Current Drivers Research Articles

Current practice, barriers and drivers to embedding environmental sustainability in undergraduate dental schools in the UK and Ireland

Aims This study aimed to: i) identify current teaching practice and approaches to embedding environmental sustainability (ES) in the undergraduate dental curriculum in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI); and ii) uncover existing barriers and drivers to incorporating ES in dental education.Methods A questionnaire was developed and distributed to all dental schools in the UK and ROI in the form of an online survey. The intended respondents were deans, heads of schools, directors of education, or senior academics of all dental schools in the UK and ROI that deliver undergraduate dentistry/dental surgery programmes.Results In total, 18 dental schools responded to the survey, representing a response rate of 100% from the intended respondents. Note 56% of dental schools do not currently teach ES. Time constraints and a lack of knowledge and learning resources were the most reported barriers.Conclusion Currently, ES is not taught in most dental schools in the UK and ROI. Many schools face challenges in finalising the delivery modalities of ES teaching, particularly in clinical environments. Numerous barriers have been identified that complicate embedding this topic in the curriculum. Positively, universities, staff, students and the recently published learning outcomes are driving impactful change across the sector.

Several Mechanisms Drive the Heterogeneity in Browning Across a Boreal Stream Network

AbstractOver the past few decades, many catchments in Northern hemisphere have experienced increases in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, resulting in a brownish color of the water, known as aquatic browning. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain browning, but consensus regarding the relative importance of recovery from acid deposition, climate change, and land management remains elusive. To advance our understanding of browning mechanisms, we explored DOC trends across 13 nested boreal catchments, leveraging concurrent hydrological, chemical, and terrestrial ecosystem data to quantify the contributions of different drivers on observed trends. We first identified the related environmental factors, then attributed the individual trends of DOC to potential drivers across space and time. Our results showed that all catchments exhibited increased DOC trends from 2003 to 2021, but the DOC response rates differed by five‐fold. No single mechanism could fully explain the browning; instead, sulfate deposition, climate‐related factors, and site properties jointly controlled the variation in DOC trends. Specifically, the long‐term increases in DOC were primarily driven by recovery from sulfate deposition, followed by increases in terrestrial productivity, temperature, and discharge. However, catchment area and landcover type also regulated the response rate of DOC to these drivers, creating spatial heterogeneity in browning among sub‐catchments despite similar deposition and climate forcing. Interestingly, browning has weakened in the last decade as sulfate deposition has fully recovered and other current drivers are insufficient to sustain the long‐term increases. Our results highlight that multifaceted, spatially structured, and nonstationary drivers must be accounted for to predict future DOC changes.

Environmental Sustainability in Oral Health Professional Education: Approaches, Challenges, and Drivers-ADEE Special-Interest Group Report.

This paper reports on the scholarship activity of the 'Sustainability in Dentistry' Special-interest Group (SiG), which met at the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) annual conference in Liverpool on 25 August 2023. The aim of this study was to (i) identify current teaching practices and approaches to embedding Environmental Sustainability (ES) in the curriculum in ADEE attendee schools and (ii) explore existing barriers/challenges to incorporating ES in dental education and consider potential solutions. A mixed-methods approach was used to fulfil the aims of this study. A pre-workshop questionnaire was used to explore current teaching practices, challenges and drivers of embedding ES in the curriculum. An interactive workshop at the in-person meeting in Liverpool was used to propose key strategies to overcome the most frequent challenges to embedding ES in the curriculum. The majority of respondents (56%) reported that their institutions do not currently teach ES. Traditional didactic forms of teaching were mostly reported to teach ES in non-clinical environments, and a transition to more environmentally sustainable materials and instruments was the most popular response for clinical teaching. Key barriers to embedding ES in the curriculum were identified, including time constraints and the overloaded curriculum, a lack of expertise/knowledge to teach and lack of practical guidance to support educators, limited learning resources for staff and students and resistance from colleagues regarding the relevance of ES in dentistry. The special-interest group participants proposed strategies to overcome these challenges that centred around 14 themes. This paper reports recent scholarship activity by ADEE's 'Sustainability in Dentistry' SiG. Key strategies for overcoming the most common challenges to embedding ES in the curriculum are also discussed.

New York Taxi Driver Perspectives on News Coverage of Driver Suicides.

Background: In 2018, news outlets began reporting on a suicide epidemic among New York City's yellow taxi drivers. Within months, print, television, radio, and internet outlets had produced pieces describing the deaths of drivers struggling to endure transformations in their industry. Aims: We explored taxi drivers' perspectives regarding suicide news coverage and the degree to which the coverage affected their lives. Methods: Current and recent taxi drivers participated in open-ended, life-history-informed interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Results: We interviewed 21 participants. Four themes related to interviewees' experience of suicide-related media coverage emerged: drivers' awareness of the news coverage and opinions regarding it, the degree to which the coverage motivated drivers to engage in conversation with others about stress, the extent to which coverage inspired drivers to think differently about mental health, and perceptions regarding the media's broader characterization of taxi drivers. Limitations: Interviews were conducted in English, a second language for many taxi drivers. Conclusion: Taxi drivers expressed diverse views regarding media reporting on driver suicides, with some viewing it as helpful, while others critiqued it as simplistic, stigmatizing, and sensationalist.

A strategic evaluation of BIM-driven information management in the context of ISO 19650-2 standard

PurposeThis paper presents an in-depth evaluation of BIM-driven information management in the context of ISO 19650-2. The study aimed to understand and evaluate the existing mechanisms and the recommended activities and tasks of collaborative information management, particularly as the Turkish AEC organizations are currently implementing ISO 19650-2.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative research design based on information management stages of ISO 19650-2. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposefully selected professionals. The framework analyses were made with MAXQDA through conceptual coding to identify current drivers, challenges and incentives for BIM-driven information management. The frequencies of common themes, required tasks and semantic relationships were reported systematically and interpreted to provide a conceptual implementation map, practical insights and actionable recommendations.FindingsThe study results encompass strategies for establishing new tasks and implementation procedures to uphold business value by aligning information management standards with evolving project requirements, providing detailed and responsive EIRs, early use of CDEs, compliant production methods, clarity of roles and responsibilities, increased organizational capacity and capabilities, sustained planning and production quality and leveraging lessons learned.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence-based arguments and strategic insights for BIM-driven information management, focusing on the current implementation compatibilities with ISO 19650-2. Findings and discussions highlight the necessity of industry-wide transformations, reengineered activities/tasks and compliant information flows, which are crucial for adopting ISO 19650-2 and the formulation of national annex documents.

User-driven instructions reduce errors in child restraint use: a randomised controlled trial in Sydney, Australia

Background and objectivesCrash injury risk is reduced when a child correctly uses an appropriate restraint; however, incorrect restraint use remains widespread. The aim of this study was to determine whether...

Current Source Gate Drivers: Topologies, Applications, and Future Research Needs

Current Source Gate Drivers: Topologies, Applications, and Future Research Needs

Modelling the drivers of land use and land cover change of the great Amanzule wetland ecosystem to inform the development policy of the southwestern oil-rich region of Ghana

This study focused on the current and future drivers of land-use change and its impact on the Amanzule wetland. It suggests policy implications for reviewing and strengthening existing policies for sustainable land use. This study employed remote sensing and GIS techniques, including participatory rural appraisal techniques. The administration of questionnaires and focus group discussions were conducted in the Ellembelle and Jomoro municipalities, where the Amanzule wetland provides economic and social services. The results showed increased land use over the last 32 years driven by various drivers, including food crop production, rubber plantations, oil and gas establishments, and infrastructure development. The study further revealed that these drivers could influence land-use change in 18 years (2018–2036). Urbanisation, cropland, rubber plantations, and shrubland will drive land-use change in the study area between 2036 and 2054. The Amanzule wetland area is expected to decrease from 272.34 ha in 2018 to 210.60 ha by 2036. The wetland area is expected to further decrease from 210.60 ha in 2036 to 174.33 ha by 2054. Other land use classes, such as mangrove and swamp forests, are also expected to decrease within the same period. The study recommends advocating for a wetland policy, enforcing the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act 925 and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act 919 for sustainable development.

Luxury Effect, Heritage Effect, and Land Use Hypotheses Revealing Land Cover Distribution in Hainan Island, China

Land cover analysis is a key method used to understand past land use patterns and explore the driving forces and processes behind them. This study focuses on land cover in 18 counties and cities of Hainan Island, delving into the driving factors of land cover in specific areas of Hainan Island, including the southern, northern, eastern, western, inland, and coastal regions. The effects of socio-economic factors, landscape pattern, and urban functional units on land cover are considered, and three hypotheses are proposed to explain the observed trends. The results indicate that house prices are positively correlated with construction area, woodlands land, and urban green space, thereby supporting the luxury effect hypothesis on land cover. In addition, construction age was negatively correlated with the woodlands area, confirming the role of the inverse legacy effect hypothesis in land cover. Other relationships between urban functional units and land cover emphasized the importance of the land use hypothesis in land cover planning. These results will help decision-makers and managers to better understand the current drivers of land cover, allowing for a more scientific basis when planning and managing urban land cover.

Expanding a Behavioral View on Digital Health Access: Drivers and Strategies to Promote Equity.

The potential and threat of digital tools to achieve health equity has been highlighted for over a decade, but the success of achieving equitable access to health technologies remains challenging. Our paper addresses renewed concerns regarding equity in digital health access that were deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our viewpoint is that (1) digital health tools have the potential to improve health equity if equitable access is achieved, and (2) improving access and equity in digital health can be strengthened by considering behavioral science-based strategies embedded in all phases of tool development. Using behavioral, equity, and access frameworks allowed for a unique and comprehensive exploration of current drivers of digital health inequities. This paper aims to present a compilation of strategies that can potentially have an actionable impact on digital health equity. Multilevel factors drive unequal access, so strategies require action from tool developers, individual delivery agents, organizations, and systems to effect change. Strategies were shaped with a behavioral medicine focus as the field has a unique role in improving digital health access; arguably, all digital tools require the user (individual, provider, and health system) to change behavior by engaging with the technology to generate impact. This paper presents a model that emphasizes using multilevel strategies across design, delivery, dissemination, and sustainment stages to advance digital health access and foster health equity.

Agricultural Landscapes: A Pattern-Process-Design Approach to Enhance Their Ecological Quality and Ecosystem Services through Agroforestry

Agricultural landscapes are currently suffering and generating severe ecological issues. This is especially true in intensively managed alluvial contexts, where biodiversity is declining and ecosystem services (ES) delivery capacity is being depleted. The aim of our study is to set up and test a synthetic analytical methodology that allows us to: understand current agricultural landscape ecological quality drivers (structural and functional traits); identify context-specific strategies to correct current negative trends (landscape ecology design approach); and assess the changes in the landscape ecological behavior provided by design scenarios. The applied methodology is low-cost and low-time-demanding and is based on multi-scale landscape ecology and land-use-based ES assessment; it implements a pattern-process-design approach. Analyses are applied to four northern Italian alluvial agricultural landscape systems. We specifically address landscape biodiversity support functions (landscape ecology indicators) and landscape multifunctionality (ES spatial assessment). We test the agroforestry approach (landscape feature insertions and crop diversification) as a key strategy to enhance ecological quality and ES, and we account for its contributions to context-specific design scenarios. This analytical toolkit might serve for future applications on similar case studies.

Wastewater discharges and urban land cover dominate urban hydrology signals across England and Wales

Urbanisation is an important driver of changes in streamflow. These changes are not uniform across catchments due to the diverse nature of water sources, storage, and pathways in urban river systems. While land cover data are typically used in urban hydrology analyses, other characteristics of urban systems (such as water management practices) are poorly quantified which means that urbanisation impacts on streamflow are often difficult to detect and quantify. Here, we assess urban impacts on streamflow dynamics for 711 catchments across England and Wales. We use the CAMELS-GB dataset, which is a large-sample hydrology dataset containing hydro-meteorological timeseries and catchment attributes characterising climate, geology, water management practices and land cover. We quantify urban impacts on a wide range of streamflow dynamics (flow magnitudes, variability, frequency, and duration) using random forest models. We demonstrate that wastewater discharges from sewage treatment plants and urban land cover dominate urban hydrology signals across England and Wales. Wastewater discharges increase low flows and reduce flashiness in urban catchments. In contrast, urban land cover increases flashiness and frequency of medium and high flow events. We highlight the need to move beyond land cover metrics and include other features of urban river systems in hydrological analyses to quantify current and future drivers of urban streamflow.

Academics’ experiences of university-wide top-down curriculum reform in Finland

ABSTRACT Current global drivers have challenged higher education and increased institution-wide top-down managed reforms, including curriculum reforms. As academics are vital in curriculum development, listening to their voices is essential for understanding actors’ experiences of curriculum change processes in top-down managed reforms. The present study examined spectrum and qualitative differences in academics’ experiences by analysing seven group interviews (n = 35). Using phenomenographic analysis, four different ways of experiencing the curriculum reform process were identified: (1) stilted adoption, (2) conciliation, (3) active development and (4) collaborative renewal. The categories differed according to six dimensions of variation. The study shows that top-down managed and supported curriculum change was rather well accepted by the academic staff, but several features in the function of the university administration aroused criticism and resistance among academics. By revealing the critical aspects of the curriculum development process, the study provides both a theory of curriculum development from the participants’ point of view and conceptual tools for the management and guidance of curriculum reform.

Driving Difficulties and Coping Strategies in Persons With Homonymous Quadrantanopia or Homonymous Scotoma

Introduction: This study, conducted in the United States, investigated the challenges faced by drivers with homonymous visual field loss and their coping strategies, including the use of in-vehicle Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Methods: Four current drivers with either homonymous quadrantanopia or homonymous scotoma caused by a stroke completed an in-depth semi-structured telephone interview. Using mostly open-ended questions, the interview addressed the difficulties encountered while driving, strategies used to cope with the difficulties, and the use of ADAS. Results: The main difficulties related to seeing objects on the side of the field loss, especially at intersections and when merging or changing lanes. Individuals with left-sided field loss reported problems with left turns and seeing oncoming cars at intersections. Those who had homonymous scotomas described how cars disappeared in and out of the scotoma. Two participants reported many driving difficulties at first, but fewer difficulties as they became used to driving with the field loss. The most common coping strategies included scanning to the side of the field loss (including large scans with head movements), use of rearview and side mirrors, adding mirrors to the car, leaving more space on the side of the field loss, avoiding difficult driving situations and the use of ADAS (blind spot warning, GPS navigation, and rearview camera). Discussion: All participants reported some difficulties consistent with those found in on-road and driving simulator studies of individuals with homonymous visual field loss. Over time they each reported developing a set of strategies, including the use of ADAS, for coping with the field loss that enabled them to be active drivers with relatively few self-imposed restrictions. Implications for Practitioners: Advising drivers with stroke-related field loss about potential difficulties and compensatory strategies is an important part of preparation for return to driving. This article provides examples of problem situations, coping strategies, and ADAS use which can be used to guide discussion.

Diving into broad-scale and high-resolution population genomics to decipher drivers of structure and climatic vulnerability in a marine invertebrate.

Species with widespread distributions play a crucial role in our understanding of climate change impacts on population structure. In marine species, population structure is often governed by both high connectivity potential and selection across strong environmental gradients. Despite the complexity of factors influencing marine populations, studying species with broad distribution can provide valuable insights into the relative importance of these factors and the consequences of climate-induced alterations across environmental gradients. We used the northern shrimp Pandalus borealis and its wide latitudinal distribution to identify current drivers of population structure and predict the species' vulnerability to climate change. A total of 1514 individuals sampled across 24° latitude were genotyped at high geographic (54 stations) and genetic (14,331 SNPs) resolutions to assess genetic variation and environmental correlations. Four populations were identified in addition to finer substructure associated with local adaptation. Geographic patterns of neutral population structure reflected predominant oceanographic currents, while a significant proportion of the genetic variation was associated with gradients in salinity and temperature. Adaptive landscapes generated using climate projections suggest a larger genomic offset in the southern extent of the P. borealis range, where shrimp had the largest adaptive standing genetic variation. Our genomic results combined with recent observations point to further deterioration in southern regions and an impending vulnerable status in the regions at higher latitudes for P. borealis. They also provide rare insights into the drivers of population structure and climatic vulnerability of a widespread meroplanktonic species, which is crucial to understanding future challenges associated with invertebrates essential to ecosystem functioning.

3D Simulation of an Extreme SAID Flow Channel

AbstractSpace‐based observations of the signatures associated with STEVE show how this phenomenon might be closely related to an extreme version of a SAID channel. Measurements show high velocities (>4 km/s), high temperatures (>4,000 K), and very large current density drivers (up to 1 μA/m2). This phenomena happens in a small range of latitudes, less than a degree, but with a large longitudinal span. In this study, we utilize the GEMINI model to simulate an extreme SAID/STEVE. We assume a FAC density coming from the magnetosphere as the main driver, allowing all other parameters to adjust accordingly. We have two main objectives with this work: show how an extreme SAID can have velocity values comparable or larger than the ones measured under STEVE, and to display the limitations and missing physics that arise due to the extreme values of temperature and velocity. Changes had to be made to GEMINI due to the extreme conditions, particularly some neutral‐collision frequencies. The importance of the temperature threshold at which some collision frequencies go outside their respective bounds, as well as significance of the energies that would cause inelastic collisions and impact ionization are displayed and discussed. We illustrate complex structures and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of 3D simulations in capturing these phenomena. Longitudinal structure is emphasized, as the channel develops differently depending on MLT. However, these simulations should be viewed as approximations due to the limited observations available to constrain the model inputs and the assumptions made to achieve sensible results.

Ecosystem service research in the dry subtropics: Current state, temporal changes and drivers of regional variability

Dry subtropical (DST) regions that share similar climatic and topographic conditions exhibit today significant disparities in population density, agricultural intensity, wealth and cultural values. In addition, they are also facing increasing pressures on their natural resources. These attributes collectively shape individuals' varying dependence on natural resources and may influence their perception of ecosystem services (ES). In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review, focusing on the DST regions, to address two main questions: 1) What is the current state, temporal trends and regional variability in scientific research on ES and 2) What are the potential drivers of the variability in ES research? Amongst the 471 publications found in our review, 53% focused on provisioning services, followed nearly equally by cultural (33%) and regulating (30%) services. Only 13% addressed more than one ES category and approximately 33% mentioned economic valuation. Our study reveals that research on ES in the dry subtropics experienced a significant increase from 2005 onwards. Approximately 45% of the publications included the term 'ecosystem service' and its frequency has risen substantially over time. Most publications primarily focus on African dry subtropics (over 60%), followed by South and North American ones. Publications from southern Asia and NE Australia were more scarce. Importantly, we found no clear relationship between the number of publications, publication density or representativeness and the variables used as indicators of human pressure (e.g. population density). Consequently, research efforts in the DST regions appear to be influenced by a diverse range of financial and institutional constraints, international research agendas, as well as the personal interests of researchers, contributing to the idiosyncratic nature of this field.

How are pediatricians treating molluscum contagiosum? results from in-depth interviews

Molluscum contagiosum is a common, often persistent viral skin infection affecting children, and spread by infected individuals or objects. No molluscum management guidelines exist and only two FDA treatments have been approved in the last year, thus placing pediatricians in a clinical conundrum if molluscum treatment is warranted. When MC is particularly bothersome or persistent, parental anxiety may influence treatment. In-depth interviews with 25 pediatricians provided insight into the current MC treatment landscape and drivers of therapeutic intervention. This study reveals the important influence parental anxiety, patient characteristics, and parental involvement have on pediatrician’s molluscum management and treatment intervention practices. Professional society endorsed molluscum management guidelines and the use of safe and efficacious FDA-approved therapies would fill therapeutic gaps.

Stakeholders' Perception on the Current Practices of Industrial Building System (IBS) Construction Technology

The Industrialised Building System (IBS) has been adopted in the Malaysian construction sector to replace the conventional building approach. Despite the government's attempts to encourage IBS adoption, the use of IBS in Malaysian building projects remains low. This study aims to gather stakeholders' views on drivers, barriers, and strategies to improve IBS implementation in Malaysia. About 52 questionnaires were received from IBS stakeholders in Johor such as consulting firms, contractors and IBS manufacturers. Average Index Analysis was used to analyse the questionnaire data on the main factors: current drivers, factors when considering IBS construction, current barriers and strategies to increase IBS construction. From the questionnaire survey, among the main drivers of IBS construction in Malaysia are technology advancement, reduce completion time and improve quality and productivity. Stakeholders also perceived that supervision on continuous and regular improvements and IBS implementation needs planning for productive process among the main factors when considering IBS construction. Meanwhile, the main barriers for IBS construction perceived are high initial cost investment in projects related to IBS construction, lack of skilled workers and unable to adapt instant changes to design modification in IBS construction. Several main strategies were noted to enhance the IBS implementation such as improving the balance between supply and market demand, innovation in creating eco-friendly sustainable construction and factory production optimization for IBS items. The outcomes of the study could assist relevant parties to understand the current drivers and barriers of IBS construction, and further help them to enhance the IBS implementation in Malaysia.

Exploring environmental sustainability in dentistry among students and educators in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesCreating environmentally sustainable healthcare culture within the dental field requires embedding the content in the dental curriculum at the undergraduate level. This study aimed to explore the current awareness and drivers among dental students and educators regarding environmentally sustainable dentistry (ESD) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and identify barriers and enablers to embrace it.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using online questionnaires was carried out in six undergraduate dental education institutes within the UAE. Data analysis included descriptive statistics.ResultsIn total 153 students and 53 educators participated in the survey. Most students and educators were not aware of any ESD content in their curricula. However, the majority of educators were familiar with the concept of ESD, while students were mostly unfamiliar or slightly familiar. Nonetheless, students largely agreed on its importance and their interest in learning it, as they viewed it relevant to their future practice. Educators agreed that the dental profession has a responsibility to be environmentally friendly and expressed their desire in introducing ESD content into the curricula. Several barriers were reported such as lack of knowledge, curricula space, educational resources, and time. Meanwhile, enablers included providing ESD capacity building, training and resources.ConclusionsThere was no explicit presence of ESD content in the dental curricula in the UAE. Despite the lack of adequate awareness on this topic among educators and more so among students, they both had positive views towards incorporating ESD into dental curricula. Overall, this study highlighted the importance of promoting ESD in dental programs. Clinical significance: ESD is gradually becoming a critical aspect of modern oral healthcare system. It has been mandated in the dental curricula in several regions globally. Embedding ESD in the UAE dental curricula would have several benefits for the environment as well as the future of the dental profession in the region. The clinical significance includes, but not limited to, improved treatment outcomes; patients, students and staff health and well-being; reduced health risks, and cost savings.