Face Area Research Articles

Assessing the political vulnerability of National Parks in sub‐Saharan Africa using data on digital trends and engagement

Abstract National Parks (NPs) and other protected areas in sub‐Saharan Africa are crucial in attracting international tourists interested in wildlife tourism, contributing to national economies. Despite their cultural, economic, and conservation significance, these areas face diverse development threats, leading to pressures for protected area downgrading, downsizing, or degazettement (known as PADDD). We comprehensively analyse the geographical, historical, and structural aspects of 322 NPs in sub‐Saharan Africa and assess their political vulnerability by exploring the interplay of development pressures and public interest (as measured through Wikipedia page views). Fewer than 30% of these NPs possess or report information regarding management plans, even among the five most frequently viewed areas on Wikipedia. This is particularly concerning, since among those who underwent a PADDD event (51 NPs), almost 90% of them also had no information about the existence of management plans. Although we did not identify a statistically significant association between tourism and public interest online, tourism emerges as a potential mitigating factor against PADDD, along with high levels of peace. NPs that garner significant public interest online do not share the same socio‐geographic profile as parks that are most resilient to PADDD events. While digital metrics of public interest have potential as indicators of political resilience in NP, our research has shown that these metrics need refinement to fully understand which biophysical and cultural aspects of parks attract more public attention. Overall, effective conservation strategies in sub‐Saharan Africa require a more holistic understanding of historical, socio‐economic, and cultural factors. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

323 - According to the use of bismuth shield during mammography examination: A Study on the Change of Dose in Facial Area

323 - According to the use of bismuth shield during mammography examination: A Study on the Change of Dose in Facial Area

Clinical case of senesto-hypochondrical form of schizophrenia with implementation of pathological bodily sensations mainly in the orofacial area: problems of differential diagnosis at the early stages

The article presents a clinical case of the senesto-hypochondriacal form of schizophrenia, the implementation of violations of bodily perception within which for a long time was limited to the orofacial space against the background of orthodontic pathology. Prosopalgia is a transnosological syndrome characteristic of a heterogeneous group of disorders, the differential diagnosis of which, due to the peculiarities of the innervation of the facial area, can be difficult and requires special attention for the timely determination of their nosological affiliation and the initiation of adequate therapy. Interest in the clinical case is due to longlasting senestoalgic syndrome, similar in clinical picture to established pathology of the temporomandibular joint, which complicated the timely assessment of the patient’s condition and led to exacerbation of the mental disorder in the absence of psychopharmacological therapy. The article provides an analysis of the place of mental pathology in the formation and development of orofacial pain, both of a somatogenic nature and in the context of somatopsychic disorders, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of both the dental and mental status of such patients in order to formulate optimal approaches to treatment.

Conditional heterozygous loss of kit receptor tyrosine kinase in neural crest cell lineage is associated with midline cleft lip and bifid nose deformity

ObjectivesThe receptor tyrosine kinase Kit is expressed in cells derived from the trunk neural crest (NC), such as melanocytes; however, its role in cranial NC cell development is not fully understood. MethodsWe investigated the effects of the heterozygous loss of Kit in NC cells during embryonic development by mating Kit2lox/+ mice with Wnt1-Cre mice to produce Wnt1-Cre; Kit2lox/+ embryos. In addition, Wnt1-Cre mice were mated with Rosa26R-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) mice to visualize the tissue regions expressing Cre recombinase. Histological studies of the craniofacial regions of these mice were performed using samples from embryonic day (E) 12.5 and postnatal day (P) 1. Cellular apoptosis and proliferation were both analyzed through the immunostaining of tissue sections collected on E13.5 and E14.5 using anti-cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) to detect apoptosis and anti-Ki67 to detect proliferation. Cells from YFP-positive tissue regions of the facial areas of Wnt1-Cre; Kit+/+; Rosa26R–YFP embryos and Wnt1-Cre; Kit2lox/+; Rosa26R–YFP embryos collected on E12.5 and E15.5 were cultured and evaluated for cell proliferation. ResultsCompared with control littermates, Wnt1-Cre; Kit2lox/+ embryos exhibited midline cleft lip and bifid nose deformities. Substantial early (P1) postnatal lethality was observed in Wnt1-Cre; Kit2lox/+ mice, with none surviving to 3 weeks of age. YFP-positive cells from the maxillary regions of Wnt1-Cre; Kit2lox/+; Rosa26R–YFP embryos exhibited defective cell growth and self-renewal in vitro. ConclusionConditional heterozygous loss of Kit in Wnt1-Cre; Kit2lox/+ embryos is associated with craniofacial dysplasia and exhibit defective NC development in vitro and in vivo.

Evaluation of water environment quality in a typical wetland on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau using positive matrix factorization and self-organizing map

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), the world's largest plateau, harbors rich lake resources but is ecologically fragile. Vulnerable river ecosystems in these areas face significant threats from environmental and anthropogenic pressures. Thus, comprehensive water quality monitoring is essential prior to conservation efforts. This study focuses on the Selin Co International Wetland in Tibet, a model of natural wetland ecosystems. We employed methods including water quality assessment, source apportionment, and clustering analysis to evaluate the water environment. Results from the Water Quality Index (WQI) indicate overall good water quality; however, parameters such as COD, DO, TN, TP, and As require monitoring for potential exceedance. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis reveals that the primary sources of substances are identified as natural sources (37.17%), animal disturbance sources (32.93%), and anthropogenic activities (22.31%). The results of the water source analysis using the PMF and the cluster analysis based on the self-organizing map (SOM) indicate that natural and geographical environmental factors are the primary determinants of water quality, with minimal influence from human activities. This research emphasizes the importance of these natural influences, providing a scientific foundation for the protection and management of wetlands in the QTP, which is critical for ensuring regional water resource security.

Expert perspectives on disaster risk reduction strategies in the tourist area of Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan in Indonesia

Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic growth of many countries. However, tourist destinations located in disaster-prone areas face increased vulnerability in the event of natural disasters. It is essential for these areas to have specific interventions, plans, and policies that focus on reducing disaster risk, while ensuring the safety of residents and tourists. This study proposes strategies for minimizing disaster risk using Indonesia's Borobudur-Yogyakarta-Prambanan (BYP) region as a case study. The study used an Analytical Hierarchial Process in a Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats (SWOT-AHP) analysis to prioritize factors through pairwise comparisons and develop strategic alternatives based on expert perspectives. Primary data were collected through aSWOT-AHP questionnaire that was provided to 22 experts in tourism and disaster management in Central Java and Yogyakarta Special Provinces. Secondary data were obtained from government documents, specifically the Disaster Risk Reduction Plan for the BYP regions (2023–2027). The results indicate that “implementing land-use policies to promote tourism development while considering disasters” is the most important strategy, based on expert judgment. The BYP tourist destinations provided a case study to identify strategies to reduce disaster risk in tourism areas.

STRATEGI DIGITAL MARKETING DAN KUALITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PENJUALAN HUNIAN HOMESTAY DI HUTA SIALLAGAN, KABUPATEN SAMOSIR

This study aims to analyse the effect of digital marketing strategies and service quality on increasing homestay sales in Huta Siallagan, Samosir Regency. Huta Siallagan is a tourist village known for its rich Toba Batak culture and is a popular tourist destination. However, homestay managers in this area face challenges in increasing sales amid increasingly fierce competition. Therefore, this study examines two important factors: digital marketing strategy and service quality, which contribute to increasing sales. The research method used is quantitative method with saturated sampling technique. The respondents of this study were 30 homestay managers or owners in Huta Siallagan. Data were collected through questionnaires that included digital marketing strategy variables (X1) and service quality (X2), as well as the dependent variable of sales increase (Y). Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression tests, t tests, F tests, and coefficients of determination to measure the influence of each variable. The results showed that digital marketing strategies and service quality significantly influenced the increase in homestay sales. Partially, digital marketing strategy has a more dominant influence than service quality, although both contribute positively. In the coefficient of determination, these two variables contributed 84.5% to the increase in homestay sales. In conclusion, the synergy between effective digital marketing strategies and good service quality is essential to increase homestay sales in Huta Siallagan. Therefore, homestay managers need to optimise these two aspects in order to compete and increase revenue in the tourism industry.

Projected risk and vulnerability to heat waves for Montreal, Quebec, using Gaussian processes

Urban areas face increasing climate risks and are at the forefront of adaptation challenges. Despite the growing number of cities that are developing adaptation plans, they often fail to implement, monitor, and evaluate them. This article addresses this issue by modelling a comprehensive risk assessment that includes vulnerability using Gaussian processes. Mortality during heat waves for the City of Montreal, Quebec, is used as a case study. The vulnerability model includes sensitivity components (age and socioeconomic variables) and an adaptive capacity component (a suitable level of vegetation to decrease the urban heat island effect). Various aging and climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) are used for projections up to year 2100. SHAP values are used to show features contributions to the model. As the climate warms, Montreal will face increasing summer mortality. The city should therefore increase its vegetation cover in vulnerable neighbourhoods. Despite inherent limitations to the complexity of risk modelling, this approach facilitates the implementation of adaptation solutions and their monitoring. Greater effort should be made in the future to improve comprehensive risk modelling and more research is required to validate which framework is best in closing the gap between science and political decisions.

Effect of the i2TransHealth e-health intervention on psychological distress among transgender and gender diverse adults from remote areas in Germany: a randomised controlled trial

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people in remote areas face challenges accessing health-care services, including mental health care and gender-affirming medical treatment, which can be associated with psychological distress. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-month TGD-informed e-health intervention to improve psychological distress among TGD people from remote areas in northern Germany. In a randomised controlled trial done at a single centre in Germany, adults (aged ≥18 years) who met criteria for gender incongruence or gender dysphoria and who lived at least 50 km outside of Hamburg in one of the northern German federal states were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) to i2TransHealth intervention or a wait list control group. Randomisation was performed with the use of a computer-based code. Due to the nature of the intervention, study participants and clinical staff were aware of treatment allocation, but researchers responsible for data analysis were masked to allocation groups. Study participants in the intervention group (service users) started the i2TransHealth intervention immediately after completing the baseline survey after enrolment. Participants assigned to the control group waited 4 months before they were able to access i2TransHealth services or regular care. The primary outcome was difference in the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)-18 summary score between baseline and 4 months, assessed using a linear model analysis. The primary outcome was assessed in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, which included all randomly assigned participants. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04290286. Between May 12, 2020, and May 2, 2022, 177 TGD people were assessed for eligibility, of whom 174 were included in the ITT population (n=90 in the intervention group, n=84 in the control group). Six participants did not provide data for the primary outcome at 4 months, and thus 168 people were included in the analysis population (88 participants in the intervention group and 80 participants in the control group). At 4 months, in the intervention group, the adjusted mean change in BSI-18 from baseline was -0·65 (95% CI -2·25 to 0·96; p=0·43) compared with 2·34 (0·65 to 4·02; p=0·0069) in the control group. Linear model analysis identified a significant difference at 4 months between the groups with regard to change in BSI-18 summary scores from baseline (between-group difference -2·98 [95% CI -5·31 to -0·65]; p=0·012). Adverse events were rare: there were two suicide attempts and one participant was admitted to hospital in the intervention group, and in the control group, there was one case of self-harm and one case of self-harm followed by hospital admission. The intervention was clinically significant in averting worsening psychological distress in service users, outperforming the wait list control group. These findings support the effectiveness of e-health services in TGD health care, specifically for people from remote areas. Innovation Committee at the Federal Joint Committee. For the German translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Fifty free flaps from the ear

Reconstruction of facial and intraoral defects is often challenging. Local pedicled flaps may not always be available and distant free flaps usually have suboptimal color match and texture for the facial area. The aim of this study was to assess whether auricular free flaps are a valid reconstructive option. Clinical data and outcomes of patients who underwent reconstruction with microsurgical flaps from the ear between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed. Patient demographic data, type of flaps, etiology, location and size of the defect, features of the pedicle and recipient vessels, complications, and additional surgeries were reviewed. Overall, 48 patients with 50 microsurgical flaps were identified. Thirty-one patients (65%) were men and 17 were (35%) women. The median age was 62 years. Among the 50 flaps, 26 (52%) were helix flaps, 20 (40%) were temporal artery posterior auricular skin flaps, and 4 (8%) were extended helix flaps. The nose was the most frequently reconstructed region (n=32, 64%), followed by the tongue (n=6, 12%), floor of the mouth (n=5%), lower eyelid (n=2%), and in one (2%) patient each, restoration of the upper eyelid, ear, larynx, esophagus, lower lip, and palate. The median follow-up was 74 months. Three flaps (6%) were lost, and the overall rate of complications was 46%. Surgical intervention was required in 7 (14%) cases. All cases healed with acceptable cosmesis. The ear is a valuable source of tissue for complex reconstructions of the face and intraoral regions. However, this technique is surgically demanding and should be reserved for selected cases.

Livestock farming and women empowerment in rural Bangladesh: a mixed method approach

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, livestock farming is not only a major source of animal protein, but it also provides opportunities for women to contribute to household income. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify the empowerment status of women livestock farmers, factors influencing women's participation in livestock farming and its impact on women's empowerment.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Mymensingh district (administrative unit) of Bangladesh, due to the active participation of women in livestock farming activities. A total of 200 women were surveyed between May to November 2018. Additionally, prior to the final survey, 02 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were performed to gain insight into the context of the study areas. Furthermore, a total of 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with 12 experienced women livestock farmers to collect data regarding the challenges they encounter in livestock farming. Women empowerment was measured using four domains: decision-making process, ownership of assets, social and political awareness, and freedom of mobility. Descriptive statistics, and Heckman's endogenous treatment effect model were applied to analyze the data.ResultsThe results revealed that majority (75%) of women who are involved in livestock farming had a medium level of empowerment. Women's decision to participate in livestock farming was positively influenced by farm size, knowledge, extension contact, and training. According to the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) value, the empowerment status of women is 16 points higher among participants in livestock farming compared to non-participants. Furthermore, women in rural areas face several obstacles such as economic issues and inadequate marketing facilities, which may prevent them from engaging in livestock farming.ConclusionsEducating women through raising awareness and providing training is warranted because there is a notable disparity in the empowerment status of women who are and are not involved in livestock farming. This will help women improve their social awareness, decision-making capacity, and mobility. Livestock initiatives that encourage women's involvement could be generated by various rural-focused organizations.

Fat Grafting and Adipose Stem Cells for Facial Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

The oro-facial modification occurring in systemic sclerosis are detrimental for patients, but the therapeutic options are limited. This systematic review aimed to perform an up-to-date appraisal of the literature focusing on fat grafting and other adipose stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of facial systemic sclerosis, determining its efficacy and safety, and investigating the current practice for treatment optimization. The review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021286268) and followed the PRISMA principles. Multiple databases were searched and only original studies were included. Over the 12 studies matching the inclusion criteria, 174 patients were treated. Of them, 87.3% (n = 152) were considered to have improved. The complications, graded with the Clavien-Dindo grading system, were grade 1 (no treatment required) or 2 (antibiotic required). Patients received an average of 2.5 ± 3.68, median 1.35 (range 1-14), lipotransfer procedures. Overall, an amount of 14.60 ± 6.24 ml was injected in the overall facial area, median 16 (range 27-3) ml. The average interval between procedures was 5.30 ± 2.04 months, with a median of 6 (range 3-6.91) months. At the time of inclusion, patients were diagnosed with scleroderma disease on an average 14.7 ± 7.35 years. Fat grafting for facial systemic sclerosis is effective and safe. The definitive durability of the effect is still unclear, and the optimal number of treatments must be determined to define a precise evidence-based protocol. The body of evidence is highly fragmented, with disagreement in the surgical technique used and outcome assessment, making results from different studies often not comparable. The level of evidence is overall low or very low, and the risk of bias of published studies is overall medium to high. RCTs are urgently needed.

Effects of Tool Shape on Facial Contour Reduction in Middle-aged Women in Their 50s and 60s

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tool-based facial care on face size reduction in middle-aged women and to analyze the differences in effectiveness by tool form.Methods: The study was conducted with 14 middle-aged women in their 50s and 60s who volunteered to participate at a P aesthetic shop in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The participants were divided into three groups: Group A (11 participants) received treatment with a meridian-scraping-shaped tool, Group B (4 participants) received treatment with a plain tool, and Group C (3 participants) was untreated. Group A underwent treatment twice a week for a total of six sessions with the meridian-scraping-shaped tool. After a year, some participants from Group A were reassigned to Group B for further care with the plain tool. Face sizes were compared over time by measuring 14 variables, including length, width, and jawline length. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Friedman tests.Results: In Group A, there was a significant reduction in most facial areas, particularly in face width and jaw width (p<0.001). In contrast, Group B showed significant reductions in only some areas, while no changes were observed in the control group. This study found that the meridian-scraping-shaped tool was more effective in reducing facial contours than the plain tool.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the meridian-scraping-shaped tool, which applies the leverage principle, was more effective in reducing facial contours in middle-aged women compared to the plain tool. The shape of the tool has a critical impact on treatment outcomes.

The Redefinition and Volumization of the Lip Area with Hyaluronic Acid: A Case Series

Background: The increasing popularity of non-surgical cosmetic enhancements for the lower face and perioral area, particularly through hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, reflects the growing desire for improved lip volume and definition. This study showcases the effects of a specific HA filler on lip fullness, shape, and overall perioral rejuvenation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-site observational analysis of adult female patients treated with Genefill Soft Fill HA injections in the lips and perioral areas. Both patient and physician satisfaction were evaluated using the Likert scale and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), respectively. The outcomes for natural appearance, volume, and durability were assessed using a five-point scale. The patients were followed up with for up to six months to monitor any adverse events. Results: The cohort included thirteen female patients with an average age of 55.3 ± 8.3 years. Approximately 1.2 ± 0.4 mL of filler was used per patient. The results indicate high satisfaction, with scores above 4 for naturalness, volume, and durability. Over 92% of patients reported a significant improvement in appearance. No moderate or severe adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Genefill Soft Fill HA filler is both effective and safe for enhancing lip esthetics, with high satisfaction rates among recipients and no significant adverse events observed.

Preparing for general practice in a remote and rural setting

General practice uniquely offers the opportunity to work in a wide variety of settings across the UK. Practicing in remote and rural settings provides opportunities to work in picturesque landscapes, develop additional clinical skills, and make a difference to the lives of people in a close community. GPs working in these areas face challenges such as isolation and building resilience is needed for a sustainable career. Clinicians interested in rural medicine will have varying levels of experience prior to practicing in this setting and the need for preparation will differ according to experience. Remote and rural areas vary, for example by accessibility, infrastructure, and community needs, so preparation will need to take account of these factors. This article provides guidance for those GPs preparing for a placement or work as a GP in a remote, rural setting.

Multi-scale matching and simulating flows of ecosystem service supply and demand in the Wuhan metropolitan area, China

Metropolitan areas face the challenge of balancing increasing social needs against limited natural resources. The multi-scale evaluation of ecosystem services (ES) supply, demand and flows is crucial but under explored. Four prominent ES, food provision (FP), carbon sequestration (CS), soil conservation (SC), and outdoor recreation (OR) in Wuhan metropolitan area (WMA) were selected as cases. ES supply and demand were assessed by InVEST model, geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis, and statistical methods. A linear programming model was employed to reveal the characteristics of ES flows. Results showed the following: (1) the total ES supply capacity can meet the demand of the study area. At different scales, the supply patterns were fundamentally consistent, except for FP, which was significantly higher in Wuhan's suburban areas. In contrast, the other three ES exhibited high supply in the northeast and south WMA, encompassing the Dabie and Mufu Mountains. The high demand for all ES radiated from the city center, except for SC. (2) A significant scale effect of ES mismatch was found, and ecological deficit patches decreased with increasing research scale. The Mismatch was evident on finer scales but lessened at coarser ones. (3) ES flows, consisting of FP, CS, and OR, formed a flow pattern from the suburbs to the city center. Coarse-scale management integrating ecological flows may better maintain ES balance than fine-scale measures. These findings provide insights for multi-scale management strategies that not only contribute to localized ecological restoration, but also optimize strategies for ecological corridors and compensation mechanisms.

Evaluating the Geo-Environmental Conditions within a Working Face Using a Hybrid Intelligent Optimization Model

Geological anomalies within the working face likely induce geological disasters, such as water, gas, and coal mine roof fall, directly impacting the rational planning and safe mining of underground resources. Constrained by the conditions of underground closed spaces, effective reconstruction under incomplete and highly sparse projection is the central challenge when evaluating geo-environmental conditions. This work proposes a new hybrid intelligent optimization model (MPGA-SIRT) that integrates a multiple-population genetic algorithm (MPGA) with the simultaneous iterative reconstruction technique (SIRT) to finely reconstruct the geo-environmental conditions within a working face based on electromagnetic wave tomography theory. MPGA-SIRT can provide a more precise initial inversion model for the conventional linear reconstruction technique of SIRT, incorporating a local search property by leveraging the robust global search capacity of MPGA. The advantages of MPGA-SIRT have been demonstrated through numerical modeling, theoretical testing, and engineering practices on the 8208 working face in the Datong mining area, Shanxi Province. In comparison to individual SIRT inversion models, MPGA-SIRT reconstruction yields more accurate and stable performance, as demonstrated by the evolution curve of the objective function and the corresponding convergence tomography results. Consequently, the geomagnetic wave absorption coefficient within the area of reconstruction can be precisely ascertained through the use of our proposed technique. This innovation represents a groundbreaking strategy for assessing geological anomaly zones within a working face. The introduced method stands as a valuable theoretical instrument for confronting the complexities associated with geo-environmental reconstruction in underground engineering.

Unmet Needs and Factors Impacting Home- and Community-Based Service Use Among Rural Appalachian Caregivers of People With Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) living in rural areas face significant health and healthcare challenges. Limited research, however, has explored factors shaping their use of home- and community-based services (HCBS). This study identifies unmet needs among caregivers of people with ADRD in rural Western North Carolina and highlights contextual factors that facilitate HCBS use. Nineteen qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 family caregivers and 1 person with ADRD between 2021 and 2022. Thematic analyses revealed unmet needs among caregivers for information, service navigation, and caregiving support. HCBS use was shaped by multiple factors including illness needs, cultural beliefs, preferences for home-based care, and place-based resources. These findings suggest that culturally tailored HCBS are needed to support people with ADRD and their caregivers in rural Appalachian communities, especially those which facilitate access to paid caregiving, clearly communicate program eligibility requirements, and emphasize service availability.

Poly-d,l-Lactic Acid Via Transdermal Microjet Drug Delivery for Treating Rosacea in Asian Patients.

Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, is marked by enduring redness, visible blood vessels, and inflammatory eruptions in facial areas. Managing rosacea remains a persistent challenge for dermatologists, especially in cases unresponsive to conventional treatments. Injectable poly-d,l-lactic acid (PDLLA) has shown promise in treating erythema and telangiectasia associated with rosacea in addition to age-related concerns. Employing Mirajet, a laser-induced microjet system, for administering PDLLA is a novel and promising treatment for rosacea. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of injectable PDLLA delivered via a needle-free microjet system for managing rosacea. Four Korean women with persistent and refractory rosacea received five monthly sessions of PDLLA needle-free injections. Clinical assessments were conducted using the Clinician's Erythema Assessment and Patient's Self-Assessment (PSA) at baseline, 4 weeks post-treatment, and 22 weeks post-final treatment. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study period. At 4 weeks post-treatment, both Clinician's Erythema Assessment and PSA scores indicated significant improvements in erythema that were sustained up to the 22-week follow-up. Patients reported high satisfaction with resolution of redness and improved skin texture. Mild swelling, redness, and petechiae were observed post-treatment but resolved spontaneously. No product-related adverse events were noted during the study period. Injectable PDLLA delivered via laser-induced microjet injection demonstrated promising efficacy in improving rosacea symptoms and skin quality for up to 22 weeks without significant adverse effects. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term safety and sustainability of outcomes.

Model of Sustainable Household Mobility in Multi-Modal Transportation Networks

Nowadays, urban and suburban areas face increasing environmental pressures, and encouraging sustainable transportation behaviors at the household level has become crucial. This paper presents a model of a decision support system (DSS) for promoting sustainable household mobility choices in multi-modal transport networks. The system was modeled using an enhanced Petri Net approach, allowing for the dynamic representation of complex transport networks and multi-modal journey options. The model incorporated various sustainability factors. These were combined into a single environmental impact score, which was considered alongside travel time and cost in the route optimization process. Simulation results demonstrated the DSS’s capability to guide users toward more sustainable mobility choices. The model also showed potential as a tool for policymakers to assess the impact of various sustainable transportation initiatives and infrastructure investments. This paper discussed the versatile applications of the system. It also addressed the limitations of Petri Net models in transportation systems and suggested future research directions.