Decrease In Rate Research Articles

Uncovering asymmetrical contagion effects: US monetary policy and emerging markets

The impact of U.S. monetary policy (USMP) on domestic interest rates and goods markets in Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) remains a subject of ongoing debate. We investigate the fluctuations in U.S. interest rates across 17 inflation-targeting EMEs with flexible exchange rates from 2000–2020. Our findings reveal asymmetric contagion effects, with U.S. interest rate decrease having a more significant short-term impact than rate hikes. Long-term U.S. rates minimally influence EMEs’ domestic rates. Resilience is observed in EMEs with robust GDP growth and favorable trade balances, while increased capital inflows and stock market surges heighten contagion risks. Focusing on the short-term contagion effect on goods markets through international trade drivers, we find that global capital flows and US dollar fluctuations, combined with a rise in the FED rate, contribute to the deterioration of EMEs’ trade balance. The study underscores the need for EMEs to monitor and respond to U.S. monetary policy changes for financial stability and advocates for enhanced international dialogue among policymakers.

Low-frequency ultrasound for pulmonary hypertension therapy

BackgroundCurrently, there are no reliable clinical tools that allow non-invasive therapeutic support for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study aims to propose a low-frequency ultrasound device for pulmonary hypertension therapy and to demonstrate its potential.MethodsA novel low-frequency ultrasound transducer has been developed. Due to its structural properties, it is excited by higher vibrational modes, which generate a signal capable of deeply penetrating biological tissues. A methodology for the artificial induction of pulmonary hypertension in sheep and for the assessment of lung physiological parameters such as blood oxygen concentration, pulse rate, and pulmonary blood pressure has been proposed.ResultsThe results showed that exposure of the lungs to low-frequency ultrasound changed physiological parameters such as blood oxygen concentration, pulse rate and blood pressure. These parameters are most closely related to indicators of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The ultrasound exposure increased blood oxygen concentration over a 7-min period, while pulse rate and pulmonary blood pressure decreased over the same period. In anaesthetised sheep exposed to low-frequency ultrasound, a 10% increase in SpO2, a 10% decrease in pulse rate and an approximate 13% decrease in blood pressure were observed within 7 min.ConclusionsThe research findings demonstrate the therapeutic efficiency of low-frequency ultrasound on hypertensive lungs, while also revealing insights into the physiological aspects of gas exchange within the pulmonary system.

Land Use Change from Natural Tropical Forests to Managed Ecosystems Reduces Gross Nitrogen Production Rates and Increases the Soil Microbial Nitrogen Limitation.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of soil microbial nitrogen (N) utilization under land use change is critical to evaluating soil N availability or limitation and its environmental consequences. A combination of soil gross N production and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry provides a promising avenue for nutrient limitation assessment in soil microbial metabolism. Gross N production via 15N tracing and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry through the vector and threshold element ratio (Vector-TER) model were quantified to evaluate the soil microbial N limitation in response to land use changes. We used tropical soil samples from a natural forest ecosystem and three managed ecosystems (paddy, rubber, and eucalyptus sites). Soil extracellular enzyme activities were significantly lower in managed ecosystems than in a natural forest. The Vector-TER model results indicated microbial carbon (C) and N limitations in the natural forest soil, and land use change from the natural forest to managed ecosystems increased the soil microbial N limitation. The soil microbial N limitation was positively related to gross N mineralization (GNM) and nitrification (GN) rates. The decrease in microbial biomass C and N as well as hydrolyzable ammonium N in managed ecosystems led to the decrease in N-acquiring enzymes, inhibiting GNM and GN rates and ultimately increasing the microbial N limitation. Soil GNM was also positively correlated with leucine aminopeptidase and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase. The results highlight that converting tropical natural forests to managed ecosystems can increase the soil microbial N limitation through reducing the soil microbial biomass and gross N production.

Comparison of Protective Effect of Tri-circulator and Coenzyme Q10 on Myocardial Injury and the Mechanism Study by Zebrafish Model.

Tri-Circulator (TC) is a product comprising coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Panax notoginseng. Individually, each of these constituents has demonstrated protective effects on myocardial injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective efficacy of TC on heart function and compare the differential effects between CoQ10 and TC. Two myocardial injury models of zebrafish, the hypoxia-reoxygenation model (H/R) and the isoproterenol (ISO, a β-receptor agonist) model, were used in this experiment. The zebrafish subjects were divided into 4 groups: control, H/R, TC, and CoQ10. Heart rate, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), ejection fraction (EF), fractional area change (FAC), and pericardial height were monitored to assess changes in heart function. The gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was studied as markers of injury/stress. TC significantly suppresses elevated heart rate induced by H/R and prevents the decrease of heart rate induced by ISO. It alleviates the pericardial infusion induced by ISO, whereas CoQ10 does not possess a similar effect. Both TC and CoQ10 significantly inhibit the decline in SV, CO, EF, and FAC induced by H/R and ISO, and suppress the expression of ANP and BNP in cardiomyocytes induced by ISO. It is noteworthy that TC demonstrates a more pronounced effect on EF, FAC, ANP, and BNP gene expression compared to CoQ10. Both TC and CoQ10 have a protective effect on myocardial injury of zebrafish. However, TC exhibits a greater efficacy compared to CoQ10 alone in mitigating myocardial injury.

Constraining the exhumation history of the Greater Himalayan Sequence, Kali Gandaki, Central Nepal

To understand the evolution of the Himalayan orogen, we first need to understand how the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS) evolved through time and space. We present new (and previously published) thermochronological results from a transect in the footwall and ductile shear zone of the basal structure of the STDS in the Kali Gandaki region: the Annapurna detachment. The exhumation history is interpreted from observations using 1D thermal–kinematic models that invert to give the exhumation rate of samples. Recently published data have suggested that high-temperature slip on the detachment persisted until at least c. 12 Ma, more recently than is commonly assumed for STDS deformation. Our new data and modelling support these findings and suggest that the cessation of slip coincided with a dramatic (>50%) decrease in the exhumation rate of the shear zone and its footwall at c. 12–10 Ma. Exhumation rates remained low until c. 3 Ma, after which they increased to levels comparable with those that characterized STDS activity. Plausible causes of this late pulse of exhumation include an intensification of the Asian winter monsoon and the establishment of today's Indian summer monsoon, glaciation and/or an internal structural reorganization of the Himalayan orogenic wedge driving localized rock uplift in the hinterland. Supplementary Material, including method descriptions, full datasets and supplemental figures, is available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6949467

The role of public policy in reducing moped and scooter injuries in South Carolina

IntroductionMopeds and electric scooters have grown in popularity in recent years. A South Carolina (SC) law was passed on November 19, 2018, aimed to regulate mopeds and scooters. This study aims to evaluate whether this SC law was associated with a decrease in the moped injury rate in a Level 1 Trauma Center. MethodsA retrospective review of trauma registry data was used to identify a cohort of patients 14 years and older who came to a Level 1 trauma center for a moped/scooter accident between January 2014 - December 2022. The proportion of moped injuries before and after the passing of the law was calculated. The chi-square test and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test were used to compare differences in proportions for categorical factors and continuous factors, respectively. ResultsA total of 350 moped injury cases were identified. There was a significant decrease in the moped injury rate after the passing of the 2018 SC law (0.9 % vs 1.8 %, p<0.001). Additionally, those treated post-law implementation were significantly older (47.4 vs 43.2 years, p = 0.013) and more likely to be male (95.5 % vs 87.9 %, p = 0.025) than those treated pre-law. Patients treated post-law were significantly more likely to be uninsured (45.1 % vs 42.7 %, p = 0.009) and less likely to have commercial (16.2 % vs 20.1 %, p = 0.009), or government (29.7 % vs 35.6 %, p = 0.009) health insurance compared to those treated pre-law. There was no significant difference between the two groups in Glascow Coma Scale, Injury severity score, Trauma Injury Severity Score, or rate of fatalities. ConclusionAfter the implementation of a SC law, we found that the local proportion of injuries due to moped and scooter accidents was significantly lower than pre-law proportions. These findings suggest that public policies aimed at increasing regulations for mopeds may decrease the rate of injury, but not severity, from moped use.

NONINVASIVE DIAGNOSTICS OF EXTRACRANIAL ARTERIES TORTUOSITY

Deformations of carotid artery – deviation, tortuosity, coiling, hold the 2nd placeamong other carotid pathologies. They are the cause of 10-17% of cerebrovasculardisorders. It should also be noted that this pathology is common for a relatively youngage. It is considered that in the elderly carotid deformation is an acquired lesion mostcommonly seen in patients suffering from arteriosclerosis and hypertension, while inchildren and younger patients, the kinks and coils are congenital. For diagnostics ofdeformations of magistral arteries, highly efficient non-invasive methods are applied:ultrasound duplex-scanning, MR angiography, and multi-slice CT angiography. We havestudied deformations of magistral carotid and vertebral arteries in cases of isolatedatherosclerosis, isolated arterial hypertension, and a combination of atherosclerosisand hypertension. Out of 205 patients we diagnosed deformations of carotid arteriesin 93 (30%) cases, and deformations of vertebral arteries in 64 (21%) cases. Bilateraldeformation of carotid arteries was diagnosed in 43 (17%) cases. C- or S-shaped deformationsin 55 (81%) cases were located in proximal or medial parts of CCA or ICA. 76%of patients with this pathology had arterial hypertension. In the case of C- or S-typedeformation rate amounted to 30%, in the case of coiling increase of flow it reached50%, and in the case of kinking – exceeded 60%. In the case of C- or S-type elongation,flow volume (Q) is practically within the normal range - 488±38 ml/min. In the case ofspiral shape elongation, it showed the tendency of decrease -402±22 ml/min, which ismore obvious in the case of kinking - 332±22 ml/min. The frequency of elongations ispractically the same in the case of isolated atherosclerosis or hypertension, however,in the case of their combination the frequency increases. In order to study the impactof the deformation of magistral arteries on intracranial hemodynamics, we examined84 patients without any hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic pathology of carotids.We found a total of 91 elongations: In the case of C- or S-shaped deformation,flow parameters remain within the normal range, as in the case of spiral elongation orcoiling. In the case of kinking, there is an obvious tendency for a decrease in flow rate – the average flow rate is 20% below the normal value. Our data correspond to similar data of other authors, who revealed the tendency of a 20-35% decrease of flow rate in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery, in case of significant tortuosity or kinking of the carotid artery.

Effect of pumping-induced soil settlement on the migration and transformation of aniline

This study selected a contamination site associated with pesticide production to investigate the impact of soil settlement induced by pumping on the migration and transformation of the principal pollutant, aniline. The TMVOC model was enhanced by incorporating the settlement effect and validated through a soil-column experiment, which examined aniline distribution, phase transformation, and remediation efficiency under soil settlement. The results indicate that the optimized TMVOC model can accurately simulate the impact of pumping-induced soil settlement on aniline removal. The longitudinal migration of aniline was reduced, with the area of high concentrations drawing nearer to the surface. Furthermore, soil settlement negatively affected the removal of aniline in the Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) phase, resulting in a 10.59 % decline in the removal rate. In contrast, soil settlement positively influenced aniline removal in the gas and aqueous phases, increasing the removal rate by 12.55 % and 5.04 %, respectively, with the gas phase showing the most significant increase. Soil porosity decreased due to soil settlement, leading to a change in the proportion of each phase, with NAPL increasing after remediation. Additionally, soil settlement exhibited hysteresis, as evidenced by a noticeable decrease in the removal rate in the 10th month of the remediation process, and the final mass removal rate was reduced by 5.93 %.

Alcohol use, economic development and health burden: A conceptual framework

Economic development has been identified as an important influencing contributor to life expectancies: wealthier countries have lower mortality rates and different causes of death. Economic development also impacts alcohol consumption, as upper-middle and high-income countries, on average, have higher levels of consumption and less abstention. This often leads to a paradoxical situation whereby for low- and middle income countries increases in alcohol consumption are associated with decreases in alcohol-attributable mortality rates. These increases in consumption may diminish the benefits of economic development. Alcohol control policies can reduce the health and social burdens of increased alcohol use that result from economic development. Two case examples of Thailand and Vietnam which are presented. From 2010 to 2019 Thailand experienced a 3.7% increase in APC, a 9.8% decrease in all-cause mortality per 100,000 people, and a 1.4% decrease in alcohol-attributable mortality per 100,000 people. From 2010 to 2019 Vietnam experienced a 26.8% increase in APC, a 6.7% decrease in all-cause mortality per 100,000 people, and a 3.7% increase in alcohol-attributable mortality per 100,000 people. Due to a failure to implement strong alcohol control policies Vietnam has experienced an increase in alcohol-attributable mortality despite decreases in all-cause mortality. Accordingly, the implementation of alcohol control policies, can diminish the increases in alcohol use for low- and middle-income countries that accompany economic development.

Morbidity and mortality from cardiac pain in myocardial infarction in the city of Vinnytsia

Cardiac pain during myocardial infarction is the cause of morbidity and mortality in Ukraine in 50,000 patients. The dynamics of morbidity rates from myocardial infarction in the city of Vinnytsia over five years were studied, which increased compared of the data of 2018 to 2022. Instead, there was a trend toward a decrease in the death rate from MI from 2018 to 2022, which indicates the successful operation of medical institutions and the effective treatment of these patients.

Health dynamics of children and adolescents in the Far Eastern federal district in 2013–2020

Aim. To identify trends in the primary morbidity of children and adolescents in the Far Eastern Federal District.Materials and methods. A retrospective analytical study of the dynamics of primary morbidity in children and adolescents by disease class was conducted.Results. Among the children population, a very high and high stability of the decrease in morbidity rates was established (R = -0.714– (-1.0)) for all classes of diseases. Among the adolescent population, a weak stability in the decrease in morbidity rates was characteristic of VII Diseases of the eye and adnexa (R = -0.262) and X Respiratory diseases (R = -0.262); a moderate stability of IV Diseases of the endocrine system, nutritional disorders, and metabolic disorders (R = -0.333); a moderate stability of IX Diseases of the circulatory system (R = -0.623); and a high stability among all other classes (R= -0.738 – (-0.928)). In the older age group, weak resistance to growth dynamics was determined in classes III Diseases of the blood, hematopoietic organs, and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism (R = 0.024) and VIII Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (R = 0.095).Conclusion. The data obtained forms a basis for further research into regional risk factors that contribute to poor health of the population. The findings can also be used to predict the health status of younger generations.

Effects of governmental support on clinical nurse educators in South Korea: A repeated cross-sectional study.

To assess the effectiveness of the Clinical Nurse Educator Support Project and offer valuable insights for supporting nursing education. Allocating clinical nursing educators is crucial for supporting novice nurses' transition into the clinical setting and improving their performance. In 2019, the Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea implemented the Clinical Nurse Educator Support Project, which involves governmental financial support for the employment of clinical nurse educators. This study employed a repeated cross-sectional design to assess the project outcomes. Following the framework of the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model, secondary data from annual self-program evaluation reports were analyzed to assess program satisfaction, clinical adaptation, and turnover rates of novice nurses. The "Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist" guided the reporting of the study. The project played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of nursing education. Novice nurses' program satisfaction and clinical adaptation consistently remained high or exhibited an increase. The project led to a decrease in turnover rate among novice nurses, while the coronavirus 2019 pandemic resulted in increased turnover rates due to limited clinical practice opportunities for nursing students. Government support for clinical nurse educators has positively impacted the institutionalization of nursing education. The pressing need is to prioritize not only the enhancement of nursing education quality and the improvement of nurses' working conditions but also the development of healthcare policies and programs to effectively respond to unforeseen challenges and crises. Government and healthcare institutions must collaborate to strengthen clinical education, crucial for novice nurses' clinical adaptation. Prioritizing the improvement of nursing education quality and nurses' working conditions is essential. Continuous research and evaluation of the Clinical Nurse Educator Support Project is imperative to assess its impact and make necessary adjustments.

Experimental study on wear failure of spindle hook teeth of cotton picker

Introduction: The wear failure of spindle will lead to a decrease in cotton harvesting rate of the cotton picker during field operation and serious wastage.Method: Three types of spindle samples at different installation positions and working areas were obtained through field experiments to explore the wear failure law of spindle hook teeth of cotton picker during field operation. Hardness of hook tooth coating and substrate of spindles were tested, surface and cross-section microstructure of the spindle hook teeth were characterized, and wear area and width of the spindle hook teeth were extracted.Results: Results showed that the hardness of the hook tooth coating is evidently higher than that of the substrate; the average coating hardness of the No. 3 spindle hook teeth reaches the maximum at 1033.6 HV0.1; defects, such as microcracks and micropores, exist in the coating of the three types of spindle hook teeth; and the thickness of the coating is between 70 and 130 μm. The wear area of spindle hook tooth changes exponentially and the wear width changes linearly with the increase of field operation area at the same installation position. The wear area and width of the spindle hook teeth gradually increase with the decrease of the installation height and the wear change of the hook teeth is negatively correlated with the installation height in the same field operation area.Discussion: The wear failure of spindle hook tooth is mainly caused by abrasive, fatigue, and oxidation wear. The results of this study can provide a reference for improving the wear resistance of spindle hook teeth.

AAV gene therapy in companion dogs with severe hemophilia: Real-world long-term data on immunogenicity, efficacy, and quality of life

The hemophilias are the most common severe inherited bleeding disorders and are caused by deficiency of clotting factor (F) VIII (hemophilia A) or FIX (hemophilia B). The resultant bleeding predisposition significantly increases morbidity and mortality. The ability to improve the bleeding phenotype with modest increases in clotting factor levels has enabled the development and regulatory approval of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector gene therapies for people with hemophilia A and B. The canine hemophilia model has proven to be one of the best predictors of therapeutic response in humans. Here, we report long-term follow-up of 12 companion dogs with severe hemophilia that were treated in a real-world setting with AAV gene therapy. Despite more baseline bleeding than in research dogs, companion dogs demonstrated a 94% decrease in bleeding rates and 61% improvement in quality-of-life over a median of 4.1 years (range 2.6-8.9). No new anti-transgene immune responses were detected; 1 dog with a preexisting anti-FVIII inhibitor achieved immune tolerance with gene therapy. Two dogs expressing 1-5% FVIII post gene therapy experienced fatal bleeding events. These data suggest AAV liver-directed gene therapy is efficacious in a real-world setting, but should target expression > 5% and closely monitor those with levels in the 1-5% range.

A State-Wide Initiative to Improve Health System Responses to People With Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in Crisis: A Retrospective Audit.

Gold Card SA is a four-session structured psychological intervention offered soon after an acute crisis presentation to people with symptoms characteristic of borderline personality disorder. This study describes individual and system-level outcomes from a large-scale health-care improvement initiative to implement Gold Card SA across South Australia. An uncontrolled pre-post study design was utilized examining service user (n = 332) patient-reported outcome measures and hospital service utilization records (6 months before and after Gold Card SA). Mixed-effects negative binomial regression analysis revealed a significant decrease in rates of service utilization across emergency department presentations (63%), mental health-related inpatient admissions (65%), and bed days (82%). Linear mixed-effect regression indicated large reductions in borderline symptoms and nonspecific psychological distress, and small to moderate improvements in psychosocial functioning. People presenting with or experiencing borderline personality disorder symptoms may benefit from a brief crisis intervention embedded within a stepped care model.

Surviving from transgression to regression of Lake Pannon: Fan deltas of the Nemčiňany Fm. persisted across the rifting until the post-rift stage of the Danube Basin, western Slovakia

Successions deposited under rifting and post-rift settings of an isolated epicontinental basin often exhibit contrasting characteristics. Facies linked to transgression during basin rifting are typically locally sourced fan deltas transporting coarse-grained sediment, whereas the post-rift setup generally involves a normal regression marked by more extensive catchments, sediment sourced from greater distances, and an overall decrease in average grain size compared to the transgressive facies. In this study, we present a specific scenario based on a sedimentological, stratigraphic, and authigenic 10Be/9Be analysis of the Nemčiňany Formation, an Upper Miocene fan deltaic succession in the eastern Danube Basin, Slovakia. Deposition of the Nemčiňany Fm. was initiated shortly after ~11.6 Ma by the fourth rifting phase of the Pannonian Basin System, triggering the transgression of Lake Pannon. The depositional system persisted until ~9.6 Ma, likely balancing the increased accommodation rate with sediment supply in the shallow lake area situated on a basement high. Subsequently, a relative decrease in the accommodation rate prompted the progradation of shelf-slope scale clinoforms, originating from the Nemčiňany depositional system, toward the center of the Komjatice depression at ~9.4 Ma, resulting in a normal regression of Lake Pannon. The persistence of the Nemčiňany fan delta system, unlike common stratigraphic patterns, was associated to the high sediment supply yielded by the paleo-Hron river, which entered the basin in the study area. These observations underscore the need for caution in predicting provenance shifts during changes in geodynamic stages of a basin.

Comparison of Fixation Methods Between Transosseous Pull-Out Suture and Separate Vertical Wiring for Inferior Pole Fracture of Patella: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To compare, in a systematic review, Krakow transosseous (KT) suturing and separate vertical wiring (VW) fixation methods in inferior pole fractures of the patella and to evaluate whether the supplementary fixation affected bone union. The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to January 15, 2023. The keywords were "patella inferior pole fracture", "patella distal pole fracture", "transosseous", "pull-out suture", "reattachment", and "vertical wiring". All clinical studies describing KT or VW techniques for inferior pole fracture of the patella and reporting bone union-related complications were included. This meta-analysis included 16 studies with 274 patellae. Demographic data, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and complication rates were recorded. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria were used to assess their quality. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models and meta-regression. The meta-analytic estimate of bone union-related complications was 3.8% (95% CI, 1.6%-6.0%) for either PO or VW techniques in inferior pole fractures of the patella. The bone union-related complication rates did not differ significantly between the two techniques (KT, 5.7%; VW, 3.0%; P = .277). Meanwhile, supplementation fixation was significantly associated with decrease in bone union-related complication rates ( p = .013). Fixation of inferior pole fractures of the patella using either KT or VW techniques provided satisfactory and similar clinical results with minimal bone union-related complications. Supplementary fixation has a positive impact on reducing bone union-related complications in inferior pole fractures of the patella following KT and VW techniques. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

COVID-19 Immunity in the Cohort of IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital Employees after BNT162b2 Vaccination: A Retrospective Observational Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents the most severe health and socioeconomic crisis of our century. It began with the first reports in China, in the Wuhan region in December 2019, and quickly spread worldwide, causing a new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Among the population most at risk of infection and developing severe forms of the disease are the elderly and healthcare workers, who are more exposed to infected individuals. On December 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration approved the emergency use of the BNT162b2 vaccine, the first mRNA vaccine in history. Since then, the total number of vaccine doses administered has exceeded 12 billion. Italy was the first European country to be affected by the pandemic, recording the highest number of total COVID-19 cases (25,695,311) and, after the first 70 days, had the highest crude mortality rate (141.0 per 100,000). In this study, we analyze the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan before and after receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine. Retrospective observational cohort study. The study analyzed the immunization status of 858 employees of the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, including doctors, healthcare workers, and administrative staff. The analysis is based on previous studies on the same cohort and is integrated with extrapolation and additional analysis of data from the Preventive Medicine Service's Biobank dataset of the same hospital to estimate the infection rate, duration of the disease, and antibody levels recorded in the personnel before and after receiving the double BNT162b2 vaccination. The analysis confirms the positive impact achieved by the introduction of mRNA vaccination in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and increasing antibody levels in healthcare workers. Although the BNT162b2 vaccination may not provide complete protection against SARS-CoV-2, it appears to be able to reduce the number of infections, particularly the more severe and symptomatic forms often detected in individuals with various risk factors and comorbidities, making them more vulnerable. Healthcare workers, who have extensive contact with patients and record the greatest decrease in the infection rates, represent the population that receives the most benefit from vaccination. The evidence suggests that vaccinations are essential in protecting high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers, from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Providing adequate vaccination coverage to healthcare workers limits the spread of infections and decreases the severity of disease manifestations, while also reducing their duration.

The Association Between State Minimum Wage and Firearm Homicides, 2000–2020

IntroductionRecent research has indicated an association between both poverty and income inequality and firearm homicides. Increased minimum wages may serve as a strategy for reducing firearm violence by increasing economic security among workers earning low wages and reducing the number of families living in poverty. This study aimed to examine the association between state minimum wage and firearm homicides in the United States between 2000 and 2020. MethodsState minimum wage, obtained from Temple's Law Atlas and augmented by legal research, was conceptualized using the Kaitz Index. State-level homicide counts were obtained from 2000-2020 multiple-cause-of death mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System. Log-linear regressions were conducted to model the associations between state minimum wage and firearm homicides, stratifying by demographic groups. Analyses were conducted in 2023. ResultsA one percentage point increase in a state's Kaitz Index was associated with a 1.3% (95% CI: -2.1% to –0.5%) decrease in a state's firearm homicide rate. When interacted with quartile of firearm ownership, the Kaitz Index was associated with decreases in firearm homicide in all except the lowest quartile. These findings were largely consistent across stratifications. ConclusionsChanging a state's minimum wage, whereby a full-time minimum wage worker's salary is closer to a state's median income may be an option for reducing firearm homicides.

A novel recurrence-based approach for investigating multiphase flow dynamics in bubble column reactors.

In chemical industries, multiphase flows in a bubble column reactor are frequently observed. The nonlinearity associated with bubble hydrodynamics, such as bubble-bubble and bubble-liquid interactions, gives rise to complex spatiotemporal patterns with increased gas or liquid velocities, which are extremely difficult to model and predict. In the current study, we propose a new, computationally efficient recurrence-based approach involving the angular separation between suitably defined state vectors and implement it on the experimental multiphase flow variables. The experimental dataset that consists of image frames obtained using a high-speed imaging system is generated by varying air and water flow rates in a bubble column reactor setup. The recurrence plots using the new approach are compared with those derived from conventional recurrence, considering standard benchmark problems. Further, using the recurrence plots and recurrence quantification from the new recurrence methodology, we discover a transition from a high recurrence state to a complex regime with very low recurrence for an increase in airflow rate. Determinism exhibits a rise for the decrease in airflow rate. A sharp decline in determinism and laminarity, signifying the quick shift to complex dynamics, is more prominent for spatial recurrence than temporal recurrence, indicating that the rise in airflow rate significantly impacts the spatial location of bubbles. We identify three regimes that appeared as distinct clusters in the determinism-laminarity plane. The bubbly regime, characterized by high values of determinism and laminarity, is separated by an intermediate regime from the slug flow regime, which has low determinism and laminarity.