Geographical Location Research Articles

Evaluation of a Kirigami-inspired double-skin adaptive façade for natural ventilation and solar harvesting to enhance indoor environment and energy performance

A novel kirigami-inspired design concept for an environmentally responsive adaptive façade is presented and evaluated for the objectives of solar energy harvesting and adaptive ventilation through controllable surface orientation and opening. The concept is a double-skin façade where the outer skin includes a straight cut kirigami-inspired adaptive component. Controllable actuation of the kirigami-inspired section opens the outer skin for ventilation while also changing the orientation of the outer surface for solar tracking. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the potential benefits for this concept integrated within a building façade for solar energy harvesting, air changes, and indoor temperature control. As such, a computational study is used to estimate the proposed facade concept's performance within various generalized building-environment scenarios. The methodology is detailed to computationally estimate the potential environmental performance of this concept with respect to solar harvesting with adhered solar panels, as well as air changes and HVAC cost for associated interior spaces. The example scenarios include various building components, from a single room to multiple building stories, and two geographic locations with significantly different environmental conditions, and both daily and yearly performance estimates are shown. The component is most effective when the outdoor temperature is near to the desired indoor temperature and wind speeds are mild, but can still reduce HVAC usage for more disparate temperatures. For example, in the scenarios shown the component can eliminate HVAC use for a 5°C difference between outdoor and indoor temperature and reduces HVAC usage for temperature differences up to 15°C. Moreover, the component has the potential to significantly increase net energy generation, with yearly performance estimated for the scenarios to be as much as 25% greater than that of a flat closed façade. However, the component cut parameters can have a significant impact on environmental performance, and thus require careful design consideration.

Impact of Climate Change on Peach Fruit Moth Phenology: A Regional Perspective from China.

It is widely recognized that the phenology of insects, of which the life activities are closely tied to temperature, is shifting in response to global climate warming. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of climate change on the phenology of Carposina sasakii Matsumura, 1900 (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) across large temporal and spatial scales, through collecting and systematically analyzing historical data on the pest's occurrence and population dynamics in China. The results showed that for overwintering adults, the first occurrence date in eastern, northwestern, and northern China has significantly advanced, along with the population peak in eastern and northwestern China. At the provincial level, the population peak date in Shandong province has also moved significantly earlier, as well as the population peak date in Shandong and Shaanxi and the end occurrence date in Ningxia. However, the population peak date in Jilin has experienced a delayed trend. For first-generation adults, the first occurrence date in northeastern, eastern, and central China has notably advanced, while the first appearance date in northwestern and northern China has significantly delayed. Additionally, the population peak in northwestern China has experienced significant delays, along with the final occurrence in northeastern and northwestern China. At the provincial level, the first occurrence date in Liaoning, Shandong, and Shanxi has significantly advanced, while Hebei has demonstrated a significant delay. The population peak time in Gansu and Shaanxi has displayed significant delays, and the end occurrence date in Liaoning, Shanxi, and Shaanxi has also shown significant delays. Furthermore, these findings integrated with the Pearson correlation results reveal spatial heterogeneity in C. sasakii's phenological responses to climate warming at both regional and provincial scales. The phenology of C. sasakii and their changing patterns with climate warming vary by geographical location. This study provides valuable information for the future monitoring, prediction, and prevention of peach fruit moths in the context of climate warming.

HCV genotype distribution in Istanbul: Adetailed 7 year epidemiological overview andimpact of Covid-19 pandemic.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinomaworldwide. HCV has 8 genotypes (GT) and 86 subtypes and distribution of GTs varies based on geographical regions, transmission routes and even in cultural groups. The determination of viral genotype is crucial in choosing antiviral treatment, determining the duration of therapy, and monitoring treatment respose. Since 2014, with the usage of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in the treatment of HCV infections, a cure rate over 95% could be possible. Epidemiological data are important to combat a chronic HCV infections. Due to its geographical location, Turkey is like a bridge connecting Asia and Europe. Istanbul is the biggest and most crowded city of Turkey and has received immigration from many different countries, especially from Syria, in recent years and immigration still goes on. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects in our country. In this study, we determined the HCV genotypes in Health Sciences University Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, in Istanbul between 2016 and 2022. Of the 322 patients analyzed during this 7-year period, HCV GT1b was the most prevalent GT in 65.2%, followed by GT3 in 15.5%, GT1a in 10.6%. Our data serve as a great mirror for HCV epidemiology in Turkey and contribute to global data.

Investigating the availability, affordability, and market dynamics of innovative oncology drugs in Morocco: an original report.

The cost of cancer drugs presents a significant challenge to accessibility of treatment worldwide. Projections indicate that by 2040, two-thirds of cancer cases will occur in low- and middle- income countries. Paradoxically, despite this impending burden, LMICs command less than 5% share of global resources for treating cancer. Morocco, like many LMICs, faces significant obstacles in providing innovative cancer treatments to its population. Firstly, we aimed to conduct an original research investigating the availability and affordability of innovative cancer drugs in Morocco. Secondly, we sought to review the broader market dynamics, pricing, and reimbursement policies in the country. For the first objective, we identified a preliminary list of medicines approved for oncological indications in the Moroccan market based on resources from ANAM (National Agency for Health Insurance), pharmacy regulators, and online resources that compile information on approved medicines. For the second objective, we exhaustively reviewed the regulatory documents, legal texts and grey literature reports. All the informations were examined by pharma delegates and local experts. As of January 2024, Morocco has 39 innovative anticancer medicines with market authorization. 30% of these drugs were approved after 2020. The majority of approved drugs were for breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer. The period between FDA approval and entry into the Moroccan market ranges from 2 to 7years, with a median of 3years for breast cancer drugs and 7years for more expensive drugs like Olaparib and Osimertinib. 22 out of the 39 drugs are not reimbursed, with an average reimbursement time of 4years. Compared to prices in France, the most notable pricing disparities concern immunotherapy agents, priced 600 to 900 euros lower in France, while drugs like Pazopanib and Erlotinib cost 50% less in Morocco. Our study reveals significant disparities in the availability and affordability of innovative cancer drugs in Morocco. Regulatory hurdles, importation challenges, and pricing strategies contribute to this inequitable landscape. Addressing systemic barriers, fostering collaborations between stakeholders, and adopting a value-based pricing approach are imperative steps toward ensuring equitable access to high-quality interventions for patients, regardless of their geographical location.

Implementing a group singing intervention for postpartum depression within the Italian health service

BackgroundIn the United Kingdom a singing intervention for Postpartum Depression (PPD) titled “Music and Motherhood” was found to be effective. The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe coordinated a study to assess the feasibility of implementing and adapting the intervention in other countries. In Italy, recent studies have highlighted the need to promote the availability of effective interventions for PPD in primary care.AimTo describe the implementation of “Music and Motherhood” within the Italian primary care services dedicated to pregnancy and postnatal care in three different geographical locations, thus providing an example of strategies for implementing an arts and health intervention in primary care that can improve health and well-being.MethodsA 10-week group singing intervention for mothers with PPD was conducted as part of a single arm feasibility study. Data were collected through one-to-one interviews, focus groups and questionnaires from the professionals involved in the implementation and selected participating mothers. A conceptual framework including acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, implementation process, costs and sustainability was adopted for analysis. Number of sessions attended by mothers and implementation outcome measures for acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility, each consisting of four items rated on a 5-point Likert scale were also gathered.ResultsThe intervention was found to be inclusive of women from different socio-cultural backgrounds and appropriate to the context. The group setting and the use of an arts-based intervention helped to de-medicalise the process of care maximising resources. Singing helped mothers to express their feelings and find strategies to improve interaction with their child. Attention to mothers’ needs and the co-presence of the professional singing leader and a health professional were among the key factors. The median number of sessions attended was nine out of 10. In terms of acceptability, almost 90% of the professionals were in complete agreement that they liked and approved the intervention.ConclusionOur study adds to the evidence that an arts and health intervention proven effective in one culture and linguistic context can be adapted to another. Collaboration among health professionals and artists in the implementation process and adequate funding are instrumental in moving from project to programme level.

A Machine Learning Approach for Modeling the Spatial-temporal Propagation Pattern of COVID-19

Abstract. Predicting infections resulting from epidemiological contagions involves a complex therapeutic endeavor that necessitates the consideration of various factors within the available data. COVID-19, a globally recognized highly dangerous disease, presents an opportunity to effectively understand its patterns and spatial determinants to combat similar ailments. This study seeks to employ a deep neural network and several machine learning techniques to identify the crucial factors influencing COVID-19 infections and to forecast the spatial-temporal spread of the disease. Previous research has focused on predicting outcomes using a limited set of 8 patient variables. To contribute to this field, the current investigation analyzes a dataset comprising 47,029 records of infected individuals who sought medical attention, with 18,433 of them testing positive for the coronavirus and requiring hospitalization. The study explores the prediction of illness and hospitalization needs based on geographical locations by utilizing machine learning algorithms such as Random Forest, Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbor. The machine learning process commences with input data (comprising the 47,029 records), enabling the machine to identify patterns within the dataset and subsequently make informed decisions based on these patterns and insights gained. The primary objective is to allow the machine to autonomously learn and refine its predictions without human intervention. Applying these algorithms to COVID-19 data for spatial-temporal prediction revealed that the Random Forest algorithm achieved the highest accuracy of 0.84, while the Simple Bayes algorithm exhibited the lowest accuracy at 0.50. Additionally, the study compared random forest, decision tree, simple bayes, and K-nearest neighbor algorithms to predict the severity of road accidents.

Bioaerosols and VOC emissions from landfill leachate treatment processes: Regional differences and health risks

The landfill leachate treatment process (LLTP) is a crucial anthropogenic source of bioaerosols and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with potential environmental impacts and on-site health risks to plant workers. However, factors influencing microbial aerosol and VOC emissions remain poorly understood. We sampled and analyzed bioaerosols and VOCs in two process sections (oxidation ditch [OD] and reverse osmosis membrane [RO]) of LLTPs in northern (NLF) and southern (SLF) China. Bioaerosol concentrations were highest in OD, and particle size predominantly ranged from 0.654.7 µm. Microbial community analysis revealed distinct differences between geographical locations and process sections, with 332 genera identified. Genera such as Paenibacillus, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas were prevalent at all sampling sites. Oxygen-containing compounds (e.g., acetophenone and propionic acid) were the dominant VOCs, particularly in SLF-OD. Network analysis showed complex interactions, with Sphingomonas and ketones playing central roles in microbial and VOC communities, respectively. Partial least squares (PLS) modeling indicated a significant correlation between bioaerosols and VOCs. Specific microorganisms, such as TK10, Adhaeribacter, and Lachnospiraceae, were major contributors to emissions of hazardous VOCs (e.g., toluene and styrene). The ozone-generation potential and olfactory effect of the OD were significantly higher than those of RO; and those of SLF were higher than those of NLF. Health risk assessments indicated potential chronic toxicity and cancer risks associated with VOC exposure to specific compounds, such as trichloroethylene. Bioaerosol exposure occurred primarily through inhalation, particularly in male workers. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for the prevention and control of air-phase pollutant risks associated with LLTPs.

Research on the Method of Managing Personal Massive Photos Using Geodatabase

Abstract. In view of the limitations of the existing methods for personal massive photos management and browsing, a method of using geodatabase to manage and browse massive personal photos is proposed. Firstly, vector geodatabase is created and defined based on geographic information technology. Then, attribute information including the file name, photo date and time, photo point longitude, photo point latitude, location name, photo storage path and so on of each photo in the file system are extracted. Finally, based on the longitude and latitude of the photo point, the geospatial location data of each photo is generated, and written into the vector geodatabase together with the attribute information. Based on the storage path of photos in the file system, the links between the geospatial database and photos are established. Furtherly realize the attribute information and geographical space location management of massive photos, as well as the browsing and viewing of photos. Take personal photos as an example to introduce the data processing and verify the practicability of the method. The result shows that this method uses the idea of geodatabase to manage massive personal photos, which is conducive to reflect the geographical spatial distribution and density characteristics of the photos, and can use the time axis to connect the track of personal history, which is convenient for browsing and analyzing the experience.

ASEAN, and Indonesia’s Rising Influence In The Region

When one looks at the world map, Indonesia is not really visible in a very obvious manner, due to it being an archipelago, scattered over thousands of islands in South East Asia. However, when one reads into it, they realize that it is actually the fourth most populous country on earth, and holds quite a bit of diplomatic power as well. Indonesia is one of the founding members of ASEAN, the Association of South-East Asian Nations. ASEAN houses major natural resources, a huge chunk of Earth’s population, and together, the 10 ASEAN member states form one of the busiest trade routes in the world. To keep it simple, ASEAN is a really important organisation, and Indonesia, being one of the founding members, as well as the largest country in it, acts as the de-facto leader. Unfortunately, Indonesia is prone to many natural disasters due to its unfortunate geographic location, smack in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Recent major disasters have weakened Indonesia’s position, and many countries now do not consider Indonesia as the de-facto leader of ASEAN. This research focuses on Indonesia’s rise and fall as the undisputed leader of ASEAN, and what the future holds in store for Indonesia. To conduct this research, numerous research papers have been referred to and cited, as well as fresh information has been collected on a primary data basis. The primary data is collected by interviewing 15 Indonesian citizens, as well as senior officials at the Consulate General of Indonesia, Mumbai. Thus, the research presents the observations derived from interviewing two sides, the perspective of the Indonesian citizens, as well as the perspective of the Indonesian government. The research aims to answer some questions such as if Indonesia is prepared to tackle the current and future issues arising in ASEAN, being the leader. The research goes a step further to figure out if the Pacific Ring of Fire affects the geopolitics of Indonesia, and finally, the research looks at if the Indonesian government, and their people, the citizens look eye to eye? All of the interviews of the Indonesian citizens have been conducted virtually via Google Forms, and a meeting at the Consulate was set up in Mumbai to get the government’s perspective.

Environmental impacts of drug products: The effect of the selection of production sites in the supply chain

The environmental impact of drug products is largely determined by activities beyond the direct control of pharmaceutical companies, such as outsourced production of pharmaceutical building blocks. Therefore, this study evaluates the environmental impacts of a prostate cancer drug packaged in one blister (declared unit), thereby analysing the whole value chain to gain insight into 1) the main contributors to the impact of drug product production and 2) the effect of the geographical location of production of solvents and pharmaceuticals. The carbon and resource footprints of the entire life cycle of the drug product are determined, using the IPCC GWP 100 and the Cumulative Exergy Extraction from the Natural Environment methods, respectively. Unlike many other studies, the impacts of building blocks, called intermediate pharmaceutical ingredients (IPIs), are modelled based on primary data, literature and similar processes. The carbon footprint per declared unit equals 34 kg CO2-eq, of which IPIs and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production account for 96 %. The resource footprint is 647 MJex/declared unit, with IPI and API production accounting for 93 %. The main impact contributors of these processes are solvents and electricity consumption. Four alternative scenarios for IPI and API production are developed to evaluate the geographical influence of different production locations of solvents and pharmaceuticals between Europe and China. European production of solvents and pharmaceuticals appears to have the lowest carbon and resource footprint. In contrast, Chinese production of solvents and pharmaceuticals increases the carbon footprint by 49 %, while the resource footprint increases by only 4 %, although the natural resource consumption shifts from abiotic renewable resources and nuclear energy to fossil fuels. The high contribution of IPI production and the influence of geography of the supply chain highlight the need for accurate data from external suppliers to fairly estimate the environmental footprint of drug products.

Spatiotemporal Information, Near-Field Perception, and Service for Tourists by Distributed Camera and BeiDou Positioning System in Mountainous Scenic Areas

The collaborative use of camera near-field sensors for monitoring the number and status of tourists is a crucial aspect of smart scenic spot management. This paper proposes a near-field perception technical system that achieves dynamic and accurate detection of tourist targets in mountainous scenic areas, addressing the challenges of real-time passive perception and safety management of tourists. The technical framework involves the following steps: Firstly, real-time video stream signals are collected from multiple cameras to create a distributed perception network. Then, the YOLOX network model is enhanced with the CBAM module and ASFF method to improve the dynamic recognition of preliminary tourist targets in complex scenes. Additionally, the BYTE target dynamic tracking algorithm is employed to address the issue of target occlusion in mountainous scenic areas, thereby enhancing the accuracy of model detection. Finally, the video target monocular spatial positioning algorithm is utilized to determine the actual geographic location of tourists based on the image coordinates. The algorithm was deployed in the Tianmeng Scenic Area of Yimeng Mountain in Shandong Province, and the results demonstrate that this technical system effectively assists in accurately perceiving and spatially positioning tourists in mountainous scenic spots. The system demonstrates an overall accuracy in tourist perception of over 90%, with spatial positioning errors less than 1.0 m and a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 1.14. This provides auxiliary technical support and effective data support for passive real-time dynamic precise perception and safety management of regional tourist targets in mountainous scenic areas with no/weak satellite navigation signals.

Development of PCM tile for residential buildings in hot and dry climate: design and optimization

In recent years, the building sector has become more conscious of sustainability, and the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in concrete has gained more attraction. Integration of PCM with building facades is a successful method to reduce energy consumption and improve human comfort. However, no single PCM can work in an all-weather scenario. Hence, in this research work, an attempt is made to select a suitable PCM for Chennai city, India, and this methodology can be employed at any geographical location. The PCM tile is designed by including certain features to increase the thermal conductivity of the PCM zone. The optimum design of the PCM tile is achieved through multi-objective optimization techniques. L27 orthogonal array is employed, and all the tests were conducted through validated numerical simulation. Redesigned PCM tile includes a PCM layer of 2 cm thickness with a 10% mix of copper nanoparticles covered by plaster. Redesigned PCM tile reduces the peak indoor temperature by 6.62℃ compared with conventional roof systems.

Numerical Estimation of Potable Water Production for Single-Slope Solar Stills in the Caspian Region

This study provides a detailed numerical assessment of the productivity of single-slope solar stills across key cities in the Caspian region, including Aktau, Atyrau, Astrakhan, Makhachkala, Baku, Tehran, and Turkmenbashi. Employing a mathematical model based on heat balance equations and the Fourth Order Runge–Kutta method, we simulated the distillation process under various climatic conditions. The results reveal that productivity is significantly influenced by geographic location and local meteorological conditions. Tehran demonstrated the highest productivity across all seasons, with values of 1.75 × 103 kg/(m2·year) and an efficiency of 0.53, due to its optimal solar irradiation and ambient temperature. In contrast, Atyrau and Makhachkala exhibited lower productivity, particularly in colder months, highlighting the effect of ambient temperature on solar still efficiency. The analysis identified the optimal water depth at 2 cm and insulation thickness between 4 and 9 cm for enhancing productivity in continental climates like Aktau. Additionally, the lowest cost of distilled water was USD 0.024 per kilogram in Baku. These findings align with the existing literature, validating the numerical model’s accuracy. Future research will explore integrating solar stills with other renewable and fossil fuel-based technologies.

Investigating the Impact of Environmental Education on Improving the Environmental Awareness of Elementary School Students

Environmental education programs not only broaden children’s knowledge but also enhance their environmental awareness. This research aims to determine the extent to which environmental education improves the environmental awareness of elementary school students. In addition to reviewing existing studies, this research employs a questionnaire method to gather data. It also examines the effectiveness of using questionnaires to evaluate children’s environmental awareness. The findings indicate that the efforts of environmentalists and school environmental education instructors positively influence children. Students demonstrate a strong connection to nature, their local geography, and the environment. They also gain substantial, accurate information about the environment and its unique characteristics. However, assessing the level of environmental awareness among children solely based on school education programs is challenging. Comparing schools with and without environmental education programs could provide more meaningful insights. This study investigates the impact of environmental education on enhancing primary school students’ environmental awareness through the use of questionnaires. The results reveal that regular exposure to nature, combined with educational programs, positively affects children’s understanding of and commitment to nature conservation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/pst.929

Rabies in Cats—An Emerging Public Health Issue

Human rabies cases today are predominantly associated with infection from rabid domestic dogs. Unlike dogs, a common global reservoir species that perpetuates rabies viruses (RABV) within their populations, domestic cats are much less frequently reported or vaccinated. Epidemiologically, cats are important vectors of lyssaviruses but are not viral reservoirs. Typically, cats are incidental hosts only, infected with the predominant lyssavirus in their geographic locale. Human cases associated with rabid cats have occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe and throughout the Americas. As adept, solitary hunters, wild and domestic felids are at risk of lyssavirus infection based upon interactions with infected prey, such as bats, or from transmission by other mesocarnivores, such as rabid dogs, foxes, jackals, raccoons, and skunks. Current veterinary vaccines provide safe and effective immunity in cats against phylogroup I lyssaviruses, such as RABV, but not against divergent lyssaviruses in phylogroups II-IV. With the focus upon the global elimination of canine rabies, the emergence of rabies in cats represents a concerning trend. Clearly, education about the occurrence of rabies in cats needs to be improved, as well as the routine vaccination of cats to reduce the associated risks to public health, agriculture, and conservation biology from a One Health perspective.

A type 1 hybrid multi-site randomized controlled trial protocol for evaluating virtual interview training among autistic transition-age youth

A number of policies mandate that autistic transition-age youth receive employment services to prepare for the workforce before high school graduation. A key limitation to these services is the job interview component, which relies on non-standardized, resource-intensive, staff-led role-plays to help autistic transition-age youth improve their interview skills. The autism community has called for better job interview preparation. To address this gap in services, our team, collaborated with the autism community to adapt the intervention, Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT; effective among adults with serious mental illness), into Virtual Interview Training for Transition Age Youth (VIT-TAY). This adapted intervention was tailored to meet the needs of autistic transition age youth while maintaining the core components of VR-JIT (i.e., an online job interview simulator with four levels of automated feedback and e-learning content). A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated VIT-TAY's feasibility and initial effectiveness at improving job interview skills, reducing anxiety, and increasing employment rates within six months when added to transition services or pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS). Thus, the overarching goal of this Hybrid Type 1 effectiveness-implementation study protocol is to conduct a fully-powered RCT of VIT-TAY across 16 schools in various geographical locations. Our specific aims are to 1) Evaluate whether Pre-ETS (or transition services) with VIT-TAY, as compared to Pre-ETS (or transition services) with an active control intervention (i.e., job interview didactics/e-learning with a series of 3–5 min videos of employed autistic adults talking about their career pathways) enhances employment outcomes; 2) Evaluate mechanisms of employment by nine months post-randomization; and 3) Conduct a multilevel, mixed-method process evaluation of the initial implementation of VIT-TAY across settings (e.g., acceptability, feasibility, and barriers and facilitators of implementation).

Prevalence and Distribution of Rice Root Knot Nematode in Rice Nurseries in Chitwan and Lamjung Districts of Nepal

To determine the natural infection of the rice root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola Golden & Brichfield) in rice nurseries, a survey was carried out in Chitwan and Lamjung in June and July of 2022. Rice nurseries were randomly selected based on geographical location, agro-ecological region, land type, cropping practice, and soil type. Forty rice nurseries were surveyed i.e. twenty from each district and 100 seedlings from each nursery as the sample for the study using the simple random method of sampling were evaluated. Field survey revealed that M. graminicola was widely distributed in most rice growing areas of Chitwan and Lamjung districts. Most of the rice nurseries in Lamjung district were found to be infested with M. graminicola as compared to that of the Chitwan district. Disease severity was reported up to 23.26% in Lamjung and 20.2% in Chitwan district. Additionally, the study showed that dry bed conditions were more likely to be affected by rice root-knot disease than wet bed conditions. The majority of farmers planted seedlings on upland (dry) soil, where second-stage juvenile (J2) populations and rice root-knot disease were more common. Most farmers (87.5%) have limited knowledge about rice root knot nematodes and their control methods. This suggested a significant loss in rice output and a high danger of nematode multiplication. This information will provide knowledge about the prevalence of nematode and enabling rice growers in this region to design and implement an appropriate control strategy for managing M. graminicola.

Parents', Families', Communities' and Healthcare Professionals' Experiences of Care Following Neonatal Death in Healthcare Facilities in LMICs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography.

Ninety-eight percent of neonatal deaths worldwide occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet there is little bereavement care guidance available for these settings. To explore parents', families' and healthcare professionals' experiences of care after neonatal death in healthcare facilities in LMICs. Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature, meeting the inclusion criteria of qualitative studies exploring the experiences of people who provided or received bereavement care following neonatal death in a LMIC healthcare setting. Data were collected by two independent reviewers, collated through line-by-line coding and then reciprocal and refutational translation, and analysed through Noblit and Hare's seven-step meta-ethnography approach to create first-, second- and third-order themes. Seven first-order themes extracted from the literature included emotional responses, social relationships, staff and systems, religion, connecting with the baby, coping strategies and economic concerns. From these data, three third-order themes arose: The individual, the healthcare setting and the community/context. Overarching themes in bereavement care shape grief responses and are often similar across geographical locations. Analysing these similarities allows a deeper understanding of the important elements of bereavement care and may be helpful to inform the creation of high-quality, bereavement care guidelines suitable for use in LMIC settings.

The Effectiveness of Dental Health Education Programs in Reducing Dental Caries Prevalence among Indonesian Adolescents

Dental caries is a significant public health issue among adolescents in Indonesia, exacerbated by limited access to preventive dental care and oral health education. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Dental Health Education (DHE) programs in reducing the prevalence of dental caries among Indonesian adolescents. Using a qualitative research approach with secondary data analysis, the study reviews findings from existing literature and reports. The findings indicate that well-implemented DHE programs can reduce dental caries prevalence by 30% to 35%, with significant improvements in oral hygiene behaviors. However, factors such as geographic location, socioeconomic status, and cultural beliefs impact the success or failure of these programs. Rural and low-income communities face additional challenges in accessing dental care and educational resources. Technological innovations, including mobile health platforms, interactive apps, and SMS reminders, have shown promise in enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of DHE programs by making them more accessible and engaging. In conclusion, the success of DHE programs depends on addressing contextual barriers and incorporating technological solutions to improve reach and sustainability.

Implementation of a semi-automatic approach for detection and extraction of oil slicks using Sentinel-1: Case study of the Moroccan exclusive economic zone

Due to its strategic geographic location, Morocco experiences heavy ship traffic, which inevitably has consequences. Ship accidents and illegal discharges, commonly referred to as oil spills, are frequent and pose significant harm to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, employing new technologies, such as satellite monitoring, is crucial and will greatly enhance the ability to monitor and assess these oil spills. The present work is based on Sentinel-1 SAR images and aims to take into evidence the extent of the hydrocarbon marine pollution in all of the Moroccan EEZ. More than 220 possible cases were detected and mapped during the last decade (2014–2024). A batch process was developed to automate the detection of oil spills by identifying areas with reduced Normalized Radar Cross Section (NRCS) values. This process incorporates corrections, masks, wind field estimation, and oil clustering. The method successfully detected approximately 80% of the cases between Kenitra and Casablanca. The closest detected spill is located 1 km from the coast, the largest spill covers an area of 90 km2, and the most extended spill measures about 145 km. This study can help raise awareness among governmental authorities about potential environmental damage and can be used to train artificial intelligence models, which could simulate oil slick propagation.