Search Results (583)

Wealth and power have been recognized as being unequally concentrated within specific families. While research on social mobility has been limited to defined outcomes (e.g., occupation, income, and education) in specific contexts, the rise of big data has spurred broader network analysis. Using a comprehensive genealogical database of 30 million individuals in the Western Hemisphere, we analyzed how familial background, gender, and occupational domains influence the probability of individuals attaining “fame” in their lifetime. Individuals with famous parents are more likely to become famous themselves, especially males. Unexpectedly, we identified more than 10,000 famous individuals who are closely related, comprising 25.6% of all famous individuals in the entire dataset. While the underlying sample may have representativeness issues, the findings suggest that famous individuals are not isolated figures but often part of broader interconnected family networks. Full article

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely performed procedure to alleviate pain and restore function in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. Two common implant designs are cruciate-retaining (CR) and posterior-stabilized (PS) knees. Despite extensive research, the superiority of one design over the other remains inconclusive. Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted on 123 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between June 2022 and June 2023 at a university hospital. Demographic data, mobility, the use of walking aids, pre- and postoperative range of motion and leg axis as well as surgical and systemic complications were collected and compared between CR and PS-TKA. Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.94 ± 10.14 years and 65.9% were women. The time of operation was significantly different between PS- and CR-TKA (PS: 83.31 ± 25.65 min; CR: 95.26 ± 24.61 min; p = 0.011). The pre- to postoperative leg axis after six months was significantly different in both groups (PS: 7.06° ± 4.76°; CR: 6.25° ± 3.13°; p = 0.001). The range of motion (ROM) (PS: 105.19° ± 15.56°; CR: 93.29° ± 15.09°; p = 0.001) as well as the deficit after six months (PS: 23.56° ± 19.73°; CR: 37.57° ± 23.33°; p = 0.003) between patients with PS and CR-TKA were significantly different. Gender (male vs. female PS/CR) and age (<75 years vs. >75 years PS/CR) differences were shown for the ROM and flexion deficit after six months (p = 0.003; p = 0.005). For age, a significant difference was shown for the quality of life (mean ranks: <75 y: 47.96; >75 y: 31.03; p = 0.009) and WOMAC score (mean ranks: <75 y: 38.27; >75 y: 61.75; p = 0.001) after six months. Conclusions: This study shows the different outcomes for posterior-stabilized versus cruciate-retaining TKA with regard to time of surgery, range of motion, and flexion deficit after 6 months with PS-TKA yielding better results. The gender analyses revealed similar outcomes after six months between both arthroplasty groups, whereas the age analyses revealed significant differences. The standardized use of PS-TKA for the elderly is recommended. Full article

Limited access to education in rural areas of Senegal is a structural barrier to human development and equal opportunities. The Bicycles for Education project, promoted by the Utopia Foundation—Bicycles Without Borders (BSF), aims to improve the educational participation of young people aged 12 to 21 by providing bicycles to facilitate their travel to school. In this study, the GRITS research group from the University of Barcelona externally evaluates the impact of the project on improving access to education, reducing gender inequalities, and the associated socioeconomic as well as community benefits. A qualitative approach based on individual interviews (n = 23), focus groups (n = 6) and group interviews (n = 8) was used, with a total of 80 participants, including students, families, teachers, project coordinators, and institutional managers. The analysis was carried out through thematic coding and content analysis, identifying four main axes: educational impact, gender equity, economic effects, and community transformation. The results show that the provision of bicycles throughout the school year led to increased school attendance and punctuality, improvements in academic performance, a reduction in social inequalities, gender inequalities in access to education, and a decrease in household costs associated with transport and food. In addition, there has been a cultural transformation in the perception of cycling as a viable means of mobility and a change in those communities where the project has been running for more than a decade. Full article

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL), impacting physical and mental well-being. This study aimed to identify the key determinants influencing HRQoL among patients with CKD. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from July 2022 to March 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi Cooperative Multi-Specialty Hospital, Palakkad, Kerala, South India, including 154 patients diagnosed with CKD stages 3 to 5. Eligible participants were required to be at least 18 years of age and have a confirmed diagnosis of CKD, specifically stages 3 to 5, with prior treatment. CKD stages were defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 guidelines, based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds as follows: Stage 3 (eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m²), Stage 4 (eGFR 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m²), and Stage 5 (eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m²). Participants were classified into stages based on their most recent stable eGFR value at the time of recruitment. HRQoL was assessed using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire. Chi-square, ANOVA, and multivariate regression were used to analyze associations with EQ-5D-3L domains. Results: Out of 154 participants, 68.8% were male, 91.6% were aged over 50 years, and 63.6% were from rural areas. Most had primary education (55.2%) and were unemployed, retired, or housewives (66.2%). As CKD progressed, comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease (CAD), increased, with Stage 5 showing the highest prevalence. Clinical markers showed significant declines in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (Stage 3: 49.16 ± 7.59, Stage 4: 22.37 ± 3.88, Stage 5: 8.79 ± 1.68) and hemoglobin (Stage 3: 10.45 ± 0.84, Stage 4: 8.88 ± 0.60, Stage 5: 7.12 ± 0.53) and an increase in serum creatinine (Stage 3: 1.72 ± 0.40, Stage 4: 3.21 ± 0.44, Stage 5: 7.05 ± 1.46). HRQoL assessments showed significant declines in mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety/depression with advancing CKD. Mobility issues increased from 61.2% in Stage 3 to 62.0% in Stage 5, with greater difficulties in self-care and usual activities at Stage 5. Pain and anxiety/depression worsened across stages. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, older age (≥50 years), lower education, unemployment, multiple comorbidities, smoking, lack of social support, and advanced CKD stages as significant factors linked to impaired HRQoL. CKD stage 5 (GFR < 29 mL/min/1.73 m²) and high serum creatinine (>1.2 mg/dL) were associated with significantly higher odds of impairment in all HRQoL domains. Conclusions: This study highlights that factors such as female gender, older age, lower education, unemployment, multiple comorbidities, smoking, advanced CKD stages, and high serum creatinine levels are associated with reduced quality of life in CKD patients. Conversely, social support acts as a protective factor. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions that address both medical care and psychosocial aspects, including lifestyle changes, patient education, mental health support, and community involvement, to improve CKD patients’ well-being. Full article

This research focuses on the impact of smart city technologies on urban tourism, specifically analyzing Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Vienna, while also considering implications for smart tourism development in Belgrade and other Serbian cities. The aim of the study was to examine how smart city technologies contribute to enhancing the efficiency, digital engagement, and sustainability of urban tourism. A representative sample of 1239 tourists was surveyed, with a balanced gender representation and a predominance of younger respondents, indicating that smart tourism initiatives should cater to tech-savvy travelers. The study employed a questionnaire with 31 statements ranked on a five-point Likert scale, and factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) identified three key dimensions: smart efficiency, smart travel, and digital enhancement. These factors highlight how smart technologies optimize urban mobility, enhance travel experiences, and improve tourist engagement. The research confirms the initial hypothesis that integrating smart city technologies enhances urban tourism efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, the study adopts a positivist epistemological approach, emphasizing empirical analysis and statistical validation to derive generalizable findings. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to develop sustainable urban tourism strategies in Serbian cities. Full article

Women in emerging economies face unique constraints rooted in cultural norms, socio-economic disparities, and limited access to education and technology. Narrowing the digital gender gap by ensuring access to financial services may reduce the economic inequalities for women in these countries. This study examines the influence of digital finance in narrowing the gender gap, guided by the research question: To what extent do digital financial services contribute to narrowing the gender gap in access to and usage of financial services in low-and middle-income economies? Gender inclusion was measured by the ratio of accounts owned by women over the total number of accounts. Digital financial inclusion was constructed based on eight components: mobile money account, storing money in financial institutions, Internet access, mobile phone owned, savings, savings in financial institutions, making or receiving a digital payment, and mobile phone or use of the Internet for shopping. A Bayesian regression approach was computed using the Global Findex Database data for 73 countries classified as low and lower-middle-income economies from 2011 to 2022. The Machine Learning approach evaluates the model’s ability to predict women’s autonomy and the role of digital finance. The results show that digital financial services would reduce the gender gap in low-income economies while augmenting the number of open accounts, especially for women. The results aid in the establishment of policies to reduce the gender gap. These results are relevant to the UNSDG agenda, mainly Goal 5 and Goal 10. Full article

Key affected populations (KAPs), including women who use drugs, engage in sex work, or live with HIV, are disproportionately affected by HIV, gender-based violence, substance use, and mental health. In Kazakhstan, they face significantly higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV), with prevalence ranging from 45% to 75% compared to the national average of 27%, alongside barriers to accessing IPV services. This community-level implementation trial with a waitlist control group evaluated the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of a self-paced mobile health intervention (UMAI-WINGS) for women from KAPs in Kazakhstan. The study enrolled 508 women, with 306 in Almaty City (intervention) and 200 in Almaty Oblast (waitlist control). IPV rates (physical, sexual, and psychological) were assessed at baseline and 6-months post-intervention. Participants in the intervention community were significantly less likely to report psychological (−23.0%), sexual (−27.0%), and physical IPV (−29.0%) at the 6-month follow-up compared to the control group. These results demonstrate the potential of digital, community-driven interventions to reduce IPV among marginalized women and offer a scalable, evidence-based model for implementation. The success of the UMAI-WINGS underscores the value of community-based, mobile health approaches for advancing trauma-informed, survivor-centered care and closing critical service gaps for underserved populations. Full article

In the digital age, mobile phones significantly impact human cognition and behavior. This experimental study examined the effects of passive mobile phone presence on attentional control in young adults aged 18–25. Participants were randomly assigned to a control (no phone) or an experimental group (phone present). Attention control was measured using the Attention Network Test (ANT). In contrast, smartphone nomophobia and addiction were measured with the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) and the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Contrary to previous literature, the presence of a mobile phone did not significantly distract participants or impair attentional performance. No significant relationship emerged between self-reported levels of distraction or nomophobia and actual attentional performance, although smartphone addiction seemed to have a weak effect on the errors made by those who performed in the presence of their mobile phone. Significant gender differences were found in terms of nomophobia, with women reporting higher levels than men. This study suggests that the relationship between mobile phone presence and attentional processes is more complex than previously hypothesized, bringing the existing literature under further consideration. Full article

Background: After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, abusive use of the internet and new information and communication technologies (ICT) among university students was detected. Our research questions were as follows: what has been the impact on the academic performance of university students, and how did the pandemic affect students’ relationship with ICTs? The aim of this research was to explore the use of cell phones and the internet in students from different cultures (Spanish and Japanese) after the pandemic. Methods: This descriptive and exploratory study analysed 206 university students from Spanish and Japanese cultures to understand their perceptions of academic performance after the pandemic, their general use of ICT, and their abusive use of the internet and mobile phones. Instruments included the Internet Overuse Scale (IOS) and the Cell-Phone Overuse Scale (COS), adapted for both Spanish and Japanese populations. Differences between quantitative variables were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test for independent samples (Spanish and Japanese students or by sex). Contingency tables were created to record and analyse relationships between qualitative variables using the chi-squared test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Approximately 29.6% of participants displayed excessive internet use, while 25.2% showed pathological mobile phone use. A strong association was found between high internet and mobile phone usage. Significant cultural and gender differences were observed, with higher problematic use among Japanese students and female participants. Conclusions: Excessive ICT use remains a concern in university settings, with gender and cultural factors playing key roles. These findings highlight the need for targeted digital well-being interventions. Full article

This study scrutinizes the active role of mobile urban spaces in shaping and generating social space. It explores the depiction of car spaces in two Iranian films in their cinematic narratives, symbolic meanings, and influence on the perceptions of urban mobile space, often referred to as third spaces in the urban studies literature. This interdisciplinary paper investigates the socio-cultural manifestations of the car interiors in two hybrid docufiction films: Ten, directed by Abbas Kiarostami, and Taxi, by Jafar Panahi. Built on the new mobilities paradigm’s perspective on the mobile space of cars wherein social space is inevitably produced and re-produced, this paper reveals the socio-cultural dynamics of the car space in the films’ representations. The car space produces subjectivities, exhibits socio-cultural foundations, offers a sense of belonging and place-making, and provides opportunities for informal social interactions, while embodying power dynamics. The central aim is to revise our conceptualizations of mobility spaces by examining spatial practices that revolve around the car spaces. The paper integrates cinematic representation as a resource for planners and social scientists to conceptualize mobility spaces, introducing diegetic cabinography filmmaking style. Full article

Background/Objectives: Research examining mobility in older adults often utilizes spatiotemporal gait parameters obtained from computerized walkway systems like GAITRite (Franklin, NY, USA) and Zenometrics, LLC (Peekskill, NY, USA). However, such parameters can vary across these widely used software applications due to differences in algorithms and post-processing techniques, making it potentially unsuitable to pool parameters acquired from different applications. We aim to determine whether gait parameters obtained from GAITRite and processed using two software systems can be reliably pooled for use in studies with older adults. Methods: Baseline gait data from 193 older adults aged 64–94 years old were examined. The gait protocol consisted of normal walking (NW) and walk while talking (WWT) conditions in which participants were instructed to walk on computerized walkways containing embedded pressure sensors. The resulting walks were processed using both software applications to attain eight gait parameters recorded from the right foot (velocity, stride length, double support percentage, cadence, swing time, stance time, stride length standard deviation, and swing time standard deviation). Linear regressions adjusted for age and gender between GAITRite (version 4.7) and their respective PKMAS (ProtoKinetics Movement Analysis Software version 6.0; Zenometrics, LLC.) gait variables were run to determine agreement between variables across the two pieces of software. Results: Adjusted linear regression models revealed that gait parameters across software systems were significantly correlated in both the NW (β ranged from 0.87 to 1.02, p ≤ 0.01) and WWT conditions (β ranged from 0.94 to 1.01, p ≤ 0.01). Swing time variability in the NW condition showed a lower correlation (β = 0.87). Furthermore, intercepts for all parameters except for the double support percentage in the NW condition (intercept = 2.63, p ≤ 0.01) and WWT condition (intercept = 2.75, p = 0.02) and stance time in the WWT condition (intercept = 0.05, p = 0.04) were not significantly different from 0. Conclusions: The results provide support that commonly examined gait parameters from GAITRite and PKMAS can be pooled and analyzed for use in studies with older adults. However, caution should be taken when pooling swing time variability and double support percentage data. Full article

This study examines the intersection of race, class, and gang violence in Singapore, with a particular focus on the structural dynamics linking racial minorities, street gangs, and institutionalized Chinese secret societies—the archetype of organized crime in the city-state. By integrating race as both an ideology and a system of social relations into the study of gang formation, this research sheds light on why and how racial minorities become disproportionately involved in gang violence. The study revealed that beyond economic marginalization, racialized hierarchies embedded within gang contexts shape the motivations, participation, and mobility of minority individuals in both street gangs and the broader criminal underworld. Drawing on the concept of racialized masculinity, it is argued that racial minorities mobilize their gender and racial resources to compensate for status disparities resulting from structural exclusion in both legitimate and illegitimate spheres. In a postcolonial, multiracial society, like Singapore, where racial and class marginalization intersect, gang affiliation emerges as a means of negotiating power and social standing. The findings contribute to scholarship on race, crime, and social stratification while informing policies aimed at addressing racial inequalities and reducing gang violence. Full article

This study aimed to examine caregivers’ perceptions, practices, and challenges regarding rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, with a focus on identifying factors influencing their decisions to bring care recipients for formal rehabilitation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Data were collected from 214 primary caregivers using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, caregiving roles, and rehabilitation-related perceptions. A pilot study was conducted to refine the tool, and data were collected via face-to-face interviews by a trained team. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and stepwise logistic regression to identify key predictors of care-seeking behaviors. Results showed that 92% of caregivers perceived rehabilitation as necessary or very necessary. Female caregivers were more likely to provide care at home (95.3%), while male caregivers were more likely to utilize hospital-based services (73.5%) and to bring care recipients for rehabilitation overall (79.4% vs. 67.1%). Logistic regression revealed that female caregivers were significantly less likely than males to bring people with disabilities in for care (OR = 0.34, p = 0.02). Longer caregiving duration was associated with a reduced likelihood of seeking care (OR = 0.96 per year, p < 0.001), whereas caregivers of individuals with mobility needs (OR = 3.15, p < 0.001) and social integration needs (OR = 2.12, p = 0.05) were significantly more likely to seek care. These findings highlight gender-based differences and caregiving dynamics that influence access to rehabilitation. To enhance rehabilitation outcomes and support caregiver engagement, targeted policies are needed to address gender roles, caregiving fatigue, and the specific needs of care recipients. Full article

Background and aim: During the past few decades, the aging population has increased. With aging, there is an increase in functional limitations. The aim of this study was to analyze sociodemographic factors associated with physical functioning impairment in elderly males and females. Methods: This population-based modeling study based on a data from a third national study of health of Serbian inhabitants from 2013 in Serbia included 3540 elderly participants 65 years of age and above from Serbia. Physical functioning for both genders was categorized as follows: PF1—walking half a kilometer on level ground without the assistance of any mobility aids and PF2—walking up or down 12 steps. Modeling of physical functioning for both genders was categorized as follows: Model 1: inability to perform PF1, Model 2: some/a lot of difficulty in performing PF1, Model 3: inability to perform PF2, and Model 4: some/a lot of difficulty in performing PF2. Further variables were evaluated: age, education level, marital status, body mass index (BMI), wealth index, and place of residence. Logistic regression was performed to identify the variables that are factors associated with PF1 and PF2 in elderly males and females. Results: Statistically significant factors were as follows: age (Model 1 (male OR: 2.591; female OR: 4.708); Model 2 (male OR: 1.791; female OR: 2.354); Model 3 (male OR: 2.386; female OR: 4.985); Model 4 (male OR: 1.883; female OR: 2.772)); BMI (Model 2 (female OR: 1.348); Model 4 (female OR: 1.329)), marital status (Model 2 (female OR: 0.713); Model 4 (male OR: 0.688)); education level (Model 1 (male OR: 0.626; female OR: 0.537); Model 2 (male OR: 0.811; female OR: 0.653); Model 3 (male OR: 0.697; female OR: 0.494); Model 4 (male OR: 0.784; female OR: 0.639)); wealth index (Model 2 (male OR: 0.823; female OR: 0.740); Model 3 (male OR: 0.724); Model 4 (male OR: 0.787; female OR: 0.731)); and place of residence (Model 1 (female OR: 1.704); Model 3 (female OR: 1.575)). Conclusions: Increased age, being single, a lower education level, and a lower wealth index were factors associated with functional disability in the elderly of both genders, while an increased BMI and living in another place than a city were factors associated with functional disability in elderly females. Specific social strategies bearing in mind possible gender differences should be created and implemented in order to optimize the physical functioning, mobility, and participation of the elderly. Full article

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL), with lifestyle factors and comorbidities influencing various dimensions of well-being. This study aimed to assess HRQoL and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in CAD patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Rajiv Gandhi Co-operative Multispecialty Hospital, South India, from July 2022 to April 2023, where lifestyle factors were assessed, and HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-3L. The differences and associations of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with HRQoL were analyzed using the chi-square test and multivariate regression. Results: A total of 212 CAD patients were included in this study. Female gender and comorbid disease were more likely to be associated with reported problems in mobility (89.7%, 78.8%) and anxiety/depression (97.4%, 92.7%) (p < 0.05). Factors such as age ≥ 50 years, family history of CAD, current smoking, comorbid disease, and a moderate- to high-risk diet significantly influenced anxiety/depression (p < 0.05). Patients with comorbid disease and moderate- to high-risk dietary intake were significantly associated with all five dimensions (p < 0.05). Gender, educational level, alcohol intake, and sleep duration did not show a significant association with all dimensions (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found that CAD patients undergoing treatment for secondary prevention exhibited inadequate HRQoL, particularly in terms of mental health. Factors such as comorbid disease and moderate- to high-risk dietary intake were significantly associated with reduced HRQoL. Older age, family history of CAD, current smoking habit, comorbid disease, and a moderate- to high-risk diet were significantly associated with anxiety/depression. Full article