Related Environmental Factors Research Articles

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OPEN GLOBE INJURIES AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING EYE CARE SERVICES AT MBALE REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL FROM AUGUST 2022 TO MARCH 2023. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background Cases of open globe injuries are on the increase in various countries mainly as a result of occupation, accidents, and sharp instruments in children. Thus, this study determined the factors contributing to open globe eye injuries among patients attending the eye care services at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Methodology Used a cross-sectional design employing quantitative methods of data collection. 100 respondents who participated in the study were selected, where only patients with open globe injuries as well as caretakers were chosen among patients attending eye care services at MRRH. Results Regarding socio-demographic factors, the majority of the respondents (43%) who drank alcohol, (79%) agreed that open globe injuries are more common in children than adults, (52%) mentioned the cornea as the most affected part of the eye. According to individual-related factors, (70%) of the respondents agreed that social-economic status is associated with open globe injuries, (58%) said playing with sharp instruments/objects. Regarding environmental-related factors contributing to open globe injuries, the majority (47%) got injuries at home, (35%) said industry/construction jobs have high risks of open globe injuries. Conclusions Open globe injuries are more common at young age than the adults. Sharp objects like sticks are the most common cause of global injuries among individuals. The socioeconomic status of an individual is associated with global injuries Recommendations Health workers especially ophthalmologists, and ophthalmic clinical officers should sensitize the community and the whole public on risk factors, causes, and how to prevent global injuries. Parents should strictly monitor their children to prevent open globe injuries. Finally, industrial managers, construction engineers, and army commanding officers should procure protective gear and ensure that their workers take precautions like wearing protective gear while at work

Do Environmental-Related Factors Stimulate Consumers' Green Cosmetic Purchase Intention?

Do Environmental-Related Factors Stimulate Consumers' Green Cosmetic Purchase Intention?

Socio-cultural and Environmental Risk Factors for Leprosy in Jaffna District, Sri Lanka

This study was conducted to determine the socio-cultural and environmental risk factors of leprosy in Jaffna. A case-control study was conducted in dermatology clinic, teaching hospital, Jaffna from July 2015 to July 2016. All 97 cases and 291 controls by systematic sampling were recruited using interviewer-administered questionnaire.The mean age of cases was 41 (SD=21) and control was 48 (SD=20). Of 97 cases, 54.6 %( n=53) males; 99 %( n=96) Tamils; 79.4 %( n=77) Hindus; 60 %( n=59) above secondary education. Of 291 controls, 42.3 %( n=123) were males; 99.3 %( n=289) Tamils; 85.6 % (n=249) Hindus; 78.4 % ( n=225) above secondary education.Socio demographic factors (12 variables), house and environmental factors (11 variables), and behavioral factors (18 variables) were included in bivariate analysis and many were found to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with leprosy. Marital status, displacement, monthly income, presence of BCG scar, firewood as cooking fuel, and hunting reptiles were not found to be associated with leprosy. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant association between leprosy and - crowded household [OR4.5, (1.5-13.6)], non-availability of drinking water within 30 minutes walking [OR15.1, (2.3-98.3)], environment with shrub [OR2.9, (1.4-6.1)], exposure to shrub [OR2.7, (1.2-5.9)], exposure to leprosy patient [OR10.6, (4.1-27.5)], exposure to fishing [OR4.5, (1.5- 13.6)], visits to leprosy affected area [OR10.8, (4.7-24.5)] and unavailability of safe water source [OR3.3, (1.2- 9.1)]. In addition to the well-known risk factors environment-related risk factors, especially exposure to jungle/shrubs could play a role in the transmission of leprosy.

Two are Better Than One but Three is Best: Fast-Tracking the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Among In-School Adolescents in Nigeria

Abstract Background With 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25 years, investing in youth will accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations concept of ‘Development Accelerators’ is operationalized by examining factors associated with multiple SDGs among adolescents in Nigeria. Methodology Through data collected on the health of 1800 adolescents in Southwest Nigeria (Ibadan), ten SDG targets were identified. Accelerator protective factors that could lead to the attainment of two or more SDG targets were identified. Associations were assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and multiple testing. Cumulative effects were tested by marginal effects modelling. Results Participants’ mean age was 15.02 years (SD = 2.27). Family (parenting support), environmental (no survival work and food security) and school (safe schools) related factors emerged as development accelerators. For seven of the identified SDG-aligned targets, a combination of two or more accelerator factors showed cumulative positive associations, suggesting accelerator synergies with a combination of three accelerators showing the greatest increase. For instance, perceiving the school environment as safe, being food secure and having optimal mental health was associated with an 67% chance of not using psychoactive substances. While with safe school alone it was 39% (29%-51%), with food security alone it was 42% (31%-54%) and with optimal mental health alone it was 54% (42%-66%). Conclusion Several development accelerators related to family, environmental and school factors can have additive effects on the attainment of the SDGs amongst adolescents in Nigeria. This has practical and policy utility in the fastest growing economy in Africa.

Assessing experts’ perspectives on challenges in substance misuse prevention, harm reduction, and treatment to shape funding priorities in New York State

BackgroundDrug overdose is a leading cause of death and opioid-related deaths increased by more than 300% from 2010 to 2020 in New York State. Experts holding a range of senior leadership positions from across New York State were asked to identify the greatest challenges in substance misuse prevention, harm reduction, and treatment continuum of care. Expert input was used to shape funding priorities.MethodIndividual semi-structured interviews of sixteen experts were conducted in April and May 2023. Experts included academics, medical directors, leaders of substance misuse service agencies, administrators of a state agency, a county mental health commissioner, the president of a pharmacy chain, and a senior vice president of an addiction-related national non-profit. Zoom interviews were conducted individually by an experienced qualitative interviewer and were recorded, transcribed, and coded for content. An initial report, with the results of the interviews organized by thematic content, was reviewed by the research team and emailed to the expert interviewees for feedback.ResultsThe research team identified five major themes: 1. Siloed and fragmented care delivery systems; 2. Need for a skilled workforce; 3. Attitudes towards addiction (stigma); 4. Limitations in treatment access; and 5. Social and drug related environmental factors. Most experts identified challenges in each major theme; over three-quarters identified issues related to siloed and fragmented systems and the need for a skilled workforce. Each expert mentioned more than one theme, three experts mentioned all five themes and six experts mentioned four themes.ConclusionsResearch, educational, and programmatic agendas should focus on identified topics as a means of improving the lives of patients at risk for or suffering from substance use-related disorders. The results of this project informed funding of pilot interventions designed to address the identified care challenges.

Risk factors and service gaps affecting a sustainable work: a qualitative multi-stakeholder analysis in the context of persons with acquired brain injury living in Switzerland

IntroductionAlong with the social and economic challenges posed by an aging society, creating work conditions that allow persons to stay healthy and work into old age has become a major task of Western societies. Retaining employment after returning to work is particularly difficult for individuals with a disability, as evidenced by the high rate of premature labor market dropout. Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) exemplify this challenge, as it often impairs cognitive, technical, and interpersonal abilities that are crucial in today’s labor market. To effectively support these individuals, vocational integration practitioners require comprehensive knowledge of risk factors for premature labor market dropout and effective strategies for sustainable work.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify perceived risk factors and related service gaps regarding sustainable work for people with ABI, as reported by affected individuals, employers, vocational integration professionals, and health professionals.MethodsSecondary data analysis. Data that was originally collected through seven focus groups and two interviews with persons with ABI, 15 interviews with employers, and 13 interviews with vocational integration and health professionals in the context of the project ‘Sustainable employment’ was re-analysed thematically.ResultsTwo major themes of risk factors were identified: (1) person-related factors (including the subthemes: post-ABI impairments; lack of understanding of post-ABI impairments; poor health management) and (2) environment-related factors (including the subthemes: challenges related to the service structure; insufficient knowledge and education about ABI; challenges at the workplace; difficulties in private life). While stakeholders noted the variety of the currently available services, they particularly pointed to the missing long-term monitoring and counseling services for persons with ABI following the initial return-to-work, reflecting a major challenge for sustainable work. An overarching gap related to the fragmentation of the service structure and the lack of case coordination along the working life.ConclusionsMultiple stakeholders emphasized the importance of empowering individuals, ensuring easy access to professional support, and providing a suitable work environment to address key risk factors and facilitate sustainable work for individuals with ABI. Continuous coaching, long-term monitoring and counseling following return-to-work, were identified as potential strategies to achieve these goals.

Do fish gut microbiotas vary across spatial scales? A case study of Diplodus vulgaris in the Mediterranean Sea

BackgroundBiogeography has been linked to differences in gut microbiota in several animals. However, the existence of such a relationship in fish is not clear yet. So far, it seems to depend on the fish species studied. However, most studies of fish gut microbiotas are based on single populations. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota of fish from three wild populations of the two-banded sea bream Diplodus vulgaris (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) to determine whether its diversity, structure and potential functionality reflect the geographic origin of the fish, at large and small geographical scale. Additionally, we explored the host- and environmental-related factors explaining this relationship.ResultsWe showed that the taxonomy and potential functionality of the mucosa-associated gut microbiota of Diplodus vulgaris differ to varying degrees depending on the spatial scale considered. At large scale, we observed that both the taxonomical structure and the potential functionality of the fish microbiota differed significantly between populations. In contrast, the taxonomical diversity of the microbial community displayed a significant relationship with factors other than the geographic origin of the fish (i.e. sampling date). On the other hand, at small scale, the different composition and diversity of the microbiota differ according to the characteristics of the habitat occupied by the fish. Specifically, we identified the presence of Posidonia oceanica in the benthic habitat as predictor of both the microbiota composition and diversity. Lastly, we reported the enrichment of functions related to the metabolism of xenobiotics (i.e. drugs and 4-aminobenzoate) in a population and we indicated it as a potential target of future monitoring.ConclusionsWith this study, we confirmed the importance of investigating the gut microbiota of wild fish species using multiple populations, taking into account the different habitats occupied by the individuals. Furthermore, we underscored the use of the biodegradation potential of the gut microbiota as an alternative means of monitoring emerging contaminants in Mediterranean fish.

Interannual Variation and Trend of Carbon Budget Observed for More Than Two Decades at Takayama in a Cool‐Temperate Deciduous Forest in Central Japan

AbstractLong‐term carbon dioxide (CO2) flux measurements between the atmosphere and the ecosystem have been made since 1993 at a cool‐temperate deciduous forest site (Takayama) in Japan influenced by the Asian Monsoon, constituting the longest data set among all the AsiaFlux sites. Interannual variations (IAVs) and trends in the annual carbon budget components and related environmental factors were examined. Annual net ecosystem production (NEP) (mean ± 1σ) during the period of eddy covariance measurements in 1999–2021 was 265 ± 86 gC m−2 yr−1, and its IAV was dependent more on gross primary production (GPP) than on ecosystem respiration. The annual NEP and GPP were correlated with the monthly mean NEP, GPP and leaf area index from June to September, as well as with the length of the net carbon uptake period. Significantly increasing and decreasing trends in the annual NEP and GPP were detected during 2004–2013 and 2013–2021, respectively. The increasing trends were mainly caused by the vegetation recovery from typhoon disturbances. On the other hand, although the cause of the decreasing trends was not clearly identified, recent extreme weather events and/or forest succession might be related to the trends. Significant positive correlations between the start and the end of the net carbon uptake period, and between the leaf expansion and leaf fall were found. These may be attributed to phenological characteristics and negative correlation between air temperature in spring and solar radiation in early fall associated with ENSO events that can also influence IAVs in annual NEP and GPP.

Genus_Ruminococcus and order_Burkholderiales affect osteoporosis by regulating the microbiota-gut-bone axis.

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the gut microbiota and osteoporosis combining Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with animal experiments. We conducted an analysis on the relationship between differential bacteria and osteoporosis using open-access genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on gut microbe and osteoporosis obtained from public databases. The analysis was performed using two-sample MR analysis, and the causal relationship was examined through inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods. Bilateral oophorectomy was employed to replicate the mouse osteoporosis model, which was assessed by micro computed tomography (CT), pathological tests, and bone transformation indexes. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing was conducted on fecal samples, while SIgA and indexes of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α inflammatory factors were examined in colon samples. Through immunofluorescence and histopathology, expression levels of tight junction proteins, such as claudin-1, ZO-1, and occludin, were assessed, and conduct correlation analysis on differential bacteria and related environmental factors were performed. A positive correlation was observed between g_Ruminococcus1 and the risk of osteoporosis, while O_Burkholderiales showed a negative correlation with the risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, there was no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. The successful replication of the mouse osteoporosis model was assessed, and it was found that the abundance of the O_Burkholderiales was significantly reduced, while the abundance of g_Ruminococcus was significantly increased in the ovariectomized (OVX)-mice. The intestinal SIgA level of OVX mice decreased, the expression level of inflammatory factors increased, barrier damage occurred, and the content of LPS in the colon and serum significantly increased. The abundance level of O_Burkholderiales is strongly positively correlated with bone formation factors, gut barrier indicators, bone density, bone volume fraction, and trabecular bone quantity, whereas it was strongly negatively correlated with bone resorption factors and intestinal inflammatory factors, The abundance level of g_Ruminococcus shows a strong negative correlation with bone formation factors, gut barrier indicators, and bone volume fraction, and a strong positive correlation with bone resorption factors and intestinal inflammatory factors. O_Burkholderiales and g_Ruminococcus may regulate the development of osteoporosis through the microbiota-gut-bone axis.

Exploration of Factors Causing Difficulties in Students’ Writing Skills

This study aims to explore factors causing difficulties in students’ English writing skills. A descriptive research design was employed for the study. For this study, 110 students were selected through a random sampling technique. Questionnaires and classroom observation were employed as data-gathering tools. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 26. The study identified four major factors causing difficulties in students’ English writing skills. These are student-related, teacher-related, educational environment-related, and textbook-related factors. Besides, the study revealed that students’ writing skills could be improved through sufficient practice, using appropriate approaches to teaching writing skills, reducing the number of students in the classrooms, giving frequent corrective feedback, motivating learners to change their attitude about writing skills, and revising activities in the course book.

Constructing a CeFeO3/LaFeO3/ZnIn2S4 double Z-scheme heterojunction for photocatalytic atrazine degradation under visible light irradiation

The limited light absorption range and rapid recombination of interfacial charges were deemed to be the main restriction of the photocatalysts for atrazine (ATZ) degradation, and the construction of Z-scheme heterojunction was an effective strategy. Herein, a CeFeO3/LaFeO3/ZnIn2S4 (CFO/LFO/ZIS) double Z-scheme ternary heterojunction photocatalyst was fabricated by the in-situ precipitation and hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic ATZ degradation efficiency of optimized heterojunction reached 52% within 175 min under visible light irradiation, which was 3.1, 3.7 and 1.7 times higher than that of CFO, LFO and ZIS, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was due to the excellent light capture capacity and improved photogenerated charge separation in CFO/LFO/ZIS double Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst. Meanwhile, some environmental factors on the influence of photocatalytic ATZ degradation performance were systematically investigated. Quenching experiments confirmed that ·OH, h+ and 1O2 were the main active species during the photocatalytic ATZ degradation process. The possible photogenerated charge separation route was proposed via the analysis of the IEF effects between CFO, LFO and ZIS. Finaly, the possible ATZ degradation pathway was deduced by LC-MS measurement and toxicity assessment of the intermediates were also evaluated by the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST). This work not only provided a potential magnetic recyclable ferrate based double Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for enhancing photogenerated charge separation and light absorption, but also evaluated the intermediate toxicity and related environmental factors on the activity of photocatalyst, which was facilitating the practical application for the degradation of ATZ.

Functional trait-based phytoplankton biomass and assemblage analyses in the pre-growing season for comprehensive algal bloom risk assessment

Algal bloom (AB) risk assessment is critical for maintaining ecosystem health and human sustainability. Previous AB risk assessments have focused on the potential occurrence of ABs and related factors in the growing season, whereas their hazards, especially in the pre-growing season, have attracted less attention. Here, we performed a comprehensive AB risk assessment, including water trophic levels, phytoplankton biomass, functional trait-based assemblages, and related environmental factors, in the pre-growing season in Dongting Lake, China. Although mesotrophic water and low phytoplankton biomass suggested low AB potential, toxic taxa, which constituted 13.28% of the phytoplankton biomass, indicated non-negligible AB hazards. NH4+ and water temperature were key factors affecting phytoplankton motility and toxicity. Our study establishes a new paradigm for quantitative AB risk assessment, including both potential AB occurrence and hazards. We emphasize the importance of phytoplankton functional traits for early AB warning and NH4+ reduction for AB control in the pre-growing season.

Spatiotemporal variation in methylmercury and related water quality variables in a temperate river under highly dynamic hydrologic conditions

The understanding of the essential environmental factors affecting the spatiotemporal variation in methylmercury (MeHg) in river water is limited to date, despite its importance for predicting the effect of ongoing climate change on MeHg accumulation in freshwater ecosystems. This study aimed to explore the variation in MeHg concentration and related environmental factors in the downstream zone of the Yeongsan River under highly dynamic hydrologic conditions by using water quality and hydrologic data collected from 1997 to 2022, and Hg and MeHg data collected from 2017 to 2022. The mean concentration of unfiltered MeHg was 35.7 ± 13.7 pg L−1 (n = 24) in summer and 26.7 ± 7.43 pg L−1 (n = 24) in fall. Dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity, nitrate, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were determined to be the most influential variables in terms of MeHg variation based on the partial least squares regression model, and their effects on the MeHg concentration were negative, except for DOC. Heatmaps representing the similarity distances between temporal trends of hydrologic and water quality variables were constructed to determine fundamental factors related to the time-based variations in DO, conductivity, nitrate, and DOC using a dynamic time warping algorithm. The heatmap cluster analysis showed that the temporal trends of these variables were closely related to rainfall variation rather than irradiance or water temperature. Overall, biogeochemical factors directly related to in situ methylation rate of Hg(II)—rather than transport of Hg(II) and MeHg from external sources—mainly control the spatiotemporal variation of MeHg in the downstream zone of the Yeongsan River.

Epidemiological Risk Factors and Modelling Approaches for Risk Assessment of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Introduction and Spread: Methodological Review and Implications for Risk-Based Surveillance in Australia

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a vector-borne infection caused by the poxvirus lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) and is a serious disease of cattle, water buffalo, and banteng. While the disease has never occurred in Australia, it is regarded as a growing threat to the Australian cattle industry as there is on-going spread of the disease throughout Asia. The development of geospatial decision support tools, such as spatial epidemiological modelling, may assist in assessing areas at greater risk of this threat. To guide the design of disease modelling approaches to support future risk-based surveillance, existing LSDV epidemiological models need to be evaluated. In this study, we performed a literature review to evaluate existing LSDV epidemiological models, identify key risk factors for introduction and spread of LSDV, and consider previously adopted control strategies. The PRISMA guidelines were used to establish the processes for article selection and information extraction, and the PICO process was used to formulate search terms. From studies that met our inclusion criteria, we extracted information on LSDV epidemiological model structure and parameterisation, risk factors for LSDV transmission and spread, and biosecurity control strategies. The literature search retrieved a total of 402 articles from four databases, of which 68 were identified for inclusion in this review following screening. Of the 68 articles reviewed, 47 explored risk factors associated with LSDV transmission and spread, four explored risk factors of LSDV introduction, four explored existing surveillance strategies in LSD-free countries, and 14 presented epidemiological models. Our findings indicate that there are various risk factors for LSDV transmission in LSD endemic countries, including long-distance airborne movement of infected vectors such as stable flies and cattle movement between countries over land borders. Key risk factors for LSDV spread in LSD endemic countries include physical environmental characteristics, weather conditions, and population distributions of livestock and vectors. Our results indicate that while a variety of modelling studies have been conducted, the majority of studies experimentally explored LSD transmission mechanisms in vectors and cattle. Spatial and spatio-temporal models have primarily been developed for LSD endemic countries and focus on the spread of the disease in terms of environmental factors in relation to previous LSD events. There were very few studies on LSD-free countries, and these only focussed on risk of LSD introduction through specific entry pathways. This review did not identify any literature exploring the risk of spread of LSDV following introduction in LSD-free countries or geospatial modelling of the suitability of LSD-free countries for LSDV incursions. In conjunction with the risk parameters and models described in the identified literature, there is need to consider a wide range of risk factors specific to Australia to inform the design of risk-based surveillance for LSD in Australia.

Sustainability of Housing Conditions in Rural Kerala

Housing being an important component of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development is an essential driver in achieving sustainable development goals directly or indirectly. Adequate and affordable housing leads to benefits in health, education and economic opportunities. “Adequate housing means more than a roof over one’s head. It also means adequate privacy; adequate space; physical accessibility; adequate security; security of tenure; structural stability and durability; adequate lighting, heating and ventilation; adequate basic infrastructure, such as water supply, sanitation and waste management facilities; suitable environmental quality and health related factors; and adequate and accessible location with regard to work and basic facilities: all of which should be available at an affordable cost” (UN-HABITAT, 2023). The state of Kerala occupies a unique position not only among the states in India but also among the developing countries as well in its high level of human and social development. Regarding housing, the average size, quality, and investment per house in the state were better than in other parts of the country. Today, housing condition in Kerala is much better when compared to the rest of the country. Kerala has achieved massive improvements in quality of human life. In this context, the present study attempts to examine the sustainability of housing conditions in rural Kerala by analysing the unit level data of NSSO 76th round for rural sector of Kerala based on the criteria for sustainability in housing adapted from the relevant literature in this regard.

The Predictors of Academic Motivation of University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic

Given the salience of personal and environmental-related factors in young people’s motivation during COVID-19, this study investigated if positive future expectations, social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, and perceived social support were related to university students’ intrinsic and extrinsic academic motivation and amotivation as well as if their academic motivations differed according to gender. Using a convenient sampling method, 805 university students (54% female) participated in the study in the spring semester of 2020-2021, during COVID-19 lockdowns. The results of multiple linear regression showed positive relations of positive future expectations and SEL skills with intrinsic and extrinsic academic motivations and negative relations with amotivation levels of university students. In addition, the results indicated a significant positive relationship between perceived social support and extrinsic motivation, yet no significant relation between intrinsic motivation and amotivation levels. Moreover, female students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation levels were higher and their amotivation levels were lower than those of male students, with low effect sizes. The findings pointed to theoretical, research, and practical implications, which could be interpreted in a cultural context during COVID-19.

Global pattern and determinant for interaction of seasonal influenza viruses

BackgroundThe prevalence of different types/subtypes varies across seasons and countries for seasonal influenza viruses, indicating underlying interactions between types/subtypes. The global interaction patterns and determinants for seasonal influenza types/subtypes need to be explored. MethodsInfluenza epidemiological surveillance data, as well as multidimensional data that include population-related, environment-related, and virus-related factors from 55 countries worldwide were used to explore type/subtype interactions based on Spearman correlation coefficient. The machine learning method Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and interpretable framework SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) were utilized to quantify contributing factors and their effects on interactions among influenza types/subtypes. Additionally, causal relationships between types/subtypes were also explored based on Convergent Cross-mapping (CCM). ResultsA consistent globally negative correlation exists between influenza A/H3N2 and A/H1N1. Meanwhile, interactions between influenza A (A/H3N2, A/H1N1) and B show significant differences across countries, primarily influenced by population-related factors. Influenza A has a stronger driving force than influenza B, and A/H3N2 has a stronger driving force than A/H1N1. ConclusionThe research elucidated the globally complex and heterogeneous interaction patterns among influenza type/subtypes, identifying key factors shaping their interactions. This sheds light on better seasonal influenza prediction and model construction, informing targeted prevention strategies and ultimately reducing the global burden of seasonal influenza.

Comprehensive evaluation of natural ventilation potential of buildings in urban areas under the influence of multiple environment-related factors

Realistic natural ventilation potential estimation is critical for energy-efficient building design. For buildings in urban areas, evaluations using design expectations tend to overestimate potential. This study presents a comprehensive framework and corresponding method to predict the natural ventilation potential of buildings, integrating multiple key environmental factors of climate features, local wind status, and air pollution level. It addresses their complex interplay. Climate impacts are evaluated through simulating using a pre-set natural ventilation rate. Computational fluid dynamics models typical neighbourhood wind fields, giving empirical wind pressure coefficient distributions by layout and wind direction to enable real-time ventilation rate calculation. Substituting real-time for pre-set rates, the natural ventilation potential considering the community layout can be obtained. Based on the data-driven rapid pollutant prediction model established in the previous study, the predictions of the temporal and spatial distributions of particulate matter can be obtained. Filtering excessive pollution periods yields air quality-integrated potentials. Natural ventilation potentials are compared under different analysis scenarios for a case-study building. Hotter climates and more frequent heatwaves lower the potential. Morphology-based potentials are significantly lower than design expectations using constant ventilation rates. Deteriorating urban air quality also directly limits ventilation use, substantially decreasing potentials when filtering for poor conditions. By capturing complex environmental interactions, this research provides a robust platform to reveal localization potentials and limitations.

Examining sedentary behaviours of adults with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative analysis.

Sedentary behaviours among adults with intellectual disabilities have not been well studied. A sedentary lifestyle puts adults with and without disabilities at high risk of developing health conditions and diseases. Current literature revealed few empirical studies on the benefits of reducing sedentary behaviours with respect to the health of adults with intellectual disabilities. This research explored the factors that helped or hindered sedentary behaviours of adults with intellectual disabilities in the Canadian population. Guided by the socio-ecological model, Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was conducted. Five adults with intellectual disabilities from the Province of Ontario were interviewed and 102 critical incidents were collected. Adults with intellectual disabilities identified personal and environmental related factors that led to increased sedentary behaviours; and revealed helpful factors and wish-lists of actions that decreased sedentary lifestyle. Findings may be useful when developing programs aimed to decrease prolonged periods of sedentary behaviours specific to this vulnerable population.

Using Delphi method to address factors contributing to aggressive behaviour in mental health settings.

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT?: Nurses' perspectives and consensus on the possible key factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units can be summarized into patients' related factors, staff related factors and environment related factors. Results of the possible factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units reflect the complicated nature of this problem. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: Perspectives of nurses as frontline mental health professionals on factors contributing to aggression as one of the psychiatric emergencies were considered through an iterative process. This approach gave nurses an opportunity to revisit their own views in each round to provide an in-depth reflection in the light of the contribution of others. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH NURSING PRACTICE?: Nursing curricula should focus on nurses' communication skills and emotion regulation training. An open dialogue between nurses and people with mental health issues should be initiated to discuss the possible key factors contributing to aggressive behaviour at inpatient units from both standpoints. Mental health nurses' turnover at inpatient settings could be targeted through the design and implementation of aggression prevention protocols ABSTRACT: Introduction Aggression at inpatient units is a universal problem leading to hazardous outcomes. Aim To generate group consensus about factors contributing to aggressive behaviour among patients with mental health issues at inpatient units. Methods Nurses working at inpatient psychiatric departments were approached, and purposive sampling was employed to implement Delphi technique. A total of three Delphi rounds were conducted online. The average percent of majority opinions method was followed to measure consensus in which questions with a cut-off rate below 69.7% were included in the next round. Results Twenty-one nurse experts with different skills participated in this study. Consensus increased among nurse experts across rounds for the following items: Patients' misinterpretation of the attitude of the healthcare providers, severity of mental health issues, attitude and communication style of the healthcare providers, nurses limited emotional regulation capacity and the inadequate staff-patient ratio in psychiatric wards. Discussion The complicated nature of aggressive behaviour displayed by people with mental health issues is reflected on the results of the current study; patients' related factors, staff related factors and environment related factors constitute interacting facets for this issue. Implications for Mental Health Nurses Nurse scientists could use insights derived from this study to design studies aiming at assessment and management of aggression at inpatient units guided by implementation science frameworks. Additionally, open dialogues between nurses and people with mental health issues could be initiated about factors contributing to aggression at inpatient units. Mental health nursing training should focus on nurses' communication and emotion regulation skills.