High Intensity Research Articles

Is Having Urban Green Space in the Neighborhood Enough to Make a Difference? Insights for Healthier City Design.

Background: Prior research indicates that engagement with nature is associated with mental well-being; however, the impact of accessibility to urban green spaces (UGS) with suitable infrastructure for visitation and physical activities, like leisure or recreation, remains underexplored, particularly in developing countries. Purpose: This study delves into whether merely having green space in the neighborhood is sufficient to impact residents' mental health in Brazilian metropolitan regions. Method: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 2136 participants. The analyzed variables included the intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement, suitability of UGS for visitation and physical activities, and mental well-being indicators measured by the DASS-21 scale. Multivariate statistical analyses and multiple regression models were employed to verify hypothetical relationships. Results and conclusions: Higher intensity, duration, and frequency of nature engagement in UGS were significantly associated with lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Notably, having urban UGS in the neighborhood alone was not enough to reduce mental health issues. Practical implications: The findings point out the need for urban planning policies that prioritize the development of high-quality, accessible green spaces to maximize mental well-being benefits. These insights could inform city designs that foster healthier urban environments. Future directions: Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality between nature engagement and mental health improvements. Further research should incorporate objective measures of nature engagement and explore more aspects of green space quality, such as biodiversity and amenities.

Effect of Cold Compression and Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloyure and mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy

The microstructural evolution of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy under different stress and aging temperature was studied using cold compression and heat treatment. The relationship between the process parameter and the microstructure of the material was analyzed by OM, EBSD, and TEM. The results showed that the grain size decreased and the recrystallization fraction increased with the increase of compression. Textures of <111>||X (cubic), <110>//Y, Goss have higher intensity after solution treatment, but their intensity and proportion also decrease with the increase of compression. η' is the main precipitate in the alloy aged at 140 °C, while η is the main precipitate in the alloy aged at 160°C. Precipitation coarsening and grain refinement affect the microhardness of the alloy together.

Utility of a brief measure of cannabis demand: Day-level associations with cannabis use

BackgroundCannabis demand (i.e., relative value) is usually assessed as a trait-level risk-factor for cannabis use and consequences. This study examined within-person variability in day-level intensity (i.e., amount consumed at zero cost) and Omax (i.e., maximum cannabis expenditure) and tested hypotheses that demand would be positively associated with day-level cannabis use. MethodsYoung adults (n=85) reporting past-month simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use completed two daily surveys for 30 days. Morning surveys assessed prior-day cannabis use and evening surveys assessed day-level demand (i.e., intensity, Omax). Multilevel models tested day-level effects of intensity and Omax on any cannabis use and flower use frequency and quantity (i.e., grams). ResultsApproximately 52 % and 46 % of variability in intensity and Omax, respectively, was due to within-person change. At the day-level, higher intensity and Omax were associated with higher likelihood of any cannabis use, regardless of formulation; Omax was associated with use of flower in particular; and intensity was associated with the highest quantity of use. At the person-level, only Omax was associated with flower use likelihood, and only intensity was associated with flower quantity across days. ConclusionsCannabis demand demonstrated day-to-day variability, conceivably in response to various internal states and external factors. Intensity and Omax were related to elevated likelihood of using any cannabis, particularly flower, at the day-level. Overall, these data illustrate the validity and utility of brief cannabis demand measures, which might be used to further understand cannabis’ reinforcing value at a fine-grained level.

Overview on the role of dietary Spirulina platensis on immune responses against Edwardsiellosis among Oreochromis niloticus fish farms

Edwardsiellosis is a bacterial fish disease that mostly occurs in freshwater farms and is characterized by a high mortality rate. Edwardsiella tarda strain was recovered from 17 fish out of 50 Nile tilapia, which were harboring clinical signs of systemic septicemia. The level of un-ionized ammonia (NH3) in the fish farm’s water was 0.11–0.15 mg/L, which was stressful for the Nile tilapia.Sequencing of the gyrB1 gene confirmed that the isolate was E. tarda JALO4, and it was submitted to NCBI under the accession number PP449014. The isolated E. tarda harbored the virulence gene edw1 AHL-synthase (quorum sensing). In addition, the isolate was sensitive to trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole mean while it was intermediate to florfenicol. The median lethal dose (LD50) of E. tarda JALO4 was determined to be 1.7 × 105 CFU/mL in Nile tilapia.In the indoor experiment, Nile tilapia (45.05 ± 0.4 g), which received dietary Spirulina platensis (5 and 10 g/kg fish feed), showed optimum growth and feed utilization. Meanwhile, after receiving dietary S. platensis, the fish’s feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly enhanced compared to the control, which was 1.94, 1.99, and 2.88, respectively. The expression of immune-related genes interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were upsurged in E. tarda-challenged fish with higher intensity in S. platensis groups. Dietary S. platensis at a dose of 10 g/kg fish feed could provide a relative protection level (RPL) of 22.2% Nile tilapia challenged against E. tarda. Nile tilapia experimentally infected E. tarda, drastically altering their behavior: higher operculum movement, low food apprehension, and abnormal swimming dietary S. platensis (10 g/kg fish feed) could rapidly restore normal status.It was concluded that Edwardsiellosis could alter Nile tilapia behavior with a high loss in fish population. Fish received dietary-S. platensis could rapidly restore normal behavior after E. tarda infection. It is recommended the incorporation of S. platensis at doses of 10 g/kg into the Nile tilapia diet to boost their immunity and counteract E. tarda infection.

The influence of car traffic on airborne fungal diversity in Tianjin, China

ABSTRACT Little is known about the effect of car traffic on airborne fungal communities. We investigated the environmental factors affecting the diversity and concentration of airborne fungi at high-traffic density junctions, in Tianjin, China. A total of 244 fungal strains belonging to 78 species and 45 genera of Ascomycota (78.69%) and Basidiomycota (21.31%) were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. Aspergillus was the species-richest genus, with 9 recorded species, followed by Alternaria and Cladosporium, both with 8 species. Coprinellus radians was the most abundant fungal species, with 31 isolated strains, followed by Alternaria alternata (26 strains), Cladosporium cladosporioides (21), Alternaria compacta (13), and Cladosporium tenuissimum (11). We found a higher diversity and concentration of airborne fungi in the analysed urban air environments when the road traffic was at its highest intensity. Higher level of car traffic resulted in higher concentrations of fungal particles in the air for various taxa, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium, which are known to cause respiratory allergies and infections. This result suggests that reducing vehicular traffic could be an effective measure to control airborne fungal exposure and microbial pollution.

A high-efficiency transient expression system mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens in Spinacia oleracea leaves

BackgroundOptimization of a highly efficient transient expression system is critical for the study of gene function, particularly in those plants in which stable transformation methods are not widely available. Agrobacterium tumefaciens‑mediated transient transformation is a simple and low-cost method that has been developed and applied to a wide variety of plant species. However, the transient expression in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is still not reported.ResultsWe developed a transient expression system in spinach leaves of the Sp75 and Sp73 varieties. Several factors influencing the transformation efficiency were optimized such as Agrobacterium strain, spinach seedling stage, leaf position, and the expression time after injection. Agrobacterium strain GV3101 (pSoup-p19) was more efficient than AGL1 in expressing recombinant protein in spinach leaves. In general, Sp75 leaves were more suitable than Sp73 leaves, regardless of grow stage. At four-leaf stage, higher intensity and efficiency of transient expression were observed in group 1 (G1) of Sp75 at 53 h after injection (HAI) and in G1 of Sp73 at 64 HAI. At six-leaf stage of Sp75, group 3 (G3) at 72 HAI were the most effective condition for transient expression. Using the optimized expression system, we detected the subcellular localization of a transcriptional co-activator SoMBF1c and a NADPH oxidase SoRbohF. We also detected the interaction of the protein kinase SoCRK10 and the NADPH oxidase SoRbohB.ConclusionThis study established a method of highly efficient transient expression mediated by Agrobacterium in spinach leaves. The transient expression system will facilitate the analysis of gene function and lay a solid foundation for molecular design breeding of spinach.

Physical Activity Volume, Intensity, and Mortality: Harmonized Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

IntroductionIt is unclear whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with a lower mortality risk, over and above its contribution to total physical activity volume. MethodsA total of 46,682 adults (mean age: 64 years) were included in a meta-analysis of nine prospective cohort studies. Each cohort generated tertiles of accelerometry-measured physical activity volume and volume-adjusted MVPA. Hazard ratios (HR, with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) for mortality were estimated separately and in joint models combining volume and MVPA. Data was collected between 2001-2019 and analyzed in 2023. ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of nine years, 4,666 deaths were recorded. Higher physical activity volume, and a greater contribution from volume-adjusted MVPA, were each associated with lower mortality hazard in multivariable-adjusted models. Compared to the least active tertile, higher physical activity volume was associated with a lower mortality (HRs: 0.62; 95%CI, 0.58, 0.67 and 0.50; 0.42, 0.60 for ascending tertiles). Similarly, a greater contribution from MVPA was associated with a lower mortality (HRs: 0.94; 95%CI, 0.85, 1.04 and 0.88; 0.79, 0.98). In joint analysis, a lower mortality from higher volume-adjusted MVPA was only observed for the middle tertile of physical activity volume. ConclusionsThe total volume of physical activity was associated with a lower risk of mortality to a greater extent than the contribution of MVPA to physical activity volume. Integrating any intensity of physical activity into daily life may lower mortality risk in middle aged and older adults, with a small added benefit if the same amount of activity is performed with a higher intensity.

Prevalence, characteristics, and impact of spinal and lower limb recurrent pain at age 13

Objectives: To compare spinal and lower limb pain in adolescents regarding prevalence, characteristics, causes, and impact. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 13-year-old adolescents (female n=2210; male n=2353) from the Portuguese Generation XXI birth cohort. Data were collected between 2018 and 2020 through personal interviews by applying the Luebeck Pain Questionnaire. The pain features examined in each anatomical location (back and lower limb) were recurrence, duration, frequency, intensity, perceived causes, and impact on school and leisure activities. Frequencies and the Chi-square test were used. Results: Questionnaires from 4563 adolescents were analysed, 57.9% had pain in the last three months (main pain in the spine: 11.6%; main pain in the lower limb: 29.0%). Of those, 69.4% and 62.4% reported recurrent pain in the spine and lower limb, respectively. Recurrent pain was more frequent in girls than in boys (spine: 80.0%; 57.0%; lower limb: 70.4%; 58.1% respectively). Pain lasted more than three months in most adolescents (spine: about 60%; lower limb: above 50%); frequency was similarly high in both regions and both sexes (girls: 47.0%; boys: 45.7% in the spine; girls: 45.7%; boys: 40.3% in the lower limb); intensity was rated as high by girls (spine: 45.5%; lower limb: 47.3%) and moderate by boys (spine: 42.0%; lower limb: 41.0%). The leading causes of pain were daily living activities, both for the spine (girls: 65.9%; boys: 76.5%) and the lower limb (girls: 62.2%; boys: 72.1%). Psychosocial causes were the second most common cause of spinal pain (girls: 25.0%; boys: 21.0%). Other causes of lower limb pain were traumatic (girls: 25.5%; boys: 16.6%) and physical factors (girls: 20.7%; boys: 23.8%). Absences from school (girls: 11.7%; boys: 4.8%) and restrictions of leisure activities (girls: 20.7%; boys: 25.2%) were more related to pain in the lower limb. Conclusion: More than half of the adolescents reported spinal or lower limb recurrent pain, which presents a higher frequency, higher intensity, and longer duration in the spine. However, lower limb pain led to more concurrent limitations.

Impact of Aircraft Noise and Compliance with the Use of Personal Protective Equipment on Hearing Impairment in Pilot Cadets at Indonesian Civil Pilot Academy - Banyuwangi

Noise in the workplace is a health issue in several countries. Similarly, in the aerospace industry, advanced aircraft, whether for civilian transportation or military purposes, pose risks due to exposure to aircraft noise, which passengers are continuously subjected to at relatively higher intensities and for prolonged periods. The problem of this research is to identify, reduce, and prevent the impact of aircraft noise and compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) on hearing impairment among cadet pilots at the Indonesian Aviation Academy in Banyuwangi. The research objective includes collecting medical records of 57 cadets, measuring aircraft noise levels, and conducting a questionnaire survey. The method used in this study is descriptive quantitative, with 57 respondents. Data analysis was performed to determine the compliance of cadets with PPE usage at the Indonesian Aviation Academy in Banyuwangi. The results show that the noise produced by the aircraft operated by the academy exceeds the permissible noise level (PNL), and the questionnaire results indicate low compliance with PPE usage. However, medical record data reveal that the majority of cadets still have normal hearing, with only 12.3% or 7 respondents categorized as having mild hearing impairment. These findings imply a positive and significant influence of aircraft noise level and PPE compliance on hearing impairment among trainees.

Exploring the Complex Relationship between Social Network Addiction and Mental Health in College Students: A Study Based on Multi-layer Network Analysis

With the development of science and technology, various types of online social media have developed rapidly, attracting a large number of users, but excessive use of social network addiction phenomenon, affecting the life and mental health. For college students, social network addiction is not uncommon and affects their mental health, so it is very important to understand the relationship between social network addiction and mental health and to intervene, so this study aims to explore the relationship between social network addiction and mental health. In this study, 1141 college students completed the Social Networking Addiction Scale and the College Mental Health Scale through an online survey. Social network addiction and mental health were then included as nodes and network analysis was performed using R software. It was found that, in the node network graph, there was a link between the well-being experience dimension of mental health and the mood change dimension of social network addiction, and there was a link between the courage to challenge dimension of mental health and the online social interaction preference dimension of social network addiction. In the total sample and the male sample, "I feel that my life is boring" in the mental health scale is the node with the highest intensity, while "I can't concentrate on my study" in the mental health scale has the highest node intensity in the female sample. From the above results, it is concluded that there is a relationship between some dimensions of social network addiction and some dimensions of mental health among college students. Individuals' boredom affects their mental health and social network addiction, and in the case of female college students, their commitment to study also affects their mental health and social network addiction.

Combining ability and multiple parent‐based approach to derive simultaneous transgressive segregants for multiple traits in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

AbstractPlant breeders are always in pursuit of desirable genes and gene complexes, leading to identification of potential and promising individuals/segregants often exhibiting traits with higher intensity. Identifying segregants with desirable combination of multiple traits would enable a breeder to develop superior cultivars. In this study, combining ability and multiple parent‐based approach was employed to derive segregants simultaneously superior for multiple traits. Single and double crosses were developed by crossing 11 parental lines in half diallel fashion and were evaluated under seven environments. To create crosses, the parental lines with the highest positive gca effects were selected in addition to desirable yield and fibre quality traits (SCYP, NOBP, BW, GOT, UHML and FS). The positive and significantly higher gca effects in these parents is an evidence of prominence of additive and additive × additive component of genetic variance. To identify desirable segregants, six F2 populations derived from four single and their two double crosses were evaluated by raising an optimal population size of 910–935 and 3040–3055 plants for single and double crosses, respectively. In each population, proportion of desirable and simultaneous transgressive segregants was estimated. A total of 19 (2.87%), 22 (3.32%) and 24 (3.60%) plants were transgressive in nature simultaneously for multiple traits in single crosses, namely, RAHH‐1755 and RAHH‐455, and double cross, namely, RHDC‐1933, of Group I, respectively. While in Group II, 22 (3.32%), 22 (3.32%) and 24 (3.60%) plants showed simultaneous transgressive segregation in RAHH‐1702, SHH‐818 and RHDC‐1940, respectively. The per cent simultaneous transgressive segregants were found to be higher in the double crosses compared with their respective single crosses, possibly for the reason that double crosses involve more number of parents owing to increased recombination. Hence, breeding for desirable segregating recombinants using diallel and multiple parent‐based approach paves the way towards directional selection based on combining ability making it more efficient compared with conventional means of hybridization followed by selection.

Commentary With Study Protocol: Implementation and Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) as an Adjunct to Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (IMPOWR-MORE).

Traditional methadone treatment (MT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) fails to systematically address the physical pain, emotion dysregulation, and reward processing deficits that co-occur with OUD, and novel interventions that address these issues are needed to improve MT outcomes. Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) remediates the hedonic dysregulation in brain reward systems that is associated with OUD. Our pilot and phase 2 randomized controlled trials of MORE were the first to demonstrate MORE's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy as delivered in MT clinics; MORE significantly reduced drug use (eg, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and other drugs), craving, depression, anxiety, and pain among people with OUD. However, uptake of novel, efficacious interventions like MORE may be slow in MT because time and resources are often limited. Therefore, to best address potential implementation issues and to optimize future MORE implementation and dissemination, in this study, we will utilize a Type 2, Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness study design. We will not only evaluate MORE's effectiveness but also assess barriers and facilitators to integrating MORE into MT. MT clinicians will receive training in (1) a higher intensity MORE implementation strategy consisting of training in the full MORE treatment manual or (2) a minimal intensity implementation strategy consisting of a simple, scripted mindfulness practice (SMP) extracted from the MORE treatment manual with minimal training. We aim to: (1) using a Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, examine barriers and facilitators to implementation of MORE and SMP in MT, and evaluate strategies for optimizing training, fidelity, and engagement, (2) optimize existing MORE and SMP training and implementation toolkits, including adaptable resources that can accelerate the translation of evidence into practice, and (3) compared to usual MT, evaluate the relative effectiveness of MORE plus MT or SMP plus MT (N = 450).

Understanding the hydrological performance of green and grey roofs during winter in cold climate regions

Green and grey roofs have emerged as promising and sustainable measures for effectively managing stormwater in urban catchments. However, there is a gap in the literature in understanding and modelling the hydrological performance of these roofs during winter and snow-covered periods in cold climate regions. The present study attempted to address this gap by validating the use of a snow module in simulating the dynamics of snow accumulation and melting of green and grey roofs. Then, the validated model was used to identify and separate the different events that occur in winter (melt only, rainfall only, rain-on-snow) to assess the hydrological performance of six different configurations of green and grey roofs in Trondheim, Norway. The snow module accurately simulated snow accumulation and melting of green and grey roofs. The results showed that rain-on-snow events in winter have longer duration compared to other events including rainfall events in summer. Consequently, rain-on-snow events yield a higher amount of inflow to the roofs compared to rainfall events in summer, despite summer events having higher intensities. The retention and detention performances of green and grey roofs were found to be lowest for rain-on-snow events compared to other types of events, but still yielding significantly lower peak runoffs when compared to standard black roofs. The decrease in retention and detention performances in winter were attributed to the long duration of events, accumulation effect of snow, freezing of roof surface layers, and reduction of evapotranspiration. The study highlights the importance of considering winter conditions in the design of green and grey roofs in cold climates to enhance stormwater management.

Nurse-led remote digital support for adults with chronic conditions: A systematic synthesis without meta-analysis.

The systematic review aims to synthesize the literature examining the effectiveness of nurse-led remote digital support on health outcomes in adults with chronic conditions. Adults with chronic diseases have increased rates of mortality and morbidity and use health care resources at a higher intensity than those without chronic conditions-placing strain on the patient, their caregivers and health systems. Nurse-led digital health disease self-management interventions have potential to improve outcomes for patients with chronic conditions by facilitating care in environments other that the hospital setting. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central databases from inception to 7 December 2022. We included randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of nurse-led remote digital support interventions compared to usual care on health-related outcomes in adults with chronic illness. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess bias in studies. Outcomes were organized into four categories: self-management, clinical outcomes, health care resource use and satisfaction with care. Results are presented narratively based on statistical significance. Forty-four papers pertaining to 40 unique studies were included. Interventions most targeted diabetes (n = 11) and cardiovascular disease (n = 8). Websites (n = 10) and mobile applications (n = 10) were the most used digital modalities. Nurses supported patients either in response to incoming patient health data (n = 14), virtual appointment (n = 8), virtual health education (n = 5) or through a combination of these approaches (n = 13). Positive impacts of nurse-led digital chronic disease support were identified in each outcome category. Mobile applications were the most effective digital modality. Results show that nurse-led remote digital support interventions significantly improve self-management capacity, clinical health outcomes, health care resource use and satisfaction with care. Such interventions have potential to support overall health for adults with chronic conditions in their home environments.

Indocyanine Green Angiography for Detecting Quantitative Perfusion Changes in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction With Second Venous Drainage.

This study aims to compare perfusion dynamics using indocyanine green videoangiography before and after the creation of a second venous anastomosis between the superficial inferior epigastric vein and the retrograde internal mammary vein (IMV) in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions. Indocyanine green videoangiography performed during DIEP flap reconstructions was analyzed prospectively. The areas of interest were above the perforators with the highest intensity (complete perfusion), the most distal lateral edge of the flap (partial perfusion), and the next lowest intensity (ischemic). We compared the zone intensities before and after the second venous anastomosis, assessing venous drainage patency and functionality. Patient characteristics, operative details, and complications were collected. Seven patients (10 breasts) underwent DIEP reconstruction. Mean age was 54.5 ± 12.4 years. Mean operative duration was 575.5 ± 172.6 minutes. Donors included DIEV (n = 10, 100.0%), superficial inferior epigastric vein (n = 9, 90.0%), and superficial circumflex epigastric vein (n = 1, 10.0%). All DIEVs were anastomosed to the antegrade IMV (n = 10, 100.0%). Superficial inferior epigastric veins were anastomosed to the retrograde IMV (n = 10, 100.0%). Mean peak intensities of the complete perfusion zone before and after the second venous anastomosis were 160.7 ± 42.1 and 188 ± 42.1, respectively ( P = 0.163). Mean peak intensities of the partial perfusion zone were 100.8 ± 21.5 and 152 ± 31.5, respectively ( P < 0.001). Mean peak intensities of the ischemic zone were 90.4 ± 37.4 and 143.4 ± 45.3, respectively ( P = 0.012). These findings highlight the potential benefits of the super drainage technique in enhancing perfusion and reducing complications, emphasizing the need for further investigation and consideration of this technique in clinical practice.

Optimizing Ultraviolet Illumination for Detecting Fluorescent Orthodontic Adhesive Residues during Debonding Procedures.

Fluorescence-aided identification technique (FIT) studies for orthodontic resins are relatively new, using an arbitrary selection of resins, lights, and work parameters. In order to provide FIT guidelines for optimal visualization, the objectives of this study were to describe the electromagnetic characteristics of fluorescent orthodontic resins, determine appropriate light specification, and describe light and work parameter effects on resin fluorescence. This in vitro study assessed five fluorescent orthodontic resins and a non-fluorescent control resin using spectrophotometry, a scaled image analysis of 25 μm thick resins to compare intensities, and a visual assessment. Light sources varied by flashlight lens (narrow [N], average [X], and magnified [Z]) and UV intensity (X and X High). Work parameters included distance (20-300 mm) and angulation (15-70°). Visual scores were assigned to determine discernibility. The average excitation maxima was 384 nm. Fluorescence increased with more direct UV light exposure. The highest intensity was recorded with Light X High at 50 mm and 70°. Visual assessment followed image analysis trends, and fluorescence was clinically discernable for all 25 μm thick samples. Excitation wavelength range of 395-405 nm is appropriate for FIT illumination. All resins were anisotropic and showed greater fluorescence with greater angle, higher UV intensity, and closer proximity.

Do Short Sellers Target Firms with High Climate Risks? International Evidence

ABSTRACT Using an international sample of firms from 36 countries over the period 2002 to 2018, we investigate whether short sellers take firms’ climate risk into consideration when making investment decisions. Our empirical results show that short sellers increase their short-selling interest in firms with high carbon emission intensity but shun good carbon performers. Furthermore, the effect of climate risk on short-selling interest is more pronounced for firms operating in countries or regions that have adopted an emission trading scheme (ETS) as well as in countries characterized by higher regulatory quality and greater media pressure. We also document that short sellers in countries with stringent carbon regulations, higher environmental awareness, and superior environmental performance are more sensitive to climate risk. Our channel analyses highlight that stock overvaluation and an opaque information environment are two potential motives for short-selling interest in carbon-risky firms.

Effects of Practicing Closed- vs. Open-Skill Exercises on Executive Functions in Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Previous studies have identified discrepancies in improvements in executive functioning in typically developing children when comparing closed- and open-skill exercise interventions. However, there is limited research on executive functioning in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of closed- and open-skill exercises on ADHD populations. (2) Methods: The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed to search seven databases to evaluate and analyze studies published from 2013 to 2023. Prospero: CRD42023460452. (3) Results: A meta-analysis of 578 subjects with ADHD in 11 RCTs (Randomized control trial) and 3 NRS (Non-randomized studies) revealed that closed-skill exercise significantly improved executive function subdomains, including inhibitory control (standardized mean differences (SMD) = -1.00), cognitive flexibility (SMD = -1.33), and working memory (SMD = -0.85). Furthermore, open-skill exercise was found to have a positive effect on inhibitory control (SMD = -1.98) and cognitive flexibility (SMD = -0.97) in ADHD patients. Both types of exercise interventions demonstrated an improvement in executive function compared to controls, with open-skill exercises exhibiting superior effects (Qb = 6.26). (4) Conclusions: The review recommends a 12-week intervention cycle with exercise at least twice a week of moderate or higher intensity as suitable for ADHD individuals. This review also encourages individuals with ADHD to engage in exercises involving multiple motor skill types.

Assessing spatiotemporal variation in dry-wet abrupt alternation using an improved process-based approach

Study regionThe Pearl River Basin (PRB), located in the south of China, has a tropical to subtropical climate. Study focusIn this study, we present an improved process-based approach to assess the intensity of the Dry-Wet Abrupt Alternation (DWAA) events, considering both the transition gap (alternation) and the transition rate (urgency) between dry and wet states. Using daily precipitation data from 1961 to 2020 across 75 meteorological stations in the PRB, we analyze the temporal and spatial evolution patterns of DWAA events. New hydrological insights for the regionThe findings reveal that: (1) DWAA events in the western region generally occur less frequently but with higher intensity. (2) Dry-to-wet (D-W) events have an urgency intensity of 1.35, almost twice that of wet-to-dry (W-D) events at 0.69. However, the alternation intensity of W-D is only slightly higher by 0.17 compared to D-W. (3) The alternation and urgency changes in D-W events are asynchronous, with alternation intensity initially decreasing from 9.7 to 9.27, then increasing to 9.58, while urgency decreases continuously from 1.66 to 1.07. (4) The alternation and urgency changes in W-D events are synchronous. The alternation intensity initially decreases from 9.7 to 9.06, then rises to 10.1, while the urgency intensity decreases from 0.68 to 0.58 before subsequently climbing to 0.8.

Heteroatom-doped carbon dots from medicinal plants as novel biomaterials for as-use biomedical applications in comparison with synthetic drug, zaltoprofen

FN-doped carbon dots were synthesized using powdered leaves of Moringa oleifera L./Chromolaena odorata L./Tridax procumbens L./Tinospora cordifolia L./ and Lantana camara L., along with a precursor called 4,5-difluoro-1,2-benzenediamine (DFBD) and compared against the drug zaltoprofen derived carbon dots. They were assessed for their optical and structural characteristics using photoluminescence (optimal emission λ of 600 nm), vibrational (FTIR) spectroscopy (characteristic wave numbers of 1156 and 1269 cm−1 for C–F), as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) (highest intensity at 27.56°) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) (particles in the size range of 15–20 nm). Further, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) / energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) indicated FN doping of oval/oblong carbon dots. Membrane protection in percent is found to be 55.3 and 80.4 for FN-CDs and Z-FN-CDs respectively. The DPPH-free radical scavenging activity by FN-CDs was 69.4%, while with Z-FN-CDs, it was 54.2%. When tested on six bacterial strains (three each for gram-positive and gram-negative), the FN-CDs displayed a halo (ZOI) between 9 and 19 mm, whereas the Z-FN-CDs displayed a clearance zone between 9 and 17 mm. The FN-CDs showed significant emission-red-shift effects and demonstrated concentration-dependent biocompatibility and viability in neuroblastoma and beta-TC6-cell lines.