bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sustainable consumers’ consumption in the context of Arctic circular economy
Authors: Karpova S V , Cherenkov V I , Cherenkova N I
Published: October 2020

The concept of circular economy has factually become a cornerstone for describing a necessary redesign of a hypothetic Arctic industrial eco-system or geosocioeconomic (GSE) system to get to a better sustainability. Given the quarter-century-old post-Soviet hibernation of Russian Arctic politics, the authors have largely focused their research on an analysis of relevant foreign sources. These sources were grouped by the following topics: (1) a model of the circular economy as the most suitable for such a remote and vulnerable region as the Arctic; (2) modifying the model of consumers’ consumption taking into account the main principles of circular economy; and (3) creating a mental sustainability construct in the mind of sustainability stakeholders with emphasis on current and future students. Despite the fact that consumers’ consumption holds a prominent role on the way toward the sustainable development of Arctic regions the said role is not well accounted for in the literature on circular economy. This paper contains the appeal to continue studying thoroughly the relationship between consumers’ consumption and building a circular economy in the light of implementing the concept of sustainable development, which is especially important for the Arctic. The paper is supplied with graphic materials that could have a didactic value.
Biofeedback as a cognitive research technique for enhancing learning process
Authors: Ababkova Marianna , Leontieva Veronika , Trostinskaya Irina , Pokrovskaia Nadezhda
Published: October 2020

The new technologies of measuring the biological indicators and the progress of neuron-communications help to better connect the emotional, intellectual and physiological parameters of the body and brain activity. The emerging research techniques include the biofeedback which enables to define audience’s attention, students’ engagement, and offers a more thorough understanding of the learning process. The paper presents the results of the experiments related to the assessment of distance and classroom learning and to the measurement of the consequences for the perceptive, cognitive and volition features of students after both types of work – with physical participation of a teacher and with autonomous studying material through computer. The CMS (Current Mental State) technique in the form of a hardware-software biofeedback complex was used to obtain an unbiased evaluation of the students’ emotional and mental state and well-being. The result of this quantitative research was a set of parameters displaying the current mental state of the participants and showing the students’ reaction to the learning material and environment. The practical significance of the CMS study is to deepen the understanding of the perceptive and cognitive processes through the different forms of educational activity.
Training for Media and Public Relations: Challenges of the Modernization Era
Authors: Boglovskaya E.B. , Safonova A.S. , Tarakanova T.S. , Popov D.G.
Published: October 2020

The article analyzes the key tasks of training specialists in the field of communication. The authors consider the results of research in the professional environment and among students, analyze the possibilities of digital technologies in the development of the specialty. The result of the article is a comprehensive model of digital resource aimed at improving the quality of information interaction between public relations and media communications, expanding the knowledge and skills of communicators, the formation of an information base and professional community for the development of specialists in the field of communications, increasing the efficiency of their activities, increasing public importance and relevance of the profession in the new conditions of the digital economy.
Methodology for formation of professional communicative competence of future IT specialists
Authors: Bernavskaya M V , Ivanova V A , Mikhailova O Y
Published: October 2020

At present, due to significant attention of the employers in the IT sphere to key competencies of University graduates the system of professional communicative competence formation is required. This paper presents an overall design and implementation scheme of the course “Translation in the Field of Professional Communication” as an integral part of the cycle of disciplines in the area of “Infocommunication Technologies and Communication Systems”. The foreign language intersubject status is strengthened by the developed course. The paper focuses on basic components of this course providing integrity of educational process. Based on theoretical and practical approaches: study of psychological and pedagogical literature; analysis and synthesis of theoretical generalization of research results, comparison and interpretation of new facts and specific manifestations of the research subject, abstracting, questioning, testing, observation, pedagogic experiment and statistical data processing methods the efficiency of a proposed experimental training system was confirmed. Its positive influence on the level of acquisition of knowledge in the English language discipline and, correspondingly, on formation of the professional communicative competence of a software engineer and on development of positive motivation for professional activity was analysed. Besides, the development of positive motivation for the self-development of the personality and for the growth of interest in communication was described.
Digital orientalism in Russia
Authors: Aladyshkin I. V. , Ulyanova S.B. , Anosova N.E. , Qi Wang
Published: October 2020

The authors analyze the digital component in the Oriental studies in Russia in the context of key trends and parameters of the growing digitalization of the humanities. The analysis of digitalization in the Oriental studies in Russia is based on the observation of more than 30 Internet resources of the last 10 years. The methodological basis of the work is the analytical and systematic approach to the study using the methods of logical and causal analysis, as well as expert estimates and systematized data. The classification of electronic resources in the relevant field of scientific research is given. Internet resources with a relatively rich database of digitized materials have been analyzed. At the same time, the short period of activity of many Internet resources and the lack of their updating result in a decreased scientific value of these resources. Considering the digital component of the Russian Oriental studies, the development of digital materials complexes takes place, however the digital studies are not conducted. The array of information is fragmented and lacks systematization. The authors conclude that a generalizing system should be created that would activate the available resources and make them work for the development of science.
Rolling Planning Method for Logistic System for Controlling Inventory and Stock-out Under Unsteady Demand
Authors: Islam Md. Mohibul , Arakawa Masahiro
Published: October 2020

In this paper, rolling planning method for logistics system is proposed for minimizing logistics cost, controlling inventory, and stock out parts due to unsteady demand for a particular planning period. Demand variability is the main challenge for any supply chain network. One strategy to tackle this challenge is to practice a make-to-order supply system. However, there is a risk to have delays on the supply, when the final customers generate the order because the product requires a specific production time and a lead time to arrive from the factory to the customer. For handling unsteady demand, the main problem is the generation of stock-out products or in opposite case, the generation of dead stock due to a large number of storage products. For solving these problems, rolling planning method is proposed. The aim of this method is to estimate the optimal production, delivery quantities and to hold satisfied inventory level for minimizing stock out parts over the planning period. The proposed model and solution approaches are implemented in a numerical example. The solution has shown that the proposed rolling planning model for logistics system handle unsteady demand successfully for controlling inventory and stock out parts over the given planning period.
Development of information system to generate assembly order of parts considering work difficulty
Authors: Arakawa Masahiro , Yokoi Souta , Kobayashi Hayata , Kurihara Sayaka , Ishida Kensuke
Published: October 2020

In this study, we develop an information system to generate the assembly order of parts to reduce work difficulty during parts assembly. Several types of tables are proposed to store the relationship of connection and contact between parts and characteristics related to the structure between parts causing work difficulty. In addition, a mathematical model is constructed to generate the assembly order of parts to reduce work difficulty. The effectiveness of the developed system is evaluated based on numerical and assembly experiments using an actual product.
Methodology for evaluating the readiness of internal logistics processes for Industry 4.0
Authors: Zoubek M , Šimon M
Published: October 2020

The field of internal logistics is one of the critical areas of a company and has a great potential within the concept of Industry 4.0. The basic premise of smart production is to have a complete overview of all the logistics movements of products, i.e. from entry, through production to dispatch. Furthermore, this is exactly what the digitization of internal logistics allows. The development of Industry 4.0 based on digitization and automation presents excellent challenges for logistics and opportunities for further growth and development. Companies should optimize, automate and digitally transform internal logistics into a more autonomous and flexible form. However, a company must be prepared for this Industry 4.0 concept and know its level of maturity in this area. The primary purpose of this article is to describe a methodology for assessing the readiness of internal logistics processes, which are structured into several areas to cover the entire area of internal logistics. These processes are evaluated using the methodology, and the company’s current level is assessed according to specific indicators for each area of internal logistics. By implementing elements from modern logistics, the aim is to increase the level of the company.
Comprehensive Quantitative Characterisation of Single Crystal Alloys
Authors: Nenchev B , Strickland J , Perry S , Tassenberg K , Gill S
Published: October 2020

Classically, the primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) is used as a gauge to determine the quality of a single-crystal alloy. However, this length scale varies substantially over a cast due to variation in the thermo-solutal conditions. In this work, several dimensionless parameters are derived that characterise this variation based purely on geometrical and natural pattern formation. They are determined by applying a novel shape limited spacing algorithm (SLPS). SLPS accurately evaluates the relationship between local PDAS and packing pattern formations, offering a new method of single crystal analysis. The SLPS algorithm is a part of DenMap, a dendrite core feature extraction tool designed to significantly speed up single-crystal characterisation for process optimisation and standardisation for academia and industry.
Dendritic Packing and Porosity Formation within Single Crystal CMSX-4® Ni-Base Superalloy
Authors: Perry S , Strickland J , Nenchev B , Tassenberg K , Dong HB
Published: October 2020

Specialised imaging techniques are instrumental for extracting the wealth of information locked within as-cast microstructures. Recently, a novel characterisation tool (Shape-Limited Primary Spacing) was developed for determining primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS), dendritic packing pattern and porosity formation within single crystal microstructures. In this work, the algorithm is applied to a single crystal CMSX-4® Ni-base superalloy to investigate the relationship between dendritic packing pattern and condensation porosity. It is concluded that porosity formation is reduced when regular organised dendritic packing patterns form. This work elucidates new unknown relationships between packing and porosity and may help to develop improved process-property models for defect prediction.
Thermal and Mechanical Joining of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Laminates
Authors: Al-Obaidi A , Rochala P , Kroll M , Hahn T , Kräusel V
Published: October 2020

In this paper, quasi-isotropic basalt fiber reinforced polyamide PA6 was joined to aluminum sheets using three different joining technologies. The joints were manufactured by means of nut and bolt (NAB) as well as two-piece hollow riveting (TPHR) as current state of the art processes. Furthermore, additional joints were established by the new inductive contact joining (ICJ) technology. The obtained specimens were compared by means of tensile shear tests and by analysis of the fractured surfaces. It was found that the joints produced by ICJ are superior in comparison to joints manufactured by TPHR with regard to joint strength. In addition, during ICJ, the fibers of the polymer material are not damaged and the strength of the base material is maintained. Further optimization potential of the ICJ process was discovered during the investigations, so that potentially higher joint strengths as well as shorter process times can be expected, making the process interesting for future industrial applications.
Enhanced visible light driven Photocatalytic activity of MnO2 nanomaterials and their hybrid structure with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Warsi Muhammad Farooq , Bilal Muhammad , Zulfiqar Sonia , Khalid Muhammad Usman , Agboola Philips O , Shakir Imran
Published: October 2020

MnO2 nanomaterials were synthesized using a simple wet redox method. Crystal structure of as prepared pure and Al doped MnO2 nanomaterials was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Crystal structure was further confirmed by FTIR analysis. Morphology of pure MnO2, Al doped MnO2, MnO2/CNT hybrid structure and Al doped MnO2/CNT hybrid structure was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of all the constituent atoms in the crystal structure of all the samples. Bandgap value was found to decrease with the modification (doping and hybrid structure). Photocatalytic efficiency of all the MnO2 samples was studied using the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under the visible light (solar radiation). Effect of different intermediates on the photodegradation efficiency was studied using different scavengers.
Variable Performance in 6 Commercial SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Assays May Affect Convalescent Plasma and Seroprevalence Screening
Authors: Zilla Megan , Wheeler Bradley J , Keetch Christian , Mitchell Gretchen , McBreen Jeffrey , Wells Alan , Shurin Michael R , Peck-Palmer Octavia , Wheeler Sarah E
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Serologic detection of prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is needed for definition of convalescent plasma donors, for confounding SARS-CoV-2 presentation, and for seroprevalence studies. Reliable serologic assays with independent validation are required.

Methods

Six SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays from Beckman Coulter, Euroimmun (IgG, IgA), Roche, and Siemens (Centaur, Vista) were assessed for specificity (n = 184), sensitivity (n = 154), and seroconversion in a defined cohort with clinical correlates and molecular SARS-CoV-2 results.

Results

Assay specificity was 99% or greater for all assays except the Euroimmun IgA (95%). Sensitivity at more than 21 days from symptom onset was 84%, 95%, 72%, 98%, 67%, and 96% for Beckman Coulter, Centaur, Vista, Roche, Euroimmun IgA, and Euroimmun IgG, respectively. Average day of seroconversion was similar between assays (8-10 d), with 2 patients not producing nucleocapsid antibodies during hospitalization.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies may be less reliably produced early in disease than spike protein antibodies. Assessment of convalescent plasma donors at more than 30 days from symptom onset and seroprevalence studies should use assays with defined sensitivity at time points of interest because not all assays detected antibodies reliably at more than 30 days.
Improvements in Neighborhood Socioeconomic Conditions May Improve Resident Diet
Authors: Richardson Andrea S , Collins Rebecca L , Ghosh-Dastidar Bonnie , Ye Feifei , Hunter Gerald P , Baird Matthew D , Schwartz Heather , Sloan Jennifer C , Nugroho Alvin , Beckman Robin , Troxel Wendy M , Gary-Webb Tiffany L , Dubowitz Tamara
Published: October 2020

Neighborhood socioeconomic conditions (NSECs) are associated with resident diet, but most research has been cross-sectional. We capitalized on a natural experiment in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in which 1 neighborhood experienced substantial investments and a sociodemographically similar neighborhood that did not, to examine pathways from neighborhood investments to changed NSECs and changed dietary behavior. We examined differences between renters and homeowners. Data were from a random sample of households (n = 831) in each of these low-income Pittsburgh neighborhoods that were surveyed in 2011 and 2014. Structural equation modeling tested direct and indirect pathways from neighborhood to resident dietary quality, adjusting for individual-level sociodemographics, with multigroup testing by homeowners versus renters. Neighborhood investments were directly associated with improved dietary quality for renters (β = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05, 0.50) and homeowners (β = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.92). Among renters, investments also were associated with dietary quality through a positive association with commercial prices (β = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.54) and a negative association with residential prices (β = −0.30, 95% CI: −0.59, −0.004). Among homeowners, we did not observe any indirect pathways from investments to dietary quality through tested mediators. Investing in neighborhoods may support resident diet through improvements in neighborhood commercial environments for renters, but mechanisms appear to differ for homeowners.
Large-scale mass spectrometry data combined with demographics analysis rapidly predicts methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Wang Hsin-Yao , Chung Chia-Ru , Horng Jorng-Tzong , Lu Jang-Jih , Lee Tzong-Yi
Published: October 2020

Background

A mass spectrometry-based assessment of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus would have huge potential in addressing fast and effective prediction of antibiotic resistance. Since delays in the traditional antibiotic susceptibility testing, methicillin-resistant S. aureus remains a serious threat to human health.

Results

Here, linking a 7 years of longitudinal study from two cohorts in the Taiwan area of over 20 000 individually resolved methicillin susceptibility testing results, we identify associations of methicillin resistance with the demographics and mass spectrometry data. When combined together, these connections allow for machine-learning-based predictions of methicillin resistance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of >0.85 in both the discovery [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–0.90] and replication (95% CI 0.84–0.86) populations.

Conclusions

Our predictive model facilitates early detection for methicillin resistance of patients with S. aureus infection. The large-scale antibiotic resistance study has unbiasedly highlighted putative candidates that could improve trials of treatment efficiency and inform on prescriptions.
To be small and dark is advantageous for gaining heat in mezquite lizards, Sceloporus grammicus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae)
Authors: González-Morales Juan Carlos , Rivera-Rea Jimena , Moreno-Rueda Gregorio , Bastiaans Elizabeth , Díaz-Albiter Héctor , Díaz de la Vega-Pérez Aníbal Helios , Bautista Amando , Fajardo Víctor
Published: October 2020

Body temperature is important in determining individual performance in ectotherms such as lizards. Environmental temperature decreases with increasing altitude, but nevertheless many lizards inhabit high-altitude environments. The ‘thermal melanism hypothesis’ proposes that a dark dorsal coloration enables darker individuals to heat up faster because they absorb more solar radiation and thus being darker may be advantageous in cold habitats. The aim of the present study is to evaluate how heating rate, cooling rate and net heat gain vary with body size and dorsal skin coloration in Sceloporus grammicus lizards along an altitudinal gradient. We measured these traits multiple times in the same individuals with a radiation heat source and spectrophotometry under laboratory conditions. Our results showed that S. grammicus lizards are smaller and darker at high elevations than at low elevations. In addition, the smallest and darkest lizards showed the greatest heating rate and net heat gain. Therefore, in S. grammicus, we suggest that small body size and dark dorsal coloration provide thermoregulatory benefits in high-altitude environments. Hence, this study supports the thermal melanism hypothesis in a lizard species under varied thermal environments.
Chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Xiongfeng , Kaminga Atipatsa C , Wen Shi Wu , Liu Aizhong
Published: October 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that chemokines may play an important role in the formation and mediating of the immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore the differences in blood or tissues chemokines concentrations between HCC patients and controls. Online databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library, were systematically searched for relevant articles published on or before 15 January 2020. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals of the chemokines concentrations were calculated as group differences between the HCC patients and the controls. Sixty-five studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Altogether they consisted of 26 different chemokines compared between 5828 HCC patients and 4909 controls; and 12 different chemokines receptors compared between 2053 patients and 2285 controls. The results of meta-analysis indicated that concentrations of CCL20, CXCL8 and CXCR4 in the HCC patients were significantly higher than those in the controls (SMD of 6.18, 1.81 and 1.04, respectively). Therefore, higher concentration levels of CCL20, CXCL8 and CXCR4 may indicate the occurrence of HCC Future research should explore the putative mechanisms underlying this linkage. Meanwhile, attempts can be made to replicate the existing findings in prospective cohort populations and explore the cause-and-effect relationships pertaining to this linkage in order to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HCC.
Ireland’s tax games: the challenge of tackling corporate tax avoidance
Authors: Ní Chasaide Nessa
Published: October 2020

The phenomenon of financialization has given rise to new modes of corporate profit accumulation. This includes the creation of global channels for corporate tax avoidance that are embedded in the operations of global firms. Due to a lack of transparency by multinational companies (MNCs), these channels, and their tax implications, are not easily identified or understood. This article sets out the workings of the ‘global tax games’ which operate via intracompany financial transactions alongside the reorganization of the functions of MNCs. The article highlights the consequences for communities of corporate tax avoidance, whereby corporate shareholders and tax haven states profit at the expense of other states and communities. Thus, people living in tax havens, often unknowingly, benefit from tax revenues that should have been paid elsewhere. It offers a case study of Ireland, an understudied case, but which is repeatedly identified as a key node in the global network of corporate tax avoidance. It emphasizes that, in the case of Ireland, a precursor to a potential alternative development path is the acknowledgement of its problematic role.
Investors’ impact on Czech farmland prices: a microstructural analysis
Authors: Curtiss Jarmila , Jelínek Ladislav , Medonos Tomáš , Hruška Martin , Hüttel Silke
Published: October 2020

This paper analyses farmland price formation under investors’ increased demand in the Czech Republic from 2008 to 2014. We adopt a stochastic metafrontier approach to hedonic price modelling and investigate the relative differences in farm and investor pricing. Our results provide evidence of buyer group-specific land valuations, asymmetric price dispersions and their temporal changes. These changes reflect the developments of market microstructures and market-supporting institutions induced by buyer competition. While initially significantly lower due to high market and bargaining power, prices paid by corporate/cooperative farms converged with high-level investor prices over time. Individual and family farms were largely unable to compete at the new price levels.
Risk prediction of atrial fibrillation in the community combining biomarkers and genetics
Authors: Börschel Christin S , Ohlrogge Amelie H , Geelhoed Bastiaan , Niiranen Teemu , Havulinna Aki S , Palosaari Tarja , Jousilahti Pekka , Rienstra Michiel , van der Harst Pim , Blankenberg Stefan , Zeller Tanja , Salomaa Veikko , Schnabel Renate B
Published: October 2020

Aims

Classical cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), biomarkers, and common genetic variation have been suggested for risk assessment of atrial fibrillation (AF). To evaluate their clinical potential, we analysed their individual and combined ability of AF prediction.

Methods and results

In N = 6945 individuals of the FINRISK 1997 cohort, we assessed the predictive value of CVRF, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and 145 recently identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) combined in a developed polygenic risk score (PRS) for incident AF. Over a median follow-up of 17.8 years, n = 551 participants (7.9%) developed AF. In multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models, NT-proBNP [hazard ratio (HR) of log transformed values 4.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.66–6.22; P < 0.001] and the PRS (HR 2.18; 95% CI 1.88–2.53; P < 0.001) were significantly related to incident AF. The discriminatory ability improved asymptotically with increasing numbers of SNPs. Compared with a clinical model, AF risk prediction was significantly improved by addition of NT-proBNP and the PRS. The C-statistic for the combination of CVRF, NT-proBNP, and the PRS reached 0.83 compared with 0.79 for CVRF only (P < 0.001). A replication in the Dutch Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort revealed similar results. Comparing the highest vs. lowest quartile, NT-proBNP and the PRS both showed a more than three-fold increased AF risk. Age remained the strongest risk factor with a 16.7-fold increased risk of AF in the highest quartile.

Conclusion

The PRS and the established biomarker NT-proBNP showed comparable predictive ability. Both provided incremental predictive value over standard clinical variables. Further improvements for the PRS are likely with the discovery of additional SNPs.
1.B. Workshop: Front-of-pack nutrition labelling: recent progress and remaining challenges
Authors:   Organised by: WFPHA Front-of-pack labelling working group,   Chair persons: Tim Dorlach - Germany
Published: October 2020

Front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) is increasingly viewed as a central policy instrument in the fight against unhealthy diets, obesity, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), both for its direct effects on consumer behavior and for its potential to guide other effective nutrition policies (e.g. marketing restrictions, excise taxes). Major FOPNL schemes include the traffic-light system pioneered in the United Kingdom, warning labels as first introduced in Chile, the Australian Health Star Rating, and the Nutri-Score scheme developed in France. Countries that have already introduced mandatory FOPNL schemes include Chile, Israel, Peru, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, strong opposition from the food and beverage industry has prevented significant progress on FOPNL in many other countries. National developments have motivated several international initiatives. In 2019, the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Food Labelling began to formally negotiate guidelines for the development of FOPNL. Meanwhile, France and Australia have begun to convene a UN-supported Global Action Network on Nutrition Labelling. Understanding these national and international developments has become essential for effective public health advocacy in the field of FOPNL. The presentations in this workshop will therefore review recent key developments and identify major challenges to introducing effective FOPNL. The workshop will feature four presentations followed by an open discussion and exchange. Alexandra Jones will analyze key components of 31 existing FOPNL regulations and outline relevant best practice guidance. Tim Dorlach will explain why FOP warning labels first emerged in Chile and have subsequently diffused throughout Latin America. Chantal Julia will review the development of the Nutri-Score scheme in France and its adoption in other European countries. Anne Marie Thow will discuss how trade agreements and international standards can influence and potentially limit FOPNL schemes.

Key messages

Front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) is a central policy instrument in the fight against unhealthy diets, obesity, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Understanding recent national and international FOPNL developments is essential for effective public health advocacy for FOPNL and related interventions.
Climate change: past and projected threats to food and water security = public health emergency
Authors: Hanna L
Published: October 2020

Dr Liz Hanna chairs the Environmental Health Working Group of the WFPHA. For more than a decade she has researched climate change adaptation (CCA), focusing on exposure risks, physiological health impacts, health sector preparedness and policy responses to analyze current and future climate health threats. Working in Prof Tony McMichael's team at the Australian National University, she convened the National CCA Research Network, and served as President of the Climate and Health Alliance.

Human history is littered with examples of climatic interruptions to food and water supplies leading to disease and famine, conflict and migration. Dr Hanna sets the scene for this challenging workshop by outlining selected historical examples and describing the pathways of interconnectedness. Previously, climatic, health and social upheavals were geographically restricted. Yet the world now faces climatic change on a global scale never before it witnessed by humans. Liz outlines how this global disruption threatens our most important environmental determinants of health.

Evidence of global warming acceleration is presented and linked with disruptions to vital ecosystems and interruptions to food and water resources. Dr Hanna then leads participants on a journey to the future by applying IPCC projections to demonstrate the escalated potential for health harm from further intensified disturbances to the hydrological patterns, ocean warming, acidification and sea level rise, global heating and increased heat extremes as these impact water sources, crop yields, stock health and their survival, the marine food web and human acclimatisation limitations.

Throughout this presentation, Dr Hanna weaves the interconnectedness of healthy ecosystems and healthy people, and our global interconnectedness as we collectively share this beautiful but fragile planet.
A scorecard for local body election candidates in New Zealand
Authors: Stone P
Published: October 2020

Local elections are held every 3 years in NZ for District Health Boards (DHB). The public has low capability to scrutinise candidates for their knowledge/experience in public health governance. As a result, there is low voting turn-out for elections. So, 3 PHA branches developed scorecards for 2019 candidates. Our aims addressed 3 problems: 1. How to raise public awareness about local DHB elections 2. How to engage voters and provide them with information about candidates from a public health perspective 3.Can we encourage candidates to discuss public health issues/ preventative measures publicly. We hoped to promote democracy by increasing informed voter turnout. Scorecards were based on candidates' responses to a survey with 3 dimensions: alignment with public health values; health sector governance experience; views on a specific public health issue (water fluoridation). Survey responses were scored by panels of branch members. Southern branch sent the survey to 28 DHB candidates across 2 DHBs, and 24 replied in time. Wellington branch sent it to 23 CCDHB candidates and 16 replied in time. Canterbury's response rate was just over 50%, 11 of 21 surveys were returned.

We produced scorecards for results in formats for printing and sharing online. We shared them on PHA's website, social media and featured them in the e-newsletter. Each branch launched them at local Meet the DHB Candidate events where hundreds of paper copies were distributed. There was good online interest in the scorecards: 3453 previews, 287 downloads for further printing/distribution. Many candidates committed, if elected, to policy solutions presented them at our events. There was significant increase (684 in Southern, 698 in Wellington, 2006 in Canterbury) in DHB voter turnout in 2019, compared to last election with no scorecards. Not all top-scoring candidates were subsequently elected onto respective DHBs, but for Wellington and Southland all elected had high scores.

Key messages

PHANZ plays a role in supporting NZ democracy by filling a gap in public information about election candidates, whether they are fit for purpose when scrutinised through the public health lens. Election Scorecard are effective for raising public awareness, providing scrutiny of the candidates from a public health perspective, encouraging candidates to consider public health issues.
RCT of Harti Hauora Tamariki: a holistic family-centred programme for child health and equity
Authors: Atatoa Carr P , Scott N , Jones A , Masters-Awatere B , Sandiford P , Clark H
Published: October 2020

Background

In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), paediatric admissions (& readmissions) with diseases of poverty are common & this preventable burden is more severe for Māori (Indigenous) tamariki (children) & their whānau (families). In response, the Harti Hauora Tamariki (HHT) programme was developed. This is family-centred multilevel programme that consists of: culturally safe engagement for whānau; comprehensive high-quality wellbeing screening; standardised evidence-based protocols for addressing identified need(s); & navigation for and with whānau into services & support.

Methods

In 2019, over 980 children (0-4 years) admitted to the acute paediatric ward at Waikato Hospital in Aotearoa NZ were randomised (with their whānau) to intervention (HHT) or usual clinical care. Measures of effectiveness include the level of unmet need identified; the impact of HHT on meeting those needs & achieving improved outcomes for tamariki; qualitative assessment of how HHT led to the outcomes; & whānau satisfaction with hospital care. The primary quantitative endpoint is relative readmission risk.

Results

Qualitative case studies demonstrate the importance of engagement with staff and services, and that the HHT programme can create a high trust environment where whānau feel safe to reveal their needs. Needs are common. Many needs identified that impact whānau wellbeing (such as food insecurity and lack or resources including carseats) are not recognised through standard hospital care. Quantitative primary and secondary outcome analyses are underway.

Conclusions

Enhanced health promotion and prevention measures are required to achieve health equity for children in Aotearoa NZ, and the whole of health system (including secondary hospital care) has the responsibility and ability to manage such measures. The HHT programme is whānau-centred, adaptable, evidence-based, and able to address the broader determinants of common paediatric illness as well as support wellbeing and whānau ora.

Key messages

A family-centred holistic screening programme, with culturally safe engagement, improves inpatient care and enhances the determinants of health. Indigenous leadership and commitment to Indigenous wellbeing and health equity facilitates effective evolution and programme improvement, within the framework of a randomised controlled trial.
The Portuguese alcohol industry: friend or foe of public health authorities?
Authors: Paixão M , Mialon M
Published: October 2020

The influence of the alcohol industry is considered one of the most important obstacles to the implementation of policies that aim to tighten alcohol control. However, to our knowledge, our research is the first one to document the influence of the alcohol industry in the country, despite a 6.8% prevalence of alcohol use disorders and alcohol not featuring in the current National Health plan.

We performed a qualitative thematic analysis of information available on websites and social media pages of trade associations, charities funded by the alcohol industry, government, universities and media material. This analysis was based on the “Policy Dystopia” framework, dividing the strategies we found as either instrumental (action-based) and discursive (argument-based).

Overall, out of the 198 written records, 56% were instrumental and 44% discursive. The alcohol industry's representatives are part of the executive commission of the national task force responsible for consulting on policies regarding alcohol. We also found evidence of extensive community involvement through cooperation with security forces, among others. Also, after a discussion by the Portuguese Parliament of a possible increase in taxation of alcoholic beverages, a trade association delivered a study it had ordered from a consultancy company refuting any increase.

Trade associations also claimed stricter control measures were not necessary in southern European countries, such as Portugal, and they were only appropriate for countries with more harmful drinking patterns. When referring to health risks causes by alcohol consumption, the association with breast cancer was only found once with misleading language describing it as “chest cancer”.

This research has shown several tactics employed by the alcohol industry in Portugal and, as such, helped counteract some arguments used by the industry. This can enable the implementation of more effective control policies.

Key messages

Public health authorities should document the industry’s tactics in order to implement effective control policies regarding alcohol and other substances. There is a need for audits of health information made public by the alcohol industry.
Knowledge transfer by digital media: how professional practices in health promotion are impacted?
Authors: Cros L , Dodet J F , Millot I , Sizaret A , Sandon A
Published: October 2020

This abstract aims to present a research carried out on a project which organizes knowledge transfer based on digital media in order to promote health of young people. One of the two websites created as part of this project is dedicated exclusively to professionals. They find in it reliable information on different topics. Since then, we may wonder how digital media promote knowledge transfer? And what are the consequences on professional practices?

The study conducted between October 2019 and January 2020 uses quantitative and qualitative methods. Professionals were asked about the way in which they mobilized online content in the implementation of actions in promoting young people's health. Participants all work with children or teenagers and represent different professional groups: school nurses, social workers, workers in childcare facilities, teachers etc.

One of the major findings of this study is to account for the knowledge transfer that exists through digital media. Websites facilitate professional's access to content that increase their capacity to act in health promotion. For example, they are developing a more participatory approach (workshops, educational games or debates). However, the evolution of professional practices implies at the same time an appropriation of the information provided by websites. Knowledge transfer can't be based only on digital media.

In matter of fact, a major resource for knowledge transfer is related to the partnership dynamic driven at the local level. Exchanges of practices organized in real life allow professional to meet and share effective intervention strategies. There is a tangible complementarity between digital media and partnership network in terms of knowledge transfer. Finally, the presentation will search to better understand the role of digital media in public health. The uses in context told by professionals will invite to highlight the innovative character ok knowledge transfer associated with digital media.

Key messages

This abstract focuses on knowledge transfer in the age of digital media. What innovations can be identified in professional health promotion practices for young people? The aim of this abstract is to discuss how the knowledge transfer based on digital media is organized and the consequences on professional practices: what are the impacts?
Public health evidence for the UK’s Third Climate Change Risk Assessment
Authors: Kovats S , Brisley R , Watkiss P , Turner G
Published: October 2020

Background

The UK has a statutory requirement under the Climate Change Act (2008) to undertake a Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) every five years. The Evidence Report for the Third CCRA, due 2021, will identify the most important current and future risks and opportunities to public health from climate change. It also considers whether present and planned adaptation strategies to are sufficient to manage the risks or additional action is required.

Methods

The analysis underpinning this review assesses whether risks and actions improve or exacerbate adverse health outcomes and inequalities. This paper reports on the CCRA3 evidence review, which considers the current and likely future impacts of changing flood risk, heatwaves, coastal change, air pollution, vector-borne disease and water quality on public health and healthcare delivery. All risks are assessed by their magnitude, as well as scored by urgency to address them.

Results

This paper presents the findings for two risks - from heat and coastal flooding impacts on population health and communities. A key focus has been to explore how climate change and policy responses affect the health of vulnerable groups and who could be further disadvantaged by inappropriate adaptation policies. This includes new analysis of the climate risks to health within the built environment and within the health and social care sector. The long-term health consequences of climate change have been considered through potential policy, building and environmental “lock-in”. Such lock-ins include potential risks to inhabitants from overheating due to building regulations failing to address increasing ambient temperatures or homes being built on flood plains.

Conclusions

Climate change presents challenges to deliver national policy responses ensuring that adaptation remains equitable and optimal for health. The CCRA3 Evidence Report will inform the third UK National Adaptation Plan, setting out Government actions for 2023-2028.

Key messages

Assess current and future risks and opportunities to public health from climate change. Assess present and planned adaptation strategies for management of risks.
A kiss or a handshake?! Overview for a deep approach
Authors: Paixao S , Oliveira J , Osório N , Figueiredo J P , Ferreira A
Published: October 2020

The way we greet each other is often a source of controversy when it comes to microorganisms transmitted. The goal of this research is to give us a comparison of the quantity and type of microorganisms transmitted between a handshake and kisses on the face, first verifying which of these forms transmits more microbiological beings, and subsequently compare the results with the answers given to a questionnaire on hand and face hygiene. With a sample of 23 Portuguese people, without any skin pathology, the sampling type was probabilistic and the sampling technique was simple random. The technique used was through contact plates, containing an enriched medium (TSA), for each individual, a sample was collected by each route - face and hands. First, the microorganisms present in each pathway were counted, and then identified. The average in the face is 75.2 CFU, while in the hands it is 53.9 CFU, thus there is a significant difference between the two. A questionnaire was also used with questions related to hand and face washing. Regarding the count of CFU's on the plates, there was a higher number of microorganisms in the plates used in the face than in the hand. There is a difference between the amount of microorganisms present in the face and palm of the hands, and the first one has a higher score. This difference can be justified by the fact that we wash our hands more often throughout the day relative to the face. Regarding the type of microorganisms found, the vast majority were Staphylococcus spp and Micrococcus. In some of the plaques were present yeast and fungi, and, in smaller quantity, bacilli. To change these values, a good dissemination of information concerning the proliferation of bacteria, viruses and fungi is essential, as well as the dangers they represent. It is important to be aware of the importance of good hygiene of the skin, as a form of protection itself, but also collective, thus contributing to better public health.

Key messages

Need for good hand and face hygiene. Imperative to conduct more and deep studies about this issue.