Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alexandra Malia Jackson, Juhee Woo, Marley Olson, Francis Dalisay, Pallav Pokhrel, Clemma J. Muller, Scott K. Okamoto
Summary: Internet and web-based research has grown rapidly, providing numerous advantages for researchers. However, there are challenges in web-based data collection, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. To contribute to the literature on best practices for web-based qualitative data collection, we present 4 case studies that highlight unique challenges faced by research teams and how they adapted their approaches to ensure data quality and integrity. These case studies focus on issues such as recruiting hard-to-reach populations through social media, engaging adolescents in sensitive conversations online, and accommodating the medical needs of study participants through diverse data collection modalities. Drawing from these experiences, we offer guidance and future directions for journals and researchers in collecting qualitative data on the web.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
David Carvajal-Arango, Alejandro Vasquez-Hernandez, Luis Fernando Botero-Botero
Summary: The construction industry has a significant impact on employment generation, but the workplace well-being of construction workers is often precarious. A bottom-up approach to analyzing the factors affecting workplace well-being can help identify key dimensions, such as Rewards and Recognition, Growth and Projection, Sense of Work and Interpersonal Relationships, Activity Performed, Physical Work Environment, and Physical and Mental Health. The average rating of workplace well-being among respondents was 3.63, indicating a moderate level of satisfaction. Future research should focus on factors important for labor welfare but with low average qualifications.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Shannon M. Robson, Samantha M. Rex, Katie Greenawalt, P. Michael Peterson, Elizabeth Orsega-Smith
Summary: Cooperative Extension is a community outreach program that aims to improve health-related outcomes through team-based challenges. This study found that participants in a three-month team-based challenge experienced a significant reduction in body mass index and an increase in fruit and vegetable intake, but no significant changes in waist circumference and physical activity.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Maria Soledad Hershey, Eleni Bouziani, Xin Yu (Maggie) Chen, Irene Lidoriki, Kishor Hadkhale, Ya-Chin Huang, Theodoros Filippou, Jose Francisco Lopez-Gil, Anne Katherine Gribble, Fan-Yun Lan, Mercedes Sotos-Prieto, Stefanos N. Kales
Summary: This study describes the usability testing and pilot study of a newly designed healthy lifestyle smartphone app, Surviving & Thriving, tailored towards young US firefighters. The app provides interactive educational content, personalized journey, habit tracker, and elements of gamification to promote long-term healthy behavior change. The pilot phase of the study evaluates the app's impact on health behaviors, mental health, and physical fitness. The findings will help new firefighters maintain/improve their health and fitness effectively.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cynthia M. Killough, Annemarie Madaras, Christina Phillips, Jennifer Hettema, Venice Ceballos, Jesus E. Fuentes, Heidi Rishel Brakey, Katherine Wagner, Kimberly Page
Summary: Representation of diverse populations in health research is important for understanding health factors, implementing findings, and promoting social justice. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of frontline community health workers (CHWs) to identify barriers and facilitators impacting representation of diverse groups in research. The results revealed themes of participation barriers/risks, research facilitation, CHW roles, recommendations, and transparency. An important finding was that some CHWs see themselves as both facilitators and gatekeepers, highlighting their role in protecting patient populations and promoting informed participation in research.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Shanti Narayanasamy, Timothy H. Veldman, Mark J. Lee, William A. Glover II, L. Gayani Tillekeratne, Coralei E. Neighbors, Barrie Harper, Vidya Raghavan, Scott W. Kennedy, Miranda Carper, Thomas Denny, Ephraim L. Tsalik, Megan E. Reller, Warren A. Kibbe, Giselle Corbie, Michael Cohen-Wolkowiez, Christopher W. Woods, Cathy A. Petti
Summary: Research on COVID-19 pandemic has found that underserved populations bear a disproportionate burden of infection and death. The RADx-UP program, funded by NIH, aims to address the low rates of COVID-19 testing in these communities through community-engaged research. This program has provided essential scientific expertise and guidance to support the safe and effective deployment of large-scale diagnostics for underserved populations.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Chris Calitz, Charlotte Pratt, Nicolaas P. Pronk, Janet E. Fulton, Kimberly Jinnett, Anne N. Thorndike, Ebyan Addou, Ross Arena, Alison G. M. Brown, Chia-Chia Chang, Lisa Latts, Debra Lerner, Michiel Majors, Michelle Mancuso, Drew Mills, Eduardo Sanchez, David Goff
Summary: In the United States, heart disease and strokes are significant causes of death, and employers have the potential to promote cardiovascular health through workplace programs, yet few businesses have implemented evidence-based initiatives.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Industrial
Longhui Liao, Kuian Liao, Nana Wei, Yuehua Ye, Linhui Li, Zezhou Wu
Summary: The construction industry has a poor safety record, but the use of ergonomics has improved the health, safety, and environment (HSE) management of construction workers. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation on the application of ergonomics in HSE management research for construction workers. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating relevant peer-reviewed journal papers and identifying future directions.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Araz Zirar, Syed Imran Ali, Nazrul Islam
Summary: Workplace Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps organizations improve operational efficiency, enable faster decision-making, and drive innovation. Research on how workers and AI can coexist in the workplace is still evolving, making it critical to explore emerging themes and research agendas in this area. This study examines the coexistence of workers and AI in the workplace and identifies four themes: workers' distrust in AI as a job threat, AI enticing worker-AI interactions by augmenting worker abilities, the need for technical, human, and conceptual skills for AI and worker coexistence, and the importance of ongoing reskilling and upskilling for a symbiotic relationship with workplace AI. The study also proposes relevant research questions for future exploration.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melissa A. Simon, Catherine A. O'Brian, Laura Tom, Q. Eileen Wafford, Shenita Mack, Samuel R. Mendez, Magdalena Nava, Rabih Dahdouh, Rachelle Paul-Brutus, Kathryn H. Carpenter, Barbara Kern, Kristi L. Holmes
Summary: The development of the website "Health for All" aims to enhance racial/ethnic minority participation in clinical trials by providing research literacy and addressing distrust caused by longstanding racism and discrimination through a hybridized single-scrolling and guided module prototype.
Review
Engineering, Industrial
Huihua Chen, Hujun Li, Yang Miang Goh
Summary: This study examines the inconsistencies in definitions, measurement, and factor structures of Construction Safety Climate (CSC), and suggests future research agenda to improve Construction Worker Safety Behavior (CWSB) based on evaluating the relationship between CSC and CWSB. The study also proposes a perception-based definition for CSC focusing on safety management system and identifies different categories of CSC differentiated based on organizational levels. Additionally, a CSC factor structure is proposed using validated items from past CSC scales to address existing inconsistencies, and different mediators influencing the relationship between CSC and CWSB are compiled for future studies.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ahmed Zaalouk, SangHyeok Han
Summary: Addressing ergonomic risk factors in modular construction is crucial for enhancing productivity and reducing societal costs. A parameterized workplace design optimization framework can assist in designing the optimal workplace and guiding safety improvements.
JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chukwuma Nnaji, Ibukun Awolusi, JeeWoong Park, Alex Albert
Summary: Wearable sensing devices play a vital role in improving worker safety and health, with most workers willing to share captured information and some functions having mutual value to both workers and management. Developing personalized WSD systems is crucial for successful integration of these devices.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ashwin P. Rao, Phillip R. Jenkins, John D. Auxier, Michael B. Shattan, Anil K. Patnaik
Summary: This study compares a portable LIBS analyzer to a portable XRF device for quantification of gallium in a plutonium surrogate matrix of cerium for the first time. While LIBS can provide nearly instantaneous measurements, its accuracy is limited by self-absorption, while XRF offers superior sensitivity and lower detection limits.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Eleftheria-Maria D. Bali, Cleopatra A. Moraiti, Charalampos S. Ioannou, Vasilis Mavraganis, Nikos T. Papadopoulos
Summary: Mass trapping is an environmentally safe method for managing the Mediterranean fruit fly, but the effectiveness of trap-attractant combinations can vary based on temperature. Tephri traps baited with BioLure or Biodelear were found to be most effective under different temperature conditions, with a higher efficacy for BioLure baited traps at high temperatures. Additionally, more males than females were captured, and the efficacy and female selectivity of trapping devices were influenced by temperature regimes during spring and summer seasons in semi-field conditions.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Taghrid Asfar, Tulay Koru-Sengul, Michael A. Antoni, Asha Dorsey, Estefania C. Ruano Herreria, David J. Lee, Monica Webb Hooper
Summary: This study described lessons learned from recruiting a diverse sample of African American, White, and Hispanic/Latinx smokers in a smoking cessation trial. Word-of-mouth, flyers, newspaper, and online ads were more successful among racial/ethnic minorities. Flyers and newspaper ads were found to be the most economic methods for recruitment.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jefferey L. Burgess, Julia M. Fisher, Amy Nematollahi, Alesia M. Jung, Miriam M. Calkins, Judith M. Graber, Casey C. Grant, Shawn C. Beitel, Sally R. Littau, John J. Gulotta, Darin D. Wallentine, R. Jeffrey Hughes, Charles Popp, Antonia M. Calafat, Julianne C. Botelho, Alissa D. Coleman, Natasha Schaefer-Solle, Paola Louzado-Feliciano, Simi O. Oduwole, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez
Summary: This study compared serum PFAS concentrations in firefighters from multiple fire departments with a general population sample. The results showed elevated concentrations of several PFAS in firefighters from four departments.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Meghan K. Herring, James K. Romine, Meredith G. Wesley, Katherine D. Ellingson, Sarang K. Yoon, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, Jennifer Meece, Manjusha Gaglani, Lauren Grant, Lauren E. W. Olsho, Harmony L. Tyner, Allison L. Naleway, Sana M. Khan, Andrew L. Phillips, Natasha Schaefer Solle, Spencer Rose, Josephine Mak, Sammantha B. Fuller, Angela Hunt, Jennifer L. Kuntz, Shawn Beitel, Young M. Yoo, Pearl Q. Zheng, Gayatri Arani, Julie Mayo Lamberte, Taylor Edwards, Mark G. Thompson, Ryan Sprissler, Natalie J. Thornburg, Ashley A. Lowe, Tamara Pilishvili, Jennifer L. Uhrlaub, Karen Lutrick, Jefferey L. Burgess, Ashley L. Fowlkes
Summary: Based on a study of healthcare personnel and frontline workers in six US states, it was found that a third dose of mRNA vaccine typically elicited a robust humoral immune response among those who had received primary vaccination. However, individuals who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 within three months before the third dose did not show a significant increase in antibody concentrations.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natasha Schaefer Solle, Amy Legros, Rachael Jackson, Apoorva Rangan, Cynthia Campos Beaver, Hannah Kling, Fatima Khan, Tulay Koru-Sengul, Frank J. Penedo, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, Erin N. Kobetz
Summary: This study examines cancer survivorship among firefighters and finds that they are exposed to unique carcinogens, but there is limited research on this topic. The results show that firefighters who are cancer survivors have lower levels of emotional well-being but higher quality of life in physical, social, and functional well-being.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Carya Maharja, Radisti A. Praptiwi, Bethany R. Roberts, Karyn Morrissey, Mathew P. White, Nuzulia M. Sari, Fauzan Cholifatullah, Jito Sugardjito, Lora E. Fleming
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, and activities such as swimming or snorkeling in natural environments can help mitigate this crisis. A study conducted in coastal villages in Indonesia found that sea swimming or snorkeling was associated with better mental well-being. This study contributes to the growing evidence base supporting the benefits of interactions with blue spaces for mental health, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.
JOURNAL OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AND TOURISM-RESEARCH PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Elizabeth Mahanna-Gabrielli, Sayaka Kuwayama, Wassim Tarraf, Sonya Kaur, Delia Cabrera DeBuc, Jianwen Cai, Martha L. Daviglus, Charlotte E. Joslin, David J. Lee, Carlos Mendoza-Santiesteban, Ariana M. Stickel, Diane Zheng, Hector M. Gonzalez, Alberto R. Ramos
Summary: This study found that self-reported visual impairment was independently associated with worse cognitive function and decline, and sleep disorders did not attenuate these associations.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Amber Pirzada, Jianwen Cai, Gerardo Heiss, Daniela Sotres-Alvarez, Linda C. Gallo, Marston E. Youngblood, M. Larissa Aviles-Santa, Hector M. Gonzalez, Carmen R. Isasi, Robert Kaplan, John Kunz, James P. Lash, David J. Lee, Maria M. Llabre, Frank J. Penedo, Carlos J. Rodriguez, Neil Schneiderman, Tamar Sofer, Gregory A. Talavera, Bharat Thyagarajan, Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller, Martha L. Daviglus
Summary: The HCHS/SOL is a landmark, multicenter study that addresses the lack of comprehensive data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other chronic diseases among diverse Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States. It has expanded considerably in scope and has made significant contributions to understanding the prevalence of CVD risk factors and the burden of CVD and related chronic conditions in this population. The ongoing follow-up and ancillary studies of this cohort will further advance research on cardiovascular and pulmonary outcomes in this population.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Humberto Parada Jr, Margaret S. Pichardo, Linda C. Gallo, Gregory A. Talavera, Corinne McDaniels-Davidson, Frank J. Penedo, David J. Lee, Wassim Tarraf, Tayna P. Garcia, Martha L. Daviglus, Hector M. Gonzalez
Summary: This study examined the association between cancer history and neurocognitive test performance among middle-aged and older Hispanic/Latinos. The results showed that a history of cervical cancer in women was associated with memory decline, possibly reflecting the impacts of systemic cancer therapies. On the other hand, a history of prostate cancer in men was associated with improvements in cognitive performance, perhaps due to engaging in health promoting behaviors following cancer.
Review
Oncology
David J. Lee, Soyeon Ahn, Laura A. McClure, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, Erin N. Kobetz, Henna Ukani, Devina J. Boga, Diana Hernandez, Paulo S. Pinheiro
Summary: This study synthesized the findings from multiple studies on firefighter cancer risk and mortality, and found that firefighters have lower incidence and mortality rates compared to the general population. However, they have higher risks of skin melanoma, other skin cancers, and prostate cancer, as well as higher mortality rates for rectal cancer, testicular cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study suggests the need for specific cancer surveillance and further longitudinal studies to understand the specific exposures of different types of cancers.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sandra J. Geiger, Mathew P. White, Sophie M. C. Davison, Lei Zhang, Oonagh McMeel, Paula Kellett, Lora E. Fleming
Summary: This study used data from Europe and Australia to find that living near the coast and visiting it frequently are associated with better self-reported general health, which may be applicable across Europe and Australia. However, this relationship is not strongest among individuals with low incomes, challenging the assumption that coastal access can buffer income-related health disparities.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nimit N. N. Shah, Michael B. B. Steinberg, Alberto J. J. Caban-Martinez, Elena Austin, Jefferey L. L. Burgess, Brittany S. S. Hollerbach, Derrick L. L. Edwards, Taylor M. M. Black, Kathleen Black, Kaleigh M. M. Hinton, Brian S. S. Kubiel, Judith M. M. Graber
Summary: This study assessed the skin cancer screening practices of US volunteer firefighters and found that only 26.1% of firefighters received skin cancer screening. The use of sunscreen, skin susceptibility to burns, older age, some college education, and family history of skin cancer were positively associated with screening. Additionally, a higher frequency of monthly firefighting calls was associated with increased screening. Volunteer fire departments need to further evaluate their skin cancer prevention strategies to address these gaps.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tytti P. Pasanen, Mathew P. White, Lewis R. Elliott, Matilda van den Bosch, N. Gregory, Ann Ojala, Kalevi Korpela, Lora E. Fleming
Summary: Rates of living alone are increasing in urban areas, leading to higher levels of loneliness and poorer mental health. Access to nature, such as parks and green spaces, can reduce these negative effects by promoting personal relationships and community activities. A study across 18 countries/territories found that visiting green spaces is associated with better mental well-being, mediated by relationship and community satisfaction. These associations are equally strong for individuals living alone and those living with a partner. Supporting both groups to access local greenspaces can help improve mental health through relational and collective restoration.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
W. Austin Wyant, David J. Lee, June K. Robinson, Robert S. Kirsner, Yue Pan
Summary: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the USA. Sun protection is crucial, especially for young adults, as they are more prone to sunburns. Moreover, individuals living in equatorial regions, like Florida, face an increased risk of melanoma. This study analyzed and compared sun exposure and protection practices among Florida college marching band members and alumni.
ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James Hollister, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, Katherine D. Ellingson, Shawn Beitel, Ashley L. Fowlkes, Karen Lutrick, Harmony L. Tyner, Allison L. Naleway, Sarang K. Yoon, Manjusha Gaglani, Danielle Hunt, Jennifer Meece, Julie Mayo Lamberte, Natasha Schaefer Solle, Spencer Rose, Kayan Dunnigan, Sana M. Khan, Jennifer L. Kuntz, Julia M. Fisher, Alissa Coleman, Amadea Britton, Matthew S. Thiese, Kurt T. Hegmann, Marian Pavuk, Ferris A. Ramadan, Sammantha Fuller, Amy Nematollahi, Ryan Sprissler, Jefferey L. Burgess
Summary: This study found that elevated levels of PFAS may hinder the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection by reducing peak antibody levels and slowing down the decline of antibodies over time. However, no such association was observed in immune response to vaccination.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Thomas Vazquez, Mahtab Forouzandeh, Deborah Lin, Felix Chin, Mariana Perez, Alberto Caban-Martinez, Andrea Maderal
Summary: Insurance approval and need for prior authorization are barriers to care for patients with psoriasis, but race/ethnicity, insurance type, and provider specialty do not significantly affect the approval times for biologics.
ARCHIVES OF DERMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)