Search Results (400)

Climate change, changes in the natural environment, changing markets, price volatility, etc. pose tension and threats to the future of European Union farms. The uncertain future of family farms requires farm resilience—the ability to survive, adapt, and grow in the face of turbulent change. The limited resilience of family farms has become an important concern for rural and agricultural policy. The main goal of this work is to identify disturbances affecting Lithuanian family farms, assess their influence, investigate the general resilience of Lithuanian family farms, propose measures to reduce the vulnerability of farms, and increase the general resilience and sustainability. We used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to conduct the research. Survey research was conducted using a semi-structured expert interview in which various types of variables were collected. The survey questionnaire, consisting of 38 groups of questions, was sent by email to 500 randomly selected family farmers in January 2024 and collected in the same month. The statistical analysis of the data from the 205 duly filled-out questionnaires was carried out using correlation analysis. In this article, we apply the concept of general resilience of the family farm in the direction of robustness, adaptability, and transformability. We identify the main factors influencing the general resilience of the family farm and study the main attributes of the resilience of family farms. We find some links between family farm characteristics, vulnerability factors, and general resilience capabilities, and we make several proposals to increase family farms’ resilience. The obtained results prove that higher education, larger farm sizes, higher agricultural sales, and employment of permanent workers are associated with better resilience. Furthermore, increasing environmentally friendly practices positively impacts resilience. Older farms and farmers, longer durations of farming activity, and risk-averse behaviors tend to decrease resilience. Due to local and global circumstances, economic and social changes have occurred very quickly in recent years, so the results obtained in the study may not be valid in the long term. Similar surveys after several years will be necessary to study the resilience of Lithuanian farms, including deeper economic analyses that evaluate factors such as price sensitivity, the level of farm debt, and market access. Full article

Introduction. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination has decreased the overall incidence of HBV infection; however, approximately 5 to 10% of people are non-responders to the vaccination. This study investigated the factors associated with non-response to HBV vaccination, with an emphasis on vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Methods. This retrospective observational study focused on adult workers in a single heavy industry. Individuals with negative initial hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels prior to vaccination and who then received a two- or three-dose series of HBV vaccinations were enrolled. The study endpoint was failure to achieve a seroprotective antibody response, defined as an anti-HBs titer less than 10 mIU/mL. Propensity score matching (PSM) and binary logistic regression models were used to adjust the outcomes for other clinical characteristics. Results. Among 760 workers, 566 (74.5%) exhibited VDD. The non-response rates to HBV vaccination were 13.4% (76/566) and 5.7% (11/194) among workers with and without VDD, respectively (p = 0.005). Even after adjustment using PSM, VDD was still associated with a higher rate of response failure (adjusted odds ratio 2.74; 95% confidence interval 1.40–5.38, p = 0.003). The binary logistic regression model showed that VDD, older age, omission of the third vaccine dose, lower initial anti-HBs titer, and current smoking were associated with response failure. Conclusions. Our study suggests that VDD may impair the serologic response following HBV vaccination. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in increasing the response to HBV vaccination. Full article

In this study, we employ ‘hidden workers’ as a key concept to integrate the three vulnerable subgroups of aging workers: underemployed, unemployed, and discouraged workers. (1) Background: The challenges faced by underemployed, unemployed, and discouraged workers in the older population are complex. It would be beneficial to visualize the intellectual landscape of these three distinct groups in aging populations to understand which aspects have been highlighted by various disciplines and where gaps exist. (2) Method: Through a scientometric analysis of more than 50 years of research, this study identified the size, scope, and structure of knowledge on hidden workers in an aging population using 2831 articles collected from the Web of Science database in January 2024. (3) Results: Indeed, the multidisciplinary nature of hidden workers goes beyond welfare and labor economics and involves issues such as health, occupational science, behavior change, policy interventions, and circles around the keyword of unemployment. Keyword co-occurrence and co-citation analysis confirm that the spectrum of research on hidden workers is being carried out distinctly within distinct disciplines across the broader aging research horizon. (4) Conclusions: The relatively scattered and uneven intellectual, conceptual, and social landscape of research on hidden workers in aging populations evidently falls short of providing concerted policy recommendations for the population group. This study provides a conceptual understanding of hidden workers in different research clusters and identifies gaps and opportunities for future research. Full article

(1) Background: The benefits of weight management are widely recognized, and prolonged fasting duration has become a common method for weight control. The suitability of time-restricted eating (TRE) for elderly individuals remains controversial. This study aims to examine the correlation between fasting duration and mortality within a nationally representative cohort of elderly individuals in the United States. (2) Methods: Data were extracted from a prospective cohort study conducted as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. Participants aged over 60 with complete data on dietary intake and mortality follow-up information were included. Fasting duration was assessed using two 24 h dietary recalls. All the participants were categorized into fasting duration quartiles. Mortality outcomes were ascertained through the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to analyze the association between fasting duration and mortality. (3) Results: The final analysis included 10,561 elderly participants (mean age 69.89, 45.58% male). Individuals with the longest fasting duration (over 12.38 h) had a significantly higher risk of CVD mortality compared to those with a normal fasting duration (10.58–12.38 h). This elevated CVD mortality risk was particularly pronounced in males, individuals over 70 years old, and non-shift workers. A non-linear relationship was observed between fasting duration and all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. (4) Conclusions: Prolonged fasting periods are associated with a higher risk of CVD mortality in the elderly population, although this correlation is not evident for all-cause, cancer, or other-cause mortality. A fasting duration of 11.49 h correlates with the lowest mortality risk. Additionally, elderly individuals with the shortest fasting duration exhibit elevated hazard ratios for both cancer and other-cause mortality. As with any health intervention, clinicians should exercise caution when recommending a fasting regimen that is personalized to the health condition of people who are older. Further research through randomized controlled trials should be conducted to comprehensively investigate the impact of TRE on mortality. Full article

The workforce is aging with the population aging. How to effectively manage and motivate older workers is significant for elderly human resources development and the sustainable development of enterprises in organizations. Age stereotypes of older workers refer to people’s beliefs and expectations about a specific group of 45–65-year-olds in the workplace. This paper examines the effect of age stereotypes of older workers on job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention. This study carried out two research designs, a questionnaire survey and an experimental study, to explore the effects of positive and negative age stereotypes of older workers on job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention within an organizational context and underlying mediating mechanisms. The results showed that positive stereotypes of older workers significantly positively affected job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention. In comparison, negative stereotypes of older workers significantly negatively affected job performance and intergenerational knowledge transfer intention, and self-perception of aging substantially mediates the effects. This study broadens the research field on the impact of positive and negative age stereotypes on older workers in organizational contexts. This study guides organizations in reducing age discrimination, creating an inclusive workplace environment, and achieving the successful aging of older workers. Full article

In view of global population ageing and of policies that support longer working lives, especially in developed countries, it is important to achieve diversity in organisations through age management. Age management is the “management of human resources, [often] with an explicit focus on the requirements of an ageing workforce.” Through age management practices, organisations will be better able to change their human resource management policies and practices towards accommodating their ageing workforce. Little is known about age management practices in Scandinavian organisations, considering the region’s high prevalence of workers beyond the age of 50 across both private and public organisations. There are indications that Scandinavian business organisations are already practicing age management for all ages, including older workers. Their age management practices include the dimensions of job recruitment, training, lifelong learning, development, and promotion. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on how the health and well-being of workers is ensured in the context of age management practices in these organisations. Given the current and future importance of age management for all organisations globally, public health and other health science professionals need to collaborate with other disciplines, such as management and sustainability science, to better understand how they can contribute to an aged and healthier workforce as well as workplace health promotion. This paper aims to contribute to the discussion concerning age management in public and private institutions in Scandinavia through the public health lens. Full article

Purpose: To analyse the association of masticatory performance and oral health-related quality of life in a representative population of individuals residing in communities in Switzerland aged ≥ 45 years. Materials and Methods: In total, 100 subjects completed two dedicated and validated questionnaires on their demographic data and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. A mixing ability test was performed for assessing masticatory performance. The qualitative analysis of the test was performed by categorizing the images into five categories, while the quantitative analysis was performed via a validated custom-made software. Results: Sixty-six samples could be analysed. Participants younger than 65 years of age showed significantly less frequent chewing deficiencies (17%) compared to those 65 years and older (50%, p < 0.01). However, retired participants had chewing deficiencies significantly more frequently (8%) compared to workers (51%, p < 0.01). A statistically significant positive association of having chewing deficiency was found between employment status (p < 0.01) and the presence of restorations (p = 0.04), while GOHAI did not show any statistically significant association. Overall, the enrolled subjects displayed moderate chewing function. Masticatory performance was positively associated with the number of present restorations. Conclusions: The enrolled subjects residing in communities in Switzerland aged ≥ 45 years displayed moderate chewing function. Their masticatory performance was positively associated with the number of present restorations but not associated with oral health related quality of life (GOHAI). Full article

The rapid growth of the elderly population is a major global demographic and social issue. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of pension plans and social security programmes for this population in developing countries, which has severe consequences for their quality of life and well-being. In this article, we aim to better understand the pension systems in developing country contexts such as Ghana, Pakistan, and Myanmar by reviewing official government materials (for example, pension reports) and the published literature to suggest relevant policy recommendations. We observed several policy implementation gaps and inequities in pension schemes for older people, specifically for informal and private sector workers. Considering the size of formal versus informal economies and the level of development index of each country, we suggest a wide variety of options for pension policies, financing, designing cash benefits, and pension payments to cover all older citizens. This article addresses the unmet needs of the elderly and their wider economic sustainability to ensure social justice and resource utilisation. Governments in developing countries should embrace and establish unique, inclusive, and friendly policies encompassing the informal sector to warrant older adults’ functional and social well-being with dignity and honour. Full article

In recent years, a significant import of modern tower yarders has been registered in Bulgaria, where official productivity standards are routinely used for operational planning and control. Given the higher potential of the newer yarder models, the Bulgarian forestry sector has started a review of the older productivity standards dating back to the 1970s. This new endeavor has offered an ideal opportunity for gauging the effect of technological progress in yarder technology. Therefore, the authors have used the very first results achieved during the development of the new standards for conducting a preliminary quantitative comparison between older and newer yarder types. Modern yarders (e.g., Konrad Mounty 4000) are much faster than the older ones (e.g., Koller K300), and their time consumption per cubic meter is half as large, especially on longer distances. At short distances, however, their performance evens out. Regardless of the distance, the installation time of the Konrad Mounty 4000 is twice as short. As they are largely automated, the new machines can be manned by smaller crews (e.g., two workers instead of three) and are easier and safer to operate. Finally, the new machines are equipped with built-in loaders and processors, which allows them to integrate delimbing, crosscutting and stacking within the same work cycle. With older models, a separate team must be deployed for those tasks. Full article

Background: Women and girls account for more than 50% of the global HIV population. In Nigeria, the proportion of women living with HIV on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been on the rise. Despite this, little research exists on their experiences regarding antiretroviral therapy use, especially for women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Plateau State, Nigeria. This study investigates the barriers and facilitators influencing antiretroviral therapy use among women living with HIV. Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design, using focus groups, and included women (female sex workers, pregnant and non-pregnant women living with HIV) and the male partners of serodiscordant couples. Eligibility criteria were being 18 years of age or older, on antiretroviral therapy for more than one year/on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for more than one month, and speaking English, Hausa, or both. Data coding utilized both inductive and deductive approaches, and standard content analysis was applied to develop emerging themes. Results: Of the 106 participants, 88 were women living with HIV, and 18 were men in serodiscordant couples. The first facilitator shared by the participants was feeling healthier and stronger due to the antiretroviral therapy, which was also expressed by the male participants on PrEP as feeling good while taking the drug. Additional facilitators shared by the participants included weight gain and having a more positive outlook on life. Participants also disproportionately described barriers to using antiretroviral therapy, including experiences with emotional challenges, physical discomfort, and side effects of ART. Such barriers were linked to feelings of past regret, frustration, and disappointment. Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of maintaining a positive perspective on ART use, demonstrated by the connection between a positive outlook and weight gain, and highlights the hurdles that Plateau State’s women living with HIV face in adhering to antiretroviral therapy. Policymakers and healthcare providers can utilize these findings to formulate targeted strategies aimed at minimizing identified barriers and enhancing antiretroviral therapy utilization among this population via peer- support groups, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support. Full article

The post-reproductive lifespan is an evolutionary enigma because the cessation of reproduction in animals seems contrary to the maximization of Darwinian fitness. Several theories aim to explain the evolution of menopause, one of which suggests that females of a certain age receive more fitness benefits via indirect selection (kin selection) than they would directly from continuing reproduction. Post-reproductive lifespans are not very common in nature but have been described in humans, nonhuman primates, a few species of toothed whales, guppies, and in some insect societies consisting of clonal colony members, such as aphid and ant societies. Here, we provide evidence that menopause also exists in honeybee societies. Our study shows that workers with a short life expectancy (older and/or injured workers) invest fewer resources and less time in their own reproduction than workers with a long life expectancy (younger and/or uninjured workers), even if their colony is hopelessly queenless. These results are consistent with the kin selection explanation for the evolution of menopause and help us understand the net effects of relatedness and social cooperation in animals. Full article

The gut microbiota of honey bees has received increasing interest in the past decades due to its crucial role in their health, and can be disrupted by pathogen infection. Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite that affects the epithelial cells of the midgut, altering gut homeostasis and representing a major threat to honey bees. Previous studies indicated that younger worker bees are more susceptible to experimental infection by this parasite, although the impact of infection and of age on the gut bacterial communities remains unclear. To address this, honey bees were experimentally infected with a consistent number of N. ceranae spores at various ages post-emergence (p.e.) and the gut bacteria 7 days post-infection (p.i.) were analysed using real-time quantitative PCR, with the results compared to non-infected controls. Infected bees had a significantly higher proportion and load of Gilliamella apicola. In respect to the age of infection, the bees infected just after emergence had elevated loads of G. apicola, Bifidobacterium asteroides, Bombilactobacillus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Bartonella apis, and Bombella apis. Moreover, the G. apicola load was higher in bees infected at nearly all ages, whereas older non-infected bees had higher loads of Bifidobacterium asteroides, Bombilactobacillus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Ba. apis, and Bo apis. These findings suggest that N. ceranae infection and, in particular, the age of bees at infection modulate the gut bacterial community, with G. apicola being the most severely affected species. Full article

Poor oral health is a growing concern among older populations. It is often caused by a failure to maintain proper oral hygiene and inaccessible dental care. Poor oral health in older individuals in long-term care institutions (LTCIs) can be attributed to the fact that healthcare workers might be poorly trained in oral care assessment and practice. To address this issue, an assessment tool has been developed and validated to guide and evaluate healthcare workers’ oral care practices, ensuring the delivery of adequate care and early detection of dental diseases in LTCIs. The tool includes an oral health assessment and an assessment of oral care procedures. It was developed following a robust literature review, two stages of expert reviews, content validity checks, and a pilot study. A total of twenty-three items were developed and validated, with seven items related to oral health assessment and sixteen related to oral care procedures. The items were assessed for content validity and relevance, with high values of 1 obtained for all Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI), Scale-level Content Validity Index (S-CVI), and S-CVI/Universal Agreement (UA) scores. This indicates a high level of agreement among the experts (n = 12) regarding the relevance and importance of the items. A pilot study involving 20 nursing students confirmed the tool’s reliability, applicability, and feasibility, demonstrating its high appropriateness and applicability. The newly developed and validated assessment tool can effectively guide and evaluate healthcare workers’ oral care practices, enhancing their competence and improving the oral health of older residents. Full article

The COVID-19 outbreak has posed an unprecedented global challenge. However, despite the large amount of evidence on the psychological consequences of the pandemic, very few studies have focused on psychologists themselves. (1) Background: The present study aimed to characterise the professional and clinical profile of psychologists facing the COVID-19 outbreak and to investigate the relationship between psychological preparedness and a series of potential predictors (e.g., sociodemographic and professional variables and psychological distress). (2) Methods: A total of 1115 psychologists fully completed an online survey. The data collection period started with the first wave of the pandemic. Participants were asked to provide sociodemographic and professional data and to complete three questionnaires assessing psychological preparedness, worry, and anxiety symptoms. (3) Results: Descriptive results showed that the COVID-19 outbreak did not cause an interruption to the psychological practice of professionals (both in the public and in private sectors) and that psychologists accepted the introduction of technological devices within their regime of work in order to guarantee their service to clients. Only a minority of participants reported clinically significant levels of symptoms of anxiety and worry. Regression analyses revealed that being older, having taken part in training courses on the COVID-19 emergency, and experiencing lower levels of worry and anxiety were all significant predictors of both cognitive and affective psychological preparedness. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, these findings seem to highlight that specific factors can enhance psychological preparedness among psychologists. Therefore, it is vital to inform authorities about the importance of providing emergency programmes to train healthcare workers, especially psychologists, on how to develop psychological preparedness when facing the negative consequences of critical incidents at a universal level, given their crucial role in promoting mental health. Full article

Non-governmental organizations (national and international) are important actors in addressing health issues in Kenya. Sandflea/jigger infections (tungiasis) are a public health challenge that severely affect children, older adults, and other vulnerable people in poor communities worldwide. In Kenya, NGOs have been involved in sandflea eradication for more than twenty years. Without treatment, the flea may cause debilitating infections and sores, resulting in difficulties with walking and grasping, as well as social harassment. This paper aims to shed light on health workers’ and volunteers’ perceptions of the government and civil society’s role in fighting jigger infections. Data were collected through a qualitative case study design, with a three-month fieldwork including participation in mobile jigger removal programs, 18 semi-structured in-depth interviews, informal talks, and observations, in five villages in Bungoma County. The thematic analysis of the data resulted in three recurring themes: (1) the NGO-driven jigger program as a (fragile) resource for local communities, (2) the need for more consistent collaboration between NGOs and public health services, and (3) the local perceptions of the governments’ responsibilities in combatting the plague. The findings imply that the 10-year-old national policy guidelines on the prevention and control of jigger infestations need to be updated; this includes the coordination of the public and private actors’ roles, the incorporation of lessons learned, and the need for a multisectoral One Health approach to combat the jigger menace in the country. Full article