Implementation Of Prevention Strategies Research Articles

Characteristics of ocular-related emergency department visits: Five-years data from a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background Ocular emergencies (OE) include ocular trauma, infections, retinal detachment, and uveitis. Due to the limited number of studies describing ocular emergencies requiring Emergency Department (ED) visits in Saudi Arabia, there is a need for further studies addressing this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and describe the incidence, clinical presentation, and causes of ocular-related ED visits at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. Medical records were reviewed for all patients (all age groups) patients presenting at the ED from 1 January 2019 to 31 October 2023 where data for patients with any ocular emergency was extracted using an Excel sheet. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). Baseline information was described using frequencies and proportions. Types of Ocular emergencies were described using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and presented using frequencies and proportions. The distribution of ocular emergencies across months and age groups was expressed using chart figures. Results A total of 15,321 ocular-related ED visits were included in this study. Almost 51% of patients were males. The mean age at diagnosis was 25.5 ± 22.1 years. More than half of the patients (51.0%) were diagnosed during childhood (<18 years), while proportions of older ages declined gradually. Average presentations of ocular emergencies in a single month ranged from 200 to 400. Conjunctival disorders including conjunctivitis (29.8%) were the most frequent ocular emergencies. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that ocular emergencies are more prevalent in younger patients (aged <18 years), more commonly due to conjunctivitis. This highlights the need for policymakers to assess the causes of such emergency in this population and implement prevention strategies. Moreover, an average of 200 to 400 emergency visits per month are ocular-related. This finding could help policymakers understand the burden of ocular emergencies on the ED and the pressure that could add to the ED staff to provide appropriate care for these patients.

Long-Term Ground Deformation Monitoring and Quantitative Interpretation in Shanghai Using Multi-Platform TS-InSAR, PCA, and K-Means Clustering

Ground subsidence in urban areas is mainly due to natural or anthropogenic activities, and it seriously threatens the healthy and sustainable development of the city and the security of individuals’ lives and assets. Shanghai is a megacity of China, and it has a long history of ground subsidence due to the overexploitation of groundwater and urban expansion. Time Series Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (TS-InSAR) is a highly effective and widely used approach for monitoring urban ground deformation. However, it is difficult to obtain long-term (such as over 10 years) deformation results using single-platform SAR satellite in general. To acquire long-term surface deformation monitoring results, it is necessary to integrate data from multi-platform SAR satellites. Furthermore, the deformations are the result of multiple factors that are superimposed, and relevant studies that quantitatively separate the contributions from different driving factors to subsidence are rare. Moreover, the time series cumulative deformation results of massive measurement points also bring difficulties to the deformation interpretation. In this study, we have proposed a long-term surface deformation monitoring and quantitative interpretation method that integrates multi-platform TS-InSAR, PCA, and K-means clustering. SAR images from three SAR datasets, i.e., 19 L-band ALOS-1 PALSAR, 22 C-band ENVISAT ASAR, and 20 C-band Sentinel-1A, were used to retrieve annual deformation rates and time series deformations in Shanghai from 2007 to 2018. The monitoring results indicate that there is serious uneven settlement in Shanghai, with a spatial pattern of stability in the northwest and settlement in the southeast of the study area. Then, we selected Pudong International Airport as the area of interest and quantitatively analyzed the driving factors of land subsidence in this area by using PCA results, combining groundwater exploitation and groundwater level change, precipitation, temperature, and engineering geological and human activities. Finally, the study area was divided into four sub-regions with similar time series deformation patterns using the K-means clustering. This study helps to understand the spatiotemporal evolution of surface deformation and its driving factors in Shanghai, and provides a scientific basis for the formulation and implementation of precise prevention and control strategies for land subsidence disasters, and it can also provide reference for monitoring in other urban areas.

The Connection of Place, Routine Activity, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults in a Large Retirement Community

ABSTRACT Financial exploitation of older adults is a rapidly growing social problem, and research in this area has largely focused on individual-level risk factors with the role of the community not considered. Given the rapid expansion of retirement communities across the United States, these areas may be emerging as hotspots for financial exploitation. This study presented officially reported administrative trend data on reported cases of financial exploitation and analyzed focus group and interview data collected from 80 residents of a large retirement community to assess the self-reported role of the community on older adults’ financial exploitation experiences and perceptions of risk. Study participants overwhelmingly expressed that they were targeted for financial exploitation immediately and repeatedly after moving into the retirement community and much more frequently than they had experienced before moving. Participants believed they were seen as vulnerable targets and adequate protection measures were not implemented by the retirement community’s management. Retirement community managers and local criminal justice officials should recognize that residents of retirement communities may be at risk for financial exploitation and implement prevention and response strategies.

Review article: Prevention of inflammatory bowel disease-The path forward.

The possibility of preventing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming more plausible due to advances in understanding preclinical disease and successful prevention trials in other immune-mediated diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. However, before that possibility becomes reality, several efforts need to occur in parallel and in a coordinated way. To propose some critical steps necessary for advancing the field of IBD prediction and prevention. We reviewed the current literature to identify the necessary steps toward a preventive strategy for IBD. The first step should determine the most robust predictive biomarkers and validate them across independent cohorts, creating a multidimensional predictive tool. The second step is to gain a better understanding of the preferences of first-degree relatives and people at risk for IBD, informing the implementation of screening and preventive strategies. Third, these efforts should contribute to the development of high-risk clinics and establish the necessary networks for disease prevention trials. Advancing the field of IBD prediction and prevention will require a multifaceted approach, integrating biomarker discovery, understanding patient preferences, and establishing infrastructure for a collaborative network to support the practical implementation of IBD prevention strategies.

Preventive measures against HIV among Uganda's youth: Strategies, implementation, and effectiveness.

Preventing HIV among Uganda's youth is a critical public health priority due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the disproportionate burden of new infections among young people. This paper examines the preventive measures implemented to combat HIV/AIDS among Uganda's youth, focusing on strategies, implementation efforts, and the effectiveness of interventions. Comprehensive sexuality education programs have been implemented in schools and communities to provide young people with accurate information on HIV transmission, prevention methods, and reproductive health. Condom distribution and promotion campaigns target sexually active youth, while HIV testing and counseling services aim to reach youth in various settings, including health facilities and community outreaches. The implementation of HIV prevention strategies involves collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders. Efforts are made to ensure that prevention programs are culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of young people. Despite progress in HIV prevention, challenges persist, including knowledge gaps, stigma, gender inequalities, and socio-economic factors. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to assess the impact of interventions and identify areas for improvement. Recommendations include increasing funding for HIV prevention programs, strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing access to youth-friendly health services, integrating comprehensive sexuality education into school curricula, and fostering community engagement. By addressing these recommendations, Uganda can strengthen its HIV prevention efforts and reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS among its youth population, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and well-being.

Conceptual Framework for Community-Based Prevention of Brown Dog Tick-Associated Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe tickborne disease that can reach epidemic proportions in communities with certain social and ecologic risk factors. In some areas, the case-fatality rate of brown dog tick-associated RMSF is up to 50%. Because of the spread of brown dog tick-associated RMSF in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the disease has the potential to emerge and become endemic in other communities that have large populations of free-roaming dogs, brown dog ticks, limited resources, and low provider awareness of the disease. By using a One Health approach, interdisciplinary teams can identify communities at risk and prevent severe or fatal RMSF in humans before cases occur. We have developed a conceptual framework for RMSF prevention to enable communities to identify their RMSF risk level and implement prevention and control strategies.

The economic and environmental impact of fire preventive strategies in the Mediterranean region

Fire behaviour in the Mediterranean region has been altered by climate change. In the last decade, not only has the occurrence of fires increased but also their virulence. This is primarily due to higher temperatures and the decrease in the rainfall, which have made forest ecosystems less able to withstand fires. It has also been observed that most wildfires are related directly or indirectly with human actions, and they usually occur in wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. The current research focuses on the economic quantification of the benefits that fire preventive strategies could generate, demonstrating that it is worth it to invest in this kind of measures for both the environment and the society. This study shows the results of a pioneering project, called GUARDIAN, which is applied in a WUI area located at the east of Spain, with the aim of preventing and combating wildfires that could put at risk the life of 15,000 inhabitants while preserving the Natural Park of Túria and La Vallesa (Valencia-Spain). GUARDIAN is a multifaceted project that integrates recycled water, advanced technology, and ecological enhancements to create a more fire-resilient environment while educating and preparing the local community for fire-related challenges. The results of the current research intend to give a value to those benefits of the project that usually have not a market value and are difficult to measure, and due to that fact, they are not usually considered in the cost-benefit analysis. The methodology applied allows to compare in economic terms the environmental benefits of fire preventive measures implemented in the GUARDIAN project with the costs incurred by the measures developed. The environmental area protected by the project results in a value that ranges between €338,035,481 to €485,384,281. Accordingly, the methodology and results of this study are of great interest to public administrations, encouraging the implementation of fire preventive strategies.

ESTRATÉGIAS DE PREVENÇÃO DE LESÃO POR PRESSÃO EM PACIENTES ACAMADOS: O PAPEL DA ENFERMAGEM

Pressure injuries (PPI) represent a serious public health problem that affects bedridden patients, especially in hospital environments, and can cause complications such as infections and tissue necrosis. This article aims to propose the implementation of PI prevention strategies in bedridden patients, focusing on the role of nursing. The research aims to identify effective prevention practices, such as position changes, risk assessment and use of pressure relief devices. The methodology adopted was a bibliographic review of articles published in the last ten years, using databases such as PubMed, Scielo and LILACS. Expected results include reducing the incidence of PPL, improving the quality of nursing care and promoting preventive protocols based on scientific evidence. It is concluded that the rigorous adoption of these strategies could significantly contribute to improving patient health and optimizing hospital resources. The main strategies identified include changing position, using pressure relief devices and risk assessment. It is concluded that this management significantly reduces the incidence of LPP, improving the quality of nursing care and promoting patient health.

A Novel RUL-Centric Data Augmentation Method for Predicting the Remaining Useful Life of Bearings

Maintaining the reliability of rotating machinery in industrial environments entails significant challenges. The objective of this paper is to develop a methodology that can accurately predict the condition of rotating machinery in order to facilitate the implementation of effective preventive maintenance strategies. This article proposed a novel RUL-centric data augmentation method, designated as DF-MDAGRU, for the purpose of predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of bearings. This model is based on an encoder–decoder framework that integrates time–frequency domain feature enhancement with multidimensional dynamic attention gated recurrent units for feature extraction. This method enhances time–frequency domain features through the Discrete Wavelet Downsampling module (DWD) and Convolutional Fourier Residual Block (CFRB). This method employs a Multiscale Channel Attention Module (MS-CAM) and a Multiscale Convolutional Spatial Attention Mechanism (MSSAM) to extract channel and spatial feature information. Finally, the output predictions are processed through linear regression to achieve the final RUL estimation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art approaches on the FEMETO-ST and XJTU datasets.

Paediatric cerebral palsy in South Africa: Prevention and care gaps at hospital level.

Population-based data show high proportions of severe cases of cerebral palsy (CP) in resource-poor regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where most children have potentially preventable risk factors (factors that may increase the likelihood of CP occurrence but can be mitigated through medical interventions). This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical profile of children living with CP accessing services at Tygerberg Hospital over a period of 10 years (2010-2020), identify the potential gaps in care (proportion of individuals in a country requiring but not receiving suboptimal or inadequate care), and comparison with a similar study at the same centre two decades ago. This 10-year retrospective study investigated causes and morbidities in children with CP, attending a central hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. A total of 613 children with CP were identified. Perinatal causes were predominant, especially in 57.7% (n = 354) of the cohort: perinatal asphyxia (41.1%) and preterm birth (16.6%). Postnatal causes constituted 15.2% (n = 93), which included tuberculous meningitis (3.6%) and bacterial meningitis (3.6%). The most common complications were intellectual impairment (61.8%; n = 379); epilepsy (30.8%; n = 189) and visual impairment (54.7%; n = 234). A third of the cohort had severe CP, classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System IV and V (38%). Most of the previously documented main drivers of CP are still present and the implementation of healthcare prevention strategies remains inadequate. This study provides longitudinal evidence to confirm that CP in a South African setting is associated with a high burden of potentially preventable causes.

A socioeconomic and cost benefit analysis of Tropical Race 4 (TR4) prevention methods among banana producers in Colombia.

The global banana industry faces a significant threat from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4). While prior research has concentrated on TR4's dissemination, reproductive conditions, and resistant banana varieties, this study employs a socioeconomic and cost-benefit analysis to explore the vulnerability of banana producers to TR4 in Colombia. It assesses the financial viability of current monitoring strategies and estimates potential losses in the event of TR4 spreading within the study area. Interviews were conducted with producers and key stakeholders in Colombia's top two banana-producing departments, Antioquia and Magdalena. The findings reveal that farming systems are highly vulnerable to TR4, particularly due to the prevalent use of corms. Producers employ preventive measures such as cement paths, fences, disinfecting stations, and footbaths to counteract TR4's spread. A cost-benefit analysis indicates that the benefits of these prevention methods significantly outweigh the associated costs, with a net present value of implementing prevention strategies per hectare of $95,389 USD and $112,527 USD in Magdalena and Antioquia and a benefit-cost ratio of 3.1 and 4.2, respectively. Considering the substantial impact TR4 could have in Colombia if it becomes more widespread, we recommend widespread adoption of preventive measures, including the construction and utilization of cement paths and disinfectant methods on all banana farms. Additionally, to enhance awareness and early detection, we propose leveraging technology, such as mobile applications (apps) and chat groups, to empower farmers in identifying and preventing the spread of TR4.

Assaults against pandemic heroes: an observational study in the Metropolitan City of Genoa in Italy

Abstract Background Escalating violence against healthcare workers is a significant public health issue that undermines care quality and workers’ health. This descriptive study aims to examine trends in aggression across different pandemic phases. Methods The study analysed reported violence among healthcare workers from 2018 to 2023 within a Local Health Authority in Genoa, Italy. Variables of interest included the severity of aggression, the professionals affected, and the locations of incidents. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical methods, including multinomial logistic regression, to assess relationships across pandemic phases. Results Reported aggressions rose from 48 incidents in 2018 to 103 in 2023, totaling 463. Pre-pandemic physical violence was at 39%, dropping to 27% during and after the pandemic (χ²=7.4, df = 2, p < 0.025). Nurses experienced the highest violence rates, with an average of 72% pre-pandemic and 74% post-pandemic, reducing to 51% during the pandemic if compared with doctors (Coef -0.80; 95%CI -1.45|-0.15). Over half of incidents occurred in Emergency and Psychiatric Services, from 77% before to 51% after pandemic. Conversely, violence in Local Services rose from 7% before to 24% during and 28% after pandemic (χ²=56.9, df = 6, p < 0.000). If compared to Hospitals, violence in Local Services increased during (Coef 1.44; 95%CI 0.40|2.48) and post-pandemic (Coef 1.001; 95%CI 0.13|1.87), and in Psychiatric Services decreased post-pandemic (Coef -0.98; 95%CI -1.67|-0.29). Conclusions Violence against healthcare workers shifted during and post-pandemic, mirroring the decentralisation of healthcare due to pandemic. The urgent development and implementation of effective violence prevention strategies are imperative. These should include training, psychological support, security enhancements, and a strong organisational culture that prioritises safety and respect. Protecting healthcare workers is crucial for their well-being and to ensure high healthcare quality. Key messages • Escalating violence undermines care quality and healthcare worker well-being. Effective prevention strategies are essential, including training, support, and an organisation that prioritises safety. • Nurses are the main victims of violence. Violence is higher in Emergency Departments, but incidents are increasing in Local Health Services, due to organisational changes during and post-pandemic.

Musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors in the modern era: results from the Specchio cohort

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a major challenge for occupational and public health, but data are scarce in Switzerland or concentrated on a few sectors of activities. The aim of this study is to provide results on the prevalence and risk and protective factors of MSDs in the general working-age population of the Geneva canton, Switzerland. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted as part of Specchio population-based cohort study. Prevalence and associations between MSDs and sociodemographic variables, individual behaviour (smoking, physical activity, sleep), health conditions (BMI, chronic diseases), physical and psychological risks at work were examined using regression models. The impact of teleworking was also evaluated. Results 2’733 participants took part in the survey, of which 38% were men, and mean age was 50. Overall prevalence of MSDs was 74% among men and 84% among women. 80% of the individuals experience back pain and 56% shoulder pain. Among individuals who experienced MSDs, 55.2% consulted a healthcare professional. The risk factors for MSDs were female sex (OR = 1.95; 95% IC = 1.55-2.28), body mass index (obese) (2.2; 1.51-3.32), lower education (1.77; 0.84-4.37), smoking (1.65; 1.19-2.35), exposure to physical risks (3.54; 2.78-4.51), stress at work (effort-reward imbalance) (3.23; 2.45-4.29) and a poor work-life balance (2.36; 1.88-2.97). The prevalence of MSDs remained high among workers who telework (78% versus 84% in working population). Conclusions This study, carried out in a large population-based cohort, confirmed several risk factors for MSDs. These results will contribute to the implementation of prevention strategies, especially as teleworking has gained in importance in recent years, which may have aggravated workers’ isolation and stress, sedentariness, and poor body posture. Main message: These data confirm the weight of musculoskeletal disorders and will help implementation of prevention health strategies. Key messages • The relationship between psychosocial risks at work and the occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) persists even following adjustment for exposure to physical risks and individual risk factors. • The prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSDs) disorders remained high among workers who telework.

INCIDENCE OF CONTRAST-INDUCED NEPHROPATHY FOLLOWING CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a potentially serious complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). It is characterized by an acute deterioration in renal function after exposure to contrast media. CIN is associated with increased morbidity, hospital stays, and long-term renal outcomes, making it crucial to identify and mitigate its incidence. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of CIN in patients undergoing CTO-PCI and its associated complications. Objective: To assess the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) and evaluate in-hospital complications, hospital stay duration, and short-term mortality. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with ethical approval at a tertiary care hospital, including 118 patients who underwent PCI for CTO at the Department of Cardiology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan from 10th June 2023 to 09th June 2024. Standardized pre- and post-procedural hydration protocols were implemented to reduce the risk of CIN, and non-ionic, iso-osmolar contrast agents were used. CIN was defined as a 25% increase in serum creatinine or an absolute increase of ≥0.5 mg/dL within 48–72 hours post-procedure. Data on demographic characteristics, complications, and mortality were collected and analyzed using SPSS Version 25, with categorical variables expressed as percentages and continuous variables as means. Chi-square tests were used to assess statistical significance, with P-values < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Of the 118 patients included, the mean age was 56.34 years, and 52.5% were male. Age distribution showed that 43.2% were between 51-60 years, while 33.1% were between 61-70 years. CIN was observed in 6.8% of patients, with 9.7% of males and 3.6% of females affected (P=0.188). In-hospital complications included arrhythmias in 4.2% of patients, heart failure in 0.8%, and mortality in 0.8%. Hospital stay averaged 5.94 days, with no significant differences in CIN incidence across age groups (P=0.186). Conclusion: The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy following PCI for chronic total occlusion is a clinically significant issue, affecting 6.8% of patients despite preventative measures. This emphasizes the need for ongoing risk assessment, monitoring, and the implementation of effective prevention strategies. Further research is warranted to refine risk stratification tools and develop targeted interventions to minimize CIN incidence, particularly in high-risk patient populations.

A Case Study on the Integration of Remote Sensing for Predicting Complicated Forest Fire Spread

Forest fires can occur suddenly and have significant environmental, economic, and social consequences. The timely and accurate evaluation and prediction of their progression, particularly the spread speed in difficult-to-access areas, are essential for emergency management departments to proactively implement prevention strategies and extinguish fires using scientific methods. This paper provides an analysis of models for predicting forest fire spread in China and globally. Incorporating remote sensing (RS) technology and forest fire science as the theoretical foundation, and utilizing the Wang Zhengfei forest fire spread model (1983), which is noted for its broad adaptability in China as the technical framework, this study constructs a forest fire spread model based on remote sensing interpretation. The model improves the existing model by adding elevation an factor and optimizes the method for acquiring certain parameters. By considering regional landforms (ridge lines, valley lines, and slopes) and vegetation coverage, this paper establishes three-dimensional visual interpretation markers for identifying hotspots; the orientation of the hotspots can be identified to simulate the spread of the fire uphill, downhill, in the direction of the wind, left-level slope, and right-level slope. Then, the data of Sentinel-2 and DEM were used to invert the fuel humidity and slope of pixels in the fire line areas. The statistical inversion data from pixels, which replaced fixed-point values in traditional models, were utilized for predicting forest fire spread speed. In this paper, the model was applied to the case of a forest fire in Mianning County, Sichuan Province, China, and verified using high-time-resolution Himawari-8 data, Gaofen-4 data, and historical data. The results demonstrate that the direction and maximum speed of fire spread for the fire lines in Baifen Mountai, Jiaguer Villageand, Muchanggou, Xujiabaozi, and Zhaizigou are uphill, 16.5 m/min; wind direction, 17.32 m/min; wind direction, 1.59 m/min; and wind direction, 5.67 m/min. The differences are mainly due to the locations of the fire lines, moisture content of combustibles, and maximum slopes being different. Across the entire fire line area, the average rate of increase in the area of open flames within one hour was 3.257 hm2/10 min (square hectares per 10 min), closely matching the average increase rate (3.297 hm2/10 min) monitored by the Himawari-8 satellite in 10 min intervals. In contrast, conventional fixed-point fire spread models predicted an average rate of increase of 3.5637 hm2/10 min, which shows a larger discrepancy compared to the Himawari-8 satellite monitoring results. Moreover, when compared to the fire spot monitoring results from the Gaofen-4 satellite taken 54 min after the initial location of the fire line, the predictions from the RS-enabled fire spread model, which integrates remote sensing interpretations, closely matched the actual observed fire boundaries. Although the predictions from the RS-enabled fire spread model and the traditional model both align with historical data in terms of the overall fire development trends, the RS-enabled model exhibits higher reliability and can provide more accurate information for forest fire emergency departments, enabling effective pre-emptive measures and scientific firefighting strategies.

Peri-Urban Floodscapes: Identifying and Analyzing Flood Risk Areas in North Bhubaneswar in Eastern India

Peri-urban catchment areas are increasingly susceptible to floods due to rapid land use transformations and unplanned urban expansion. This study comprehensively examines flood vulnerability in the rapidly developing peri-urban areas of North Bhubaneswar, focusing on significant changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and hydrological dynamics from 2004 to 2024, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analysis reveals substantial shifts in land use patterns, with the urban footprint expanding by 71.8%, cropland decreasing by 21.7%, and forest areas by 13.6%. These changes have led to increased impervious surfaces, resulting in higher surface runoff and decreased groundwater recharge, thereby exacerbating flood risks in the region. The GRID-based vulnerability analysis classifies 90 villages within the catchment area based on their vulnerability levels, identifying 20 villages as high-risk areas requiring urgent attention, 44 villages as medium vulnerable, and 26 villages as low vulnerable. These classifications are based on factors such as proximity to drainage networks, slope, geomorphology, and LULC characteristics, with areas near drainage channels and low-lying regions being prone to flooding. The analysis integrates multiple factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of flood risk, highlighting the need for sustainable land use planning, conservation of vegetated areas, and the implementation of advanced flood prevention strategies in the peri-urban areas. Extending this research to other fringe regions could offer further valuable insights, guiding flood prevention and sustainable development strategies for areas undergoing significant land use transformations to effectively mitigate future flood risks.

Paediatric e-scooter riders at high risk of life-threatening traffic accidents.

This study presents the epidemiology and the development of e-scooter and non-electric scooter injuries in children and adolescents to highlight the nature and the severity of such injuries. All children and adolescents with electric or non-electric scooter related injuries between January 2019 until December 2022 were included in this single-centre study and retrospectively evaluated. An epidemiological overview including age, sex, type of scooter, injury mechanism, diagnosed injuries and surgical interventions were presented. Further, statistical comparisons of the means and proportions of injuries and the number of surgical interventions between electric and non-electric scooter riders were made. The study consists of 633 children and adolescents (9.1 ± 5.0 years; 231 female, 36.5%, 402 male, 63.5%). 80.1% (8.0 ± 4.1 years) used non-electric scooters, while 19.9% (14.2 ± 4.1 years) used e-scooters. In comparison, adolescent e-scooter riders were significantly more likely to be involved in traffic accidents (non-electric scooter: 16/507; e-scooter: 21/126; p = 0.0001) and suffered severe head injuries more often (non-electric scooter: 8/134; e-scooter: 7/37; p = 0.0217) than patients riding non-electric scooters. Adolescent e-scooter riders were more likely to be involved in potentially life-threatening traffic accidents having a higher risk of severe head injuries requiring surgery compared to non-electric scooter riders. Adolescent e-scooter riders have a higher risk to be involved in potentially life-threatening traffic accidents than riders of non-electric scooters. E-scooter riders have a higher risk of sustaining serious head injuries requiring surgical intervention than non-electric scooter riders. The data highly recommends the implementation of prevention strategies especially educating youth and parents and wearing protective clothing. Legislation and law enforcement could help prevent such injuries and potentially life-threatening traffic accidents involving children and adolescents who ride e-scooters.

Implementing Loss Prevention by Identifying Trends and Insights to Help Policyholders Mitigate Risks and Reduce Claims

Loss prevention is a critical focus for both insurers and policyholders, as rising claim volumes lead to increased premiums and financial losses. This paper explores the implementation of loss prevention strategies through the identification of trends and insights derived from historical data, predictive analytics, and emerging technologies. By leveraging these insights, insurers can recommend proactive risk mitigation measures to policyholders, reducing the occurrence of claims and overall risks. The study begins by analyzing historical data trends across various sectors such as auto, property, and health insurance, identifying key factors that drive claims. Predictive analytics is then applied to forecast future risks, allowing insurers to develop personalized strategies for mitigating those risks. Emerging technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence (AI) are highlighted for their role in providing real-time data and early warning systems, which help to prevent incidents before they escalate into claims. This paper also outlines practical loss prevention strategies for policyholders, such as installing smart home devices to monitor potential hazards, encouraging safe driving habits through telematics, and promoting health and wellness programs to lower medical claims. These risk mitigation strategies are shown to provide significant return on investment (ROI) for policyholders by reducing claims frequency and severity. Through case studies and data analysis, the paper demonstrates that proactive loss prevention not only benefits policyholders by lowering their risk exposure but also helps insurers reduce claims costs and enhance profitability. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of trend identification, predictive analytics, and emerging technologies in the future of loss prevention, offering a path forward for insurers and policyholders to work collaboratively in mitigating risks.

Prevalence of thalassaemia among childbearing-age Li and Han populations in Hainan Province.

Accurate epidemiological data are crucial for effective disease prevention and treatment. We conducted a large-scale survey to explore the thalassaemia prevalence and spectrum among the two major ethnic groups in Hainan Province. A total of 399,053 childbearing-age individuals of Li (n = 77,563) and Han(n = 321,490) ethnic groups were recruited from 18 cities and counties in Hainan, and their thalassemia genotypes were systematically screened and statistically analysed. This study revealed a significantly higher thalassaemia carrier rate in the Li (55.39%) than that in the Han (13.13%). Specifically, the carrier rate of α-thalassaemia was 46.39% in the Li and 10.02% in the Han. The predominant α-thalassaemia mutations were - α3.7 and - α42. in Li, whereas the main mutation were - SEA and - α4.2 in Han. For β-thalassaemia, the carrier rates were 1.68% in Li and 2.38% in Han, with CD41-42(-CTTT) the most prevalent mutation in both groups. The carrier rates of β-/α-compound thalassaemia were 7.32% in Li and 0.73% in Han. Additionally, there were regional differences in the distribution of thalassemia among the Li and Han within Hainan Province. Epidemiological characteristics and molecular spectrum of thalassaemia among the Li and Han ethnic groups in Hainan were revealed in this study. These findings can provide a scientific basis to develop and implement prevention strategies for thalassaemia in Hainan.

Expert opinion on heat therapy for teenagers' musculoskeletal pain management.

Among children and adolescents, up to 40% will experience musculoskeletal pain (MP), which can significantly impair functional ability, reduce quality of life, cause emotional distress, and lead to sleeping disorders for both patients and their families. The first-line treatment often involves pharmacological interventions, even though there is a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy or the safety of this approach in this specific age group. Recent guidelines recommend the implementation of preventative strategies and physical tools as the first option to minimize the use of medications. We aimed to provide an expert opinion on the use of heat therapy for MP management in young patients. This paper is the result of a virtual advisory board held by the authors in order to discuss and provide an expert opinion about the use of heat therapy in MP in children and adolescents. MP is a significant burden affecting children and adolescents. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are currently the first-choice treatment of acute and chronic MP in children and adolescents, avoiding or reducing them in such patients is advisable, to reduce side effects and to prevent the development of chronic pain and medication overuse headaches. Heat therapy can be an additional treatment option due to its ability to promote muscle relaxation, enhance blood circulation, and modulate nociceptors with a good safety profile. MP in children and adolescents is a common condition that should be approached multidisciplinary, including information, therapeutic exercise and physical therapies like hot or cold therapies. Future studies should be conducted to evaluate the safety, efficacy and indications of each treatment in MP.