bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle: A Risk Assessment and Health Promotion Framework for a Rural and Urban Primary Health Care Setting in the Free State Province, South Africa
Authors: van Zyl Sanet , Kruger Willem H. , Walsh Corinna M.
Published: December 2024

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of global mortality. The WHO projects a rise in NCD-related deaths from 36 million in 2018 to 55 million by 2030, with developing countries being the most affected. Effective community-based primary health care (PHC) can reduce the burden of chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDLs). This study aimed to develop a risk assessment and health promotion framework to strengthen CDL prevention and control in Free State (FS) communities in South Africa. Methods: A convergent mixed-method design was used. Quantitative analysis identified CDL risk factors in rural and urban FS settings, while qualitative focus group discussions explored participants’ knowledge of CDLs and their experiences with program implementation. Results: Key findings highlighted differences in risk profiles, CDL training needs for PHC teams, patient education gaps, and curriculum development. Step 1 of the framework development identified differences and similarities in the CDL risk profiles of the study populations. Step 2 identified CDL training needs for PHC teams, patient educational needs, and CDL curriculum development needs. Step 3 revealed three main barriers: resource constraints, patient non-compliance, and the lack of supporting healthcare services. In Step 4, the six focus areas identified (steps 1–3) were used to develop strategies for implementing a tailored, community-based, patient-centred approach. Conclusions: The results provide valuable insights for improving PHC responses in resource-limited settings.
Enhancing Patient Comprehension of Glomerular Disease Treatments Using ChatGPT
Authors: Abdelgadir Yasir H. , Thongprayoon Charat , Craici Iasmina M. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Miao Jing
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: It is often challenging for patients to understand treatment options, their mechanisms of action, and the potential side effects of each treatment option for glomerular disorders. This study explored the ability of ChatGPT to simplify these treatment options to enhance patient understanding. Methods: GPT-4 was queried on sixty-seven glomerular disorders using two distinct queries for a general explanation and an explanation adjusted for an 8th grade level or lower. Accuracy was rated on a scale of 1 (incorrect) to 5 (correct and comprehensive). Readability was measured using the average of the Flesch–Kincaid Grade (FKG) and SMOG indices, along with the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score. The understandability score (%) was determined using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT-P). Results: GPT-4’s general explanations had an average readability level of 12.85 ± 0.93, corresponding to the upper end of high school. When tailored for patients at or below an 8th-grade level, the readability improved to a middle school level of 8.44 ± 0.72. The FRE and PEMAT-P scores also reflected improved readability and understandability, increasing from 25.73 ± 6.98 to 60.75 ± 4.56 and from 60.7% to 76.8% (p < 0.0001 for both), respectively. The accuracy of GPT-4’s tailored explanations was significantly lower compared to the general explanations (3.99 ± 0.39 versus 4.56 ± 0.66, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ChatGPT shows significant potential for enhancing the readability and understandability of glomerular disorder therapies for patients, but at a cost of reduced comprehensiveness. Further research is needed to refine the performance, evaluate the real-world impact, and ensure the ethical use of ChatGPT in healthcare settings.
Case Studies on Dissocial Personality—Bad or Ill?
Authors: Sipowicz Kasper , Pietras Tadeusz , Sobstyl Michał , Mosiołek Anna , Różycka-Kosmalska Monika , Mosiołek Jadwiga , Stefanik-Markowska Ewa , Ring Michał , Kamecki Krystian , Kosmalski Marcin
Published: December 2024

Dissocial personality is understood as a personality that does not ideologize most social norms and is characterized by a lack of empathy. Precise criteria for diagnosing dissocial personality are included in the ICD-10 classification, which is still in force in Poland. This classification is widely available in both Polish and English. In Poland, there is a fairly wide range of assistance available for people with personality disorders in day care units and 24-h wards for the treatment of personality disorders. Unfortunately, due to some antisocial behaviors that violate the criminal law in force in Poland, people with dissocial personality are placed in prisons. The development of dissocial personality depends on both genetic factors and the demoralizing influence of the social environment. The mutual interactions of genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of dissocial personality can be analyzed both using statistical methods for large groups and by analyzing a case study, which is a qualitative study and is underestimated in modern medicine. Due to the complex pathogenesis of dissocial personality, various ethical dilemmas arise, and the extent of the guilt for the committed, prohibited act depends on genetic factors and brain structure and to some extent on environmental factors. The apparent ability of people with dissocial personality to look into their own actions leaves doctors always with the question of how sick or bad the person is. In this study, we used the method of qualitative analysis of case studies of two patients treated in a 24-h personality disorder treatment unit of the Department of Neuroses, Personality Disorders and Eating Disorders of the Second Psychiatric Clinic of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw.
Deep Learning Approaches for 3D Model Generation from 2D Artworks to Aid Blind People with Tactile Exploration
Authors: Furferi Rocco
Published: December 2024

An effective method to enable the enjoyment of works of art by the blind is to reproduce tactile copies of the work, to facilitate tactile exploration. This is even more important when it comes to paintings, which are inherently not accessible to the blind unless they are transformed into 3D models. Today, artificial intelligence techniques are rapidly growing and represent a paramount method for solving a variety of previously hard-to-solve tasks. It is, therefore, presumable that the translation from 2D images to 3D models using such methods will be also in continuous development. Unfortunately, reconstructing a 3D model from a single image, especially when it comes to painting-based images, is an ill-posed problem due to the depth ambiguity and the lack of a ground truth for the 3D model. To confront this issue, this paper proposes an overview of artificial intelligence-based methods for reconstructing 3D geometry from a single image is provided. The survey explores the potentiality of Convolutional Neural Networks, Generative Adversarial Networks, Variational Autoencoders, and zero-shot methods. Through a small set of case studies, the capabilities and limitations of CNNs in creating a 3D-scene model from artworks are also encompassed. The findings suggest that, while deep learning models demonstrate that they are effective for 3D retrieval from paintings, they also call for post-processing and user interaction to improve the accuracy of the 3D models.
Archival Research, Underwater Optical Surveys, and 3D Modelling: Three Stages for Shaping the Wreck of the Steamship Bengala (Isola di Capo Rizzuto, Crotone, Italy)
Authors: Medaglia Salvatore , Bruno Fabio , Castelli Ana , Collina Matteo , Davidde Petriaggi Barbara , De Rosa Luca , Frere Julieta , Fuoco Fabrizio , Gutiérrez Guillermo , Lagudi Antonio , Megna Francesco , Peluso Raffaele
Published: December 2024

Bengala, a steamer that sank in 1889 near Capo Rizzuto, Italy, was a relatively new vessel for its time, with an unusually short 18-year service life, given that steamers of the period typically operated for 30 to 40 years. Despite its brief history, SS Bengala played a significant role in the development of Italy’s young merchant navy, undergoing multiple ownership changes and serving various Italian shipping companies. Employed mainly along the route to Southeast Asia, it transported Italian migrants overseas and also participated in troop raids during the Italian military expedition to Eritrea in 1887. Despite its historical significance, no iconographic material has yet been found to depict SS Bengala, and archival research conducted in Italy and England has not uncovered any naval plans, photographs, or drawings of the ship. To overcome this gap, the authors employed new technologies and historical information to create a virtual reconstruction. This research combined archival sources with underwater surveys, including a detailed 3D survey by divers and archaeologists. Archival research, including consultation of official documents, provided critical information on the ship’s dimensions, superstructure, rigging, materials, and construction methods. The 3D modelling of the ship’s external hull, based on precise geometric data from the wreck site, offers a first step towards virtual reconstruction. The modelling is grounded in photogrammetric surveying techniques, ensuring high accuracy in the reconstruction process. The model can be used in augmented reality (AR) applications to enhance underwater exploration, allowing divers to visualise the reconstructed ship in its original environment. Additionally, it supports museum exhibits, interactive visualisations, and educational games, making it a valuable resource for engaging the public with maritime history and archaeology.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification of miRNAs and Their Targets During Riboflavin-Promoted Dormancy Release in Lilium ‘Siberia’
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Yang Chenglong , Zheng Yiping , Guo Wenjie , Lai Zhongxiong , Fang Shaozhong
Published: December 2024

Dormancy release is an important process for improving the quality of cut-flower lily production and promoting the factory production of lily bulbs. However, the regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes during the dormancy release of lily remain elusive. Anatomy, transcriptomic, molecular biology, and transient transformation techniques involving subcellular localization were applied in our study. There were significant results showing that 0.1 mM riboflavin promoted dormancy release and floral bud differentiation and influenced the flowering time of the Lilium ‘Siberia’. Moreover, some differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets (miR395-y: LoAPS1, miR529-z: LoSPL14, miR396-y: LoCFDP1, miR1863-z: LoFBA3, miR399-y: LoDIT1, and miR11525-z: Lopgm) were identified and predicted. Exogenous riboflavin may activate primary metabolic processes and promote dormancy release in Lilium ‘Siberia’ bulbs. Furthermore, riboflavin upregulated genes related to the riboflavin pathway, H3K4me3 methylation, dormancy control, and the flowering pathway and downregulated dormancy maintenance genes. Moreover, riboflavin promoted endogenous riboflavin and acetyl-CoA accumulation. LoPurple acid phosphatase17 (LoPAP17), a pivotal gene of the riboflavin metabolism pathway, was subsequently cloned. LoPAP17 was most closely related to the orthologous genes of Acorus calamus, Asparagus officinalis, and Musa acuminata. The LoPAP17 protein was subcellularly located in the nucleus. Our study revealed that miRNAs and their target genes might regulate the primary metabolic pathway, promote the accumulation of endogenous riboflavin and acetyl-CoA, and affect protein acetylation during the riboflavin-promoted release of dormancy and flower bud differentiation in the Lilium Oriental hybrid ‘Siberia’.
Influence of Sowing Date and Humic Acid Application on Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Growth, Yield, and Essential Oil Composition
Authors: Samy Ahmed , Soliman Said S. , Abdel-Rahman Sayed S. A. , Soliman Wagdi S. , Abbas Ahmed M.
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the impact of varying sowing dates and concentrations of humic acid (HA) on the growth, yield, and essential oil profile of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) across two consecutive growing seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022). The experiment was carried out at Aswan University’s Agricultural Experimental Farm in Egypt, utilizing a split-plot design with three sowing dates (15th October, 1st November, and 15th November) along with four HA concentrations (0, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 kg ha−1). The results revealed that early sowing on 15th October and enrichment with 5 kg ha−1 of HA significantly enhanced plant height, stem diameter, branch number, umbels per plant, and fruit yield. The highest fruit yield (2684 kg ha−1) and essential oil yield (27.3 L ha−1) were obtained from plants sown on 15th October and treated with 5 kg ha−1 HA. Moreover, the essential oil composition was notably affected, with significant increases in the concentration of anethole, estragole, and other critical compounds under the same treatment. Conversely, delayed sowing reduced both the yield and oil content. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing sowing dates and HA application rates to maximize fennel’s yield and essential oil quality, particularly in arid regions. The findings of this study offer practical guidance for optimizing fennel cultivation in arid regions by integrating early sowing dates and humic acid applications, which can significantly enhance yield and essential oil quality. These insights are particularly valuable for the medicinal and aromatic plant industries, supporting sustainable agriculture and improving the commercial viability of fennel production under climate-challenged conditions.
Enhancing Tropical Cyclone Risk Assessments: A Multi-Hazard Approach for Queensland, Australia and Viti Levu, Fiji
Authors: Nguyen Jane , Kaspi Michael , Berman Kade , Do Cameron , Watkins Andrew B. , Kuleshov Yuriy
Published: December 2024

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are natural hazards causing extensive damage to society, infrastructure, and the natural environment. Due to the multi-hazardous nature of TCs, comprehensive risk assessments are essential to understanding how to better prepare for potential impacts. This study develops an integrated methodology for TC multi-hazard risk assessment that utilises the following individual assessments of key TC risk components: a variable enhanced bathtub model (VeBTM) for storm surge-driven hazards, a random forest (RF) machine learning model for rainfall-induced flooding, and indicator-based indices for exposure and vulnerability assessments. To evaluate the methodology, the regions affected by TC Debbie (2017) for Queensland and TC Winston (2016) for Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu were used as proof-of-concept case studies. The results showed that areas with the highest risk of TC impacts were close to waterbodies, such as at the coastline and along riverine areas. For the Queensland study region, coastal populated areas showed levels of “high”, “very high”, and “extreme” risk, specifically in Bowen and East Mackay, driven by the social and infrastructural domains of TC risk components. For Viti Levu, areas classified with an “extreme” risk to TCs are primarily areas that experienced coastal inundation, with Lautoka and Vuda found to be especially at risk to TCs. Additionally, the Fiji case study was validated using post-disaster damage data, and a statistically significant correlation of 0.40 between TC Winston-attributed damage and each tikina’s overall risk was identified. Ultimately, this study serves as a prospective framework for assessing TC risk, capable of producing results that can assist decision-makers in developing targeted TC risk management and resilience strategies for disaster risk reduction.
Would the Oceans Become Toxic to Humanity Due to Use and Mismanagement of Plastics?
Authors: Meegoda Jay N. , Pennock William H. , Brenckman Christina , Borgaonkar Ashish D.
Published: December 2024

The production of plastics and associated products, including microplastics (MPs), has been surging over the past several decades and now poses a grave environmental threat. This is because when not appropriately recycled, incinerated, or disposed of in fully contained landfills, plastic waste manifests as a potent pollutant, with vast amounts finding their way into oceans annually, adversely impacting marine life and ecosystems. Additionally, research also confirms there are direct impacts from MPs on water, air, and soil, impacting ecosystem and human health. This study investigated all aspects of plastics and microplastics such as their generation and consumption, their presence in oceans, and their ultimate fate. Next, a comprehensive literature search was performed to identify impacts MPs have on watercourses and soils and eventually on the ocean, taking into consideration the coupled impacts of metals and emerging contaminants adsorbed onto MPs. Then, a model to estimate the number of MPs in oceans and then using toxicity of MPs to humans and aquatic life to estimate when oceans would become toxic to humanity is described. Utilizing the model, it is possible to estimate the year when MPs in the ocean could potentially become broadly toxic, for both humanity and marine life, under different emissions scenarios. The estimates conclude that with the current MP discharge growth, oceans would become toxic to humanity between 2398 and 2456, for MP discharge growth only until 2020, it could be reached between 2408 and 2472, and for emissions ending in 2020, oceans would not become toxic to the humanity. Finally, remediation strategies are described to prevent oceans from becoming toxic to humanity by focusing on various action items such as education and awareness, reducing the utilization of single-use plastic, and conventional and innovative strategies that can be used for the treatment of stormwater and wastewater.
Strategies for Reducing Suicide at Railroads: A Scoping Review of Evidence and Gaps
Authors: Belur Pooja , Sherry Patrick , Rodriguez Ivan , Kurkure Chetan , Joshi Shashank V.
Published: December 2024

This review aims to systematically evaluate existing literature on reducing suicides along railroads, with specific focus on effectiveness, limitations, and research gaps in the current evidence base. Database searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL covering studies published until 30 November 2024. After screening 623 studies and their references, 51 studies were included; 26 empirically assessed rail-related prevention interventions and 25 provided relevant qualitative insights. Physical barriers like removal of grade crossings, addition of fencing, and platform screen doors (PSDs) showed significant promise. Full-height PSDs eliminated all suicides and half-height PSDs significantly reduced suicide incidence. Fencing was found to be effective but raised concerns about feasibility and must be part of a comprehensive approach to mitigate potential displacement. Safe media reporting was linked to decreased suicides and a reduced risk of contagion, and CCTV monitoring and suicide pits also showed potential but had limited research. Other strategies showed mixed evidence and required additional evaluation. Some studies, particularly on physical barriers, showed possible displacement effects to other stations, highlighting the need for studies larger in geographic and temporal scope. Our findings support certain prevention interventions, but generalizability is limited by scope of research and methodological concerns. Overall, our findings highlight the need for broader, long-term studies to confirm efficacy and establish comprehensive, scalable approaches for policy implementation.
Changes in Tendon Thickness After Chondrovita FIT® Supplementation in Elite Skaters: Findings from a Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Giannini Silvana , Amatori Stefano , Vetrano Mario , Battistelli Michela , Belli Annalisa , Musicco Giorgia Simona , Rocchi Marco Bruno Luigi , Sisti Davide , Perroni Fabrizio
Published: December 2024

The use of dietary supplements is widespread in sports and fitness, with many products containing multiple ingredients. Among supplements often consumed to support musculotendinous health, collagen hydrolysate (CH) has gained popularity for its potential in improving joint comfort and function. This single-blind quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of a three-month oral supplementation with a specific CH-based product, Chondrovita FIT® (Bone Srl, Rome, Italy), on tendon structure in elite Italian skaters. Eighteen male and female elite skaters (mean age: 21 ± 3 years) participated, receiving daily pre-workout (4500 mg CH) and post-workout (2500 mg CH) doses. Tendon structure in the patellar and peroneal tendons was assessed using ultrasound imaging at baseline and post-supplementation. Results showed a significant increase in tendon thickness in both the patellar and peroneal tendons after supplementation, although no changes were observed in the tendon cross-sectional area. These findings suggest that Chondrovita FIT® supplementation may induce beneficial structural changes in tendons, potentially supporting tendon health and performance in high-load sports. However, further research is needed to confirm long-term effects and functional outcomes.
Supporting Holistic Health and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk Reduction Among Young Native Females Prior to Pregnancy: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Stotz Sarah A. , Hebert Luciana E. , Scarton Lisa , Begay Kelli , Gonzales Kelly , Garrow Heather , Charley Melanie , Aspaas Melanie , Charron-Prochownik Denise , Manson Spero M.
Published: December 2024

AI/AN communities are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Decreasing the risk of GDM can interrupt the intergenerational cycle of diabetes in AI/AN families, and can decrease diabetes-related health disparities. The goal of this study was to explore ways of supporting holistic health and reducing the risk of GDM among young American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) females prior to pregnancy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult AI/AN women (>18 years) who had GDM or who have young female relatives (e.g., daughters) (n = 41), AI/AN females between 12 and 24 years (n = 18), and key experts in food/nutrition and health within AI/AN communities (n = 32). Three themes emerged: (1) guidance on how to support young females’ holistic wellness; (2) evidence that generations of colonial violence, including forced removal, forced poverty, and the imposition of a Western-based food system, causes deeper, systemic fracturing of traditional cultural food knowledge and practices; and the fact that (3) opportunities for improved adolescent female health are rooted in AI/AN values and how AI/AN people resist the impacts of anti-Indigenous racism through family-based, community-led, and holistic health. These themes suggest alternative understandings about the relationships between food insecurity and holistic pre-pregnancy health and can guide our next steps in decreasing health disparities in these communities.
Stress Due to Inflation and Its Association with Anxiety and Depression Among Working-Age Adults in the United States
Authors: Pathak Mona , Mitra Sophie , Pinnamraju Jahnavi , Findley Patricia A. , Wiener R. Constance , Wang Hao , Zhou Bo , Shen Chan , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: December 2024

Inflation generates stress, which may lead to high rates of anxiety and depression. Given the recent surge and subsequent decline in the inflation rate in the United States, the prevalence of stress due to inflation may vary, as well as its relationship with anxiety and depression. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of stress due to inflation and its association with anxiety and depression over time among working-age adults in the United States. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis using Household Pulse Survey (HPS) data for the following weeks: Week 50 (5–17 October 2022) and Week 57 (26 April–8 May 2023). The HPS includes questions about individuals’ stress levels due to price increases in the past two months. We used logistic regressions to examine the association of stress (moderate or high stress versus little or no stress) due to inflation with depression and anxiety among working-age adults controlling for several factors, including demographic factors and social determinants of health. From October 2022 to April–May 2023, the prevalence of stress due to inflation affected more than three quarters of the population (77.7% and 78.7%, respectively). In logistic regressions, we found a significant positive association of stress due to inflation with depression (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) [95% CI] = 2.22 [1.92, 2.57]) and anxiety (AOR [95% CI] = 2.50 [2.18, 2.86]). Despite a decline in the prevalence of both depression and anxiety by three percentage points over the study period, the associations between stress, due to inflation on the one hand, and anxiety and depression, on the other, persisted over time. Stress due to inflation affects more than three-quarters of Americans, and is significantly associated with depression and anxiety. Stress due to inflation is a significant and persistent public health issue.
Literature Review and Content Analysis of Bullying Assessments: Are We Measuring What We Intend to?
Authors: Graves Katherine A. , Mirielli Lindsey G. , Ousley Cannon , Rose Chad A.
Published: December 2024

The initial phase in any initiative aimed at preventing bullying involves evaluating the present prevalence to pinpoint students who might be more susceptible to involvement in the bullying dynamic. Assessment serves as a guide for shaping future decisions regarding intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate current assessment tools to determine the extent to which the bullying dynamic is currently measured. The results indicated that assessment tools measured verbal bullying/victimization most frequently, followed by relational and physical. Also, items measured repetition and intent about 50% of the time, while they measured power imbalance less frequently (i.e., 25%). The importance of matching an appropriate assessment to a school’s needs is emphasized. Implications for both researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Comparative Analysis of Physical Fitness in Aquatic and Terrestrial Environments Among Elderly Women
Authors: Giakoni-Ramírez Frano , Souza-Lima Josivaldo de , Muñoz-Strale Catalina , Hasche-Zunino Nicolás , Sepúlveda-Barría Constanza , Godoy-Cumillaf Andrés
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physical capacity, which is further exacerbated by conditions such as arthritis and chronic joint pain. This study aimed to compare the effects of aquatic and land-based exercise on the functional fitness of older adult women. (2) Methods: Sixty older women (mean age 66.9 ± 3.8 years) participated in this study, divided into two groups: aquatic exercise and land-based exercise. Both groups completed functional fitness tests, including flexibility (Back Scratch and Chair Sit-and-Reach Tests), lower body strength (Chair Stand Test), and dynamic balance (8-Foot Up-and-Go Test). Statistical analyses compared group performance. (3) Results: Improvements in flexibility were observed in the aquatic group, with trends toward significance for the Back Scratch Test (−0.2 ± 1.0 cm vs. −2.0 ± 0.0 cm, p = 0.08) and the Chair Sit-and-Reach Test (2.87 ± 2.0 cm vs. 0.27 ± 1.0 cm, p = 0.07). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in measures of lower body strength (Chair Stand Test: 19.1 ± 4.47 reps vs. 18.97 ± 3.77 reps, p = 0.9) or dynamic balance (8-Foot Up-and-Go Test: 6.28 ± 6.2 s vs. 6.03 ± 5.83 s, p = 0.07). (4) Conclusions: Aquatic exercise showed greater improvements in flexibility, particularly in the upper and lower body, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Both training modalities were equally effective in maintaining lower body strength and dynamic balance in older adult women. These findings support the inclusion of tailored exercise programs in aging populations to address specific functional needs.
Comparative Analysis of One Health Policies in Asia for Exploring Opportunities for British Columbia in Canada
Authors: Beltramo Benni , Kolluru Soumya , Slager Lisa , Wall Lindsey , Ostwald Kai , Rasali Drona
Published: December 2024

In response to emerging challenges that intersect humans, animals, and environments, there is growing international exigent need to adopt ‘One Health’ approaches. While One Health efforts are emerging in British Columbia in Canada, there are still challenges to overcome in the adoption of a One Health approach in policymaking. We conducted a comparative analysis of One Health policies in Asia, specifically, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Thailand, which have well-established and sophisticated One Health approaches, to determine good practices in the implementation of One Health that could be considered for adoption in British Columbia. We conducted a literature review and scan of public-facing One Health websites, strategic action plans, and health databases, complemented by 13 semi-structured interviews with researchers, educators, service providers, human and animal health experts, and policymakers in our chosen Asian jurisdictions and British Columbia. While there was diversity in the One Health approaches taken by four jurisdictions, three key characteristics were present in policymaking processes in all of them: a national One Health strategic action plan, inter-ministerial coordination, and flexibility in the working relationships of public servants. One Health presents an opportunity for British Columbia to take a novel approach to public health policymaking, the one that is more holistic and effective at addressing shared health challenges.
Green Environments and Healthy Aging: Analyzing the Role of Green Infrastructure in the Functional Well-Being of Seniors—A Pilot Study
Authors: Ribeiro Andrea , Soares Rodrigo , Barbosa Luis , Silva Ana , Ferreira Raquel , Terroso Sara , Andriolli Ana Claudia , Silva Ligia Torres , Ribeiro Carlos A.
Published: December 2024

Health professionals have slowly integrated the environment and green areas into their prescriptions to connect patients with nature and outdoor activities. The World Health Organization recommends that everyone reside within 300 m of green regions to improve well-being and physical and mental health. The study aimed to explore the effects of urban and rural green areas on multiple physiological and functional variables, as well as evaluate the perception of individuals regarding the ease of use of these same spaces. Participants walked twice a week for six weeks, covering 1.6 km. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), physical capacity analysis (IPAQ), risk of falls (Morse Fall Scale), Mini Mental State Examination, physical performance test (PPT), and perception of accessibility (Pedestrian Accessibility Perception Scale for adults over 65 years old) were evaluated/administered. Variables such as noise, temperature, and air quality were also measured during the outdoor activities. Twenty-four individuals divided into two groups participated in the study: group 1 (urban route) and group 2 (rural route). We found impacts on body weight (p = 0.021), SpO2 (p = 0.033), and Mini Mental State Examination (p = 0.041) scores in group 1 and SpO2 and PPT scores in group 2. This study highlights the importance of incorporating green infrastructure in urban planning to support healthy aging and improve accessibility for older adults, and shows that outdoor activities provide various health benefits (physical, mental, and social well-being) and that walking in urban and rural environments seems to impact the health of elderly individuals positively and should be considered in physical therapy by health professionals.
Measuring Wellness Through Indigenous Partnerships: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mad Plume Lynn , Carroll Danya , Nadeau Melanie , Redvers Nicole
Published: December 2024

Indigenous wellness has been defined in varying contexts by diverse Indigenous Peoples. The existing indicators used to measure wellness are often defined from a Western perspective. Despite the rich conceptualizations of Indigenous wellness, there exists a notable gap in how it can be measured in contemporary contexts through an Indigenous lens. A scoping review methodology with the aim of identifying measures of wellness developed through Indigenous partnerships was carried out. We completed a systematic search in the following electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Psych Info Academic Search Complete, SocIndex, and the Native Health Database. We then carried out a two-stage article screening process to identify eighteen relevant papers. Content analysis was then used to identify (1) the major categories for the partnership contexts utilized in the process for measuring Indigenous wellness and (2) the kinds of measures developed. Five main categories were characterized, including the following: (1) building relationships that uphold Indigenous worldviews is important, (2) a call for co-development protocols that weave multiple worldviews, (3) the need to increase awareness of the limitations in measuring Indigenous wellness, (4) community-specific context is important, and (5) a call for strengths-based indicators. Governments, organizations, and research partners are called upon to support the co-development of meaningful engagement protocols that privilege and reflect Indigenous voices and perspectives when measuring Indigenous wellness.
Exploring the Roles of Trust, Attitudes, and Motivations in COVID-19 Decision-Making and Vaccination Likelihood: Insights from the Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance (LA-CEAL) Community—Academic—Public Health—Practice (CAPP) Partnership
Authors: Williams LaKeisha , Craig Leslie S. , Peacock Erin , Fields Tynesia , Al-Dahir Sara , Hawkins Frances , Gillard Christopher , Singleton Brittany , Theall Katherine , Wilson Michelle , D’Amour Gene , Vu Mai , Sylvain Christopher , Franklin Lishunda , Caldwell Kathryn , Krousel-Wood Marie , Sarpong Daniel
Published: December 2024

Given the increasing integration of trusted leaders in public health science, including vaccination programs, context-specific understandings of community perceptions and levels of trust are critical to intervention. This study aimed to understand the perspectives and attitudes of the southeastern Louisiana community and inform the development of a community-engaged action plan. A cross-sectional survey of 555 southeastern Louisianans—including faith-based organization (FBO) members, community pharmacy (CommRx) customers, community-based organization (CBO) contacts, and Louisiana community-dwelling residents—was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination likelihood. Of the participants, 89.9% were Black and 56.9% were women (mean age = 53.3 years). Doctors/healthcare providers (HCPs) were the most trusted COVID-19 information sources. Vaccination likelihood was associated with increasing age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–1.72), trust in doctors/HCPs (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.64–4.88), trust in government (OR = 4.26; 95% CI: 2.44–7.43), and motivations to keep one’s community safe (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.36–1.70). CommRx customers (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.02–3.65) and CBO contacts (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.37–4.83) were more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine than FBO members. Engaging underserved communities and trusted stakeholders through collaborative Community–Academic—Public health—Practice (CAPP) partnerships such as the Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance can promote health and wellness and optimize health interventions.
Impact of Respiratory Support During Hospitalization on Functional Outcomes in Long COVID: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Amaral Camila Miriam Suemi Sato Barros do , Valente Jefferson , Goulart Cássia da Luz , Silva Bernardo Maia da , Neto Alexandre Silva , Cubas-Vega Nadia , Rezende Anna Gabriela , Fernandes Eduardo , Borba Mayla Gabriela Silva , Sampaio Vanderson , Monteiro Wuelton , Melo Gisely Cardoso de , Lacerda Marcus , Arêas Guilherme Peixoto Tinoco , Almeida-Val Fernando
Published: December 2024

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) is characterized by the persistence of one or more symptoms after the acute phase, leading to physical disabilities. This study aims to investigate whether the functional capacity and respiratory function 120 days post-COVID-19 differed according to the level of respiratory support needed during hospitalization in acute COVID-19 in the pre-vaccine rollout period. We followed up with 118 COVID-19 hospitalized patients in the acute phase until 120 days post-acute disease, with patients split into a Non-Invasive Oxygen Therapy Group (OTG, n = 72), Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Group (IMV, n = 12), and Room Air Group (RAG, n = 34), assessing the body composition, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, functional capacity, and muscle strength at the follow-up visit. In total, 54 individuals (45.8%) were female, with a median age of 48 years old (IQR: 41–58). We found that the group with IMV was older (p < 0.001), had more admissions to the ICU (p < 0.001), and had longer hospital stays (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between groups (OTG, IMV, and RAG) for the spirometry function (p = 0.31), DASI score (p = 0.77), manovacuometry (MIP p = 0.74; MEP p = 0.23), 6MWT (p = 0.43), and handgrip (p = 0.19) outcomes. At D120, the IMV group had an important loss of body muscle mass (BMM) and a higher BMM than RAG (p = 0.02). Reduction in MIP (p = 0.01) and MEP (p = 0.02) in the IMV group and OTG group when compared to the RAG was also observed. Functional outcomes at 120 days from COVID-19 hospitalization were not found to be associated with the levels of oxygen supplementation during acute disease in this group of participants.
Waste and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Produced from Ophthalmic Surgeries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Morris Brian , Tauber Jenna , Rai Anvit , Thiel Cassandra , Geringer Tiana J. , Mian Umar K.
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Healthcare is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially within the surgical suite. Ophthalmologists play a role, since they frequently perform high-volume procedures, such as cataract surgery. This review aims to summarize the current literature on surgical waste and GHG emissions in ophthalmology and proposes a framework to standardize future studies. (2) Methods: Protocol and reporting methods were based on PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Articles that reported any quantitative measurement of waste or GHGs produced from ophthalmic surgeries were eligible for inclusion. Commentaries, opinion papers, reviews and articles in a non-English language were excluded. (3) Results: A total of 713 articles were reviewed, with 10 articles found to meet inclusion criteria. Six studies produced level 3 evidence, two level 4 evidence, and one level 5 evidence. According to studies, most of the GHGs came from procurement of surgical materials, followed by travel emissions and building energy. (4) Conclusions: Research on waste and GHGs produced in ophthalmic surgery is limited, and existing studies utilize varied approaches to quantify this waste. We propose a standardized waste-lifecycle framework for researchers to organize future research. Such standardization will help in comparing studies and may uncover more opportunities to implement impactful waste reduction strategies in ophthalmology.
Exploring the Perceptions of Construction Workers and Senior Management Towards Mental Wellness Interventions Using Q-Methodology
Authors: Stoddard Evan , Bhandari Siddharth , Sherratt Fred , Bone Lauren , Russell Sloan
Published: December 2024

The construction industry faces a significant crisis with rising suicide rates and mental health issues among workers. Addressing these challenges requires both systemic changes in work practices and improved access to mental wellness resources. However, there is limited research on the perceptions of both workers and senior management towards proposed solutions to reducing psychological distress experienced in occupational settings. Understanding these perceptions is crucial to determining the needs and acceptability of different wellness interventions. Thus, this study aimed to uncover preferences for validated wellness interventions in occupational settings by exploring the attitudes of 12 senior managers and 15 frontline workers using Q-Methodology. Findings revealed that frontline workers favored personalized wellness interventions tailored to their unique situations. Additionally, notable differences were identified between frontline workers and senior managers in their views on policies and practices aimed at reducing workload pressures and enhancing accountability and communication. The data also showed that current contracting and work practices potentially hinder the implementation of interventions perceived to be most beneficial by workers and senior managers. These results provide valuable insights for future research and offer guidance to organizations on designing, implementing, and communicating effective wellness interventions.
Digital Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Green Growth: Evidence from China’s Green Growth Initiatives
Authors: Peng Ruixin , Zeng Bing
Published: December 2024

The inclusive and environmentally sustainable transformation of economic growth is a crucial indicator for the high-quality development of urban areas. In this perspective, this paper explores the connection between digital inclusive finance and inclusive green growth in 270 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2021. The study used a panel dataset, individual fixed-effects models, and multiple mediation models to analyze the results. The study findings reveal that digital inclusive finance effectively stimulates regional inclusive green growth and enhances positive transmission mainly by improving green technology innovation, increasing entrepreneurship levels, and promoting industrial structure upgrading, of which environmental-friendly technology innovation channels constitute the main contributor. The effects of regions, administrative hierarchy of cities, financial marketization, policy support, and environmental regulation are analyzed in heterogeneity analysis. To ensure the robustness of baseline results, this study utilized two-stage least squares (2-SLS) and difference in difference (DID) approaches. Moreover, this study offers valuable insights into the environmental implications of digital financial inclusion in emerging economies.
DPSTCN: Dynamic Pattern-Aware Spatio-Temporal Convolutional Networks for Traffic Flow Forecasting
Authors: Dou Zeping , Guo Danhuai
Published: December 2024

Accurate forecasting of multivariate traffic flow poses formidable challenges, primarily due to the ever-evolving spatio-temporal dynamics and intricate spatial heterogeneity, where the heterogeneity signifies that the correlations among locations are not just related to distance. However, few of the existing models are designed to fully and effectively integrate the above-mentioned features. To address these complexities head-on, this paper introduces a novel solution in the form of Dynamic Pattern-aware Spatio-Temporal Convolutional Networks (DPSTCN). Temporally, the model introduces a novel temporal module, containing a temporal convolutional network (TCN) enriched with an enhanced pattern-aware self-attention mechanism, adept at capturing temporal patterns, including local/global dependencies, dynamics, and periodicity. Spatially, the model constructs static and dynamic pattern-aware convolutions, leveraging geographical and area-functional information to effectively capture intricate spatial patterns, including dynamics and heterogeneity. Evaluations across four distinct traffic benchmark datasets consistently demonstrate the state-of-the-art capacity of our model compared to the existing eleven approaches, especially great improvements in RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) value.
Temporal-Spatial Traffic Flow Prediction Model Based on Prompt Learning
Authors: Cai Siteng , Liu Gang , He Jing , Du Yulun , Si Zhichao , Jiang Yunhao
Published: December 2024

Traffic flow prediction is one of the most important and attractive topics in geographical information science (GIS), traffic management, and logistics. Traffic flows exhibit significant complexity and dynamics, requiring a thorough understanding of their spatiotemporal evolution patterns for accurate prediction and analysis. Existing studies utilizing deep learning for traffic flow prediction often suffer from distribution shift issues, leading to poor generalization capabilities when dealing with data that has different spatiotemporal distributions. Based on this, we propose a traffic flow prediction model based on prompt learning, leveraging graph convolutional networks to focus on the spatiotemporal dependencies of traffic flows. The model utilizes spatiotemporal context learning capabilities to capture the periodic states of traffic flows, enhancing the extraction of spatiotemporal features by integrating spatiotemporal information. Experimental results show that the spatiotemporal traffic flow prediction model equipped with a spatiotemporal prompt learning module outperforms several mainstream benchmark models in terms of predictive performance. The model presents efficient learning performance that reaches optimal state in a short period of time, reduces the impact of distribution shifts, and can be adapted to spatiotemporal traffic flow data under varying spatiotemporal contexts.
Integration of Multi-Source Landslide Disaster Data Based on Flink Framework and APSO Load Balancing Task Scheduling
Authors: Wang Zongmin , Liang Huangtaojun , Yang Haibo , Li Mengyu , Cai Yingchun
Published: December 2024

As monitoring technologies and data collection methodologies advance, landslide disaster data reflects attributes such as diverse sources, heterogeneity, substantial volumes, and stringent real-time requirements. To bolster the data support capabilities for the monitoring, prevention, and management of landslide disasters, the efficient integration of multi-source heterogeneous data is of paramount importance. The present study proposes an innovative approach to integrate multi-source landslide disaster data by combining the Flink-oriented framework with load balancing task scheduling based on an improved particle swarm optimization (APSO) algorithm. It utilizes Flink’s streaming processing capabilities to efficiently process and store multi-source landslide data. To tackle the issue of uneven cluster load distribution during the integration process, the APSO algorithm is proposed to facilitate cluster load balancing. The findings indicate the following: (1) The multi-source data integration method for landslide disaster based on Flink and APSO proposed in this article, combined with the structural characteristics of landslide disaster data, adopts different integration methods for data in different formats, which can effectively achieve the integration of multi-source landslide data. (2) A multi-source landslide data integration framework based on Flink has been established. Utilizing Kafka as a message queue, a real-time data pipeline was constructed, with Flink facilitating data processing and read/write operations for the database. This implementation achieves efficient integration of multi-source landslide data. (3) Compared to Flink’s default task scheduling strategy, the cluster load balancing strategy based on APSO demonstrated a reduction of approximately 4.7% in average task execution time and an improvement of approximately 5.4% in average system throughput during actual tests using landslide data sets. The research findings illustrate a significant improvement in the efficiency of data integration processing and system performance.