Search Results (1,144)

Background: While a few studies suggest that depigmentation tends to develop more frequently in patients with malignant melanoma (MM), the association between vitiligo and MM has been sparsely investigated in the setting of controlled studies. Methods: A population-based case–control study compared 14,632 patients with vitiligo with 71,580 control subjects matched by age, sex, and ethnicity regarding the prevalence of preexisting MM. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of developing vitiligo both in univariate and multivariate models, adjusting for demographic variables and comorbidities. The OR was also stratified by age, sex, ethnicity, and ultraorthodox status. Results: The prevalence of preexisting MM was statistically comparable between individuals with vitiligo and controls (0.30% vs. 0.35%, respectively). In the general study population, a history of MM was not significantly associated with an elevated likelihood of developing vitiligo (multivariate OR, 1.03; CI 95%, 0.76–1.40). Among the Arab population, however, preexisting MM was associated with a sixfold-increased likelihood of subsequent vitiligo (univariate OR, 6.55; 95% CI, 1.46–29.27). Patients with vitiligo and comorbid MM were older at the onset of vitiligo, had a higher burden of comorbid conditions, and showed an overrepresentation of Jewish ancestry. Conclusions: A history of MM does not increase the probability of vitiligo in the general Israeli population, except among the Arab minority, who show a sixfold-elevated odds of vitiligo after MM. Further investigation is essential to gain deeper insights into this relationship. Full article

The Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale (STARS) is a 51-item scale commonly used to measure college students’ anxiety regarding statistics. To date, however, limited empirical research exists that examines statistics anxiety among ethnically diverse or first-generation graduate students. We examined the factor structure and reliability of STARS scores in a diverse sample of students enrolled in graduate courses at a Minority-Serving Institution (n = 194). To provide guidance on assessing dimensionality in small college samples, we compared the performance of best-practice factor analysis techniques: confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), and Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM). We found modest support for the original six-factor structure using CFA, but ESEM and BSEM analyses suggested that a four-factor model best captures the dimensions of the STARS instrument within the context of graduate-level statistics courses. To enhance scale efficiency and reduce respondent fatigue, we also tested and found support for a reduced 25-item version of the four-factor STARS scale. The four-factor STARS scale produced constructs representing task and process anxiety, social support avoidance, perceived lack of utility, and mathematical self-efficacy. These findings extend the validity and reliability evidence of the STARS inventory to include diverse graduate student populations. Accordingly, our findings contribute to the advancement of data science education and provide recommendations for measuring statistics anxiety at the graduate level and for assessing construct validity of psychometric instruments in small or hard-to-survey populations. Full article

Research on commuting patterns has mainly focused on urban and metropolitan areas, and such studies are not typically applied to rural and small-town regions, where workers often face longer commutes due to limited job opportunities and inadequate public transportation. By using the Census Transportation Planning Package (CTPP) data, this research fills that gap by analyzing commuting behavior by ethnic group and industry in south-central Minnesota, which is a predominantly rural area of 13 counties in the United States. The results show that both white and minority groups in District 7 experienced an increase in excess commuting from 2006 to 2016, with the minority group in Nobles County showing a significantly higher rise. Analysis by industry reveals that excess commuting in the leisure and hospitality sector (including arts, entertainment, and food services) in Nobles County increased five-fold during this time, indicating a severe spatial mismatch between jobs and affordable housing. In contrast, manufacturing experienced a decline of 50%, possibly indicating better commuting efficiency or a loss of manufacturing jobs. These findings can help city and transportation planners conduct an in-depth analysis of rural-to-urban commuting patterns and develop potential solutions to improve rural transportation infrastructure and accessibility, such as promoting telecommuting and hybrid work options, expanding shuttle routes, and adding more on-demand transit services in rural areas. Full article

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with significant racial and ethnic disparities in prevalence, disease severity, and outcomes. Cardiovascular complications, including pericarditis, myocarditis, valvular disease, and conduction abnormalities, contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in SLE patients. This study examines racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular outcomes among hospitalized SLE patients in the United States. Methods: This retrospective study utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2021 to analyze hospitalizations of adult patients (≥18 years) with a primary or secondary diagnosis of SLE. Patients were stratified into racial/ethnic groups: White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and Other. Primary outcomes include major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), which are a composite of in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), sudden cardiac death, and other SLE-related outcomes including cardiac, pulmonary, and renal involvement. Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and hospital-related factors to assess racial disparities. Results: The study included 514,750 White, 321,395 Black, and 146,600 Hispanic patients, with smaller proportions of Asian, Native American, and Other racial groups. Black patients had significantly higher odds of in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.08–1.26, p < 0.001) and sudden cardiac death (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.46–1.85, p < 0.001) compared to White patients. Asian patients also exhibited increased mortality risk (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.14–1.63, p = 0.001) as compared to Whites. Conversely, Black (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.85–0.96, p = 0.01) and Hispanic (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80–0.96, p = 0.03) patients had lower odds of MI. Racial disparities in access to care, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity burden may contribute to these differences. Conclusion: Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in cardiovascular outcomes among hospitalized SLE patients. Black and Asian individuals face higher in-hospital all-causes mortality and sudden cardiac death risks, while Black and Hispanic patients exhibit lower MI rates. Addressing social determinants of health, improving access to specialized care, and implementing targeted interventions may reduce disparities and improve outcomes in minority populations with SLE. Full article

This study examines how a visitor-centered approach enhances engagement, participation, and intangible heritage transmission to support cultural sustainability in ethnographic museums. We conducted online and on-site behavioral observations, questionnaire surveys, and in-depth interviews at the She Ethnic Minority Museum to identify gaps in current visitor experience design. We combined the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the Contextual Model of Learning (POE) and Emotional Experience Theory (EET) to develop a hierarchical evaluation model. The model comprises one goal layer, three criterion layers (Experience, Participation, Transmission), and twelve sub-criteria, each evaluated across People, Object, and Environment dimensions. Quantitative weighting revealed that participation exerts the greatest influence, followed by transmission and experience. Findings indicate that targeted interventions promoting active participation most effectively foster emotional resonance and heritage transmission, while strategies supporting intergenerational engagement and immersive experiences also play a significant role. We recommend prioritizing small-scale, low-cost participatory initiatives and integrating online and offline community engagement to establish a participatory chain where engagement leads to meaningful experiences and sustained cultural transmission. These insights offer practical guidance for museum practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance visitor experiences and ensure the long-term preservation and vibrancy of ethnic minority cultural heritage. Full article

In the context of the growing emphasis on sustainable development and building safety performance, wooden architecture will attract increasing attention due to its low-carbon characteristics and excellent seismic resistance. In this study, the bibliometric software Citespace is used for data visualization analysis based on the literature related to Chinese wooden architecture in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Web of Science (WOS) databases, aiming to construct an analytical framework that integrates quantitative visualization and qualitative thematic interpretation which could reveal the current status, hotspots, and frontier trends of research in this field. The results show the following: Research on Chinese wooden architecture has shown a steady growth trend, indicating that it has received attention from an increasing number of scholars. Researchers and institutions are mainly concentrated in higher learning and research institutions in economically developed regions. Research hotspots cover subjects such as seismic performance, mortise–tenon structures, imitation wood structures, Dong architecture, Liang Sicheng, and the Society for the Study of Chinese Architecture. The research process of Chinese wooden architecture can be divided into three stages: the macro stage, the specific deepening stage, and the inheritance application and interdisciplinary integration stage. In the future, the focus will be on interdisciplinary research on wooden architecture from ethnic minority cultures and traditional dwellings. Full article

This research investigates higher education admission outcomes at Hungarian universities for ethnic Hungarian minority students residing in countries within the Carpathian Basin. The region is distinguished by a variety of national policies that impact minority education. By analyzing extensive data on the availability of mother tongue education, the status of minority rights, advanced level examination performance, and types of settlement using a wide range of statistical methods, our study reveals significant cross-national differences in the distribution of admission scores and central tendencies. Compared to lower and more varied scores for students from Ukraine and Romania, ethnic Hungarian students from Serbia and Slovakia achieved high average admission scores. Performance was notably more consistent among students from EU member states compared to non-EU regions, strongly linking outcomes to the more robust implementation of minority rights and better access to mother-tongue education within the EU framework. A critical finding is the strong positive correlation (Pearson r = 0.837) between admission scores and advanced level examination results, highlighting the pivotal role of these exams for the academic progression of these minority students. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test (p < 0.05) further confirmed significant performance differences between ranked country groups, with Serbian and Slovak students generally outperforming their Ukrainian and Romanian counterparts. Counterintuitively, settlement type (urban vs. rural) exhibited a negligible relationship with admission scores (r = 0.150), explaining only 2% of score variability. This challenges common assumptions and suggests other factors specific to the Hungarian minority context are more influential. This study provides crucial insights into the complex dynamics influencing Hungarian minority students’ access to higher education, underscoring cross-country educational inequalities, and informing the development of equitable minority rights and mother-tongue education policies in Central Europe for these often-marginalized communities. Full article

Highway construction in China has bolstered Chinese claims of having the longest highways in the world, yet it has led to the involuntary relocation and resettlement of millions of people all over China. This study examines the interplay of power relationships in modernity and ethnic cultures. Using interviews with 201 Zhuang ethnic minority people and participant observations from two years in the Southwest of China, this paper presents findings that show both the positive and negative effects of urbanization and modernization as the consequence of highway expansion. By discussing the removal of a religious Sacred Rock which was in the way of the highway construction, the authors reveal the subtleties of the power interplay of majority–minority relations and the meanings of cultures and rituals in the face of modernity. In the process of modernization, highway construction reconstructs new communities while deconstructing the old one. The authors argue that recognizing the meanings of ethnic cultures as defined by ethnic people themselves is the first step to the reconciliation of social relationships between the majority and minority people in created new communities. To enhance social integration, religion has an important role to play in Chinese society. Full article

Residential segregation remains a persistent challenge in European urban environments and is an increasing focal point in urban policy debates. This study investigates the changing geographies of ethnic diversity and residential segregation in Riga, the capital city of Latvia. The research addresses the complex dynamics of ethnic residential patterns within the distinctive context of post-socialist urban transformation, examining how historical legacies of ethnic diversity interact with contemporary migration flows to reshape neighborhood ethnic composition. Using geo-referenced data from 2000, 2011, and 2021 census rounds, we examined changes in the spatial distribution of five major ethnic groups. Our analysis employs the Dissimilarity Index to measure ethnic residential segregation and the Location Quotient to identify the residential concentration of ethnic groups across the city. The findings reveal that Riga’s ethnic landscape is undergoing a gradual yet impactful transformation. The spatial distribution of ethnic groups is shifting, with the increasing segregation of certain groups, particularly traditional ethnic minorities, coupled with a growing concentration of Europeans and non-Europeans in the inner city. The findings reveal distinctive patterns of ethnic diversification and demographic change, wherein long-term trends intersect with contemporary migration dynamics to produce unique trajectories of ethnic residential segregation, which differ from those observed in Western European contexts. However, the specific dynamics in Riga, particularly the persistence of traditional ethnic minority communities and the emergence of new ethnic groups, highlight the unique context of post-socialist urban landscapes. Full article

This study was carried out to determine if macro-level factors (namely, demographic and ecological factors) influence self-perceived social distance and actual social practice with individuals of different faith communities among tertiary students in Australian universities. The response drew several critical revelations, including 2 key findings: 1. Muslim and non-Muslim respondents largely befriend individuals of similar faith backgrounds, although non-Muslims were far more likely to be indifferent towards the religious beliefs of their immediate social circle. 2. Respondents with highly religious social circles reported a clear preference against befriending individuals of different faiths. Muslims were mainly reluctant to befriend non-Muslims, whereas non-Muslims were slightly less apprehensive. The findings presented in this study demonstrate the complexity and dynamism of intergroup contact, traditionally termed social distance, that has distinct implications for social integration. Whereas negative attitudes provide insight into the affective evaluation of a particular group, measures of social distance directly assess the impact of contact on the structural integration of groups. Given its inherently relational focus, this is an important direction for work on intergroup contact. Full article

Diabetes is the world’s leading cause of renal and premature cardiovascular disease. There are marked differences between groups of patients with different ethnicities in their susceptibility to diabetes and its renal and cardiovascular complications. Novel markers of developing diabetes complications are related to disturbances in oxidative metabolism. In this cross-sectional study, we measured the arterial stiffness in patients of differing ethnicities with type 2 diabetes mellitus and assessed the relationship of their ethnicity with systemic markers of oxidative stress. Patients from black, African and Caribbean, and Asian minor ethnic groups were studied, with white patients with T2DM (n = 170) without evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The vascular stiffness was measured by infrared finger-photoplethysmography. The oxidative stress burden was assessed by measuring the urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), activities of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and concentration of selenium. The vascular stiffness and 8-OHdG were higher in the white than in the Black patients (9.68 m/s vs. 9.26 m/s, p = 0.021 and 292.8 ng/mL vs. 200.9 ng/mL, p = 0.0027, respectively). Meanwhile, the GPx-3 and SOD activities and selenium were lower in the white than in the Black patients (283.3 U/L vs. 440.4 U/L, p < 0.0001; 37.5 U/L vs. 75.6 U/L, p = 0.0007; and 1.14 vs. 1.28 µmol/L, p = 0.0001, respectively). In regression modelling, the 8-OHdG/creatinine ratio was an independent predictor of vascular stiffness in the white patient group (β = 0.23 m/s per unit increase in ln(8-OHdG/creatinine) [95% CI, 0.03 to 0.42]; p = 0.021) but not in the Black patient group (p = 0.29). Increased vascular stiffness, lower endogenous antioxidant defense, and greater levels of oxidative damage were found in patients of white ethnicity, which could contribute to the higher incidence of CVD compared with patients from Black minor ethnic groups with diabetic renal disease. Full article

Background: Liver trauma is prevalent following blunt and penetrating injuries. This study examined liver trauma in a South African urban trauma centre, focusing on the unique prevalence of penetrating injuries and surgical interventions. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 512 priority-one patients with liver trauma from January 2017 to December 2023 at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The data collected included demographics, injury mechanisms, liver injury grades, associated injuries, injury severity scores (ISS and NISS), surgical interventions, and mortality rates. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata (V.18) and R software (version 4.3.2). Results: The median age of the patients was 31 years, with a predominance of male patients (91%) and patients of African ethnicity (95%). Penetrating trauma accounted for 73% of the cases. Most liver injuries were minor (grades I–III). There was a 5% overall mortality rate, with a higher rate observed in patients requiring emergency surgery (10% vs. 1% for non-operative management, p < 0.001). Just over half of the patients required emergency laparotomy, and the majority of these patients sustained penetrating liver trauma. Complications occurred in 6.6% of the patients, predominantly biliary in nature. Conclusions: This study highlights the high incidence of penetrating liver trauma in South Africa, which reflects the context of interpersonal violence. The mortality rate aligns with international standards and demonstrates the need for effective management strategies. These findings emphasise the need for tailored approaches to liver trauma based on injury patterns and demographics, and further research is needed to explore the associated mortality and complications. Full article

Background/objectives: Racial and ethnic minority patients are underrepresented in cancer clinical trials (CCTs) and multilevel strategies are required to increase participation. This study describes barriers and facilitators to minority CCT participation alongside feedback on a multilevel intervention (MLI) designed to reduce participation barriers, as posited by the socioecological model (SEM). Methods: Interviews with Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) physicians, community physicians, patients with cancer, community residents, and clinical research coordinators (CRCs) were conducted from June 2023–February 2024. Verbal responses were analyzed using thematic analysis and categorized into SEM levels. Mean helpfulness scores rating interventions (from 1 (not helpful) to 5 (very helpful)) were summarized. Results: Approximately 50 interviews were completed. Thematic findings confirmed CCT referral and enrollment barriers across all SEM levels. At the community level, MCC patients and community residents felt that community health educators can improve patient experiences and suggested they connect patients to social/financial resources, assist with patient registration, and provide CCT education. While physicians and CRCs reacted positively to all institutional-level tools, the highest scored tool simultaneously addressed CCT referral and enrollment at the institution (e.g., trial identification/referrals) and interpersonal level (communication platform for community and MCC physicians) (mean = 4.27). At the intrapersonal level, patients were enthusiastic about a digital CCT decision aid (mean = 4.53) and suggested its integration into MCC’s patient portal. Conclusions: Results underscore the value of conducting formative research to tailor interventions to target population needs. Our approach can be leveraged by future researchers seeking to evaluate MLIs addressing additional CCT challenges or broader health topics. Full article

It is significant to study the correlation between the spatial distribution and topographic features for ethnic minority rural settlements, which can provide the theoretical basis and practical methods for the preservation of ethnic culture and scientific planning of territorial space. Liuzhou in Guangxi is a region with diverse ethnic groups and this paper takes Liuzhou as the case study. This study employs fractal theory, GIS spatial analysis, and correlation analysis methods to investigate the relationship between settlement spatial patterns and their surrounding geographical conditions. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between the geographic location of ethnic minority rural settlements (including site selection and terrain features) and their geographical conditions (topographic and elevation factors). Additionally, significant associations exist between settlement slope, settlement orientation, and their positioning within mountainous terrain. The study also reveals strong correlations between planar morphological characteristics (or settlement scale) and settlement terrain for the settlements of the same ethnic group within the same region. Specifically, Dong settlements exhibit remarkable consistency in settlement scale, while Miao settlements demonstrate high similarity in terms of elevation distribution. The methodology developed in this study is applicable to correlation research on settlement characteristics across diverse ethnic groups and geographical regions. It not only reveals universal patterns of how physical-geographic environments influence the planar and spatial features of settlements, but also validates the logical coherence of investigating layout characteristics from both planar and spatial perspectives. The findings of this study not only provide practical guidance for the development and planning of settlements, but also offer recommendations for the cultural inheritance and settlement protection of ethnic minorities. Full article

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) education is considered increasingly necessary, particularly for children. DRR educational interventions aim to enhance knowledge and attitudes related to self-protective capacity. However, comparative studies on students in areas prone to different disasters and comprehensive criteria covering both knowledge and attitudes toward behavior remain limited. A short DRR course was developed for primary schools across three regions (mountainous, low-lying, and coastal) in Hue City, one of Vietnam’s most vulnerable areas to extreme weather events. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate student performance by applying Bloom’s taxonomy and treatment-control pre-post-follow-up design with panel analysis methods. From December 2022 to September 2023, three surveys, involving 517 students each, were conducted in six schools (three schools received the course and surveys, while the other three only participated in surveys). The intervention revealed similarities and differences between the groups. The course positively impacted on some elements of knowledge and preparedness intentions in students from low-lying and mountainous regions (including ethnic minorities). Higher-grade students in the mountainous region showed improvement in intentions, but not in attitudes toward self-protection. No gender differences in intentions were found. Although limited overall improvements, the study’s various methods, approaches and continuous assessment can be applied globally to design, implement, and assess DRR education courses effectively. Full article