PLOS ONE: [sortOrder=DATE_NEWEST_FIRST, sort=Date, newest first, q=subject:"Research design"]PLOShttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/webmaster@plos.orgaccelerating the publication of peer-reviewed sciencehttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/search/feed/atom?sortOrder=DATE_NEWEST_FIRST&sort=Date,+newest+first&unformattedQuery=subject:%22Research+design%22All PLOS articles are Open Access.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.icohttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/resource/img/favicon.ico2024-03-29T06:05:41ZOlder women’s experience with COVID-19 pandemic: A study of risk perception and coping among culturally and linguistically diverse population in South AustraliaNoore Alam SiddiqueeMohammad HamiduzzamanHelen McLarenEmi Patmisari10.1371/journal.pone.03013662024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Noore Alam Siddiquee, Mohammad Hamiduzzaman, Helen McLaren, Emi Patmisari</p>
Background <p>A global catastrophe–the COVID-19 pandemic–appears to have two-dimensional health consequences for older adults: high risk of being infected and psychological distress. There is limited evidence on how the pandemic has impacted the life and coping of older adults who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), women in particular. This study explored the COVID-19 risk perception and coping strategies of older CALD women in South Australia.</p> Methods <p>A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving a 31-items coping and emergency preparation scale for survey and semi-structured interviews with participants. The older CALD women were approached through 11 multicultural NGOs. One hundred and nine women participants from 28 CALD communities completed the online surveys; 25 of them agreed to a telephone interview and provided their contact details. 15 older CALD women ultimately participated in interviews.</p> Results <p>Mean sum-score of dread risk, unknown risk, and fear (M: 43.5; SD: 4.9) indicated that the participants were somewhat anxious and worried. Mean sum-score of coping (M: 79.8; SD: 9.3) reported their compliance with expert advice and disinfection practices but accessing health information (M: 2.8; SD 1.4) and tendency to minimize anxiety (M: 2.1; SD: 1.2) were below neutral. Significant variations were found in coping in terms of age, meaning that the women aged 75 years and older were less likely to cope with the pandemic (<i>P</i> = 0.01). Emergency preparation differed based on the participants’ residence and occupation status. The deductive-inductive thematic analysis of interview data was framed around three priori themes: risks of being affected, emotional and behavioral coping, and emergency preparation and access to services.</p> Conclusions <p>Evidence shows a fear among the older CALD women with an endeavor to cope and prepare for emergency situations. This suggests the requirements for interventions that improve coping and reduce the risk of stress among them.</p>Factors related to a sense of economic insecurity among older adults who participate in social activitiesYuriko InoueHisae NakataniIchie OnoXuxin Peng10.1371/journal.pone.03012802024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Yuriko Inoue, Hisae Nakatani, Ichie Ono, Xuxin Peng</p>
Japan has the highest life expectancy worldwide. Older adults who experience economic insecurity may refrain from seeking medical consultation or using long-term care insurance, and these behaviors may increase the incidence and progression of frailty. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey to identify factors related to a sense of economic insecurity among older adults who participate in social activities, and identified support measures. In total, 1,351 older adults aged ≥65 years who had participated in social activities voluntarily completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed their physical, cognitive, social, and psychological conditions, and economic insecurity. We performed univariate analysis considering a sense of economic insecurity as the dependent variable, and conducted multiple logistic regression analysis (forced entry method) considering the independent variables with p<0.1 as the covariates. Among the 872 filled questionnaires, 717 were analyzed as they had no missing data with respect to the responses to survey questions (valid response rate was 53.1%). Analysis results showed that 43.6% of the older adults had a sense of economic insecurity, which was most common among those aged 75–84 years, accounting for 47.3%, followed by those aged 65–74 years accounting for 44.1%, and those aged ≥85 years accounting for 31.5% (p<0.05). The sense of economic insecurity was not associated with physical conditions, subjective symptoms of dementia, or social conditions; however, it grew with increased loneliness (OR: 1.71, 1.002–2.92, p = 0.049) and decreased with an increased subjective sense of well-being (OR: 0.86, 0.81–0.92, <0.001). Economic insecurity among older adults was not associated with physical, cognitive, or social aspects, as reported in previous studies. The survey respondents constituted older adults who participate in social activities. Maintaining interactions within the community, even in old age, may prevent loneliness and improve subjective health.Compact rover surveying and laser scanning for BIM developmentSyed Riaz un Nabi JafriSyed Murtaza HussainAsif AhmedSyed Asher Hussain RizviKumayl Hassan KazmiJamshed Iqbal10.1371/journal.pone.03012732024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Syed Riaz un Nabi Jafri, Syed Murtaza Hussain, Asif Ahmed, Syed Asher Hussain Rizvi, Kumayl Hassan Kazmi, Jamshed Iqbal</p>
This paper presents a custom made small rover based surveying, mapping and building information modeling solution. Majority of the commercially available mobile surveying systems are larger in size which restricts their maneuverability in the targeted indoor vicinities. Furthermore their functional cost is unaffordable for low budget projects belonging to developing markets. Keeping in view these challenges, an economical indigenous rover based scanning and mapping system has developed using orthogonal integration of two low cost RPLidar A1 laser scanners. All the instrumentation of the rover has been interfaced with Robot Operating System (ROS) for online processing and recording of all sensorial data. The ROS based pose and map estimations of the rover have performed using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technique. The perceived class 1 laser scans data belonging to distinct vicinities with variable reflective properties have been successfully tested and validated for required structural modeling. Systematically the recorded scans have been used in offline mode to generate the 3D point cloud map of the surveyed environment. Later the structural planes extraction from the point cloud data has been done using Random Sampling and Consensus (RANSAC) technique. Finally the 2D floor plan and 3D building model have been developed using point cloud processing in appropriate software. Multiple interiors of existing buildings and under construction indoor sites have been scanned, mapped and modelled as presented in this paper. In addition, the validation of the as-built models have been performed by comparing with the actual architecture design of the surveyed buildings. In comparison to available surveying solutions present in the local market, the developed system has been found faster, accurate and user friendly to produce more enhanced structural results with minute details.Impact of laws prohibiting domestic violence on wasting in early childhoodPragya BhuwaniaAmy RaubAleta SpragueAlfredo MartinBijetri BoseRachel KidmanArijit NandiJere R. BehrmanJody Heymann10.1371/journal.pone.03012242024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Pragya Bhuwania, Amy Raub, Aleta Sprague, Alfredo Martin, Bijetri Bose, Rachel Kidman, Arijit Nandi, Jere R. Behrman, Jody Heymann</p>
Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects an estimated 641 million women and girls globally with far-reaching consequences for the health of women and children. Yet, laws that prohibit domestic violence (DV) are not universal. Countries actively debate the effectiveness of DV laws in improving conditions given the inconclusive evidence on deterrent effects within households particularly in low- and middle-income countries that have limited infrastructure, and fewer resources to implement and enforce policy changes. This is the first study to rigorously examine the impact of DV laws on women’s health decision-making and the intergenerational impact on children’s wasting, a key predictor of mortality. We used the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data collected between 2000–2020 across 23 African countries. Exploiting the staggered adoption of laws, we used a difference-in-differences study design to estimate the impact of DV laws in the treated countries compared to countries without such laws. We find that DV laws increased women’s decision-making autonomy in healthcare by 16.7% as well as other measures of women’s autonomy that matter for health such as financial autonomy by 6.3% and social mobility by 11.0%. The improvements in women’s autonomy translated into reductions in the probability of wasting among children aged 0–23 months by 5.4% points, a 30.9% reduction from the mean. DV laws also reduced wasting among older children aged 24–59 months by 3.6% points, a 38.7% reduction from the mean. The laws were effective in all 6 countries analyzed individually that criminalized DV. A civil prohibition in the seventh country was not found to be effective. The effect was positive and significant for all wealth and geographical categories. Our findings demonstrate the value of enacting criminal laws that prohibit domestic violence as one important tool to reducing the profound health impacts of IPV, a critical health and human rights issue.Optimized treatment parameter by computer simulation for high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment of uterine adenomyosis: Short-term and long-term resultsJae Seok BaeJae Young LeeHyun Hoon ChungMaria LeeMyung Jae JeonHoon KimHee Seung KimKidong KimChang-Soon LeeKeonho SonJoon Koo Han10.1371/journal.pone.03011932024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Jae Seok Bae, Jae Young Lee, Hyun Hoon Chung, Maria Lee, Myung Jae Jeon, Hoon Kim, Hee Seung Kim, Kidong Kim, Chang-Soon Lee, Keonho Son, Joon Koo Han</p>
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of using optimized parameters obtained by computer simulation for ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of uterine adenomyosis in comparison with conventional parameters. We retrospectively assessed a single-institution, prospective study that was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS) of Republic of Korea (KCT0003586). Sixty-six female participants (median age: 44 years) with focal uterine adenomyosis were prospectively enrolled. All participants were treated with a HIFU system by using treatment parameters either for treating uterine fibroids (Group A, first 20 participants) or obtained via computer simulation (Group B, later 46 participants). To assess the treatment efficacy of HIFU, qualitative indices, including the clinically effective dysmenorrhea improvement index (DII), were evaluated up to 3 years after treatment, whereas quantitative indices, such as the nonperfused volume ratio and adenomyosis volume shrinkage ratio (AVSR), on MRI were evaluated up to 3 months after treatment. Quantitative/qualitative indices were compared between Groups A and B by using generalized linear mixed effect model. A safety assessment was also performed. Results showed that clinically effective DII was more frequently observed in Group B than in Group A (odds ratio, 3.69; P = 0.025), and AVSR were higher in Group B than in Group A (least-squares means, 21.61; P = 0.001). However, two participants in Group B developed skin burns at the buttock and sciatic nerve pain and required treatment. In conclusion, parameters obtained by computer simulation were more effective than the conventional parameters for treating uterine adenomyosis by using HIFU in terms of clinically effective DII and AVSR. However, care should be taken because of the risk of adverse events.Design and implementation of an intensive panel survey with refugees and other migrants in need of protection in Costa RicaAbigail WeitzmanMatthew BlantonSophie M. MorseGilbert Brenes CamachoMaría José Chaves Groh10.1371/journal.pone.03011352024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Abigail Weitzman, Matthew Blanton, Sophie M. Morse, Gilbert Brenes Camacho, María José Chaves Groh</p>
Over the last decade, the global population of refugees and other migrants in need of international protection (MNP) has more than doubled. Despite their rapid growth, panel data collection among MNP remains rare, leaving scholars with few data sources to draw on to understand dynamic changes in their social, economic, legal, or health circumstances. With that paucity in mind, we developed and piloted the <i>Encuesta de Refugiados</i>: <i>Experiencias Sociales y Salud</i> (ERESS), a weekly panel survey conducted with MNP living in Costa Rica. To our knowledge, this panel constitutes one of the first weekly surveys with MNP anywhere in the world. Here, we describe the overall study design, sample recruitment and retention, and key descriptive findings. We show that retaining demographically and socioeconomically diverse MNP in intensive panel surveys is possible and that doing so reveals valuable insights into dynamic changes in their incorporation, family dynamics, and health and wellbeing. By offering a summary of our field experiences and central methodological findings, we highlight the potential benefits and challenges of collecting intensive panel data with MNP, as scholars increasingly seek to understand their pre- and post-migration trajectories and relationships between the two.A pilot randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of the MaTerre180’ participatory tool including a serious game versus an intervention including carbon footprint awareness-raising on behaviours among academia members in FranceClaudia Teran-EscobarNicolas BecuNicolas ChampollionNicolas GratiotBenoît HingrayGérémy PanthouIsabelle Ruin10.1371/journal.pone.03011242024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Claudia Teran-Escobar, Nicolas Becu, Nicolas Champollion, Nicolas Gratiot, Benoît Hingray, Gérémy Panthou, Isabelle Ruin</p>
Background <p>Activities embedded in academic culture (international conferences, field missions) are an important source of greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason, collective efforts are still needed to lower the carbon footprint of Academia. Serious games are often used to promote ecological transition. Nevertheless, most evaluations of their effects focus on changes in knowledge and not on behaviour. The main objectives of this study are to 1) Evaluate the feasibility of a control and an experimental behaviour change intervention and, 2) Evaluate the fidelity (the extent to which the implementation of the study corresponds to the original design) of both interventions.</p> Methods <p>People employed by a French research organisation (N = 30) will be randomised to one of the two arms. The experimental arm consists in a 1-hour group discussion for raising awareness about climate change, carrying out a carbon footprint assessment and participating to a serious game called “Ma terre en 180 minutes.” The control arm consists of the same intervention (1h discussion + carbon footprint assessment) but without participating to the serious game. On two occasions over one month, participants will be asked to fill in online surveys about their behaviours, psychological constructs related to behaviour change, sociodemographic and institutional information. For every session of intervention, the facilitators will assess task completion, perceived complexity of the tasks and the perceived responsiveness of participants. Descriptive statistics will be done to analyse percentages and averages of the different outcomes.</p> Discussion <p>Ma-terre EVAL pilot study is a 1-month and a half pilot randomised controlled trial aiming to evaluate the feasibility and the fidelity of a 24-month randomised controlled trial. This study will provide more information on the levers and obstacles to reducing the carbon footprint among Academia members, so that they can be targeted through behaviour change interventions or institutional policies.</p>The VertiGO! Trial protocol: A prospective, single-center, patient-blinded study to evaluate efficacy and safety of prolonged daily stimulation with a multichannel vestibulocochlear implant prototype in bilateral vestibulopathy patientsBernd L. VermorkenBenjamin VolpeStan C. J. van BoxelJoost J. A. StultiensMarc van HoofRik MarcellisElke LoosAlexander van SoestChris McCrumKenneth MeijerNils GuinandAngélica Pérez FornosVincent van RompaeyElke DevochtRaymond van de Berg10.1371/journal.pone.03010322024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Bernd L. Vermorken, Benjamin Volpe, Stan C. J. van Boxel, Joost J. A. Stultiens, Marc van Hoof, Rik Marcellis, Elke Loos, Alexander van Soest, Chris McCrum, Kenneth Meijer, Nils Guinand, Angélica Pérez Fornos, Vincent van Rompaey, Elke Devocht, Raymond van de Berg</p>
Background <p>A combined vestibular (VI) and cochlear implant (CI) device, also known as the vestibulocochlear implant (VCI), was previously developed to restore both vestibular and auditory function. A new refined prototype is currently being investigated. This prototype allows for concurrent multichannel vestibular and cochlear stimulation. Although recent studies showed that VCI stimulation enables compensatory eye, body and neck movements, the constraints in these acute study designs prevent them from creating more general statements over time. Moreover, the clinical relevance of potential VI and CI interactions is not yet studied. The VertiGO! Trial aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of prolonged daily motion modulated stimulation with a multichannel VCI prototype.</p> Methods <p>A single-center clinical trial will be carried out to evaluate prolonged VCI stimulation, assess general safety and explore interactions between the CI and VI. A single-blind randomized controlled crossover design will be implemented to evaluate the efficacy of three types of stimulation. Furthermore, this study will provide a proof-of-concept for a VI rehabilitation program. A total of minimum eight, with a maximum of 13, participants suffering from bilateral vestibulopathy and severe sensorineural hearing loss in the ear to implant will be included and followed over a five-year period. Efficacy will be evaluated by collecting functional (i.e. image stabilization) and more fundamental (i.e. vestibulo-ocular reflexes, self-motion perception) outcomes. Hearing performance with a VCI and patient-reported outcomes will be included as well.</p> Discussion <p>The proposed schedule of fitting, stimulation and outcome testing allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility and long-term safety of a multichannel VCI prototype. This design will give insights into vestibular and hearing performance during VCI stimulation. Results will also provide insights into the expected daily benefit of prolonged VCI stimulation, paving the way for cost-effectiveness analyses and a more comprehensive clinical implementation of vestibulocochlear stimulation in the future.</p> Trial registration <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04918745. Registered 28 April 2021.</p>The Impacts of COVID-19 Restrictions on Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY): Heterogeneous effects and post-pandemic recoveryRaimundo AtalPaula BedregalJosé A. CarrascoFelipe GonzálezRodrigo HarrisonCecilia Vizcaya10.1371/journal.pone.03008912024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Raimundo Atal, Paula Bedregal, José A. Carrasco, Felipe González, Rodrigo Harrison, Cecilia Vizcaya</p>
Objectives <p>Estimate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the quality of life, measured by Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs).</p> Methods <p>A survey on 1,506 heads of households from Chile in May of 2022. Respondents were asked basic socioeconomic questions and a version of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire that was used to calculate the evolution of HRQoLs. Comparisons of means in HRQoLs measures before the pandemic, at the peak of restrictions, and at the moment of the survey were performed.</p> Results <p>The average HRQoL of the population before the pandemic was similar to other countries in the region (0.96). At the peak of restrictions (June 2020–August 2021), the average HRQoL decreased to 0.87 (-9%). At the time of survey (May 2022), the average HQRoL was 0.91 (4%). Assuming the recovery trend continued, pre-pandemic HRQoLs would be reached by January 2024. Altogether, the pandemic would have reduced QALYs by 0.2 in average. The effect is larger and the recovery slower among women. Our estimates imply that the restrictions to manage the pandemic came at a cost of 2.4 months of life years for the average (surviving) person, 1.8 months for men and 3.4 for women.</p> Conclusions <p>Our results suggest that COVID-19 had worse effects on life quality than previously thought. These effects are more significant among women than among men. Efforts to improve life quality and speed up its recovery could have large positive consequences for the population.</p>Construct validation and measurement invariance of the Parasocial Relationships in Social Media surveyAustin T. BoydLouis M. RocconiJennifer Ann Morrow10.1371/journal.pone.03003562024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Austin T. Boyd, Louis M. Rocconi, Jennifer Ann Morrow</p>
This paper examines the construct validity and measurement invariance of the Parasocial Relationships in Social Media (PRISM) survey which was designed to provide researchers with a valid and reliable tool for measuring parasocial relationships developed in a social media context. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated the survey provides an adequate measure of parasocial relationships with online, social media celebrities, replicating the factor structure found by Boyd and colleagues when they developed PRISM and providing evidence of the construct validity of the survey. Additionally, scalar measurement invariance was achieved which supports the survey’s ability to compare parasocial relationships across different social media platforms.Perceptions of 3R implementation in European animal research: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis of barriers and facilitatorsEdwin Louis-MaertenAoife MilfordDavid M. ShawLester D. GenevièveBernice S. Elger10.1371/journal.pone.03000312024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Edwin Louis-Maerten, Aoife Milford, David M. Shaw, Lester D. Geneviève, Bernice S. Elger</p>
Objectives <p>The purpose of this systematic review was to examine how the scientific community in Europe that is involved with research with animals perceives and experiences the implementation of 3R (Replace, Reduce, Refine).</p> Methods <p>A systematic search of the literature published in the past ten years was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Publications were screened for eligibility using <i>a priori</i> inclusion criteria, and only empirical evidence (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methodologies) was retained. Quantitative survey items were investigated by conducting a meta-analysis, and the qualitative data was summarized using an inductive meta-synthetic approach. Included publications were assessed using the Quality Assessment for Diverse Studies tool.</p> Results <p>17 publications were included (eight quantitative, seven qualitative, two mixed-methods). The meta-analysis revealed that scientists are skeptical about achieving replacement, even if they believe that 3R improve the quality of experimental results. They are optimistic concerning the impact of 3R on research costs and innovation, and see education as highly valuable for the implementation of 3R. The meta-synthesis revealed four barriers (systemic dynamics, reification process, practical issues, insufficient knowledge) and four facilitators (efficient use of animals, caring for animals, regulatory uptake, supportive workplace environment).</p> Conclusion <p>These findings show actionable levers at the local and systemic levels, and may inform regulators and institutions in their 3R policies.</p> Trial registration <p>The protocol was registered into the PROSPERO database under the number CRD42023395769.</p>Changes in the intestinal microbiota of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on sequencing: An updated systematic review and meta-analysisWenpin CaiTing QiuWeitao HuTaiyong Fang10.1371/journal.pone.02999462024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Wenpin Cai, Ting Qiu, Weitao Hu, Taiyong Fang</p>
Background <p>Alterations in the composition and abundance of the intestinal microbiota occur in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the results are inconsistent because of differences in the study design, subject area, and sequencing methodology. In this study, we compared the diversity and abundance of the intestinal microbiota of patients with NAFLD and healthy individuals through a systematic review and meta-analysis.</p> Methods <p>Three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) were searched from their inception to March 20, 2023. A meta-analysis was performed using Stata software to analyze variations in the richness and abundance of the intestinal microbiota in patients with NAFLD. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used for quality assessment.</p> Results <p>A total of 28 articles were included. Shannon diversity was reduced in patients with NAFLD (SMD = -0.24 (95% CI -0.43–0.05, I<sup>2</sup> = 71.7%). The relative abundance of <i>Ruminococcus</i>, <i>Faecalibacterium</i>, and <i>Coprococcus</i> all decreased, with total SMDs of -0.96 (95% CI -1.29 to -0.63, I<sup>2</sup> = 4.8%), -1.13 (95% CI -2.07 to -0.19, I<sup>2</sup> = 80.5%), and -1.66 (95% CI -3.04 to -0.28, I<sup>2</sup> = 91.5%). <i>Escherichia</i> was increased in individuals with NAFLD (SMD = 1.78, 95% CI 0.12 to 3.45, I<sup>2</sup> = 94.4%).</p> Conclusion <p>Increasing the species diversity and altering the abundance of specific gut microbiota, including <i>Coprococcus</i>, <i>Faecalibacterium</i>, <i>Ruminococcus</i>, and <i>Escherichia</i>, may be beneficial for improving NAFLD.</p>An analysis of training load in highly trained female football playersAndreas K. WintherIvan BaptistaSigurd PedersenJoão BritoMorten B. RandersDag JohansenSvein Arne Pettersen10.1371/journal.pone.02998512024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Andreas K. Winther, Ivan Baptista, Sigurd Pedersen, João Brito, Morten B. Randers, Dag Johansen, Svein Arne Pettersen</p>
This observational study aimed to analyze external training load in highly trained female football players, comparing starters and non-starters across various cycle lengths and training days. Method: External training load [duration, total distance [TD], high-speed running distance [HSRD], sprint distance [SpD], and acceleration- and deceleration distance [AccDec<sub>dist</sub>] from 100 female football players (22.3 ± 3.7 years of age) in the Norwegian premier division were collected over two seasons using STATSports APEX. This resulted in a final dataset totaling 10498 observations after multiple imputation of missing data. Microcycle length was categorized based on the number of days between matches (2 to 7 days apart), while training days were categorized relative to match day (MD, MD+1, MD+2, MD-5, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2, MD-1). Linear mixed modeling was used to assess differences between days, and starters vs. non-starters. Results: In longer cycle lengths (5–7 days between matches), the middle of the week (usually MD-4 or MD-3) consistently exhibited the highest external training load (~21–79% of MD TD, MD HSRD, MD SpD, and MD AccDec<sub>dist</sub>); though, with the exception of duration (~108–120% of MD duration), it remained lower than MD. External training load was lowest on MD+2 and MD-1 (~1–37% of MD TD, MD HSRD, MD SpD, MD AccDec<sub>dist</sub>, and ~73–88% of MD peak speed). Non-starters displayed higher loads (~137–400% of starter TD, HSRD, SpD, AccDec<sub>dist</sub>) on MD+2 in cycles with 3 to 7 days between matches, with non-significant differences (~76–116%) on other training days. Conclusion: Loading patterns resemble a pyramid or skewed pyramid during longer cycle lengths (5–7 days), with higher training loads towards the middle compared to the start and the end of the cycle. Non-starters displayed slightly higher loads on MD+2, with no significant load differentiation from MD-5 onwards.Morality, self-control, age, type of offence and sentence length as predictors of psychopathy amongst female incarcerated offenders in South AfricaJudite Danielle de OliveiraJacques JordaanMatthew Cronjé10.1371/journal.pone.02998472024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Judite Danielle de Oliveira, Jacques Jordaan, Matthew Cronjé</p>
There has been an increase in female incarcerated offenders nationally and internationally. Despite this trend, literature and research on female offenders remain limited compared to their male counterparts. Evidence of the relationship between certain personality disorders and offending behaviour has led numerous countries to prioritise identifying and assessing personality disorders among the offender population. Psychopathic personality traits may contribute to women’s risk factors for expressing antisocial behaviours, resulting in their potential future incarceration. Thus, a need exists to understand possible factors that may predict the expression of psychopathic traits in females, which may have notable utility among female offenders. This study aimed to investigate possible predictor variables of psychopathy amongst incarcerated female offenders in South Africa. A quantitative research approach, non-experimental research type, and correlational research design were employed. A convenience sampling technique was used. The sample consisted of 139 (<i>N</i> = 139) female offenders housed in two correctional centres in South Africa who voluntarily participated in this study. Correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analysis procedures were conducted to analyse the results. Results indicated (i) a certain combination of predictor variables that statistically and practically significantly explained both primary and secondary psychopathy and (ii) individual predictor variables (e.g., Impulsivity, Simple Tasks, Risk-Seeking, and Self-Centredness) that explained both primary and secondary psychopathy statistically and practically significantly. This study provides valuable information about the possible predictor variables of psychopathy amongst female offenders within the context of South Africa. However, further research must be conducted to validate these findings and advance our knowledge on this topic.Assessing the role of biomarker feedback in a 12-week community weight management programme among overweight men: A pilot studyDaniel GrantJoshua SmithLindsay Bottoms10.1371/journal.pone.02996362024-03-28T14:00:00Z2024-03-28T14:00:00Z<p>by Daniel Grant, Joshua Smith, Lindsay Bottoms</p>
Background <p>The primary objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of recruitment, retention, and delivery of biomarker feedback among men partaking in Shape Up, a physical activity for health programme. Secondarily, it explored the potential effects of biomarker feedback on participants’ adherence and motivation levels.</p> Methods <p>In this two-arm non-randomised pilot study, 46 men (mean±SD age 46.0±8.6 years) participating in the 12-week Shape Up programme were assigned to a control group or biomarker feedback group. Biomarker feedback consisted of 3 blood test panels: at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (follow-up), each with a doctor’s report. Both groups completed questionnaires (Short Active Lives Survey [SALS], Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire [TSRQ], and EQ-5D-5L) to gauge levels of motivation and engagement. The mean difference was calculated between baseline and programme end. Recruitment, retention, and attendance rates were determined.</p> Results <p>Mean recruitment (approach-to-consent), retention, and attendance rates were 96.3%, 92.3%, and 83.7% in the control group, and 85.2%, 86.2%, and 81.5% in the biomarker feedback group, respectively. Of biomarker feedback group participants, 86.4% attended their 12-week blood test and 45.5% attended their follow-up blood test. The mean 12-week differences (95% CI) for the control group and biomarker feedback group were 138.1 (2.7, 273.5) and 467.3 (249.4, 685.2) for active minutes per week, 0.2 (-0.8, 1.2) and 0.4 (0.0, 0.8) for autonomous TSRQ domains, 0.2 (-0.3, 0.8) and 0.8 (0.1, 1.4) for controlled TSRQ domains, and 19 (12.7, 26.5) and 27.2 (19.8, 34.6) for EQ-5D-5L scores, respectively.</p> Conclusion <p>Biomarker feedback was well-received by participants and deemed feasible, with high recruitment and retention rates for the duration of the 12-week programme. Biomarker feedback may affect aspects of motivation but did not appear to influence adherence to the programme. Biomarker data may provide additional evidence of programme efficacy. Important design considerations are provided for definitive larger-scale trials.</p>