess safety among study participants. METHODS: We are conducting a single-arm, phase I trial with a sample size of 12 female volunteers. Participants will self-administer artesunate vaginal pessaries in the study clinic daily for 5 consecutive days. Participants will have their blood drawn prior to receiving the first dose of artesunate on day one of the study and then will receive 8 blood draws on study day five, prior to artesunate administration and at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, and 8 hours after pessary administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters of artesunate and DHA will be calculated by way of quantitative analysis of with determination of maximum concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (Tmax), area under the serum concentration versus time curve (AUC), apparent clearance, and elimination half-life (t1/2)
Assessing factors that influence graduate student burnout in health professions education and identifying recommendations to support their well-being
Get PDFBACKGROUND: While well-being has become increasingly important in graduate education, limited information exists regarding factors contributing towards burnout and well-being in Pharmaceutical Sciences Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students. This exploratory story aimed to identify factors influencing well-being and burnout in these students as well as identify recommendations to support their well-being. METHODS: A two-stage sampling approach was used: (1) purpose sample of Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD students at a public university were invited to participate in a semi-structured focus group or interview to explore factors contributing to PhD student burnout and well-being as well as solicit suggestions for strategies to improve their well-being; (2) Stratified sampling was used to assign participants into focus groups by All-But-Dissertation (ABD) status (i.e., pre-ABD candidates, ABD candidates) to explore experiences that may be unique to these students. Inductive coding and thematic analysis were used. RESULTS: Six PhD candidates participated in three sessions: three Pre-ABD candidates in one focus group, two ABD candidates in one focus group, and one ABD candidate in one interview. Participants identified relationships and aspects of curriculum and research (i.e., program design, completing milestones) as factors influencing their well-being. Factors influencing participants' burnout included curriculum and research stressors (e.g., cumulative exams, competing academic and research responsibilities), working overtime, unrealistic expectations, lack of work life balance, and financial burden. While relationships and curriculum and research were factors in both subgroups, unique aspects within these themes emerged between Pre-ABD and ABD participants. Participant recommendations to foster PhD student well-being included improving financial support and encouraging PhD connections. CONCLUSIONS: This study advances knowledge on factors influencing PhD student well-being and burnout, providing suggestions to improve their well-being. Findings highlight curriculum and research factors as well as relationship dynamics influence graduate student burnout and well-being. Findings contribute to broader conversations aimed to support student wellness and reduce burnout in higher education, informing the academy of focused areas and strategies to improve PhD student well-being