Earlier Studies Research Articles

Modal analysis of concrete gravity dam incorporating pre-stress condition along with soil–structure interaction

Purpose The fundamental period of the structure plays an important role in the seismic analysis. This study aims to analyze the modal response of dam, the two-dimensional (2D) FEM model is developed by using ANSYS 2022 R1 software. Design/methodology/approach To examine the optimized mesh size to achieve grid independence, the variable element size has been considered, and its optimal value is calculated using the technique of response surface optimization. Further, the effect of damping ratios of 5%, 8% and 10% is also considered for the free vibration analysis of the dam structure. Findings The results show that the natural frequencies of the dam decrease with a reduction in stiffness of the whole structure. Further, the effect of pre-stress conditions is analyzed and the study has proved that the natural frequency increases after considering the pre-stress as initial condition during modal analysis. Further, it is found that the damping has a substantial effect on frequency for higher modes of vibrations. Research limitations/implications The study only focused on modal analysis of the gravity dam, and this study’s results can be used further to evaluate the dynamic behavior of the dam including hydrodynamic conditions. Originality/value The finite element tool is used to evaluate the modal response of gravity dam incorporating pre-stress and damping ratio along with soil–structure interaction. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no earlier study has been conducted to evaluate the effect of damping and pre-stress conditions on the stability and natural frequency of the system.

On the inviscid instability of the 2-D Taylor–Green vortex

We consider Euler flows on two-dimensional (2-D) periodic domain and are interested in the stability, both linear and nonlinear, of a simple equilibrium given by the 2-D Taylor–Green vortex. As the first main result, numerical evidence is provided for the fact that such flows possess unstable eigenvalues embedded in the band of the essential spectrum of the linearized operator. However, the unstable eigenfunction is discontinuous at the hyperbolic stagnation points of the base flow and its regularity is consistent with the prediction of Lin (Intl Math. Res. Not., vol. 2004, issue 41, 2004, pp. 2147–2178). This eigenfunction gives rise to an exponential transient growth with the rate given by the real part of the eigenvalue followed by passage to a nonlinear instability. As the second main result, we illustrate a fundamentally different, non-modal, growth mechanism involving a continuous family of uncorrelated functions, instead of an eigenfunction of the linearized operator. Constructed by solving a suitable partial differential equation (PDE) optimization problem, the resulting flows saturate the known estimates on the growth of the semigroup related to the essential spectrum of the linearized Euler operator as the numerical resolution is refined. These findings are contrasted with the results of earlier studies of a similar problem conducted in a slightly viscous setting where only the modal growth of instabilities was observed. This highlights the special stability properties of equilibria in inviscid flows.

How Locus of Control Predicts Subjective Well-Being and its Inequality: The Moderating Role of Social Values

AbstractPrevious research has established the central role of an individuals’ locus of control (LoC) in influencing subjective well-being. However, earlier studies have predominantly omitted an exploration of potential moderating factors at the country-level and have rarely delved into the influence of LoC on an important yet often-overlooked dimension of well-being—namely, subjective well-being inequality. Addressing these gaps, this study examines the association between individuals’ LoC and subjective well-being, considering both the mean and inequality aspects. Additionally, it explores the moderating influence of country’s social values, particularly the individualism-collectivism dimension. Utilizing data from the Integrated Values Survey, comprising 170,000 observations across 37 countries from 1996 to 2022, our study confirms a strong positive relationship between LoC and subjective well-being while also unveiling a strong negative relationship with subjective well-being inequality. Moreover, it demonstrates that country’s social values exert significant moderation effects on the relationship between LoC and subjective well-being, affecting both the mean level and inequality aspects, albeit in opposing directions. By employing the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition, our findings support the importance of structural effects. Understanding how increasing LoC shapes people’s wellbeing in a society holds implications for policymaking and contributes to ongoing discussions on collective choice and inequality.

Structuring in thin films during meniscus-guided deposition.

We theoretically study the evaporation-driven phase separation of a binary fluid mixture in a thin film deposited on a moving substrate, as occurs in meniscus-guided deposition for solution-processed materials. Our focus is on the limit of rapid substrate motion where phase separation takes place far away from the coating device. In this limit, demixing takes place under conditions mimicking those in a stationary film because substrate and film move at the same speed. We account for the hydrodynamic transport of the mixture within the lubrication approximation. In the early stages of demixing, diffusive and evaporative mass transport predominates, consistent with earlier studies on evaporation-driven spinodal decomposition. In the late-stage coarsening of the demixing process, the interplay of solvent evaporation, diffusive, and hydrodynamic mass transport results in several distinct coarsening mechanisms. The effective coarsening rate is dictated by the dominant mass transport mechanism and therefore depends on the material properties, evaporation rate, and time: slow solvent evaporation results in initially diffusive coarsening that for sufficiently strong hydrodynamic transport transitions to hydrodynamic coarsening, whereas rapid solvent evaporation can preempt and suppress hydrodynamic and diffusive coarsening. We identify a novel hydrodynamic coarsening regime for off-critical mixtures, arising from the interaction of the interfaces between solute-rich and solute-poor regions in the film with the solution-gas interface. This interaction induces a directional motion of solute-rich droplets along gradients in the film thickness, from regions where the film is relatively thick to where it is thinner. The solute-rich domains subsequently accumulate and coalesce in the thinner regions.

Simplified frequency selectivity measure as a potential candidate for hearing screening: changes with masker level and test-retest reliability of self-administered testing

Objectives This two-part pilot study investigated the feasibility of using a frequency selectivity measure (TFS) to develop a novel hearing screening test for cooperative adults. Study 1 determined the optimal masker level, while Study 2 assessed the reliability of a self-administered TFS test prototype performed at the selected masker level. Design and study sample Study 1 (normal hearing, n = 20) examined masker-level effects on TFS using a manual threshold determination method from an earlier study. Study 2 (normal hearing, n = 21; hearing loss, n = 5) evaluated the reliability of a self-administered TFS test using a new automated threshold determination procedure. Results Moderate masker levels (30–40 dB SPL) were suitable for the TFS measurements, with 40 dB SPL being optimal. Lower level (20 dB SPL) led to floor effects, while higher level (50 dB SPL) broadened cochlear tuning and reduced TFS values. The self-administered test demonstrated ±9 dB limit of agreement, with intra-subject absolute mean differences of 1.8–2.7 dB across test frequencies, indicating greater variability compared to the manual method. Conclusions The self-administered TFS test is a candidate for hearing screening, particularly for mild sensorineural hearing loss. However, further research is needed to reduce measurement variability and optimise testing for real-world use.

Developmental programming: Preconceptional and gestational exposure of sheep to biosolids on offspring ovarian dynamics.

Developmental exposure to environmental chemicals (ECs) perturbs establishment and maintenance of the ovarian reserve across the reproductive lifetime, leading to premature follicle depletion and ovarian aging. Considering humans are exposed to a complex mixture of ECs, real-life models assessing their cumulative impact on the ovarian reserve are needed. Biosolids is a source of real-life mixture of ECs. While earlier studies demonstrated that grazing pregnant sheep on biosolids-treated pastures (BTP) did not influence establishment of the ovarian reserve in fetal life, its impact on subsequent depletion of ovarian reserve during reproductive life of offspring is unknown. We hypothesized that developmental exposure to biosolids accelerates depletion of ovarian reserve. Ovaries were collected from F1 juveniles (9.5weeks) and adults (2.5years) born to F0 ewes grazed on control inorganic fertilizer pastures or BTP from before conception and throughout gestation. The impact on follicular density, activation rate, and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH; mediator of activation) expression by immunohistochemistry was determined. Activation rate was increased in F1 BTP juveniles with a corresponding reduction in primordial follicle density. In contrast, activation rate and ovarian reserve were similar between control and F1 BTP adults. The density of AMH-positive antral follicles was lower in BTP juveniles, whereas AMH expression tended to be higher in antral follicles of BTP adults, consistent with the changes in the ovarian reserve. These findings of detrimental effects of developmental exposure to biosolids during juvenile life that normalizes in adults is supportive of a shift in activation rate likely related to peripubertal hormonal changes.

Sex-specific association of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure with vitamin D concentrations in older adults in the USA: an observational study

BackgroundPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly utilized in consumer products. While earlier studies have suggested potential impacts of certain PFAS on serum concentrations of vitamin D, these investigations were constrained to a limited set of conventional PFAS. Moreover, they did not specifically focus on populations with longer duration of PFAS exposure and potentially higher blood PFAS levels, such as older adults, and lacked adequate evidence to examine sex-related disparities.MethodsThis observational investigation utilized cross-sectional data obtained from the U.S. NHANES spanning the years 2003 to 2018. Survey-weighted multiple regression models were employed to evaluate the relationship between PFAS exposure and vitamin D concentrations. Multi-pollutant models were employed to evaluate the association between PFAS mixtures and vitamin D concentrations. Subsequently, environmental risk scores (ERS) were constructed to gauge associations with vitamin D concentrations. ERS was computed through a weighted linear combination of PFAS, utilizing calculations from ridge regression and adaptive elasticity network (adENET) methodologies. All analyses were stratified by sex.ResultsThe study encompassed 3,853 older adults. Our analysis revealed a negative association between PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and MeFOSAA and serum vitamin D concentrations. In analyses examining mixed exposures, various models consistently indicated an inverse association between PFAS mixed exposure and vitamin D concentrations. Moreover, an increase in ERS of PFAS across the interquartile range was associated with a decrease in vitamin D concentrations (Q4 vs. Q1, adENET: β: -0.083, 95% CI: -0.117, -0.048; ridge regression: β: -0.077, 95% CI: -0.111, -0.042). Notably, these associations were exclusively observed within the female population.ConclusionsOur study indicates that heightened exposure to PFAS correlates with diminished serum vitamin D concentrations in females aged 60 years and older, evident in both single and mixed exposures. These findings find support in in vitro mechanistic studies, suggesting that PFAS may impact the metabolism of 25(OH)D, consequently affecting vitamin D concentrations.

An algorithm with feasible inexact projections for solving constrained generalized equations

The goal of this article is to design a more flexible algorithm than the ones used previously for solving constrained generalized equations. It turns out that the new algorithm even if specialized provides a finer error analysis with advantages: larger radius of convergence; tighter upper error bounds on the distances; and a more precise information on the isolation of the solution. Moreover, the same advantages exist even if the generalized equation reduces to a nonlinear equation. These advantages are obtained under the same computational cost, since the new parameters and majorant functions are special cases of the ones used in earlier studies. Applications complement the theoretical results.

Exploring cryopreservation alternatives for Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae

Canine Heartworm Disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, primarily affects canids and felids. The earliest studies on cryopreservation were carried out at −70°C, achieving acceptable survival rates, however microfilariae (mf) showed alterations both in morphology and motility. Thereafter, liquid nitrogen was used representing an excellent tool for long-term preservation, albeit it is expensive and requires trained personnel. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to develop a protocol for cryopreservation of D. immitis mf at −80°C feasible to laboratories with limited specialized equipment. The cryoprotectant medium was composed by 5 % dimethyl sulfoxide, 20 % of newborn calf serum and 75 % of saline solution. At Study Day (SD) 0 whole blood from a D. immitis naturally infected dog was diluted with the medium at a ratio of 1:1 and stored at −80°C using a freezing container (Nalgene® Mr. Frosty® Cryo 1°C). On the SD1 and then once a month, one cryovial was thawed and examined for survival, motility, length and morphology of mf. On SD 1, the mf showed a survival rate of 99 %. By SD 120 the survival rate gradually decreased (up to 63 %) and a shift in motility patterns between the “medium” and “slow” classes, was observed. On SD 150, the survival rate exceeded 50 % and mf did not exhibit detectable morphological alterations; however, a reduction in length was observed. This study marks the first protocol where the −80°C freezer has been employed for cryopreservation of D. immitis, integrating the application of cryoprotectants and novel techniques for gradual temperature transition.

The Emerging Roles of Multimolecular G-Quadruplexes in Transcriptional Regulation and Chromatin Organization.

ConspectusThe ability of genomic DNA to adopt non-canonical secondary structures known as G-quadruplexes (G4s) under physiological conditions has been recognized for its potential regulatory function of various biological processes. Among those, transcription has recently emerged as a key process that can be heavily affected by G4 formation, particularly when these structures form at gene promoters. While the presence of G4s within gene promoters has been traditionally associated with transcriptional inhibition, in a model whereby G4s act as roadblocks to polymerase elongation, recent genomics experiments have revealed that the regulatory role of G4s in transcription is more complex than initially anticipated. Indeed, earlier studies linking G4-formation and transcription mainly relied on small-molecule ligands to stabilize and promote G4s, which might lead to disruption of protein-DNA interactions and local environments and, therefore, does not necessarily reflect the endogenous function of G4s at gene promoters. There is now strong evidence pointing toward G4s being associated with transcriptional enhancement, rather than repression, through multifaceted mechanisms such as recruitment of key transcriptional proteins, molding of chromatin architecture, and mode of phase separation.In this Account, we explore pivotal findings from our research on a particular subset of G4s, namely, those formed through interactions between distant genomic locations or independent nucleic acid strands, referred to as multimolecular G4s (mG4s), and discuss their active role in transcriptional regulation. We present our recent studies suggesting that the formation of mG4s may positively regulate transcription by inducing phase-separation and selectively recruiting chromatin-remodeling proteins. Our work highlighted how mG4-forming DNA and RNA sequences can lead to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in the absence of any protein. This discovery provided new insights into a potential mechanism by which mG4 can positively regulate active gene expression, namely, by establishing DNA networks based on distal guanine-guanine base pairing that creates liquid droplets at the interface of DNA loops. This is particularly relevant in light of the increasing evidence suggesting that G4 structures formed at enhancers can drive elevated expression of the associated genes. Given the complex three-dimensional nature of enhancers, our findings underscore how mG4 formation at enhancers would be particularly beneficial for promoting transcription. Moreover, we will elaborate on our recent discovery of a DNA repair and chromatin remodeling protein named Cockayne Syndrome B (CSB) that displays astonishing binding selectivity to mG4s over the more canonical unimolecular counterparts, suggesting another role of mG4s for molding chromatin architecture at DNA loops sites.Altogether, the studies presented in this Account suggest that mG4 formation in a chromatin context could be a crucial yet underexplored structural feature for transcriptional regulation. Whether mG4s actively regulate transcription or are formed as a mere consequence of chromatin plasticity remains to be elucidated. Still, given the novel insights offered by our research and the potential for mG4s to be selectively targeted by chemical and biological probes, we anticipate that further studies into the fundamental biology regulated by these structures can provide unprecedented opportunities for the development of therapeutic agents aimed at targeting nucleic acids from a fresh perspective.

Big Data in Leadership Studies: Automated Machine Learning Model to Predict Preferred Leader Behavior Across Cultures

With global leadership as the new norm, discussion about followers’ preferred leader behaviors across cultures is growing in significance. This study proposes a comprehensive predictive model to explore significant preferred leadership factors, drawn from the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQXII), across cultures using automated machine learning (AML). We offer a robust empirical measurement of culturally contingent leader behavior and entrepreneurship behaviors and provide a tool for assessing the cultural predictors of preferred leader behavior to minimize predictive errors, explore patterns in the data and make predictions in an empirically robust way. Hence, our approach fills a gap in the literature relating to applications of AML in leadership studies and contributes a novel empirical method to better predict leadership preferences. Cultural indicators from Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior (GLOBE) predict the likelihood of the preferred leader behaviors of “Role Assumption”, “Production Emphasis” and “Initiation of Structure”. Hofstede’s Long-Term/Short-Term Orientation is the most critical predictor of preferences for “Tolerance of Uncertainty” and “Initiation of Structure”, whereas the value of restraint impacts the likelihood of preferring leaders with skills in “Integration” and “Consideration”. Significant entrepreneurial values indicators have a significant impact on preferences for leaders focused on “Initiation of Structure”, “Production Emphasis” and “Predictive Accuracy”. Findings also support earlier studies that reveal age and gender significantly impact our preferences for specific leader behaviors. We discuss and offer conclusions to support our findings that foster development of global business managers and practitioners.

Cadmium (Cd) Tolerance and Phytoremediation Potential in Fiber Crops: Research Updates and Future Breeding Efforts

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most devastating abiotic factors, significantly damaging crops and human health. One of the serious problems it causes is a rise in cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Cd is a highly toxic metal with a negative biological role, and it enters plants via the soil–plant system. Cd stress induces a series of disorders in plants’ morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes and initiates the inhibition of seed germination, ultimately resulting in reduced growth. Fiber crops such as kenaf, jute, hemp, cotton, and flax have high industrial importance and often face the issue of Cd toxicity. Various techniques have been introduced to counter the rising threats of Cd toxicity, including reducing Cd content in the soil, mitigating the effects of Cd stress, and genetic improvements in plant tolerance against this stress. For decades, plant breeders have been trying to develop Cd-tolerant fiber crops through the identification and transformation of novel genes. Still, the complex mechanism of Cd tolerance has hindered the progress of genetic breeding. These crops are ideal candidates for the phytoremediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils. Hence, increased Cd uptake, accumulation, and translocation in below-ground parts (roots) and above-ground parts (shoots, leaves, and stems) can help clean agricultural lands for safe use for food crops. Earlier studies indicated that reducing Cd uptake, detoxification, reducing the effects of Cd stress, and developing plant tolerance to these stresses through the identification of novel genes are fruitful approaches. This review aims to highlight the role of some conventional and molecular techniques in reducing the threats of Cd stress in some key fiber crops. Molecular techniques mainly involve QTL mapping and GWAS. However, more focus has been given to the use of transcriptome and TFs analysis to explore the potential genomic regions involved in Cd tolerance in these crops. This review will serve as a source of valuable genetic information on key fiber crops, allowing for further in-depth analyses of Cd tolerance to identify the critical genes for molecular breeding, like genetic engineering and CRISPR/Cas9.

Preeclampsia – A risk factor for dementia in women

Dear Editor, Dementia is a broad term that includes a spectrum of diseases that affect our cognition, thinking ability, and performance of daily activities. According to the World Health Organization, at present, more than 55 million people around the world are suffering from dementia, and over 60% of whom live in countries that have middle to low socioeconomic status. Nearly 10 million new cases of dementia present every year. The risk factors for developing dementia include age (more common in those 65 or older), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, overweight or obesity, cigarette smoking, too much alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, social isolation, air pollution, head trauma, hearing disorders and having depression or anxiety. (1) According to World Health Organization, women are affected by dementia disproportionately, both directly and indirectly and experience higher disability-adjusted life years and mortality due to dementia, but also provide 70% of care hours for people living with dementia. This disproportionate involvement of women in dementia points towards the possibility of a gender related cause of dementia in women. A recent systemic review and meta-analysis published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, shows increased future risk of vascular dementia in women whose pregnancies were complicated by Preeclampsia(2). This corroborates the earlier studies that also show a correlation between dementia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis published in 2021 had also concluded that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were found to be associated with a 1.2- to 1.4-fold increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia and a 3-fold increased risk of future vascular dementia(3). A study published in 2010 shows the existence of striking parallels between the (epi)genetic features of pre-eclampsia and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease for the genes that are located on 10q22. Its data indicates that STOX1 gene controls a conserved pathway shared between placenta and brain with overexpression in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease(4). These findings necessitate further high-quality research with sufficiently long follow-up periods for outcome development so that this correlation is better assessed. With better understanding of risk factors for dementia, we can probably control the incidence of dementia by prevention of these risk factors.

On the characteristics of helium filled nano-pores in amorphous silicon thin films

A joint theory—experimental study is presented of irregularly shaped nano-pores in amorphous silicon. STEM– ELLS spectra were measured for each pore. The observed helium 1s2→1s2p(1P) excitation energies were found to be shifted from that of a free atom. The relation between the helium density in the pore and these energy shifts is explored and shown to be completely consistent with earlier studies of helium in its bulk condensed phases as well as encapsulated as bubbles in solid silicon. The density, pressure and depth of the pores, all key properties for applications, were determined. An alternative and novel method for determining the depth of the pores more accurately is presented.

Henry More and Thomas Hobbes’s Corporeal God

Thomas Hobbes’s strict monistic materialism led many contemporaries to believe he must be an atheist—to hold God to be a corporeal being, they claimed, was effectively to deny his existence. This paper is an addition to those works suggesting that Hobbes’s belief in a corporeal God must be taken seriously. Unlike earlier studies on this theme, it emphasises the change in Hobbes’s theism from an insistence early in his career that God’s nature is utterly unknowable (exempting God from the implications of Hobbes’s materialism) to a belief, first stated in 1668, that God is indeed a corporeal being. Seeking to explain this radical change, this article suggests that Hobbes’s later theology was influenced by the Cambridge Platonist Henry More, who developed the idea that God was an extended three-dimensional being. This article briefly considers alternative accounts, suggesting the influence of ancient Stoicism and aether theories, but affirms the influence of Henry More.

Assessing the size of shadow economic activity in Malaysia based on the modified money demand model approach with structural break

This paper aims to address those methodological issues by exclusively applying the newest modification to the Money Demand Model (MDM) in the form of the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to estimate the Malaysian shadow economy (SE) from 1985 to 2020. Methodological errors and spurious regression issues hindered earlier studies on the Malaysian SE. Some studies included Malaysia in their analyses alongside other Asian countries with similar levels of development, without accounting for the distinct economic environments of these countries. This study accounts for the influence of economic uncertainty (EU) and structural breaks. The study finds that Malaysia's SE averaged 40.8% of its official gross domestic product (GDP), peaking in 1995–1996, after which it gradually declined and stabilized around 39.4% of GDP. This substantial size highlights the critical need for tailored economic policies to manage SE growth effectively. The findings not only provide a clearer understanding of the SE’s trajectory but also emphasize the importance of addressing illicit activities, particularly in connection to public spending and corruption. Future research should prioritize examining these hidden activities to uncover how the shadow economy impedes Malaysia’s progression toward becoming a developed nation and how informality affects broader economic progress.

Evaluation of the cell death markers for aberrated cell free DNA release in high altitude pulmonary edema.

The effect of high altitude (HA, altitude >2500 m) can trigger a maladaptive response in unacclimatized individuals, leading to various HA illnesses such as high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). The present study investigates circulating cell free (cf) DNA, a minimally invasive biomarker that can elicit a pro-inflammatory response. Our earlier study observed altered cfDNA fragment patterns in HAPE patients and the significant correlation of these patterns with peripheral oxygen saturation levels. However, the unclear release mechanisms of cfDNA in circulation limit its characterization and clinical utility. The present study not only observed a significant increase in cfDNA levels in HAPE patients (27.03 ± 1.37 ng/ml; n = 145) compared to healthy HA sojourners (controls, 14.57 ± 0.74 ng/ml; n = 65) and highlanders (HLs, 15.50 ± 0.8 ng/ml; n = 34) but also assayed the known cell death markers involved in cfDNA release at HA. The study found significantly elevated levels of the apoptotic marker, annexin A5, and secondary necrosis or late apoptotic marker, High mobility group box 1, in HAPE patients. In addition, we observed ahigher oxidative DNA damage marker, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, in HAPE compared to controls, suggestive of the role of oxidative DNA status in promoting the inflammatory potential of cfDNA fragments and their plausible role in manifesting HAPE pathophysiology. Extensive in vitro future assays can confirm theimmunogenic role of cfDNA fragments that may act as a danger-associated molecular pattern and associate with markers of cellular stresses in HAPE.

Psychological outpatient follow-up after hospitalization for adolescent acute alcohol intoxication

Alcohol-related emergency department attendance in adolescents should be considered as a valuable opportunity to address and mitigate future alcohol consumption. Therefore, a paediatric department of a major district hospital in the Netherlands developed an outpatient preventive program targeting adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate how adolescent drinking patterns participating in the preventive program developed over time. This retrospective observational study involved 310 patients from the Reinier de Graaf Hospital, Delft, the Netherlands (years 2014–2022). The outpatient preventive program consists of three main components: an initial intervention, subsequent an extended counselling session and psychological interventions. The alcohol consumption was compared at three time points: before the admission for acute alcohol intoxication(T = 0), 4–6 weeks after hospital admission (T = 1) and 6–12 months after the hospital admission (T = 2). Moreover, sociodemographic variables, adolescent risk-taking behaviour and family and pedagogical factors were included in secondary analysis. Adolescents who experienced an alcohol intoxication exhibited more adolescent risk-taking behaviour (higher rates of lifetime smoking, substance use and sexual intercourse) compared to the Dutch average. Initially, these adolescents had significantly higher rates of alcohol consumption and drunkenness. Alcohol use decreased significantly in the month following intoxication, even below the Dutch average. Though 6–12 months later, their alcohol consumption increased but remained statistically lower and involved less binge drinking than the Dutch average. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that a preventive program following acute alcohol intoxication contributes to the reduction of adolescent alcohol use and associated risk-taking behaviours. What is Known:• Earlier studies showed that adolescents with problematic alcohol use reported reduced alcohol consumption and fewer alcohol-related problems after participating in a motivational interviewing intervention compared to standard care.• During the follow-up assessment of adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication it is possible to signalize mental disorders and to determine whether the patient requires referral to specialized mental healthcare.What is New:• These findings suggest that the preventive program had a short-term impact in reducing alcohol consumption among adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication, as well as a long-term impact in reducing binge-drinking behaviours.• The program’s success in mitigating binge-drinking behaviours aligns with its goals of promoting safer drinking habits among adolescents.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Lipstick

A considerable amount of literature has been published on several aspects of lipsticks Production. To date, there is no collation of studies related to lipsticks production that has been published. This review was conducted to examine information about the history of lipsticks; ingredients Used in the Preparation of lipsticks, focusing on the natural and chemical ingredients; methods of Preparation for the Lipsticks; and the characterization of the lipsticks. A literature search for English Language articles was Conducted by searching electronic databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Overall, the evidence indicates that lipsticks have been used since Ancient times and are among The highest demand cosmetics. The findings of this review summarize Those of earlier studies that explained The use of different types of ingredients in the manufacturing Processes of lipsticks. It highlights the Importance of using green technology and ingredients..

Associations between parental involvement and externalizing problem behaviors among Chinese rural adolescents in the digital age

The central aim of this research is to investigate the underlying mechanism between parental involvement and externalizing problem behaviors in Chinese rural adolescents. While earlier studies have investigated this link, the pivotal influences of peer relationships, mental health, and problematic social media use have not been thoroughly addressed. In this analysis, 3157 rural Chinese adolescents aged 13–19 years participated by filling out an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Our findings revealed that: (1) parental involvement acted as a protective factor against the emergence of externalizing problem behaviors; (2) both peer relationships and mental health served as mediators in the connection between parental involvement and externalizing problem behaviors; (3) parental involvement indirectly influenced externalizing problem behaviors through the sequential mediation of peer relationships and mental health; and (4) as problematic social media use escalated among rural adolescents, the protective impact of parental involvement on externalizing problem behaviors weakened. Building on these findings, the study has identified possible causes and suggested practical interventions to mitigate externalizing problem behaviors among rural adolescents.