bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Amblyopia tracker app
Authors: O’Connor Anna R. , Warburton Ashli , Farrelly-Waters Martha , England Laura , Clarke Rachel , Kay Hazel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The Amblyopia tracker app has been developed to be a tool for parents to monitor changes in vision at home during amblyopia treatment. The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and repeatability of parents testing their children at home and to compare home test results to an assessment in clinic by an orthoptist.

Methods

Children (age < 18 years) with amblyopia (interocular acuity difference of ≥ 0.2logMAR) were recruited. Parents were asked to test their child with the app three times during a two week period followed by an online questionnaire about the usability. Participants also tested within 48 h of their appointment where the measurement was repeated by an orthoptist.

Results

Out of 277 potential participants contacted, 37 completed three home measurements, mean age 6.8 years (SD 2.94). Home tests comparisons were made between test two and three to ensure familiarity with the process. Paired t-tests showed no statistically significant difference for either eye or the interocular acuity difference (IAD). However, 29% had a difference in IAD of more than 0.1logMAR on repeated testing, with a maximum of 0.4logMAR difference in the IAD. Questionnaire responses from the parents who participated were predominantly positive with 97% of respondents saying they would use it if were available. Comparison of home and clinical measurements (n = 23, mean age 6.72 SD 2.60) showed no statistically significant differences for either eye or interocular acuity difference (paired t-test, p > 0.3 in all cases).

Conclusion

Results show no statistically significant differences for the Amblyopia tracker app when used by parents at home on repeated testing, or between the home test by a parent and the test by a clinician. However, variability in the results does indicate that further improvements are required to ensure the results can be used as a reliable clinical tool.
Reducing sickness absence among public-sector healthcare employees: the difference-making roles of managerial and employee participation
Authors: Akerstrom M. , Severin J. , Miech E. J. , Wikström E. , Roczniewska M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Evaluations of organizational-level interventions to prevent work-related illness have identified enabling factors, but knowledge of necessary and sufficient conditions for intervention success is needed. The aim was to identify difference-making factors that distinguish intervention groups with and without a positive intervention effect on sickness absence.

Methods

An organizational-level intervention designed to decrease sickness absence by providing support from process facilitators was implemented at eight healthcare workplaces in Sweden between 2017 and 2018. We applied coincidence analysis (CNA) to analyze 34 factors and determine which factors were necessary and sufficient for a successful implementation of tailored interventional measures on an organizational level (dichotomous) and reduced sickness absence (trichotomous).

Results

Two factors perfectly explained both the presence and absence of a successful implementation: “a high sense of urgency” and “good anchoring and participation from the strategic management”. The presence of either of these factors alone was sufficient for successful implementation, whereas the joint absence of both conditions was necessary and sufficient for the absence of successful implementation and an intervention effect. In addition, high employee participation was both necessary and sufficient for a high intervention effect. For organizations without high employee participation, successful implementation led to a medium-effect size.

Conclusions

This study identified participation as a difference-maker in the implementation process. Participation from different stakeholders turned out to be important in different phases. When implementing organizational-level interventions, high participation from both strategic management and employees appears to be crucial in terms of the intervention’s effect on sickness absence.
Anatomical changes of Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum during complete metamorphosis
Authors: Vommaro Maria Luigia , Donato Sandro , Caputo Simone , Agostino Raffaele G. , Montali Aurora , Tettamanti Gianluca , Giglio Anita
Published: February 2024

In holometabolous insects, extensive reorganisation of tissues and cells occurs at the pupal stage. The remodelling of the external exoskeleton and internal organs that intervenes during metamorphosis has been traditionally studied in many insect species based on histological or ultrastructural methods. This study demonstrates the use of synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast micro-computed tomography as a powerful, non-destructive tool for in situ morphological observation of anatomical structures at the pupal stage in two Tenebrionid beetles, i.e. Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor, known as important pests, as well as emerging and promising models in experimental biology. Virtual sections and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed on both males and females at early, intermediate, and late pupal stage. The dataset allowed us to observe the remodelling of the gut and nervous system as well as the shaping of the female and male reproductive system at different pupal ages in both mealworm and red flour beetles. Moreover, we observed that the timing and duration pattern of organ development varied between the species analysed, likely related to the species-specific adaptations of the pre-imaginal stages to environmental conditions, which ultimately affect their life cycle. This research provides new knowledge on the morphological modifications that occur during the pupal stage of holometabolous insects and provides a baseline set of information on beetle metamorphosis that may support future research in forensics, physiology, and ecology as well as an image atlas for educational purposes.
Effectiveness and reliability of hypnosis in stereotaxy: a randomized study
Authors: Catalano Chiuvé Sabina , Momjian Shahan , Wolff Adriana , Corniola Marco Vincenzo
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience pain during stereotactic frame (SF) fixation in deep brain stimulation (DBS). We assessed the role of hypnosis during the SF fixation in PD patients undergoing awake bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS.

Methods

N = 19 patients were included (N = 13 males, mean age 63 years; N = 10 allocated to the hypnosis and N = 9 allocated to the control groups). Patients were randomly assigned to the interventional (hypnosis and local anesthesia) or non-interventional (local anesthesia only) groups. The primary outcome was the pain perceived (the visual analogue scale (VAS)). Secondary outcomes were stress, anxiety, and depression, as measured by the perceived stress scale (PSS) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Procedural distress was measured using the peritraumatic distress inventory (PDI-13).

Results

In the hypnosis group, VASmean was 5.6 ± 2.1, versus 6.4 ± 1.2 in the control group (p = 0.31). Intervention and control groups reported similar VASmax scores (7.6 ± 2.1 versus 8.6 ± 1.6 (p = 0.28), respectively). Both groups had similar HADS scores (6.2 ± 4.3 versus 6.7 ± 1.92, p = 0.72 (HADSa) and 6.7 ± 4.2 versus 7.7 ± 3, p = 0.58 (HADSd)), so were the PSS scores (26.1 ± 6.3 versus 25.1 ± 7, p = 0.75). Evolutions of VASmean (R
2 = 0.93, 95% CI [0.2245, 1.825], p = 0.03) and PDI-13 scores (R
2 = 0.94, 95% CI [1.006, 6.279], p = 0.02) significantly differ over follow-up with patients in the hypnosis groups showing lower scores.

Conclusion

In this unblinded, randomized study, hypnosis does not influence pain, anxiety, and distress during awake SF fixation but modulates pain memory over time and may prevent the integration of awake painful procedures as a bad experience into the autobiographical memory of patients suffering from PD. A randomized controlled study with more data is necessary to confirm our findings.
A pilot clinical study to estimate intracranial pressure utilising cerebral photoplethysmograms in traumatic brain injury patients
Authors: Roldan Maria , Abay Tomas Ysehak , Uff Christopher , Kyriacou Panayiotis A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In this research, a non-invasive intracranial pressure (nICP) optical sensor was developed and evaluated in a clinical pilot study. The technology relied on infrared light to probe brain tissue, using photodetectors to capture backscattered light modulated by vascular pulsations within the brain’s vascular tissue. The underlying hypothesis was that changes in extramural arterial pressure could affect the morphology of recorded optical signals (photoplethysmograms, or PPGs), and analysing these signals with a custom algorithm could enable the non-invasive calculation of intracranial pressure (nICP).

Methods

This pilot study was the first to evaluate the nICP probe alongside invasive ICP monitoring as a gold standard. nICP monitoring occurred in 40 patients undergoing invasive ICP monitoring, with data randomly split for machine learning. Quality PPG signals were extracted and analysed for time-based features. The study employed Bland–Altman analysis and ROC curve calculations to assess nICP accuracy compared to invasive ICP data.

Results

Successful acquisition of cerebral PPG signals from traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients allowed for the development of a bagging tree model to estimate nICP non-invasively. The nICP estimation exhibited 95% limits of agreement of 3.8 mmHg with minimal bias and a correlation of 0.8254 with invasive ICP monitoring. ROC curve analysis showed strong diagnostic capability with 80% sensitivity and 89% specificity.

Conclusion

The clinical evaluation of this innovative optical nICP sensor revealed its ability to estimate ICP non-invasively with acceptable and clinically useful accuracy. This breakthrough opens the door to further technological refinement and larger-scale clinical studies in the future.

Trial registration

NCT05632302, 11th November 2022, retrospectively registered.
Effectiveness of prehabilitation during neoadjuvant therapy for patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Ikeda Tomohiro , Toyama Shusuke , Harada Tsuyoshi , Noma Kazuhiro , Hamada Masanori , Kitagawa Takashi
Published: February 2024

Progression of the physical weakness during neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer is a serious problem; however, prehabilitation during NAT has the potential to overcome the unmet need. Nevertheless, systematic reviews on this topic have not been summarized. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to determine prehabilitation’s effectiveness, acceptability, and safety during NAT for patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer. An electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PEDro databases. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of prehabilitation during NAT, along with a descriptive analysis of acceptance and safety. This study analyzed data from three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine non-RCTs involving 664 patients. The meta-analysis of two RCTs demonstrated that prehabilitation during NAT may be more effective than usual care in enhancing tolerance to NAT and grip strength; moreover, one RCT and three non-RCTs revealed that prehabilitation may reduce the risk of postoperative complications. The adherence rates for exercise programs in two RCTs and seven non-RCTs were 55–76%. Additionally, two studies reported a 76% adherence rate for multimodal prehabilitation programs, including exercise, dietary, and psychological care. Six studies reported no serious prehabilitation-related adverse events during NAT. Prehabilitation during NAT may be a safe and beneficial intervention strategy for patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer. However, the investigation of strategies to enhance adherence is essential. Furthermore, additional high-quality RCTs are needed to examine the effect of prehabilitation during NAT.
Insurance retreat in residential properties from future sea level rise in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Storey Belinda , Owen Sally , Zammit Christian , Noy Ilan
Published: February 2024

How will the increased frequency of coastal inundation events induced by sea level rise impact residential insurance premiums, and when would insurance contracts be withdrawn? We model the contribution of localised sea level rise to the increased frequency of coastal inundation events. Examining four Aotearoa New Zealand cities, we combine historical tide-gauge extremes with geo-located property data to estimate the annual expected loss from this hazard, for each property, in order to establish when insurance retreat is likely to occur. We find that as sea level rise changes the frequency of inundation events, 99% of properties currently within 1% AEP coastal inundation zones can expect at least partial insurance retreat within a decade (with less than 10 cm of sea level rise). Our modelling predicts that full insurance retreat is likely within 20–25 years, with timing dependent on the property’s elevation and distance from the coast, and less intuitively, on the tidal range in each location.
Socially disruptive technologies and epistemic injustice
Authors: Hopster J. K. G.
Published: February 2024

Recent scholarship on technology-induced ‘conceptual disruption’ has spotlighted the notion of a conceptual gap. Conceptual gaps have also been discussed in scholarship on epistemic injustice, yet up until now these bodies of work have remained disconnected. This article shows that ‘gaps’ of interest to both bodies of literature are closely related, and argues that a joint examination of conceptual disruption and epistemic injustice is fruitful for both fields. I argue that hermeneutical marginalization—a skewed division of hermeneutical resources, which serves to diminish the experiences of marginalized folk—does not only transpire because of conceptual gaps, but also because of two other kinds of conceptual disruption: conceptual overlaps and conceptual misalignments. Hence, there are multiple kinds of conceptual disruption that can be usefully studied through the normative lens of epistemic injustice. Technology can play different roles vis-a-vis epistemic injustices, both as a causal trigger of conceptual disruption, but also as a mediator of hermeneutical resources. Its role is normatively significant, in particular because socially disruptive technologies can have different epistemic implications for different groups: they may amplify the epistemic resources of some groups, while diminishing those of others.
Thermophysical Properties of Vanadium Melts and Discussion of Thermal Diffusivity in Mott’s Theory
Authors: Watanabe Manabu , Adachi Masayoshi , Fukuyama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

The temperature dependence of density, normal spectral emissivity, heat capacity at constant pressure, and thermal conductivity of the V melt were measured with high accuracy using electromagnetic levitation in a static magnetic field. Surface vibration, translational motion, and convection of the electromagnetically levitated droplet sample were suppressed by the magnetic field. In the measurement of thermal conductivity, convection in the V-melt was sufficiently suppressed by the application of a field of 7 T or higher. In this study, the measured emissivity and thermal conductivity are compared with those evaluated using the free-electron models (Drude model and Wiedemann–Franz rule). Correlations between the density of states and thermal diffusivity at the Fermi energy of transition metals in the liquid state are investigated and the applicability of Mott's s–d scattering model is discussed.
Safety of multi-access site venous closure following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and flutter
Authors: Gupta Sanjaya , Kolluri Raghu , Simoes Tiessa , Pingle Sandeep C. , Nie Hong , Lloyd Michael S. , Steinhaus Daniel , Westerman Stacy B. , Shah Anand , Kline Jessica , Kiani Soroosh
Published: February 2024

Background

Following catheter ablation, vascular access management involves potential complications and prolonged recovery. Recently, suture-mediated closure (SMC) devices were approved for venous access procedures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of a commercially available SMC for multiple access site venous closure by duplex ultrasound (DUS) in asymptomatic subjects with non-visible complications.

Methods

Thirty-six subjects (63 ± 10.7 years old, 12 female) were enrolled. Following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, all subjects had SMC of every venous access site. Subjects underwent DUS of femoral veins and arteries. DUS was performed at discharge, and again at 30 days. Subjects were evaluated for clinically apparent vascular complications.

Results

Mean procedure duration was 138.6 min, and the time to hemostasis was 3.1 min/access site and 9.5 min/subject. Median time to ambulation was 193.5 min, and median time to discharge was 5.95 h, with discharge as early as 2.4 h. A median of 2 sheaths/vein and a median of 2 SMC devices/vein were used. There were no major complications and a 16.7% (6/36) minor complication rate at discharge. All complications resolved at 30 days. The complication rate was not higher in patients with 2 SMC per access site as compared to the patients who just received 1 SMC per access site.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the safety of multi-access closure using SMC, following catheter ablation procedures, for closure of sites that use sheath sizes from ≤ 8F to ≥ 15F and for those that use 2 or more SMCs per access site.

Graphical abstract
Urban green inequality and its mismatches with human demand across neighborhoods in New York, Amsterdam, and Beijing
Authors: Tian Yunyu , van Leeuwen Eveline , Tsendbazar Nandin-erdene , Jing Chuanbao , Herold Martin
Published: February 2024

Context

Urban green spaces (UGS) are not evenly distributed within cities, and some neighborhoods with high socio-environmental demands require more UGS than others. This raises two challenges: green inequality and demand-based inequity. However, comprehensive assessments of UGS inequality and inequity in cities worldwide are lacking.

Objectives

We aim to develop a multi-level approach and supply-demand concept to assess UGS inequality and inequity across neighborhoods in international cities with contrasting geographical and socio-political contexts.

Methods

We measured multi-level green accessibility and human demands based on Earth Observation and statistical data. UGS inequality and supply-demand mismatches were assessed by Gini coefficients, spatial cluster analysis, and statistical models.

Results

We found that: (1) UGS inequality is primarily reflected by the public park per capita in three cities. New York has larger UGS inequality than Beijing and Amsterdam. (2) Demand-based inequity in terms of low supply and high demand is mainly scattered around the city center in three cities. Tree coverage does not align with environmental pressures (LST/PM2.5) in New York and Beijing. (3) Relations between green supplies and human demands vary by cities and indicators. A shorter distance to the nearest large park is associated with a higher proportion of the elderly and children in New York and Amsterdam.

Conclusions

Our findings can inform UGS allocations to improve landscape sustainability in the neighborhoods with low green supply and high human demand, and to prioritize specific green metrics based on demand-oriented equity.
The effects of environmental and non-environmental shocks on livelihoods and migration in Tanzania
Authors: Blocher Julia M. , Hoffmann Roman , Weisz Helga
Published: February 2024

Disruptive events and calamities can have major consequences for households in the predominantly agrarian communities of Eastern Africa. Here, we analyze the impacts of environmental and non-environmental shocks on migration in Tanzania using panel models and longitudinal data from the Tanzania National Panel Survey between 2008 and 2013. Shocks are defined as events that lead to losses in income, assets, or both. We find shocks resulting from changes in environmental conditions to be positively related to migration over time with more recent shocks exerting the strongest impact. According to our estimates, the probability of having a household member absent increases by 0.81% with each additional environmental shock encountered in the past 12 months. Different types of shocks have differential effects on migration with the strongest effects being observed for shocks with an immediate impact on household livelihoods, including through livestock losses and crop damage. Households in the sample are differently affected with rural, agriculturally dependent, and poor households without alternative income sources showing the strongest changes in their migration behavior in response to shocks. Our study adds important insights into the relationship between disruptive events and migration in Eastern Africa considering a broad time window and the compounding influence of different shock types. Our findings have a range of policy implications highlighting the need for a comprehensive perspective on household responses in times of distress that considers the interplay of different shock types as well as the role of context in shaping mobility patterns.
Embracing the “fail fast and learn fast” mindset: conceptualizing learning from failure in knowledge-intensive SMEs
Authors: Koporcic Nikolina , Sjödin David , Kohtamäki Marko , Parida Vinit
Published: February 2024

“Fail fast and learn fast” is a principle commonly advanced to quickly grow and scale startups and SMEs. However, the literature lacks detailed insights into how such learning is organized. The paper aims to investigate how knowledge-intensive SMEs learn from failures through organizational learning processes. To answer this question, we present in-depth case studies of three SMEs that operate in a dynamic context where quick adaption to changes, failures, and learning are natural modes of practice. Our findings present the learning from the failure process, which includes three phases: (1) failure recognition, (2) interactive sensemaking, and (3) organizational adaptation. We condense our insights into a framework disentangling how SMEs succeed and fail and how they can learn from failures through their underlying learning processes. We contribute to prior literature on organizational learning in SMEs by focusing on knowledge-intensive SMEs and practices that enable effective learning from failures.
Media Portrayals of Trans and Gender Diverse People: A Comparative Analysis of News Headlines Across Europe
Authors: Bracco Sofia E. , Sczesny Sabine , Gustafsson Sendén Marie
Published: February 2024

Media representations of minorities (re)produce the societal context they are immersed in; thus, while media representations of trans and gender diverse (TGD) people have historically been negative and stigmatizing, different sociocultural contexts across countries can lead to considerable variations in these representations. The present study investigated how media representations of TGD people in news headlines varied across three European countries with different levels of legal protection and social acceptance of gender minorities: Sweden (high), the UK (medium), and Italy (low). In total, 830 headlines (Sweden = 300; UK = 300; Italy = 230) were coded for their valence (i.e., positive, neutral/mixed, negative), recurring social roles (i.e., criminals, victims, pioneers, professionals), gender aspects (i.e., target’s gender, misgendering), body aspects (i.e., medicalization, objectification), and focus (i.e., individual, group). We found that more gender-egalitarian societal contexts (Sweden, the UK) were associated with less negative and more neutral valence, less representations of TGD people as victims of discrimination and violence, more representations of gender diverse people, less misgendering, and less objectification. Trans women were represented more often than trans men and gender diverse people across all countries. By comparing news media representations of TGD people across countries, this research helps to shed light on the correspondences between media representations of gender minorities and the different levels of legal protection and social acceptance they experience.
Development and Analysis of an On-Road Torque Measurement Device for Trucks
Authors: Hyttinen J. , Wentzel H. , Österlöf R. , Jerrelind J. , Drugge L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Rolling resistance and aerodynamic losses cause a significant part of a truck’s energy consumption. Therefore there is an interest from both vehicle manufacturers and regulators to measure these losses to understand, quantify and reduce the energy consumption of vehicles. On-road measurements are particularly interesting because it enables testing in various ambient conditions and road surfaces with vehicles in service.

Objective

Common driving loss measurement devices require unique instrumented measurement wheels, which hinders effective measurements of multiple tyre sets or measurements of vehicles in service. For this purpose, the objective is to develop a novel load-sensing device for measuring braking or driving torque.

Methods

The strength of the measurement device is calculated using finite element methods, and the output signal is simulated using virtual strain gauge simulations. In addition to the signal simulation, the device is calibrated using a torsional test rig.

Results

The simulation results confirm that the device fulfils the strength requirements and is able to resolve low torque levels. The output signal is simulated for the novel cascaded multi-Wheatstone bridge using the strains extracted from the finite element analysis. The simulations and measurements show that the measurement signal is linear and not sensitive to other load directions. The device is tested on a truck, and the effort of mounting the device is comparable to a regular tyre change.

Conclusions

A novel driving loss measurement device design is presented with an innovative positioning of strain gauges decoupling the parasitic loads from the driving loss measurements. The design allows on-road testing using conventional wheels without requiring special measurement wheels or instrumentation of drive shafts, enabling more affordable and accurate measurements.
Environmental implications of three Pleurotus strain growths for water remediation in the perspective of climate change in New Egyptian Delta
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed E. , Salem Hend Abu , Abdelhalim Ahmed
Published: February 2024

Recently, the integrated different interdisciplinary studies derived the environmental solutions of the climate change impacts (e.g., cultivation, wastewater treatment, and managing groundwater resources) (Mesalhy et al. 2020, and Gobashy et al. 2021). Thus, this paper focused on the application of bioremediation to maximize the use of wastewater for new reclamation areas in the Northwest Egyptian desert (New Egyptian Delta (NED). In the NED project, the drainage water samples collected from Nile Delta drains will provide the main unconventional water resources for irrigation through the new Hammam canal. Therefore, three Pleurotus strains were grown moderately on two natural media, the first containing Salvia L. (sage) extract (MDA) and the second containing Thymus vulgaris L. (origanum thymus Kuntze, Thymus collinus Salisb) (TDA) extract replacing potato infusions in standard PDA. Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacquin; Kummer) strain records the highest growth among the three tested fungi on modified media. PO records 4.49 and 4.41 cm on (MDA) and (TDA), respectively. There is a marked decrease in the majority of heavy metal concentrations on sterile drainage water amended with PD broth and inoculated with three tested Pleurotus strains individually. At the end of the incubation period, Pleurotus ostereatus which expressed in abbreviation (PO) are more efficient in the removal of Al, Co, Cr, and Ni by 53.15, 95.87, 58.47, and 85.07%; respectively. Pleurorotus pulmonarius (Fr.) which symbolized (PP) is more potent in the removal of Cd, Si, Sn, Sr, and V by 70.37, 56.59, 41.19, 52.78, and 96.24%; respectively. Pleurotus floridanus (NZOR) which indicated as (PF) is actively over the former species in the removal of Ba, Fe, and Mo by 87.84, 46.67, and 97.34%; respectively. Cu, Mn, Pb, As, and Se could not be detected as the control sample recorded measurements below 0.009 mg L−1. An unexpected increase in Zn among the different treatments was detected from 05.04 to 07.01%.
The impacts of earthquakes on air pollution and strategies for mitigation: a case study of Turkey
Authors: Zanoletti Alessandra , Bontempi Elza
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the repercussions of the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, particularity its impact on air pollution. A year post-event, it is evident that scientific literature has paid limited attention to monitoring the situation. However, the release of hazardous substances, such as asbestos, lead, and other toxins, from damaged structures poses a significant threat by contaminating nearby air, soil, and water sources, thereby jeopardizing ecosystems and public well-being. The improper disposal of waste post-earthquake and the presence of mining and oil refinery sites in the region contribute to potential air pollutants. These circumstances create challenging environments conducive to the spread of respiratory diseases, with potential long-term health and social consequences. Unfortunately, existing data gaps hinder a comprehensive understanding of the situation. This paper pioneers the reporting and analysis of data regarding potential sources of air pollution resulting from the earthquake in Turkey. It also pinpoints gaps in knowledge, outlining areas that demand further investigation. To effectively prevent and mitigate air pollution risks and associated health concerns linked to earthquakes, strategic recommendations are proposed. A key suggestion is the establishment of post-disaster air pollution monitoring systems capable of swiftly identifying emerging health issues, facilitating efficient responses, and curtailing potential long-term effects of the disaster. The paper underscores the necessity for continuous health monitoring of the affected population to mitigate possible adverse impacts on human health. These strategies play a pivotal role in reducing the likelihood of air pollution, supporting emergency response and recovery initiatives, and fostering new dedicated scientific studies.
A Latent Class Analysis of Age at Substance Use Initiation in Young Adults and its Association with Mental Health
Authors: Secades-Villa Roberto , González-Roz Alba , Alemán-Moussa Layla , Gervilla Elena
Published: February 2024

This study aims to identify empirically-driven classes of age-of-onset across multiple substances (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis) and to characterize the different classes in relation to mental health and substance use severity. The sample comprised 1,051 young adults (aged 18–25; 61.9% women), recruited from universities and vocational schools in Spain, who reported lifetime alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires about demographics, substance use and mental health. A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted using the age of onset of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use as an indicator. Three distinct classes were identified: C1 (45%), characterized by early alcohol and late cannabis and tobacco use; C2 (49.1%) presenting early alcohol, cannabis and tobacco use; and C3 (5.9%) showing late alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use. Classes 1 and 2 exhibited the poorest psychosocial functioning, and Class 2 showed the highest levels of impulsivity traits. There were within-class sex differences, which suggested poorer mental health in females. The findings support the idea that early-onset use of the three substances is common and that this pattern is associated with increased involvement in substance use and poor mental health.
Can Social Participation Reduce and Postpone the Need for Long-Term Care? Evidence from a 17-Wave Nationwide Survey in Japan
Authors: Oshio Takashi , Sugiyama Kemmyo , Ashida Toyo
Published: February 2024

Social participation (SP) is often argued to have a favorable impact on health outcomes. This study examines whether and to what extent social participation can reduce and postpone the need for long-term care (LTC) among middle-aged and older adults in Japan. We used longitudinal data of 17,454 individuals born from 1946 to 1955, obtained from a 17-wave nationwide panel survey conducted from 2005 to 2021 in Japan. We examined (1) whether SP at baseline (2005) was associated with a lower risk of having LTC needs in the last wave (2021) using logistic regression models and (2) whether SP at baseline postponed the onset of these needs using Cox proportional hazards models, both controlling for baseline covariates. The results of different SP activities were compared. Participating in one or more SP activities in 2005 was associated with lower needs for LTC in 2021, with an odds ratio of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49–0.96), and postponed their onset, with a hazard ratio of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.65–0.78). However, these favorable features of SP were observed only for leisure activities, and no satisfaction with SP activities had a limited association with LTC needs. The results suggest that SP can be associated with a lower risk of LTC needs and postpone their onset; however, these favorable features are limited to leisure activities, and satisfaction with SP activities is needed to enhance them.
Ecofriendly synthesis of Salmalia Malabarica gum stabilized palladium nanoparticles: antibacterial and catalytic properties
Authors: Seku Kondaiah , Pejjai Babu , Osman Ahmed I. , Hussaini Syed Sulaiman , Al Abri Mohammed , Kumar Nadavala Siva , Vijaya Kumar N. Satya , Reddy S. Shravan Kumar , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Al Fatesh Ahmed S. , Reddy Bhagavanth
Published: February 2024

Effluents containing dyes, discharged by various industries, have become a significant contributor to water pollution. This study explores the use of green-synthesized palladium nanoparticle (PdNP) catalysts, which offer enhanced catalytic performance compared to traditional methods. The research focuses on the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using Salmalia Malabarica (SM) gum via a microwave-assisted process and investigates their catalytic and antibacterial properties. SEM analysis confirms the even distribution of PdNPs on the surface of SM gum. Furthermore, TEM analysis reveals a PdNPs size distribution of 10 ± 2 nm. XPS study was used to identify the chemical state of Pd in the synthesized nanoparticles. The results demonstrate that PdNPs are highly effective catalysts for the degradation of dyes such as Methylene Orange (MO), Rhodamine-B (Rh-B), and 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP), even after being reused five times. The catalytic activity of PdNPs was remarkable, achieved 99% dye degradation in four minutes. The degradation data of PdNPs on 4 -NP, MO and Rh-B dyes are followed by pseudo-first-order kinetics with 0.0087, 0.0152 and 0.0164 s− 1, respectively. Additionally, PdNPs exhibit exceptional antimicrobial activity against both bacterial and fungal strains. This synthesis process proves to be cost-effective, devoid of toxic chemicals, and remarkably rapid. The findings suggest promising applications for PdNPs in fields like nanomedicine and environmental remediation, reflecting their potential for addressing water pollution issues.
Regularity of random elliptic operators with degenerate coefficients and applications to stochastic homogenization
Authors: Bella Peter , Kniely Michael
Published: February 2024

We consider degenerate elliptic equations of second order in divergence form with a symmetric random coefficient field a. Extending the work of Bella et al. (Ann Appl Probab 28(3):1379–1422, 2018), who established the large-scale $$C^{1,\alpha }$$

C

1
,
α

regularity of a-harmonic functions in a degenerate situation, we provide stretched exponential moments for the minimal radius $$r_*$$

r

∗

describing the minimal scale for this $$C^{1,\alpha }$$

C

1
,
α

regularity. As an application to stochastic homogenization, we partially generalize results by Gloria et al. (Anal PDE 14(8):2497–2537, 2021) on the growth of the corrector, the decay of its gradient, and a quantitative two-scale expansion to the degenerate setting. On a technical level, we demand the ensemble of coefficient fields to be stationary and subject to a spectral gap inequality, and we impose moment bounds on a and $$a^{-1}$$

a

-
1

. We also introduce the ellipticity radius $$r_e$$

r
e

which encodes the minimal scale where these moments are close to their positive expectation value.
How Education Shapes Indigenous Health Inequalities in the USA and Mexico
Authors: León-Pérez Gabriela , Bakhtiari Elyas
Published: February 2024

Indigenous peoples around the world face significant health disparities relative to the dominant groups in their countries, yet the magnitude and patterns of health disparities vary across countries. We use data from the National Health Interview Survey and Mexican Family Life Survey to examine the health of Indigenous peoples in Mexico and American Indians and Alaska Natives in the USA and to evaluate how they fare relative to the majority populations in their countries (non-Indigenous Mexicans and non-Hispanic Whites, respectively). We assess disparities in self-rated health and activity limitations, with a focus on how Indigenous health disparities intersect with educational gradients in health. Regression analyses reveal three primary findings. First, Indigenous health disparities are larger in the USA than in Mexico. Second, differences in educational attainment account for most of the differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Mexico, but less than half in the USA. Third, in both countries, health is moderated by educational attainment such that between-group disparities are largest at the highest levels of education. However, for Indigenous Mexicans there is a “cross-over” in which Indigenous Mexicans report better health at the lowest level of education. Overall, this study finds a weak relationship between education and Indigenous health, and raises the question about the validity of using traditional measures of SES in Indigenous contexts.
A systematic overview of current advancements for chemical, material, and energy production using sewage sludge for industrial ecology and sustainability transition
Authors: Mulopo Jean
Published: February 2024

Urbanization and population expansion have increased the demand for scarce resources such as land, water, food, and energy. Furthermore, it has heightened environmental concerns, such as pollution and waste management. The difficulties above present significant challenges to the broader goal of attaining global sustainable development. As a result, there is considerable concern about sustainable waste recycling and management solutions. Among these efforts, expanding wastewater treatment facilities has emerged as a critical tool for environmental protection. As a result of the growth of wastewater treatment facilities, there has been a significant increase in sewage sludge (SS) production. Consequently, an urgent need exists to investigate alternative treatment and value-added methods for sewage sludge. This review looks at the current state of sewage applications for energy and resource recovery to foster sustainable development and industrial ecology through sewage sludge feedstocks. Furthermore, it aims to promote additional research into improving existing sewage sludge management systems, ensuring their cost-effectiveness, public acceptance, and environmental sustainability.
Does socioeconomic status influence students’ access to residential college and ameliorate performance discrepancies among them in China?
Authors: Gui Pingping , Alam Gazi Mahabubul
Published: February 2024

Education is one of the main prerequisites for a country making economic progress. A well-informed and well-functioning education system should be able to address most kinds of discrimination or privilege, ensuring that all people have equitable access to high quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status (SES). It is noted that it cannot prevent every discrimination-related issue that arises. Residential colleges (RCs) have evolved over time in higher education. In this era of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is crucial to assess whether RCs genuinely promote equal access and good quality education. Focusing on China, this study investigates whether RCs contribute to education equality or simply serve individuals from privileged socioeconomic contexts. Primarily, employing the quantitative research methods, including descriptive and grouped regression analysis, this study analyzes data from 397 RC students nationwide. The results reveal that RCs are accessible to students from different SES backgrounds, but enrollment disparities persist based on SES. Furthermore, SES does not dictate the role of RCs in academic performance among different social groups; RCs help to narrow the performance discrepancy between students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. These findings underscore the constructive role of RCs in advancing sustainable education and provide valuable insights for decision-makers aiming to get RCs to reduce education disparities.
Decoding Epileptic Seizures: Exploring In Vitro Approaches to Unravel Pathophysiology and Propel Future Therapeutic Breakthroughs
Authors: Heydari Yasaman , Bozzi Yuri , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder associated with various symptoms, contingent upon the specific brain region involved. Unpredictable seizures characterize epilepsy, significantly influencing the quality of the patient’s life. Globally, epilepsy affects 1% of the population, with 30% of individuals developing drug resistant epilepsy despite anti-epileptic pharmacological treatment. While several anticonvulsant drugs alleviate epilepsy symptoms, there is currently no effective medication to cure this neurological disorder. Therefore, overcoming the challenges of predicting and controlling drug-resistant seizures requires further knowledge of the pathophysiology of epilepsy at the molecular and cellular levels. In this review, we delve into in vitro experiments that prove valuable in elucidating the mechanisms of drug-resistant epilepsy, as well as in the development and testing of novel therapeutic approaches prior to extensive animal-based trials. Specifically, our focus is on the utility of multi-electrode array (MEA) recording as an in vitro technique for evaluating aberrant electrical activity within neural networks. Real-time MEA recording from neuronal cultures facilitates monitoring of neurotoxicity, dose response, and the efficacy of newly-designed drugs. Additionally, when coupled with emerging techniques such as optogenetics, MEA enables the creation of closed-loop systems for seizure prediction and modulation. These integrated systems contribute to both prospective therapy and the study of intracellular pathways in drug-resistant seizures, shedding light on their impact on neuronal network activity.
Sea-level rise induced change in exposure of low-lying coastal land: implications for coastal conservation strategies
Authors: Thiéblemont Rémi , le Cozannet Gonéri , Rohmer Jérémy , Privat Adrien , Guidez Romain , Negulescu Caterina , Philippenko Xénia , Luijendijk Arjen , Calkoen Floris , Nicholls Robert J.
Published: February 2024

Coastal erosion and flooding are projected to increase during the 21st century due to sea-level rise (SLR). To prevent adverse impacts of unmanaged coastal development, national organizations can apply a land protection policy, which consists of acquiring coastal land to avoid further development. Yet, these reserved areas remain exposed to flooding and erosion enhanced by SLR. Here, we quantify the exposure of the coastal land heritage portfolio of the French Conservatoire du littoral (Cdl). We find that 30% (~40%) of the Cdl lands owned (projected to be owned) are located below the contemporary highest tide level. Nearly 10% additional surface exposure is projected by 2100 under the high greenhouse gas emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5) and 2150 for the moderate scenario (SSP2-4.5). The increase in exposure is largest along the West Mediterranean coast of France. We also find that Cdl land exposure increases more rapidly for SLR in the range of 0–1 m than for SLR in the range 2–4 m. Thus, near-future uncertainty on SLR has the largest impact on Cdl land exposure evolution and related land acquisition planning. Concerning erosion, we find that nearly 1% of Cdl land could be lost in 2100 if observed historical trends continue. Adding the SLR effect could lead to more than 3% land loss. Our study confirms previous findings that Cdl needs to consider land losses due to SLR in its land acquisition strategy and start acquiring land farther from the coast.
Scope and challenges in the implementation of Time Bank in India: a qualitative study
Authors: Verma Ankita , Sridhar Sruthi , Dar Kaneez Fatima , Asthana Manish Kumar
Published: February 2024

This paper explores the scope of services and challenges in implementing Time Bank in India. This community-based initiative allows people to exchange skills and services without the involvement of money. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured telephone interviews with 20 participants aged 18 to 35. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: Services, Challenges, and Limitations of Time Bank, Factors Affecting Help-Seeking Behavior, and Community and Gender Dynamics. Participants expressed interest in offering a wide range of services, from household tasks to professional services. However, challenges and limitations were also identified, such as a lack of awareness and understanding of the concept, social stigma, and concerns about trust, privacy, and safety issues. The study underscores the need to consider cultural and social factors while implementing community-based initiatives. Despite these challenges, participants believed Time Bank could be a valuable platform for building social connections and community support. The study’s implications highlight the need for further research on the impact of Time Bank on social capital and the sustainability of the initiative in different cultural contexts.
Statistical Process Control
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Amin
Published: February 2024

Statistical process control methodology was developed by Walter Shewhart in the 1920s as part of his work on quality control in industry. Shewhart observed that quality is about hitting target specifications with minimum variation. While every process is subject to variation, that variation can arise from 'common cause' variation, inherent in the process, or 'special cause' variation which operates from outside of that process. This distinction is crucial because the remedial actions are fundamentally different. Reducing common cause variation requires action to change the process; special cause variation can only be addressed if the external cause is identified. Statistical process control methodology seeks to distinguish between the two causes of variation to guide improvement efforts. Using case studies, this Element shows that statistical process control methodology is widely used in healthcare because it offers an intuitive, practical, and robust approach to supporting efforts to monitor and improve healthcare. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.