bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
7.M. Round table: A new lens on loneliness: leveraging the built environment for social health
Authors:   Organised by: Manchester Institute of Education (UK), DEFACTUM (Denmark),   Chair persons: Nina Goldman (UK)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Loneliness is a global issue impacting a third of all adults, with young adults (15-25 years) disproportionately affected. Prolonged loneliness has serious consequences for mental and physical health and should be addressed as a matter of urgency. The built environment, where we live, work, and socialise, is increasingly recognised as a significant factor influencing loneliness. However, existing interventions often focus on older adults and neglect the role of the built environments in promoting connectedness across the life course. To bridge this gap, we need interdisciplinary collaboration to understand how our environments and communities can mitigate loneliness. This workshop will explore the critical intersection of place and loneliness interventions. The three panellists bring unique interdisciplinary expertise on loneliness ranging from policy to intervention implementation. These three talks (10min each) will set the stage for a dynamic discussion (30min):
1. Nina Goldman, commissioned by the World Health Organization to undertake a global overview of national loneliness policies, will present findings on how national strategies integrate place-based strategies across sectors such as housing, transportation, and urban planning.
2. Mathias Lasgaard, leading researcher on loneliness interventions, will present the innovative ‘More Together’ (MoTo) project - a multifaceted intervention addressing loneliness in both young and older adults within the Silkeborg Municipality, Denmark. This presentation will contextualize MoTo within the broader landscape of targeted loneliness interventions.
3. Eric Schoenmakers, advisor of the national loneliness action program in the Netherlands, will introduce the “I BELONG” project, an international network dedicated to understanding the relationship between public spaces, loneliness, and effective interventions for young adults in the Netherlands.

Key messages
• We aim to stimulate a paradigm shift in the way we address loneliness by moving beyond individual-centred solutions to develop a more holistic and community-based approach.
• We need more interdisciplinary collaboration to understand how our environments and communities can mitigate loneliness.

Speakers/Panelists
Nina Goldman
University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
Mathias Lasgaard
Defactum, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
Eric Schoenmakers
Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Introduction to round table panel discussion and audience quiz
Authors: Gannon John 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Dr. John Gannon is a Public Health Specialist Registrar with HSE Ireland. He has a background working in clinical paediatrics in Ireland, Australia and Zambia. John will introduce the workshop and begin by quizzing the audience using an interactive online tool, to evaluate their perceptions and understanding of the current landscape of screen usage and social media among children and adolescents. In this presentation, he will relay statistics on these metrics and the dramatic upsurge in recent years. He will also touch on the financial implications of these trends for global tech giants.
Impacts of long-term climate change on human health: a global scoping review
Authors: Limaheluw J , Hall L , de Kraker J , Serafim F , Roda Husman A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Research output on climate change and human health is growing rapidly. This can make it difficult to find and use relevant information to develop public health action.

Methods
We present a global scoping review of the rapidly growing quantitative research output on long-term climate change and human health. We searched Scopus, Embase, and PubMed for quantitative, English language literature published between January 2000 and June 2021 that referenced climate change and human health in titles, abstracts, or keywords.

Results
From 36,956 publications we identified 754 relevant studies. Europe, the Americas, and the Western Pacific were studied much more often than other WHO regions. Research on temperature and vectors accounted for 70% of all included publications. Malaria, diarrheal diseases, and cardiovascular diseases were the most studied specific health outcomes. We found very few studies on non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Retrospective publications (153) showed effects of climate change are already occurring worldwide. Most studies on tick-borne encephalitis, malaria, and lower respiratory infections associated with air pollution found impacts caused by climate change have increased. The strongest attribution of climate change was found for heat-related impacts. In prospective publications (626) diarrheal diseases, and impacts associated with heat and chemical air pollution were most consistently projected to increase. Future vector-borne disease impacts were projected to be highly location specific. Some studies demonstrated adaptation can effectively reduce impacts, while noting that capacity to adapt differs greatly between population groups.

Conclusions
Our findings underline climate change impacts are diverse and complex. Future research should prioritize the relatively understudied regions most vulnerable to climate change, such as Africa, and impacts beyond those related to temperature and vector-borne diseases.
Assessing vaccine hesitancy and vaccine literacy in the European prison population: a multicenter repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Baglietto L , De Vita E , Mavrou J , Yiasemi I , Bardelli A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The study aimed to quantify vaccine hesitancy and vaccine literacy in prison populations and assess their correlation prior and after the implementation of training and information activities targeting PLP. A repeated cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 13 prisons of 4 European countries prior and after the implementation of a co-developed training package. The study sample included 847 people living in prison in the baseline round. The second round is currently ongoing. Through a structured questionnaire vaccine hesitancy, vaccine literacy, general health literacy, previous vaccine refusal history and socio-demographic characteristics of participants were assessed. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract three independent components of vaccine hesitancy. Logistic regression was applied to assess the association between previous vaccine refusal and vaccine hesitancy; multiple linear regression was applied to assess the association between vaccine hesitancy and vaccine literacy and general health literacy. All analyses were adjusted for socio-demographic variables. In the baseline round, we identified three independent components of vaccine hesitancy explaining 49% of the total variance: Mistrust (proportion of the variance explained, 27%), Concern (14%) and Conspiracy (8%). All the components were associated with previous vaccine refusal (p-value &lt;0.001) and presented very good internal consistency. Young participants presented the highest levels of vaccine hesitancy; migrants had the lower levels of Mistrust and the higher level of Concern; all three factors were lower among participants with the highest degree of academic education. Mistrust and Concern were inversely associated with vaccine literacy while all three subscales were associated with general health literacy (all p-values &lt;0.001).
Quantifying the health burden of environmental stressors
Authors: Haagsma J A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Burden of Disease (BoD) concept has gained increasing importance for health risk assessments, driven by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies. BoD utilizes the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) to express the population health impact of a disease, injury or risk factor. This information is essential for priority-setting in health, monitoring and evaluation of preventive interventions. However, calculating DALYs, particularly DALYs attributable to risk factors, requires a range of choices with regards to input data and methodological aspects. In this presentation we will focus on comparative risk assessment (CRA), a frequently used method to calculate the attribution of DALYs to risk factors. CRA consists of determining outcomes that are associated with a certain risk factor and relative risks of the identified outcomes as a function of exposure. This information is usually derived from systematic literature review(s). Next, information on the level of exposure in a population is required, usually by age, sex, location and/or year, and usually using a range of data sources on level of exposure. Additionally, the level of exposure associated with a minimum risk is assessed. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) are then multiplied by the relevant outcome quantity for each population subgroup to calculate the number of DALYs attributable to risk factors. Finally, mediation of risk factors through other risk factors can be taken into account. Knowledge of and uniformity in methods used to perform CRAs will facilitate the coherence and usability of estimates of the health impacts of risk factors and strengthen evidence-based decision-making in health policy. In this presentation, we will introduce the CRA approach and outline a number of innovations that are being driven by the BEST-COST project, including new methods for correlated outdoor exposures and for outdoor exposures penetrating to indoor environments.
Healthy air for healthy minds
Authors: Lindert J , Chihai J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The adverse health effects from exposure to air pollution is increasingly known. A recent report shows that at least 95% of the world’s population breathe air containing dangerous levels of pollutants. According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), ambient air pollution is related to 4.2 million deaths every year. Less is known about the association between indoor air (especially particulate matter 2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOC) pollution and mental health conditions. Many sources of indoor air pollution exist, such as pressed wood products, pesticides, secondhand smoke, stoves, heaters, overcrowding and fireplaces.

Aims
We aim to synthesize knowledge on the effects of particulate matter 2.5 in indoor air and mental health conditions.

Methods
We systematically reviewed the association of indoor air pollution with mental health conditions using the databases Pubmed and EMBASE.

Results
Exposure to indoor air pollutants is associated with increased anxiety and depression and less cognitive performance. These results are robust; however, the impact of PM2.5 is larger for less-educated and female respondents. Females cook with solid fuels and biomass more often. Physical exposure and gender factors overlap in the exposure to indoor air pollutants.

Discussion
Poor indoor air quality should be part of a comprehensive assessment of factors influencing mental health and cognition. Neuroinflammation might explain the effects of poor air on mental health and cognition. Further research is needed to combine research on the social determinants of mental health and the effects of indoor air. Studies in different settings such as home, work, and hospitals are needed to better understand the specific exposures of indoor air pollution and mental health conditions in different population groups.
Novi Sad cultural stations as healthy buildings for wellbeing concept
Authors: Jevtic M , Polić D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Creating spaces for all citizens through the cultural stations project within the Novi Sad - European Capital of Culture 2022 has set an example of applying the concept of well-being which involves integrating various elements that support physical, mental, and social health. Cultural stations project in the city of Novi Sad is a concept supporting cultural programming, healthy food options, mental health support, accessibility and inclusivity, as well as community engagement. Social interaction in urban areas is vital for mental and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and community, diverse cultural programming that appeals to different groups, cultural activities such as art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events provide opportunities for creativity, learning, and social engagement, enhancing overall well-being. Access to cultural stations, spending time there has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and increased feelings of well-being within 7 neighborhoods of Novi Sad. This includes providing barrier-free access, accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and programming that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Participation of the local community in the design, programming, and management of cultural stations is also important. By integrating these principles into the design, programming, and management of cultural stations, Novi Sad creates vibrant, inclusive, and healthy spaces that contribute to the overall well-being of its residents and visitors. Cultural stations are located in different parts of the city in order to provide accessibility to all citizens. Their arrangement is in accordance with the recommendations of green construction and restoration, and the interior and surroundings foster respect for nature and nature-based solutions. Also, they are developing different content in line with culture, but also science, health and smart solutions as a tool for well-being.
Low income, being without employment, and living alone: How they are associated with cognitive functioning - Results from the German National Cohort (NAKO)
Authors: Rodriguez F-S , Röhr S , Wagner M , Berger K , Dragano N , Schmidt B , Becher H , Pabst A , Riedel-Heller S G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
While people with low socioeconomic status tend to have worse cognitive functioning, little is known about the impact of specific socioeconomic conditions. Aim of the present analysis was to investigate to what extent cognitive functioning differs by three socioeconomic conditions: low income, being without employment, and living alone.

Methods
A total of N = 158,144 participants (age 19-75 years) of the population-based German National Cohort (NAKO) provided data on socioeconomic conditions and completed cognitive testing. Multivariable regression model including the three socioeconomic conditions, age, sex, education, occupational status, having diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and depressive symptoms was used for analysis.

Results
Results from fully adjusted analysis indicated that cognitive functioning (z-score) was lower among those with low income (b=-0.53, CI95%=-0.57; -0.49) compared to not having low income, living alone (b=-0.10, CI95%=-0.14; -0.07) compared to not living alone, and being without employment (b=-0.22, CI95%=-0.27; -0.17) compared to being employed. The difference in cognitive functioning between those exposed compared to not exposed to the condition was changing slightly with older age among those with low income (interaction with age b=-2.39, CI95%=-3.24; -1.55) and, to a smaller extent, among those living alone (interaction with age b=-0.76, CI95%=-1.34; -0.19).

Conclusions
Low income, being without employment, and living alone were independently associated with poorer cognitive functioning after adjusting for confounders. As those with low income had the poorest cognitive functioning in old age, it is important to explore pathways of how cognitive health in this population group can be improved.
Evaluating XGBoost’s predictive accuracy on surgical site Infections in cardiac surgery
Authors: Baglivo F , Baratta S , Perrotta T , Tongiani M , De Angelis L , Petrillo M , Rizzo C , Baroni M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant threat in cardiac surgery (CS), profoundly impacting patient prognosis. SSI incidence varies widely, reported between 3.5% and 26.8%. The study used a decade-long dataset from SSI surveillance in a specialized hospital in Italy, applying machine learning (ML) techniques to predict the SSI incidence among CS patients.

Methods
Data collected from 2013-2023 through the surveillance system of SSI in patients undergoing CS were used to train a predictive ML algorithm (XGBoost). Data included information on demographics, risk factors, surgery variables (incision site, prophylaxis, etc.), and the infection outcome derived from follow-up interviews at 30 days post-surgery, or 90 days for patients with prosthetic materials, according to the ECDC case definition of SSI. We used the R libraries “caret”, “smotefamily” and “xgboost” to train the algorithm. A train-test split of 70-30 was applied. Both downsampling of the majority class (no SSI) and oversampling of SSI cases with SMOTE were used in the training set to address class imbalance.

Results
A total of 10,534 subjects (65.9% males, mean age 68.3 years) who underwent CS (64.3% with prosthetic materials) were included, among which 533 SSIs were identified (mean incidence of 5.06%), with 430 cases (80.7%) occurring after discharge (38.7% deep SSI) and 103 (19.3%) before discharge (55.5% deep SSI). The trained XGBoost algorithm achieved an AUC of 0.62, sensitivity of 69%, and specificity of 50% in the prediction of SSI on the test dataset.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that while the XGBoost model provides a fair predictive capability, there is significant room for improvement in sensitivity and specificity. The use of artificial intelligence offers a promising opportunity to identify patients at risk of SSI. However, further research and comprehensive data are needed to refine the predictive model and effectively improve prevention measures.

Key messages
• Predominantly occurring post-discharge, SSIs in cardiac surgery necessitate enhanced prevention strategies, highlighting the critical phase after hospital discharge where surveillance is paramount.
• Artificial intelligence may enhance post-discharge SSI surveillance, promising to identify patients at increased risk. Further research is needed to refine these AI tools for optimal sensitivity.
Water footprint and Med-Diet adherence: preliminary results from MedDietMenus4Campus
Authors: Dikmen D , Altınsoy C , Dikmen B , Balci T N , Viegas C , Rocha A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The Mediterranean Diet (MedD) is widely recognized as a health-promoting and sustainable dietary pattern. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of higher education institutes (HEI) menus via water footprint and the compliance with MedD in Croatia, Portugal and Turkey.

Methods
Water footprint calculation followed the methodology of Mekonnen and Hoekstra (2012). Adherence to the Med-Diet was evaluated using the Med-Diet Compliance Index (MeDCIn). All available options were considered, except for restrictions such as vegetarian, considering a 5-day/week and 1-meal/day menu. Menus spanning a two-week period were analyzed from two distinct HEI in each country.

Results
Mean water footprints varied across three countries (1213.9-2297.4 L/person). Turkish HEI 1 (2297.4 L/person) and 2 (1934.2 L/person) exhibited the highest water footprints, while Croatian HEI 2 (1213.9 L/person) and Portugal HEI 2 (1308.6 L/person) had the lowest. MedDiet index scores ranged from 0.50 to 5.50. Portugal University 1 (5.5) and 2 (4.5) scored the highest, whereas Croatia University 1 (0.5) scored the lowest.

Conclusions
In the preliminary results, Portugal presented a lower water footprint and higher MedD adherence, possibly due to the higher use of seafood. The higher water footprint in Turkey might be due to more balanced servings of vegetables and fruits and significant portions of red meat. The low MedD compliance scores in Croatia can be attributed to insufficient fresh fruits, whole grains and pulses, and the low water footprint related to the use of ready-made desserts and soup powders not included in the water footprint database.
Stakeholders engagement model- Social Marketing strategies to improve students’ eating behaviour
Authors: Ferreira L , Monteiro B , Nogueira M , Gomes S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Previous studies have adopted the social marketing framework to investigate change behaviours towards healthier eating habits. However, despite the unequivocal link between Mediterranean Diet and healthy eating, the adoption of social marketing strategies to foster the adherence to such food pattern, remains unexplored, particularly in the context of HEIs. One research goal was to develop a stakeholder engagement model, in order to better craft social marketing strategies aligned with stakeholders’ needs. Hence, as different stakeholders call for different engagement designs, we consider that crossing the Social Marketing Framework with the Stakeholder Engagement Model, provides a solid basis to understand how to engage key stakeholders in the implementation of a program aimed at changing and influencing healthier eating habits aligned with the Mediterranean Diet within public HEIs canteens. Behavioural change in such contexts, demands a systemic and holistic approach, able to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, beyond those whose behaviour is expected to change. Social Marketing provides a strategic framework to promote behavioural change towards collective welfare. In the specific context of public health interventions towards healthier eating habits, this framework has been particularly useful. Hence, in-depth understanding on which stakeholders need to be involved in the social marketing process and at what stages, may yield insights into why some interventions change behaviour and why others do not. Findings revealed that it is not enough to create a single stakeholder engagement model throughout the social marketing plan in a more global perspective, as if one solution fits all. This study highlights the importance of designing glocal social marketing strategies, embedding glocal models of stakeholder engagement: standardizing the tools and practices that are possible and adapting what is necessary so that it has success in different national realities