Focal Areas Research Articles

Relationships among six urban air pollutants and identification of pollution types – A case study of Chinese cities above prefecture level

Urban air pollution is caused by the interplay of urban development and natural conditions, but it's unclear which factor has a greater impact. Studying the link between air pollutants and identifying the types of pollution causes is crucial for understanding the pollution mechanisms and formulating efficient management measures. During the research period from 2015 to 2020, this study analyzed the relationships between six air pollutants, calculated the city capacity (CC) and natural condition (NC) scores of 285 cities with the help of the index system and entropy weight TOPSIS model, and employed Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and random forest regression model to identify air pollution types. The results show: During the study period, the concentrations of most pollutants decreased, with SO2 experiencing the largest decline, reflecting the significant effectiveness of China's recent atmospheric pollution control efforts. In terms of spatial distribution, the North China Plain (NCP) and the Loess Plateau (LP) remain focal areas of pollution. The correlation analysis results indicate a significant positive correlation among all air pollutants except O3, underscoring the necessity of coordinated pollution control efforts, but the complexity of O3 pollution should not be overlooked. High-value agglomerations of CC scores calculated by the model are predominantly located in the eastern coastal region, while NC scores exhibit two high-value agglomerations in the north and south. Utilizing the GMM, the 285 cities were classified into three categories, and the random forest regression model was employed to identify them as CC dominate, NC dominate, and intermediate types. This paper proposes a novel approach for categorizing city air pollution types, aiming to tailor prevention measures and foster sustainable urban development.

An exploration of ubungoma through the calling and God’s indwelling in the Prophet Jeremiah

This article employs interpretive phenomenological analysis to explore the African practice of ubungoma [divination] through the Prophet Jeremiah’s calling and God’s indwelling on him in relation to the growing number of professing Christians experiencing an ancestral calling within Southern Africa. The aim is to highlight previously unnoticed features on the work of the Spirit in two religious traditions illuminating our understanding of God’s presence beyond religions. Three areas of focus will be the calling of both isangoma and prophets, various mediums and their functions, and the indwelling or inscription of God or Spirit in either isangoma or a prophet. The findings of this analysis have shown that whether one uses inculturation, enculturation or decolonisation as a tool, each one of them has a framework that can aid in understanding this phenomenon. This will aid discern calls to the ministry and Christian vocation while informing current discourses on Christian polity and practice.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article explores the intersection of African Traditional Religions with Christianity and encourages the re-reading of scriptures to empower African interpretations.

Motor dysfunction of the gut in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A review.

Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe type of hereditary, neuromuscular disorder caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene resulting in the absence or production of truncated dystrophin protein. Conventionally, clinical descriptions of the disorder focus principally on striated muscle defects; however, DMD manifestations involving gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle have been reported, even if not rigorously studied. The objective of the present review is to offer a comprehensive perspective on the existing knowledge concerning GI manifestations in DMD, focusing the attention on evidence in DMD patients and mdx mice. This includes an assessment of symptomatology, etiological pathways, and potential corrective approaches. This paper could provide helpful information about DMD gastrointestinal implications that could serve as a valuable orientation for prospective research endeavors in this field. This manuscript emphasizes the effectiveness of mdx mice, a DMD animal model, in unraveling mechanistic insights and exploring the pathological alterations in the GI tract. The gastrointestinal consequences evident in patients with DMD and the mdx mice models are a significant area of focus for researchers. The exploration of this area in depth could facilitate the development of more efficient therapeutic approaches and improve the well-being of individuals impacted by the condition.

Identifying the primary dimensions of DevSecOps: A multi-vocal literature review

Context:Security as a key non-functional requirement of software development is often ignored and devalued in DevOps programs, with security seen as an inhibitor to high velocity required in DevOps implementation. Hence, the DevSecOps approach as a security-orientated expansion to DevOps, has aimed to integrate security into DevOps implementation by promoting collaboration among development, operation and security teams. DevSecOps is a topical concept and rapidly emerging area of practice in both academic and industrial settings. Objective:We reviewed both the white and grey literature to identify recent researches and practical trends of DevSecOps, aiming to: (a) review, document and analyze the current state of DevSecOps in the existing literature; (b) investigate the application of DevSecOps in Global Software Engineering (GSE) contexts. Method:A Multi-vocal Literature Review on DevSecOps and its global application was conducted, by executing a dual-track strategy including white (104 studies) and grey (43 studies) literature from 2012 to 2021. A Thematic Analysis was performed to identify, synthesize and analyze the themes within data for reporting the MLR results. Results:Through the Multi-vocal Literature Review and Thematic Analysis, this paper identifies five major aspects of DevSecOps (Definitions, Challenges, Practices, Tools/Technologies, and Metrics/Measurement); collects related themes of each aspect; and generates a Challenge-Practice-Tool-Metric (CPTM) model by integrating the themes of the latter four aspects within a lifecycle model. Moreover, an unexplored area relating to the global application of DevSecOps has been identified. Conclusion:Based on MLR results, a CPTM (Challenge-Practice-Tool-Metric) model is built to reveal the current status of DevSecOps. The model provides a breakdown and a broad landscape of DevSecOps, from which researchers and practitioners may select an area of focus to improve their knowledge or practice. With DevSecOps spanning the many stages of the lifecycle, we believe the model will enable emphases and absences such as global aspects to be investigated.Editor’s note: Open Science material was validated by the Journal of Systems and Software Open Science Board.

Efficiency measurement and inefficiency analysis of low-carbon logistics in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, China

Under the dual-carbon goals, enhancing the green development level of logistics industry and realizing its low-carbon transformation are important issues that need to be solved urgently. Amidst the continuous escalation in the total energy consumption of the national logistics industry, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region has exhibited a favorable descending trajectory in this respect. It is necessary to investigate the underlying reasons. Based on the panel data from 2012 to 2021, the DEA and Malmquist index are employed to analyze the low-carbon logistics efficiency of the BTH region from both static and dynamic perspectives. Furthermore, the inefficiency analysis is conducted to identify the deficiencies of low-carbon logistics industry in this region. Results show that (1) from the static perspective, the development of low-carbon logistics industry in the BTH region is relatively unbalanced. Compared to Tianjin and Hebei, Beijing's low-carbon logistics efficiency is significantly lower, becoming the focal area for attention; (2) from the dynamic perspective, technological progress is the main reason for the fluctuation of total factor productivity in the BTH region and a constraining factor for further improvements; (3) from the results of inefficiency analysis, the forthcoming emphasis on low-carbon logistics in Beijing should be on optimizing the number of logistics practitioners, transportation efficiency, and energy efficiency. Economic output and energy efficiency are relatively vulnerable aspects in Tianjin and Hebei, respectively, warranting due consideration. The research results of this paper have important practical implications for better developing low-carbon logistics in the BTH region and leveraging its leading role nationwide.

Patient Perspectives on Outpatient versus Inpatient Cervical Ripening for Induction of Labor.

Our objective was to compare patient perceived control and experience with outpatient versus inpatient cervical ripening. This is a retrospective mixed-methods analysis of a quality improvement initiative focused on the impact to patients of incorporating outpatient cervical ripening into routine practice. Postpartum inpatients who had elected for outpatient cervical ripening (outpatients) and those who met criteria for outpatient cervical ripening but opted for an inpatient setting (inpatients) were invited to participate in the study. Patients completed the Perceived Control in Childbirth Scale, and scores were compared between outpatient and inpatient groups using Mann-Whitney U test. In addition, semistructured questions elicited feedback prior to hospital discharge, and these qualitative data were analyzed using iterative thematic analysis. The study population consisted of 36 outpatients and 38 inpatients. The median score on the Perceived Control in Childbirth Scale was 69 for outpatients and 67 for inpatients (p-value = 0.49), out of a maximum score of 72 (representing the highest level of perceived control). Both groups reported similarly high levels of perceived control, regardless of cervical ripening setting. In the qualitative analysis, pain was the most common theme in both groups. Inpatients reported more distress despite access to stronger pain medications. Outpatients utilized a variety of distraction techniques and expressed gratitude for their setting more than inpatients. Outpatient cervical ripening can be a patient-centered solution to obstetric throughput challenges arising from increased numbers of inductions. Those who underwent outpatient cervical ripening had similar perceived control to those who underwent inpatient cervical ripening, suggesting that individual patient preferences are most important in determining the optimal setting for care. The patients' reported experiences identified focus areas for process improvement efforts and future research, including improving patient education regarding expectations and innovating new pain management strategies for cervical ripening. · Patient experiences must inform patient-centered care.. · Perceived control with cervical ripening was high.. · Pain with cervical ripening was the most cited theme..

Implementation and sustainability of student peer-led physical activity programs in a school community

PurposeThis study sets out to investigate the elements of the collaborative culture required for the successful implementation and sustainability of programs in schools. It draws on a case study of a student peer-led physical activity (PA) program implemented within the complex and dynamic environment of school communities in New Zealand. The article outlines four key components needed to effectively implement and impact long term sustainability of a program within the school context.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative case study examines the implementation of a new peer-led PA program introduced across eight New Zealand schools. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with senior leaders, teachers and parents and analyzed through a complexity theory lens.FindingsEffective and sustainable program implementation requires a strategic, collaborative approach through actively engaging with and resourcing four key interacting components: student choice, voice and agency; collective responsibility; shared understanding of purpose; and curriculum coherence.Originality/valueThis research offers a pragmatic approach to developing collaborative school communities that can effectively implement change by highlighting key areas of focus that policymaker, school leaders and program designers can plan for.

Digital health and mobile health: a bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited papers and their contributing authors

Aim: This study aimed to identify and analyze the top 100 most cited digital health and mobile health (m-health) publications. It could aid researchers in the identification of promising new research avenues, additionally supporting the establishment of international scientific collaboration between interdisciplinary research groups with demonstrated achievements in the area of interest. Methods: On 30th August, 2023, the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) electronic database was queried to identify the top 100 most cited digital health papers with a comprehensive search string. From the initial search, 106 papers were identified. After screening for relevance, six papers were excluded, resulting in the final list of the top 100 papers. The basic bibliographic data was directly extracted from WOSCC using its “Analyze” and “Create Citation Report” functions. The complete records of the top 100 papers were downloaded and imported into a bibliometric software called VOSviewer (version 1.6.19) to generate an author keyword map and author collaboration map. Results: The top 100 papers on digital health received a total of 49,653 citations. Over half of them (n = 55) were published during 2013–2017. Among these 100 papers, 59 were original articles, 36 were reviews, 4 were editorial materials, and 1 was a proceeding paper. All papers were written in English. The University of London and the University of California system were the most represented affiliations. The USA and the UK were the most represented countries. The Journal of Medical Internet Research was the most represented journal. Several diseases and health conditions were identified as a focus of these works, including anxiety, depression, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Conclusions: The findings underscore key areas of focus in the field and prominent contributors, providing a roadmap for future research in digital and m-health.

Acute nicotine activates orectic and inhibits anorectic brain regions in rats exposed to chronic nicotine

Nicotine use produces psychoactive effects, and chronic use is associated with physiological and psychological symptoms of addiction. However, chronic nicotine use is known to decrease food intake and body weight gain, suggesting that nicotine also affects central metabolic and appetite regulation. We recently showed that acute nicotine self-administration in nicotine-dependent animals produces a short-term increase in food intake, contrary to its long-term decrease of feeding behavior. As feeding behavior is regulated by complex neural signaling mechanisms, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that nicotine intake in animals exposed to chronic nicotine may increase activation of pro-feeding regions and decrease activation of pro-satiety regions to produce the acute increase in feeding behavior. FOS immunohistochemistry revealed that acute nicotine intake in nicotine self-administering animals increased activation of the pro-feeding arcuate and lateral hypothalamic nuclei and decreased activation of the pro-satiety parabrachial nucleus. Regional correlational analysis also showed that acute nicotine changes the functional connectivity of the hunger/satiety network. Further dissection of the role of the arcuate nucleus using electrophysiology found that putative POMC neurons in animals given chronic nicotine exhibited decreased firing following acute nicotine application. These brain-wide central signaling changes may contribute to the acute increase in feeding behavior we see in rats after acute nicotine and provide new areas of focus for studying both nicotine addiction and metabolic regulation.

Role of ribosomal pathways and comorbidity in COVID-19: Insight from SARS-CoV-2 proteins and host proteins interaction network analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant global issue in terms of public health. While it is largely associated with respiratory complications, recent reports indicate that patients also experience neurological symptoms and other health issues. The objective of this study is to examine the network of protein-protein interactions (PPI) between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human host proteins, pinpoint the central genes within this network implicated in disease pathology, and assess their viability as targets for drug development.The study adopts a network-based approach to construct a network of 29 SARS-CoV-2 proteins interacting with 2896 host proteins, with 176 host genes being identified as interacting genes with all the viral proteins. Gene ontology and pathway analysis of these host proteins revealed their role in biological processes such as translation, mRNA splicing, and ribosomal pathways. We further identified EEF2, RPS3, RPL9, RPS16, and RPL11 as the top 5 most connected hub genes in the disease-causing network, with significant interactions among each other. These hub genes were found to be involved in ribosomal pathways and cytoplasmic translation. Further a disease-gene interaction was also prepared to investigate the role of hub genes in other disorders and to understand the condition of comorbidity in COVID-19 patients. We also identified 13 drug molecules having interactions with all the hub genes, and estradiol emerged as the top potential drug target for the COVID-19 patients. Our study provides valuable insights using the protein-protein interaction network of SARS-CoV-2 proteins with host proteins and highlights the molecular basis of manifestation of COVID-19 and proposes drug for repurposing.As the pandemic continues to evolve, it is anticipated that investigating SARS-CoV-2 proteins will remain a critical area of focus for researchers globally, particularly in addressing potential challenges posed by specific SARS-CoV-2 variants in the future.

World Controversy: Water Sustainability In An Environmental Accounting Perspective

Social and environmental concerns have emerged as globally compelling topics, necessitating attention from all stakeholders due to their significant impact on human life. Sustainable global economic development is intricately tied to the Triple Bottom Line concept, emphasizing Profit, People, and Planet. Among critical natural resources, water resources play a central role across various economic sectors, especially amidst escalating global water scarcity and degradation challenges. While research in this area has evolved significantly, many studies remain limited in scope, focusing on specific processes or regions and failing to provide comprehensive insights into water usage across different sectors. Building upon previous research, this study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method from 2019 to 2023 to understand trends and progress in water sustainability accounting research. Through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method, 23 relevant articles were identified and analyzed from various publishers such as Elsevier, Emerald, MDPI, and others. The findings reveal a diverse distribution of articles across publishers, with Elsevier being the most frequently utilized. This study contributes to the literature by offering insights into recent trends and areas of focus in water sustainability accounting research, informing future research directions and policy-making efforts to address social, environmental, and economic challenges effectively.

Structural Insights into Potent Anti-Ulcer Agents for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is the primary bacterium in the development of gastric cancer; thus, its eradication for the prevention and management of peptic ulcers is of utmost importance. Most primary or unexplained peptic ulcers are brought on by Helicobacter pylori infection, which also causes chronic inflammation. The lack of therapeutic compliance, antibiotic re-sistance, and the breakdown of antibiotics at gastric pH all contribute to the current eradication rates. Therefore, a recent area of focus is the hunt for novel therapeutics with great selectivity against H. pylori. This review focuses on elucidating the landscape of anti-H. pylori compounds derived from both synthetic drug design programs and natural sources. Emphasis is placed on understanding the structure-activity relationships of these compounds and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the potential of drug repurposing strategies to combat H. pylori infection is ex-plored. By providing a comprehensive overview of major classes of anti-H. pylori compounds, this study aims to guide the development of new medications for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Ultimately, this review highlights promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions in the management of H. pylori-associated gastric cancer..

The making of living ḥadīth: a new direction of ḥadīth studies in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Ḥadīth studies identifies Islamic practices that originate from the text of the ḥadīths or the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. The term ‘living ḥadīth’ has emerged as a new direction to ḥadīth studies. This article seeks to explore the dynamics of living ḥadīths as they have emerged in and revitalised ḥadīth studies, especially within academic discourse of Indonesian Islamic universities. Important findings include that the living ḥadīth has become a subdiscipline of ḥadīth studies that examines on how Muslims interpret and express the ḥadīths in their daily lives, as well as how Indonesian Muslims link, communicate, and relate ḥadīths to local traditions and how local cultures assimilate and interact with the texts. This article also finds that the paradigm of living ḥadīth differs from the disciplines of sociology and anthropology of religion, presenting its epistemology through five areas of focus: practice, reception, text, transmission, and transformation.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in natural science education: A review of literature

AbstractDiversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are relevant in societal discourse and have implications for educators in natural sciences disciplines. A synthesis of DEI research in these disciplines is necessary to identify opportunities to strengthen initiatives and identify future research needs. The purpose of this study was to introduce a review of current literature related to DEI in natural sciences education, exploring the frameworks, methods, and focal areas of current literature as well as synthesizing findings, and recommendations for practice and research. Key findings indicate that while conversations and interventions surrounding issues of DEI are occurring, inequities across various scales of the education system still exist. Recommendations center on the need for critical reflexivity on the part of individuals, programs, and the larger education system to identify inequities and opportunities for change.

In Vitro and In Vivo Behavioral Evaluation of Condensed Lipid-Coated Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets

BackgroundPhase-shift contrast agents consist of a liquid perfluorocarbon core that can be vaporized by ultrasound to generate echogenic contrast with excellent spatiotemporal control. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo behavior of condensed lipid-shelled nanodroplets using different analytical procedures. MethodsIn this study, perfluorobutane nanodroplets were prepared by condensation of precursor fluorescently labeled lipid shelled microbubbles and were characterized in terms of size distribution, gas core content, in vitro stability in blood as well as for their acoustic vaporization behavior using a custom-made set-up. In particular, their in vivo behavior was thoroughly investigated after intravenous bolus injection in rats. To this end, we report, for the first time, the efficient use of three complementary detection procedures to assess the NDs in vivo persistence namely 1) Ultrasound contrast imaging of vaporized NDs, 2) Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the perfluorobutane core content and 3) Fluorescence intensity measurement in the collected blood samples. ResultsThe Coulter Counter Multisizer results confirmed the size distribution shift post-condensation. Furthermore, similar PFB concentration from MBs and NDs suspensions was obtained, thus demonstrating an exceptionally low rate of microbubbles breaking and spontaneous nanodroplets vaporization. As expected, these nanoscale droplets display longer circulation time compared to clinically approved microbubbles and only slight variations of half-life were observed between the three monitoring procedures. Finally, echogenic signal observed in focal area of the liver and spleen after vaporization was confirmed by accumulation of fluorescent nanodroplets in these organs. ConclusionThese results further contribute to deepen our understanding of both in vitro and in vivo behavior of sonoresponsive nanodroplets, which is key to enable efficient clinical translation.

Review and bibliometric analysis of AI-driven advancements in healthcare

Purpose: This research intends to use literature review and bibliometric analysis methods to visually review the development status and important historical milestones of Artificial Intelligence, as well as the basic research, key topics, and future potential research hot spots of AI in the healthcare field. Methodology: Conduct in-depth analysis of AI in healthcare through bibliometrics methods such as publication activity analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and co-authorship analysis. Findings: This study outlines the development time trajectory of AI technology and its application in healthcare. Research shows that "algorithm", "machine learning", "deep learning", "controlled study", "major clinical study" and "healthcare delivery" as well as "decision support systems" are key topics for research. Gender-related research and ethical issues are areas of future focus. Research implications: The practical significance is that it can clarify and optimize the key directions of AI to improve the quality of medical decision-making, improve diagnostic accuracy and guide market investment. The originality is reflected in the comprehensive analysis of the development trajectory of AI in the medical and health field. Through a unique perspective and systematic approach, it provides an important reference for research trends and future directions in the field.

Oblong-shaped piezoelectric ultrasound energy harvester for high-performance wireless power charging

Wireless power charging for implantable biomedical electronics (IBEs) can potentially eliminate the need for frequent battery-replacement surgeries, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life. Ultrasound wireless power transfer (US-WPT) based on piezoelectric receivers has demonstrated significant potential, particularly for deep-seated IBEs. However, most studies on US-WPT have overlooked the optimization of piezoelectric receiver dimensions relative to transmitted ultrasound beam profiles for maximizing battery-charging efficiency for IBEs. This study revealed that a piezoelectric receiver should have dimensions corresponding to the main lobe width of the transmit beam profile within a focal area. Moreover, its output power should be proportional to the cube of the receiver area. Considering these findings, an oblong-shaped ultrasound transmitter and receiver (OsUTR) was developed for efficient WPT, capable of fully charging commercial batteries. In water, the OsUTR produced an output power per unit area of 246.93 mW/cm2, which is 6.588 times higher than that achieved by previously reported methods. This resulted in an average charging rate of 1.64 mC/s, enabling the fully charging of a 30 mAh commercial battery in 1.33 h. Experiments with a 50 mm thick porcine tissue demonstrated that the OsUTR provided an output voltage and current of 38.4 Vp-p and 103.4 mAp-p, respectively. Consequently, full charging of the battery was successfully achieved in 1.80 h. This high-performance OsUTR can enable long-term use of IBEs. This innovation reduces the burden of battery replacement and expands the applicability of implantable devices, driving significant advancements in the IBEs industry.

Decoding MSME Entrepreneurship: A Study from Bogor, Indonesia

This research explores the entrepreneurial behavior characteristics of MSMEs in Nagrak Village, Bogor, aiming to provide empirical insights that guide MSME actors in enhancing their business success. Employing a survey method with a descriptive analysis approach, data was collected through observation, interviews, and questionnaires from 27 MSME entrepreneurs. Results indicate that MSMEs in Nagrak exhibit generally strong entrepreneurial behavior, with respondents showing high levels of entrepreneurial knowledge, positive mental attitudes towards entrepreneurship, and proficient entrepreneurial skills. These findings underscore the importance of nurturing knowledge, attitude, and skills in entrepreneurship to foster successful MSME businesses. The study offers valuable input for MSME entrepreneurs in Nagrak, suggesting areas of focus to further improve their entrepreneurial endeavors and achieve business success.

Teachers’ motivation and engagement to harness generative AI for teaching and learning: The role of contextual, occupational, and background factors

Since their release in late 2022, generative AI (genAI) tools have led to widespread use, including among teachers. The aim of our study is to examine several factors that may be implicated in teachers' motivation and engagement to harness genAI in teaching and learning. We examined contextual (i.e., autonomy-supportive leadership, autonomy-thwarting leadership), occupational experience (i.e., professional growth striving, change-related stress), and background factors (i.e., gender, age, teaching experience, contract length, class size, school level) as predictors of motivation (i.e., genAI valuing) and, in turn, engagement (i.e., integration in teaching-related work and student learning activities). Among 339 Australian teachers, our findings revealed that perceived autonomy-supportive leadership, professional growth striving, and change-related stress were linked with greater genAI valuing. In turn, genAI valuing was associated with greater genAI integration in both teaching-related work and student learning activities. Perceived autonomy-thwarting leadership was directly linked with greater genAI integration in student learning activities, and professional growth striving was directly associated with greater genAI integration in teaching-related work. Teachers’ gender and school level were also linked with the motivation and engagement factors, and there were several indirect associations as well. Our results pinpoint areas of focus for future research, policy, and practice to support genAI and its application in schools.

The Rise of #Cartels: Exploring the Organizational Operations and Messaging of Public Perception on Twitter

Mexican cartel activity has become increasingly violent, causing civilians to question the government’s ability to defend against this social and political threat. Within this context, the current study utilizes an exploratory framework to evaluate cartel portrayal on Twitter. We conducted a thematic analysis of data collected via the NVivo NCapture tool yielding 2,652 tweets spanning multiple countries, seeking to understand the key discourse associated with social perception of cartel activity, as well as the status and operations of Mexico’s cartels. Results revealed several areas of focus and varying sentiments based on population demographics, such as location, and type of content.