Average Change Research Articles

Creatividad percibida en problemas insight por alumnado de secundaria: Efectos de algunas variables del problema y del sujeto resolutor

Objective: The study analyzes secondary school students’ perceptions of creativity in insight problems. Methodology. An empirical study was conducted with a total of 127 Spanish students from 8th grade and 11th grade. The students evaluated the creativity involved in the problems before and after attempting to solve them. These evaluations were related to grade, gender, surface, and structural aspects of the problems. Everyday life and science contexts were considered as problem surfaces. The structural aspects of the problems were associated with the specific strategy needed to solve them, such as chunk decomposition and constraint relaxation, the assistance provided by the problem statement to initiate the resolution process, and the possibility of metacognitive control over the quality of the solution. Individual booklets with counterbalanced statements were prepared to assess perceived creativity and to solve the problems. Results. Contrary to expectations, students were able to mentally represent the structural aspects of the problems during reading, and before solving them. The problem surface did not significantly affect the initial perception of creativity. After solving the problems, the average changes in perceived creativity were small. Conclusions. The results encourage teachers to use insight problems to promote creativity in secondary school classrooms.

Experimental Investigation into the Mechanical and Piezoresistive Sensing Properties of Recycled Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites for Self-Sensing Applications.

This study investigates the mechanical and piezoresistive sensing properties of recycled carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites (rCFRPs) for self-sensing applications, which were prepared from recycled carbon fibers (rCFs) with fiber lengths of 6, 12, 18, and 24 mm using a vacuum infusion method. Mechanical properties of the rCFRPs were examined using uniaxial tensile tests, while sensing characteristics were examined by monitoring the in situ electrical resistance under cyclic and low fatigue loads. Longer fibers (24 mm) showed the superior tensile strength (92.6 MPa) and modulus (8.4 GPa), with improvements of 962.1% and 1061.1%, respectively. Shorter fibers (6 mm) demonstrated enhanced sensing capabilities with the highest sensitivity under low fatigue testing (1000 cycles at 10 MPa), showing an average maximum electrical resistance change rate of 0.7315% and a gauge factor of 4.5876. All the composites displayed a stable electrical response under cyclic and low fatigue loadings. These results provide insights into optimizing rCF incorporation, balancing structural integrity with self-sensing capabilities and contributing to the development of sustainable multifunctional materials.

Pancreatic cancer mortality trends in the United States: how much have we moved the needle?

Despite advances made in pancreatic cancer treatment, the extent of progress made in pancreatic cancer mortality at the population level remains unclear. Our cross-sectional study sought to measure trends in pancreatic cancer mortality in the United States in the last 2 decades. Patients with pancreatic cancer mortality from 1999 to 2020 were analyzed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals were measured. We used joinpoint trend analysis to determine average annual percent change (AAPC) in AAMR trends. From 1999 to 2020, pancreatic cancer accounted for 809,197 deaths. Overall, the AAMRs of pancreatic cancer increased from 20.74 per 100,000 individuals in 1999 to 21.60 per 100,000 individuals in 2020. The highest AAMR was recorded in non-Hispanic Black males (30.11 per 100,000 individuals), and the lowest, in non-Hispanic White females (18.51 per 100,000 individuals). Patients aged 75-84 years had the highest AAMR (6.87 per 100,000 individuals) compared to the younger patients. The highest AAMR was observed in the Northeast region (22.07 per 100,000 individuals) and rural regions (21.29 per 100,000 individuals). There was no improvement in pancreatic cancer mortality in the last two decades. These findings emphasize the importance of efforts to increase access to multidisciplinary cancer care with the realization that without it, improvements in treatment standards will not translate to lower cancer mortality at the population level.

Cancer mortality trends in Luxembourg: A 24-year descriptive study (1998–2021)

BackgroundCancer, the second most common cause of death worldwide, is projected to cause 17 million deaths by 2045. Epidemiological studies on cancer play a vital role in understanding cancer burden impact and formulating control plans. This study aimed to analyse the changes in cancer mortality rates within Luxembourg from 1998 to 2021 by sex and age. MethodsData on cancer-related deaths were extracted from Luxembourg's National Registry of Death Causes (1998–2021), and the corresponding population data were analysed. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASRs) per 100,000 individuals were calculated and adjusted to the European standard population. To identify significant changes in cancer mortality over time, the Average Annual Percentage Changes (AAPC) method was used. ResultsWe identified 23,750 cancer-related deaths, resulting in an ASR of 152.86 per 100,000 people per year. Lung cancer was the most common cancer-related case of death in men and in both sexes combined. In women, breast cancer was the most common cancer death. Significant decreases in the ASR over time were observed for both sexes. Sex-specific cancers, such as prostate (AAPC: −2.7) and breast (AAPC: −1.0) cancers, also exhibited significant decreasing trends in mortality. In the evaluation by life stage, stability or significant decreases were observed for women, men and both sexes, however significant increases were observed in late adulthood women in laryngeal and lung cancer (AAPC: 3.9 and 1.8, respectively). The trend patterns observed during 1998–2021 were largely consistent with those seen when excluding the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020. ConclusionOur study provides a comprehensive analysis of mortality trends by cancer type in Luxembourg, contributing to the understanding of cancer epidemiology and informing healthcare policy and planning. This highlights the importance of targeted public health interventions as such early detection and screening programs and continued advancements in cancer treatment.

Global prevalence and disability-adjusted life years of hypertensive heart disease: A trend analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

As hypertensive heart disease (HHD) presents a significant public health challenge globally, we analysed its global, regional, and national burdens and trends from 1990 to 2019. We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study, focussing on the age-standardised prevalence rates (ASPRs) of HHD prevalence, age-standardised disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates, average annual percentage change (AAPC), and risk factor attributions. We compared the HHD burden across sociodemographic index (SDI) strata, gender, age groups, and 204 countries and territories. In 2019, the global prevalence of HHD was estimated at 18 598 thousand cases, with DALYs reaching 21 508 thousand. From 1990 to 2019, the ASPRs increased (AAPC = 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.17, 0.24), while the age-standardised DALY rates decreased (AAPC = -0.45; 95% CI = -1.23, -0.93). We observed the highest increase in ASPRs in high-middle SDI quantile countries, and an overall negative correlation between age-standardised DALY rates and SDI. Individuals above 70 years of age were the most affected, particularly elderly women. There has been a significant increase in HHD burden attributed to high body mass index (BMI) since 1990. The burden of HHD is concentrated in the middle SDI quintile, with population ageing and growth being major drivers for the increase in DALYs. We identified opportunities for reducing age-standardised DALY rates in the middle SDI quintile or lower. Despite a declining trend in the age-standardised DALY rates, the ASPRs of HHD continue to rise, especially in high-middle SDI regions. Meanwhile, countries in middle and lower SDI quintiles face a higher burden of age-standardised DALY rates. Targeted attention towards elderly women and controlling high BMI, alongside enhancing hypertension and HHD management awareness, is crucial for reducing the global burden of HHD.

Exploring impact of green finance and natural resources on eco-efficiency: case of China

China ranks 160 out of 180 countries in terms of ecological efficiency, with an EPI score of 28.40 and a 10-year average change in score of 11.40. This article examines the impact of green finance and China’s natural resources on regional ecological efficiency using the Tobit regression model. The study uses the average yearly exchange rate to normalize dollar-related values and GDP to 2012 RMB using the price deflator. Variables used as explanatory tools include green financing, the availability of natural resources, and regional eco-efficiency. The results of the study imply that natural resources in eastern region of China are better managed as and have avoided the resource curse as compared to central and western regions. Resources temporarily support area economic and social growth. However, resource agglomeration locks many elements in the resource industry and degrades regional industrial development, generating environmental and social difficulties that may hinder regional economic progress. Given that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increases regional eco-efficiency after accounting for adjustment. The FDI positively correlated with ecological efficiency in the east zone, while central and western zones have negative correlations. The industrial development of the nation negatively impacts ecological efficiency in the East, Midwest, and West regions. Western results are distinctive, with ecological efficiency and regional economic growth frequently going hand in hand.

Trend of alcohol use disorder as a percentage of all-cause mortality in North America

ObjectiveTo evaluate the trend of alcohol use disorder (AUD) mortality as a percentage of all-cause mortality in Canada and the United States (US) between 2000 and 2019, by age group.ResultsJoinpoint regression showed that AUD mortality as a percentage of all-cause mortality significantly increased between 2000 and 2019 in both countries, and across all age groups (i.e., young adults (20–34 years), middle-aged adults (35–49 years), and older adults (50 + years)). The trend has been levelling off, and even reversing in some cases, in recent years. The average annual percentage change differed across countries and between age groups, with a greater increase among Canadian adults aged 35–49 years and among adults aged 50 + years in the US. Over the past two decades, AUD mortality as a percentage of all-cause mortality has been increasing among all adults in both Canada and the US.

Nutrition, Other Environmental Influences, and Genetics in the Determination of Human Stature.

Linear growth during three distinct stages of life determines attained stature in adulthood: namely, in utero, early postnatal life, and puberty and the adolescent period. Individual host factors, genetics, and the environment, including nutrition, influence attained human stature. Each period of physical growth has its specific biological and environmental considerations. Recent epidemiologic investigations reveal a strong influence of prenatal factors on linear size at birth that in turn influence the postnatal growth trajectory. Although average population height changes have been documented in high-income regions, stature as a complex human trait is not well understood or easily modified. This review summarizes the biology of linear growth and its major drivers including nutrition from a life-course perspective, the genetics of programmed growth patterns or height, and gene-environment interactions that determine human stature in toto over the life span. Implications for public health interventions and knowledge gaps are discussed.

The effect of the distance between mesh and the urethra on sexual function in patients who underwent transobturator tape

To evaluate the effect of mesh-urethra distance on sexual function in continent patients who underwent transobturator tape (TOT) surgery due to isolated stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Continent patients who had undergone TOT surgery for SUI were eligible. Objective treatment for SUI was defined as the absence of urine leakage during a stress test. Translabial perineal ultrasound was performed six months after surgery. The successful surgical group was split into two subgroups based on the distance from the posterior of the urethra at the bladder neck to the nearest proximal edge of the tape: <5 mm and >5 mm. In addition to these, band percentile, the descent of bladder neck and urethra length measured by perineal ultrasound, pubo-urethral distance, urethral thickness, detrusor thickness, cystocele descent, rectal descent, and uterine descent were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative results of the standardized and internationally valid incontinence questionnaires Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were compared between groups. Eighty-two patients were included. The postoperative FSFI scores for the >5 mm group were significantly lower than those of the <5 mm group, including the postoperative FSFI average, all subscales except lubrication, and average change scores due to the operation (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship between the percentile occupied and postoperative FSFI score (p=0.553), and the FSFI preoperative-postoperative difference was not significant (p=0.905). Sexual functions are more affected in patients with a mesh-urethra distance >5 mm as measured by perineal ultrasound.

Newly synthesized chitosan-stevioside-TPGS nanoparticles (CSdNPs) attenuate the effects of high doses of free stevioside in male rats via inhibition of PRAP-α gene expression

This study investigated newly synthesized of chitosan-St-TPGS-NPs and chitosan-Sd-TPGS-NPs (CStNPs and CSdNPs) produced by a combination of sonication and emulsification/solvent evaporation method and in combination with the ionic gelation method with slight modifications. The newly synthesized CStNPs and CSdNPs were characterized by several technical methods such as SEM, TEM and FT-IR. In this study, 60 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into six groups. Each group included 10 animals with control group, stevia group (St), stevioside group (Sd), CNPs group, chitosan-stevia-TPGS nanoparticles (CStNPs) group, chitosan-stevioside-TPGS nanoparticles (CSdNPs) group. All the groups received their daily dosages orally for two months. After the end of the experiment, a blood sample was collected for estimation of the liver enzyme concentration (ALT, AST, ALP, and TSB), lipids profile (TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and HDL-C), hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, Hb, and PCV, also FAS, FBG, and TyG index). Analysis was performed to assess the average change (AFC) in PPAR-α gene expression in all study groups. The results suggested that there is a significant difference in FAS (pg/mL) levels between the control group (494.2 ± 15.8) and the St or free Sd groups at the end of 2nd month (511.6 ± 16.2, and 561.7 ± 17.2), respectively. In addition the highly significant differences were registered between the Sd group in comparison with CNPs, CStNPs, and CSdNPs groups at the end of the experiment. On the other hand, the results of this study suggested that there is a significant difference in AFC between the control group (5.86 ± 0.58) and St or free Sd groups at the end of the 2nd month (3.00 ± 0.22, and 1.86 ± 0.12), respectively. In addition, highly significant differences were found between the Sd group (1.86 ± 0.12) and the CNPs, CStNPs, and CSdNPs groups at the end of the experiment (4.98 ± 0.25, 3.91 ± 0.24, and 4.02 ± 0.45). This study concluded that St and in large form Sd have harmful effects on the male liver of male rats. The newly synthesized (CStNPs and CSdNPs) should attenuate the risk of St and Sd via the activation of PPAR-α gene expression and inhibition of FAS.

Evaluation of Cognitive Load Differences between Elderly and Young Pedestrians at the Signalised Intersection

The pedestrian cognitive load has an important effect on the pedestrian crossing decision making. Compared with young adults, old people are characterised by declining physical function and slower reaction ability, which makes them prone to traffic accidents when crossing the street. This study aims to compare the visual information-mental load correlation between elderly and young adults waiting at the signalised intersections and evaluate their cognitive load conditions. Therefore, two signalised intersections with different traffic scenes in the Nan’an District, Chongqing, China were selected. The eye-tracking, electrocardiographic and electrodermal activity data of young and old pedestrians were collected using eye-tracking and physiological instruments. The visual indexes (the total duration of fixations, the number of fixations, the average pupil diameter changing rate, the number of saccades, the average peak speed of saccades, the average amplitude of saccades and the total amplitude of saccades) and physiological indicators (the average growth rate of heart rate, the time-domain analysis indicator of HRV and HRV frequency domain analysis indicators, electrodermal response amplitude and rise time of the EDR amp.) were taken as inputs and outputs parameters, respectively. Then, the comprehensive cognitive load evaluation model for pedestrians was constructed when waiting to cross the street based on the data envelopment analysis method. And the cognitive load characteristic differences between the young adults and the elderly were compared. The results show that in the same crossing scene, compared with the young pedestrian, the elder pedestrian exhibited lower overall perceptual efficiency, lower fixation durations and higher cognitive loads. These results can provide certain references on improving the street crossing safety for the elderly pedestrian.

Global burden of musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2021: a joint point regression and decomposition analysis.

The study aimed to investigate the pattern and trend of Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in people aged 5-19years from 1990 to 2021. The data was sourced from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021. The Age-standardized DALYs rates (ASDR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and their corresponding average annual percent change (AAPC) for MSK disorders were evaluated by sex, region, and sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles. Globally, the ASPR of MSK disorders among children and adolescents increased per 100,000 population from 3048.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2336.68-3887.02) in 1990 to 3105.46 (95% CI: 2421.09-3904.95) in 2021 (AAPC 0.06 [95% CI: 0.05-0.07]). In 2021, individuals aged 15-19 experienced the highest burden compared to those aged 5-9 and 10-14. In 2021, high SDI countries had the highest ASIR, ASPR, ASDR of MSK disorders. The AAPC of ASPR in high SDI countries showed a stark contrast to that in low SDI countries for the same period (AAPC 0.48 vs. AAPC -0.03). From 1990 to 2021, in low SDI and low-middle SDI countries, the increase in DALYs was primarily due to population growth. However, in middle SDI, high-middle, and high SDI countries, the increases were mainly due to epidemiological changes. Globally, patients aged 10-14 experienced better care compared to those in the 5-9 and 15-19 age groups. Specific preventive health measures are needed for females and adolescents aged 15-19 in high SDI countries.

Lung cancer mortality trends and disparities: A cross-sectional analysis 1999–2020

BackgroundLung cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Given the importance of epidemiological insight on lung cancer outcomes as the foundation for targeted interventions, we aimed to examine lung cancer death trends in the United States in the recent 22-year period, exploring demographic disparities and yearly mortality shifts. MethodsMortality information was obtained from the CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database from the years 1999–2020. Demographic information included age, sex, race or ethnicity, and area of residence. We performed log-linear regression models to assess temporal mortality shifts and calculated average annual percentage change (AAPC) and compared age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) across demographic subpopulations. ResultsA total of 3,380,830 lung cancer deaths were identified. The AAMR decreased from 55.4 in 1999-31.8 in 2020 (p<0.001). Males (AAMR 57.6) and non-Hispanic (NH) (AAMR 47.5) populations were disproportionately impacted compared to females (AAMR 36.0) and Hispanic (AAMR 19.1) populations, respectively. NH Black populations had the highest AAMR (48.5) despite an overall reduction in lung cancer deaths (AAPC −3.3 %) over the study period. Although non-metropolitan regions were affected by higher mortality rates, the annual decrease in mortality among metropolitan regions (AAPC −2.8 %, p<0.001) was greater compared to non-metropolitan regions (AAPC −1.7 %, p<0.001). Individuals living in the Western US (AAPC −3.4 %, p<0.001) experienced the greatest decline in lung cancer mortality compared to other US census regions. ConclusionsOur findings revealed lung cancer mortality inequalities in the US. By contextualizing these mortality shifts, we provide a larger framework of data-driven initiatives for societal and health policy changes for improving access to care, minimizing healthcare inequalities, and improving outcomes.

Comparative analysis of the effects of the computer-based and paper-based trail making tests on oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex

The trail making test (TMT) is a commonly used tool for evaluating executive functions, and the activation of cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during the test can reflect the participation of executive function. This study aimed to compare the differences in cerebral oxygenation in the PFC between the computer- and paper-based versions of the TMT and provide a theoretical basis for the optimization and clinical application of the computer-based version. A total of 32 healthy adult participants completed the computer- and paper-based TMT Types A and B. Cerebral oxygenation changes in the PFC were monitored during the experiment using near-infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, average changes in oxyhemoglobin (Δoxy-Hb) levels at the baseline and during activation periods in different types of testing were compared and analyzed. The number of correct connections in the computer-based version Type B was less than that in the paper-based version Type B (p < .001). The task time of the computer-based version was longer than that of the paper-based version (p < .001). The B/A ratio of the number of correct connections in the computer-based version was lower than that in the paper-based version (p < .001). The Δoxy-Hb in the PFC of the paper-based version was higher than that of the computer-based version (p < .001). Significant differences in oxygenation in the PFC were observed between the paper- and computer-based versions of TMT. After further improvement and correction in the subsequent development of the computer-based TMT, and taking into account the psychological feelings and preferences of the participants when performing different versions of the TMTs, the computer-based TMT is expected to play a good auxiliary role in clinical evaluation.

Longitudinal Trajectories of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in a European Population of Living Kidney Donors.

A living donor (LD) kidney transplant is the best treatment for kidney failure, but LDs safety is paramount. We sought to evaluate our LDs cohort's longitudinal changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We retrospectively studied 320 LDs submitted to nephrectomy between 1998 and 2020. The primary outcome was the eGFR change until 15years (y) post-donation. Subgroup analysis considered distinct donor characteristics and kidney function reduction rate (%KFRR) post-donation [-(eGFR6months(M)-eGFRpre-donation)/eGFRpre-donation*100]. Donors had a mean age of 47.3 ± 10.5years, 71% female. Overall, LDs presented an average eGFR change 6M onward of +0.35mL/min/1.73m2/year. The period with the highest increase was 6M-2Y, with a mean eGFR change of +0.85L/min/1.73m2/year. Recovery plateaued at 10years. Normal weight donors presented significantly better recovery of eGFR +0.59mL/min/1.73m2/year, compared to obese donors -0.18L/min/1.73m2/year (p = 0.020). Noteworthy, these results only hold for the first 5years. The subgroup with a lower KFRR (<26.2%) had a significantly higher decrease in eGFR overall of -0.21mL/min/1.73m2/year compared to the groups with higher KFRR (p < 0.001). These differences only hold for 6M-2Y. Moreover, an eGFR<50mL/min/1.73m2 was a rare event, with ≤5% prevalence in the 2-15Y span, correlating with eGFR pre-donation. Our data show that eGFR recovery is significant and may last until 10years post-donation. However, some subgroups presented more ominous kidney function trajectories.

Role of SGLT2 inhibitors in improving cardiac functions (on Echocardiography) in patients having Diabetes Mellitus and ischemic heart disease

BACKGROUND &amp; OBJECTIVE: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i or SGLT2 inhibitors) have a distinctive mechanism of action unrelated to insulin secretion or action. By causing glucosuria, they reduce plasma glucose by inhibiting SGLT2 in the proximal tubules of the kidneys. This mechanism of action corrects several metabolic abnormalities, which are, in fact, CVD risks in addition to normoglycemia. This study was conducted to assess the average change in ejection fraction resulting from the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in enhancing cardiac function in patients with Diabetes Mellitus and ischemic heart disease. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive case series conducted from 10th December 2022 to 9th May 2023 in the Department of Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University; 435 type II diabetes mellitus patients were selected, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. All received a daily dose of 20 mg of SGLT2 for three months. Echocardiography was done before and after the treatment period left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was evaluated, and improvement in cardiac function was noted. RESULTS: In this study, the mean age of participants was 46.54±8.52 years. 314 (72.18%), or the majority, were between 30 and 50. The male-to-female ratio was 1.1:1, with 228 (52.41%) men and 207 (47.59%) women. The mean ejection fraction at baseline was 53.45 ± 4.12. The mean change in ejection fraction of SGLT2 inhibitors in improving cardiac functions among patients having Diabetes Mellitus and ischemic heart disease was 50.79 ± 3.76.( p-value ≤0.001). CONCLUSION: SGLT2 inhibitors effectively improve cardiac functions among patients with Diabetes Mellitus type II and ischemic heart insult

Effects of Particle Migration on the Relaxation of Shock Wave Collisions.

The non-equilibrium characteristics during the shock relaxation process hold a foundational position in various fields. In contrast to the propagation of a single shock wave, the collision process of two shock waves exhibits distinct non-equilibrium features. Employing non-equilibrium molecular dynamics, we simulated the collision of ultra-strong shock waves in a classical gas system, investigating the relationship between equilibrium relaxation time and shock intensity. Tracking the spatial migration of microscopic particles in the shock collision region during the relaxation process, we observed a significant contribution of particle migration to the average energy changes during relaxation. The discussion on particle migration provides a valuable new perspective for understanding the microscopic mechanisms of the relaxation process.

Benefit-Loss Analysis of Electricity Generation in Indonesia: Life Cycle Assessment and Economic Input-Output Analysis Application

This paper presents a benefit-loss analysis of Indonesia's electricity generation from 2014 to 2018. The loss and benefits are expressed as Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) per capita. In this paper, the benefit is the contribution of value-added triggered by electricity demand to GDP per capita. The value-added is calculated using the economic input-output model. The relationship between GDP per capita with DALY per capita is derived to estimate the reduction in the value of DALY per capita. The loss is the health damage of pollutants produced by electricity generation and is calculated using Life Cycle Assessment. The rise in DALY caused by the pollutants is quantified using Eco-Indicator 99. The results show that the average benefit-loss ratio is 1.257. In Indonesia, the average rate of change of the benefit with respect to electricity consumption per capita is lower than the rate of change of the loss. The analysis also shows a positive relationship between the rate of change of the benefit with the rate of change of electricity price. Promoting renewable energy and improving efficiency are ways to increase the benefit-loss ratio. The results also suggest that increasing the price is a lucrative alternative to increasing the benefit-loss ratio.

Ill-informed or ideologically driven? Climate change awareness and denial in Europe

Understanding and accepting climate change is crucial for individuals to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors and support political actions aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In this cross-national comparative study, we explore factors associated with both climate change denial and awareness. We analyze data from the European Social Survey (Wave 8) and additional country-level data to identify factors associated with each of these outcomes. We measure awareness as a composite index that aggregates multiple indicators, including beliefs about the existence of climate change, concern, causes, impact, and responsibility. Our findings indicate that climate change denial and awareness do not exist on a single scale. Climate change awareness is strongly influenced by individuals' socio-demographic characteristics, values, and political orientation. Higher levels of awareness are found among those who are more receptive to educational efforts that promote scientific knowledge. In contrast, climate change denial is weakly related to socio-demographic and political factors and is more influenced by individuals' worldviews and detachment from mainstream society. European post-socialist countries demonstrate distinct attitudes towards environmental issues, with lower average climate change awareness and a higher proportion of individuals denying climate change.

Trends and epidemiology of lower trunk fractures in the super elderly population in the United States from 2011 to 2020

IntroductionFractures of the lower trunk are among the most common fractures occurring in the elderly. Super elderly individuals (i.e., those 80 years of age and older) represent a growing segment of the population and are especially prone to these fractures. The contemporary epidemiology of lower trunk fractures in the super elderly population is incompletely described in the literature. Materials and MethodsThis descriptive epidemiology study used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to examine the incidence and recent trends of lower trunk fractures (i.e., fractures of the hip, pelvis, and lumbar spine) occurring among super elderly individuals in the United States (US) from 2011 to 2020. Annual, overall, and age-/sex-specific incidence rates (IRs) were analyzed. Average annual percent change (AAPC) estimates were calculated to indicate the magnitude/direction of trends in annual injury rates. ResultsAn estimated N=1,226,160 super elderly patients sustained lower trunk fractures over the 10-year study period for an overall IR of 100.2 per 10,000 person-years at-risk (PYR). Hip fractures accounted for the largest percentage of cases (IR=71.7 PYR), followed by lumbar spine fractures (IR=14.7), and pelvic fractures (IR=14.3). The incidence of lower trunk fractures among super elderly females (IR=121.5 PYR) was significantly greater than that of males (IR=65.7 PYR). The incidence of lower trunk fractures among nonagenarians and centenarians was significantly higher than that of octogenarians. Accounting for population growth yielded a significantly increasing annual incidence of lower trunk fractures in super elderly patients over the study period from 86.7 PYR in 2011 to 107.2 PYR in 2020 (AAPC=2.7, p<0.001). The annual incidence of both pelvic (AAPC=5.8) and lumbar spine (AAPC=6.9) fractures increased at a significantly higher rate than that of hip fractures (AAPC=1.4). ConclusionsThis study suggests that the annual incidence of lower trunk fractures in the oldest cohort of patients in the US (80+ years of age) increased significantly during the recent decade from 2011 to 2020, with pelvic and lumbar fractures in particular becoming increasingly common. Increased incidence rates highlight the need for future research aimed at optimizing outcomes and quality of life in this frail and ever-growing segment of the population.