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Language in job advertisements and the reproduction of labor force gender and racial segregation
Get PDFJob advertisements (ads) represent the first point of contact between employers and job seekers. By signaling characteristics expected of an ideal candidate, job ads “gatekeep” the labor force and configure its composition. Meanwhile, labor force composition can also shape the wording of job ads. This study develops a multidimensional inventory of gender and EDI (equality, diversity, inclusion) language in job ads. Applying this inventory, it adopts an instrumental-variable approach to disentangle the reciprocal relationships between gender/EDI language in job ads and labor force gender/racial composition. Drawing on the analysis of 28.6 million job ads in the United Kingdom in combination with labor force statistics between 2018 and 2023, the findings reveal three distinct mechanisms through which the bidirectional interplay between language in job ads and labor force composition (re)produces or disrupts labor force gender/racial segregation. They highlight both the benefits and limitations of intervening in the language used in job ads to help reduce labor force gender/racial segregation
Psycho-physical interactions in Parkinson’s Disease: Protocol for a prospective observational cohort study
Get PDFBackground: Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) often experience not only physical symptoms but also a higher prevalence of psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and psychotic symptoms, compared to the general population. The relationship between these physical and psychological symptoms remains poorly understood, particularly in relation to commonly used measures of physical function and a wider variety of psychological symptoms. Investigating this link is essential for optimising patient care. This cohort study is registered with OSF (https://osf.io/c7tvd). Objective: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the association between physical and psychological symptoms in PD. We will focus specifically on measures of physical function such as balance and mobility, assess the similarities between physiotherapist and participant-rated measures, and monitor changes over time. Methods: This cohort study plans to recruit 30 participants with PD, who will be monitored over a 12-month period. Data will be collected at baseline and completion, providing two data points per participant. Selected outcome measures will include physical function (objective measures), non-motor symptoms, participants perceived function, and engagement in physical activity. Correlations between outcomes will be analysed, and multivariate regression modelling may be employed for time-series analysis to evaluate how relationships change over time. Descriptive summaries of all outcomes will be presented in tables. Results: Ethical approval for this study was obtained on 15th July 2024, with participant recruitment scheduled to begin in October 2024. Data collection is expected to conclude by August 2026, with final results anticipated within six months of study completion. Conclusions: This study will be the first to monitor this specific set of physical and psychological outcomes over time in individuals with PD. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the relationship between these symptoms, informing future research and potentially leading to larger-scale, multi-site studies conducted over extended assessment periods
Consequences of Different Intensities of Deforestation on Total Household Income in Rural Communities within the Tropical Rainforest Areas of Ikom Local Government Area, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study aimed to identify the causes and consequences of deforestation in the Ikom Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, Nigeria. The objectives included assessing the causes of deforestation, evaluating its impact on rural household income, and proposing solutions to the socio-economic issues related to deforestation. A review of relevant literature provided insights into related variables. Data were collected using a open-ended questionnaire, with 136 copies distributed and 129 retrieved through simple random sampling. The communities studied for income data collection include Alok, Okuni, Alesi and Ekunde. Pearson correlation and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were employed to test the hypotheses. The ANOVA analysis shows F-value of 58.24223, Pvalue (2.567896) and F- crit value of 2.662569. Given the (p˃0.05) observation, the null hypothesis (Ho) which states that there is no significant variations in household incomes from tropical rainforests with varying levels of deforestation, was accepted. The Pearson correlations show dwindling correlation values in relations with total household incomes as the level of intensity increases. Data from questionnaire, though not largely included in this study, were utilized for the corroboration of other collected data and information presented. Based on the findings, recommendations include greater involvement of stakeholders, particularly nongovernmental organizations, in biodiversity conservation efforts, and the provision of alternative livelihoods for forest communities to reduce their dependence on forest resources
Workplace Physical Activity, Sitting Time, and Menopause Symptoms
No full textObjective
Increasing numbers of women are in employment during the menopause; however, menopause symptoms can negatively impact capacity to work. Aspects of the work environment, such as the amount of time spent in physical activity (PA) and sitting, may influence symptoms, yet this is unexplored. This study aimed to explore relationships between workplace PA and sitting, and menopause symptom severity.
Methods
Using a cross-sectional study design, 264 perimenopausal or postmenopausal women were recruited to complete an online questionnaire assessing their self-reported workplace PA and sitting time, and their menopause symptom severity (menopause quality of life, hot flash interference, symptom severity). Multiple linear regression analyses examined the associations between menopause symptom severity and the time spent in PA (standing, walking, and physically demanding tasks) and sitting during work hours. Binomial logistical regression was used to assess if menopause symptom severity predicts whether women meet workplace activity guidelines.
Results
No significant associations were observed between the time spent in PA or sitting while at work and menopause symptom severity (P > 0.05). Menopause symptom severity did not significantly predict whether women met workplace activity guidelines (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
In a cohort of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, self-reported time spent in PA and sitting while at work is not associated with menopause symptom severity. Further research is needed using device-based methods to assess PA and sitting time, to explore in more detail the influence of the time spent in these behaviors while at work on menopause symptoms
Women empowerment: challenges and opportunities for sustainable development goals
Get PDFPurpose
The paper aims to explore gaps in women's empowerment in rural areas, specifically focusing on the alignment of skill development with job creation. The overarching goal is to understand how firms can contribute to achieving the 5th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to women's empowerment through skill development and job creation programs.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews information available in various formats to analyse the existing landscape of women's empowerment, skill development and job creation in rural areas. It likely involves a literature review synthesising insights from diverse sources, including academic studies, government initiatives and reports from researchers working in the field. The methodology may also encompass an examination of success cases and challenges faced by government programs.
Findings
Gender disparities: Over 80% of the global impoverished population is in rural areas, with women constituting 70% of this demographic. Challenges in policy implementation: Despite women-centred policies, challenges persist in enabling rural women to recognise the potential of remunerative skills for improving their lives. Linking skills and decision-making: Scholarly work highlights the connection between remunerative skills and decision-making, emphasising the importance of financial independence for women's empowerment. Gap in job opportunities: Lack of industry and commercial setups in rural areas poses a significant challenge, hindering the recognition of the value that skill development can offer.
Originality/value
The paper reviews information available in various formats to analyse the existing landscape of women's empowerment, skill development and job creation in rural areas. It likely involves a literature review synthesising insights from diverse sources, including academic studies, government initiatives and reports from researchers working in the field. The methodology may also encompass an examination of success cases and challenges faced by government programs
Sustainable Urban Tourism Development in Doha: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Stewardship
Get PDFThis study investigates the development of sustainable urban tourism in Doha, Qatar, with a focus on balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship. The research explores the integration of sustainable practices within Doha’s tourism sector, the implementation of key policies such as the Qatar National Vision 2030, and the impact of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on tourism and sustainability efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with 30 key stakeholders and quantitative data analysis, the findings reveal that while Doha has made substantial progress in areas such as resource management and green infrastructure development, challenges remain—particularly in retrofitting older buildings and enforcing sustainability standards. The FIFA World Cup 2022 acted as a catalyst for sustainable practices, but the long-term success of these efforts depends on continued investment and policy enforcement. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and tourism officials working to promote sustainable urban tourism in rapidly developing cities
The Efficacy of a Novel Biological Formulation from Bovine Milk Colostrum Exosomes and its Growth Factors in Enhancing the Process of Wound Healing
Get PDFThe management of wounds is a significant issue that impacts individuals, healthcare systems, and society at large. This study evaluated a novel formulation extracted from Bovine Colostrum with a unique combination of 20 different growth factors and exosomes, known for its exceptional properties in promoting cell proliferation and regeneration. The newly developed combination of different biological components was referred to as Rigemed D (RD). This study aims to determine the effects of different doses of RD on cell survival (using CCK8) and to assess its antioxidant effect using the Comet assay in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on two human cell types, fibroblasts and immortalised keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line). The study results revealed that RD, at doses of 1, 1.5 and 2% v/v, significantly improved cell viability four, six and 12 times, respectively, compared to the control group (p<0.00001). Furthermore, the Comet assay showed a two-fold reduction in DNA damage in RD-treated cells at 2% v/v without and with H2O2 (p<0.001). The effect of RD on cell proliferation and migration was evaluated using a scratch assay on fibroblasts and HaCaT cells. The findings demonstrated a four-fold increase in cell proliferation and migration at 1 and 24 hours (p<0.001). Immunohistochemistry confirmed this claim (p<0.001). Also, angiogenesis induction of RD was assessed on Human Vein Umbilical Endothelial Cells (HUVEC), showing that RD significantly enhanced the proliferation of endothelial HUVEC cells (p<0.0001). In conclusion, RD is a promising vitalising compound with exceptional capabilities in promoting cell proliferation, migration, and regeneration. It also shows a significant antioxidant effect and has the potential to support all phases of wound healing involving cell proliferation, re-epithelialisation, angiogenesis, and tissue maturation. Hence, the present formulation presents a promising foundation for developing a 3D bio-printed membrane, potentially expediting the wound healing process
The implicit power of positive thinking: The effect of positive episodic simulation on implicit future expectancies
Get PDFPrevious research demonstrating that positive episodic simulation enhances future expectancies has relied on explicit expectancy measures. The current study investigated the effects of episodic simulation on implicit expectancies. Using the Future Thinking Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (FT-IRAP), participants made true/false decisions to indicate whether or not they expected positive/negative outcomes after adopting orientations consistent or inconsistent with an optimistic disposition. The outcome measure, DIRAP, was based on response time differences between consistent and inconsistent blocks. Participants then engaged in either positive simulation training, in which they imagined positive future events, or a neutral visualisation task before repeating the FT-IRAP twice following 10-minute intervals. Positive simulation training increased DIRAP scores for don’t-expect-negative trials–boosting participants’ readiness to affirm that negative events were unlikely to happen to them. Although findings did not generalise across all trial types, they show potential for positive simulation training to enhance implicit future expectancies
Exploring the impact of street play as a powerful pedagogical tool in public health programs
No full textThis case study reports on the production, performance and evaluation of a public health street play by MSc Public Health students at York St John University (London Campus) in the United Kingdom. The street play was performed on World AIDS Day 2023. This paper focuses on the dynamic and interactive nature of street play as a pedagogical technique that aligns with constructivist principles, fostering meaningful learning experiences. Increased confidence, engagement and programme commitment were observed in students both in in-person and online sessions following the street play. While recognising these strengths, we discuss the need to address challenges, foster collaborations and implement continuous improvement strategies to make street play even more effective as a teaching method in the public health discipline
Cross-attention enables deep learning on limited omics-imaging-clinical data of 130 lung cancer patients.
Get PDFDeep-learning tools that extract prognostic factors derived from multi-omics data have recently contributed to individualized predictions of survival outcomes. However, the limited size of integrated omics-imaging-clinical datasets poses challenges. Here, we propose two biologically interpretable and robust deep-learning architectures for survival prediction of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, learning simultaneously from computed tomography (CT) scan images, gene expression data, and clinical information. The proposed models integrate patient-specific clinical, transcriptomic, and imaging data and incorporate Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Reactome pathway information, adding biological knowledge within the learning process to extract prognostic gene biomarkers and molecular pathways. While both models accurately stratify patients in high- and low-risk groups when trained on a dataset of only 130 patients, introducing a cross-attention mechanism in a sparse autoencoder significantly improves the performance, highlighting tumor regions and NSCLC-related genes as potential biomarkers and thus offering a significant methodological advancement when learning from small imaging-omics-clinical samples. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.