Looming Crisis Research Articles

USING CANCER SURVIVORSHIP EXPERIENCES TO INFORM CANCER ADVOCACY IN NIGERIA

Abstract Background Despite having a high cancer burden that is still rising, Nigeria, like many rapidly aging countries in sub-Saharan Africa, due to a very high burden of infectious diseases, is not paying adequate attention to non-communicable diseases, especially cancer. This study explored the experiences of cancer survivors for informing tailored cancer advocacy programs in Nigeria. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used on a sample of 19 women with age ranging from 29 – 55 years, with a history of breast cancer. We had four focus group discussions during data collection and used reflexive thematic analysis for data analysis. Results The following themes were identified from the analysis: 1) strengthening care quality, 2) addressing delayed presentation, 3) expanding access to informal support, and 4) alleviating the cost burden of cancer care. Discussion A better understanding of cancer survivorship experiences among Nigerian women can help strengthen cancer advocacy in Nigeria. In turn, strong cancer advocacy will help to prioritize cancer control, and mitigate a looming cancer crisis in Nigeria.

Aqueous mixtures of deep eutectic solvents: Tuning the reaction medium and photocatalyst for highly selective amine oxidation

Harvesting light as a source of energy for driving chemical processes is an important aspect of tacking the looming energy crisis. The challenge lies in making the process sustainable while retaining the efficiency and selectivity. In this work, deep eutectic solvents and their aqueous mixtures are used to replace acetonitrile as the reaction medium for the photocatalyzed amine oxidation. It is observed that the use of deep eutectic solvents as reaction media leads to > 90 % conversion but presents issues with efficient workup due to high viscosity. The use of water a cosolvent mitigates the issue. Further modification of the catalyst surface with alizarin enables the use of higher water content (in a 1:1 ratio) and leads to high conversion (>90%) at one-tenth of irradiation intensity. The high yield and selectivity eliminate the need for tedious purification steps to isolate the product. Control experiments indicate cooperative contributions by TiO2, TEMPO and alizarin as mechanistic factors responsible for the enhanced reactivity.

Climate change and the future of the endemic Ethiopian Siskin: a looming extinction crisis

Climate change and the future of the endemic Ethiopian Siskin: a looming extinction crisis

Učinci klimatskih promjena

Climate change, a relentless force of nature, poses a significant threat to ecosystems and endangers livelihoods. This review examines the diverse impacts of climate change, ranging from shifting seasons and retreating glaciers to rapidly rising sea levels. These changes lead to identifiable risks such as rising temperatures, dwindling groundwater supplies, loss of biodiversity, reduced forestry and agricultural productivity, and increased health risks. The impacts go beyond the ecological sphere and permeate global economies. Particularly important is the disproportionate impact on countries with limited resources and lower socio-economic status. In addition, this report examines the complicated dynamics of international cooperation on climate policy, and underscores the urgent need for collective efforts to address the escalating environmental crisis. Carbon emissions are the main cause of global climate change. In response, the world's nations have come together under the Kyoto Protocol, which is based on the recognition of different national capacities to address climate-related challenges. The transition from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement underscores the shift towards collective responsibility for climate change and emphasizes international cooperation and efforts to build resilience, particularly for the benefit of vulnerable nations. Therefore, this synthesis of systematic review procedures and bibliometric analysis methods underscores the need for coordinated action to mitigate the looming environmental crisis. Strategic planning and implementation are essential to proactively mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Efforts such as afforestation, reforestation and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, as well as the extensive use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal sources, offer significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

MASLD: What We Have Learned and Where We Need to Go-A Call to Action.

Since its introduction in 1980, fatty liver disease (now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease [MASLD]) has grown in prevalence significantly, paralleling the rise of obesity worldwide. While MASLD has been the subject of extensive research leading to significant progress in the understanding of its pathophysiology and progression factors, several gaps in knowledge remain. In this pictorial review, the authors present the latest insights into MASLD, covering its recent nomenclature change, spectrum of disease, epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality. The authors also discuss current qualitative and quantitative imaging methods for assessing and monitoring MASLD. Last, they propose six unsolved challenges in MASLD assessment, which they term the proliferation, reproducibility, reporting, needle-in-the-haystack, availability, and knowledge problems. These challenges offer opportunities for the radiology community to proactively contribute to their resolution. The authors conclude with a call to action for the entire radiology community to claim a seat at the table, collaborate with other societies, and commit to advancing the development, validation, dissemination, and accessibility of the imaging technologies required to combat the looming health care crisis of MASLD.

Regional Arbitration Centres for Investor Protection

African integration is progressively strengthening regional ties and offering new economic opportunities. However, increased integration also portends increased conflict in the nature of trade disputes and civil matters generally. This article critically analyses the extant conflict resolution mechanisms under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol, noting its strengths and weaknesses. This article identifies the lack of a private dispute resolution mechanism under the protocol, suggesting that the current institutions may fail to provide the requisite judicial security for settling trade disputes in the continent, and thereby erode gains made in integration. The state of regional arbitration institutions and their suitability as an antidote to the looming crisis is pitched as a solution. The author concludes by offering a continental framework for implementing uniformity and security through a network of regional arbitration institutions.

Use of Technology in the Management and Treatment of Prediabetes, A New Era: A Case Report Series

Introduction: The escalating prevalence of prediabetes has positioned it as a silent precursor to a looming public health crisis, particularly as it paves the way for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This case series report explores the transformative role of technology, specifically the Sugar Fit’s Diabetes Reversal and Management Program (SDRMP), in the treatment and management of prediabetic patients. Methods: The case series follows the progress of two patients aged 31-44 with prediabetes utilizing the SDRMP to prevent the progression to diabetes. The interventions for both patients involved continuous glucose monitoring, personalized nutrition plans, fitness strategies, and behavioral modifications. The patients also engaged in regular communication with their life coaches through the Sugar Fit application, ensuring ongoing support and adherence to the program. Results: The results revealed significant improvements in glycemic control, lipid profiles, and overall well-being. The first patient, a 44-year-old male, demonstrated a successful return to normal glycemic control in 177 days through a comprehensive approach involving dietary changes, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. The second patient, a 31-year-old male, achieved normal glycemic control in a comparable timeframe, showcasing the effectiveness of the SDRMP. Discussion and Conclusion: These cases demonstrate that patients were able to adhere to the goals of care, preventing the progression of prediabetes to diabetes and improving insulin resistance. The study also underscores the potential impact of technology on public health outcomes, bridging the gap between traditional interventions and the evolving needs of a tech-savvy population. The synergy between healthcare expertise and technological innovation not only arrests the progression of prediabetes but also contributes to a broader societal shift towards metabolic well-being, paving the way for a healthier future. Future monitoring is essential to ensure the maintenance of lifestyle modifications and continued success in preventing diabetes.

Global Warming and Climate Change – Need of Nuclear Energy

Global warming and climate change are the central point of scientific discussion and research around the world in 21st Century, the endeavor to alleviate the adverse impacts. The looming crisis of rising of global mean surface temperature by 1.5 oC and/or 2 oC over and above the pre-industrial level compelled the international community to execute the Paris Agreement in 2015. This is an agreement negotiated by 196 countries emphasizing the exigency to reduce the emission intensity of greenhouse gases and adopt measures to mitigate the adverse effect on the ecosystem. Extreme temperatures; more intense and frequent storms, droughts & floods; ocean acidifications; warmer ocean; loss of biodiversity; disruption of crops and increased health risks are reported across the regions which reflects the adverse effects of global warming and climate change. Intensity, frequency and scale of these man-made risks are going to follow an upward trend till the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases to limit the anticipated temperature rise [1].

Energizing the future: Unleashing the potential of innovative waste-to-energy technologies for energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector.

Zimbabwe's tourism industry, renowned for its natural wonders and cultural heritage, faces a looming energy crisis rooted in the detrimental over-reliance on fossil fuels and the underutilization of substantial waste resources that lie dormant. The article investigates multifaceted relationship between six independent variables: landfill gas recovery and anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, incineration, biogas production, biodiesel production, ethanol production and syngas fermentation and one dependent variable: energy development and sustainability. In this study, a quantitative methodology was adopted, involving the gathering of data from 519 stakeholders in the tourism supply chain through a simple random sampling technique, with the sample size determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The distribution of questionnaires was facilitated through Google Forms, and the data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS. Statistical findings indicate direct significant relationship between variables, and t-statistic values all hypotheses were all greater than the threshold of 1.96, ranging from a minimum of 2.911 to a maximum of 9.431. These findings underscore the robustness of the relationships between the waste-to-energy technologies and energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe's tourism sector. This empirical evidence highlights the substantial potential for these innovative technologies to play a pivotal role in mitigating the energy crisis and fostering sustainable energy development.

The Looming Food Crisis: Exploring the Causes and Consequences – A Comprehensive Analysis And Strategic Recommendations for SDGs 2

Background: This study investigates the sustainability of future food production by examining current intensive high-yield cultivation practices and their long-term impacts. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for food will escalate, leading to increased use of chemical inputs in agriculture. This practice poses a significant threat to soil fertility, potentially rendering it infertile for future generations. Presently, food scarcity affects millions, with 80 million people lacking adequate food and 2 million dying annually due to hunger-related issues. If these trends persist, the impact will extend from low-income countries to middle-income and developed nations. Objective: The study highlights the urgent need for strategic and practical approaches to mitigate these challenges. It underscores the detrimental effects of current agricultural practices on human health, including a rise in chronic diseases and genetic impacts on future generations. The research draws on interviews, case studies, and focus group discussions with farmers to understand their motivations and knowledge regarding sustainable practices. It also analyses the transition from traditional to modern agricultural methods in Telangana state over five years of doctoral research. Recommendations: Based on this comprehensive analysis, the paper provides strategic recommendations for Small Scale Growers (SSGs) to achieve sustainable development goals, eradicate future hunger, and preserve soil fertility. The proposed strategies include controlling soil erosion, minimizing synthetic fertilizer use, eliminating herbicides, and promoting effective soil ploughing and residue management. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices, these recommendations aim to enhance agricultural productivity while safeguarding environmental and human health. This study calls for immediate action to implement these strategies at the ground level to ensure a sustainable future for food production.

SARS-CoV-2 and Environmental Changes: The Perfect Storm.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy. It also provided insights into how the looming global climate crisis might be addressed, as there are several similarities between the challenges proposed by COVID-19 and those expected from the coming climate emergency. COVID-19 is an immediate health threat, but climate change represents a more gradual and insidious risk that will lead to long-term consequences for human health. Research shows that climate change, air pollution and the pandemics have a negative impact on health. Recent studies show that COVID-19 mortality increases with climate extremes. The goal of our review is to analyze the clinical findings of COVID-19 and how they are affected by the climate change, while also providing insight into the emergence of new variants and their ability to evade the immune system. We selected and synthesized data from primary studies, reviews, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. Selection was based on rigorous methodological and relevance criteria. Indeed, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, named JN.1, has emerged as the dominant, first in the United States and then worldwide; the variant has specific mutations in its spike proteins that increase its transmissibility. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), JN.1 is currently the most reported variant of interest (VOI), having been identified in 132 countries. We highlight the link between climate change and pandemics, emphasizing the need for global action, targeted medical approaches and scientific innovation.

ITER full model in MCNP for radiation safety demonstration

The development of nuclear fusion as a safe and virtually limitless power source is receiving growing attention in the context of looming energy crisis and climate change. ITER project stands as the flagship international initiative and is advancing steadily. The construction of the Tokamak Complex is nearly finished, and the assembly of core components has begun on site. Simultaneously, the design is being finalized, and the safety case is becoming more concrete. Current approaches to radiation safety demonstration using 3D nuclear analysis with the Monte Carlo code MCNP require sophisticated artifacts to sew together simulations in separate models for the Tokamak and the rest of the facility. This results in cumbersome studies and, consequently, challengeable conclusions. To address this issue, we have built the an integral MCNP model of the ITER facility: the ITER full model. Along with improvements to the D1SUNED code, we illustrate its computational practicality and pertinence in two meaningful simulations for ITER safety case. This work represents the culmination of a two-decade-long effort of ITER modelling aiming to demonstrate adequate radiation safety. Beyond supporting the remaining design tasks, this model simplifies the corresponding 3D nuclear analysis and improves the robustness of the ITER safety case.

Emissions reduction potentials in business aviation with electric aircraft

Under the looming climate crisis, public concerns have been raised regarding the environmental impacts of private jet flights. Electric aircraft are currently considered one of the most encouraging technological keys to significantly reducing the environmental impacts of aviation. This research aims to study the replacement of currently used business jets with fully electric aircraft. This study is based on actual flight data of a European business carrier. The carbon dioxide emissions reduction potential for different aircraft ranges was estimated. Obtained results showed that with fully electric aircraft the studied business carrier could significantly reduce its annual emissions by up to 93%. On a per-passenger basis, the emissions could decrease from 6,787 g of carbon dioxide equivalent per passenger kilometre to 449 g. However, as electric aircraft will operate at a slower speed than business jets, flight times would increase by 10–41 min, depending on the distance.

Unchecked Antibiotic Access: A Looming Crisis in Pakistan.

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P041 COMMUNITY-BASED STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE HEALTH-RELATED OUTCOMES IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HYPERTENSION IN LOW MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background and objective: Hypertension affects one billion people globally and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Currently, it is estimated that high blood pressure (BP) is related to the deaths of more than 10 million people every year. Interventions to mitigate the looming hypertension crisis in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) need strong community involvement whilst concurrently addressing access to care and quality of care issues. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate community-level interventions to improve hypertension control among patients living in LMICs. Methods: Nine databases were searched (July 22, 2023) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster randomized control trials (cRCTs) implementing community-level interventions in adults with hypertension in LMICs. Studies were included based on an explicit focus on BP control. Quality assessment was done using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (ROBS 2). Results were presented following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Fixed-effect meta-analysis were conducted for studies that reported continuous outcome measures. Results: We identified and screened 7125 articles. Eighteen studies were included in the analysis, 7 RCTs and 11 cRCTs. The overall summary effect of BP control from the meta-analysis was significant, risk ratio = 1.48 (95%CI = 1.40–1.57, n=12). For the RCTs risk ratio was 1.68 (95%CI = 1.40–2.01, n=5), and for the cRCTs 1.46 (95% CI = 1.32 – 1.61, n=7). For studies that reported on the individual components of the composite interventions, the risk ratio was 1.27 (95%CI = 1.04–1.54, n=3). Conclusions: Community-based strategies are relevant in addressing the burden of hypertension in LMICs. Community-based interventions can help decentralize hypertension care in LMIC and address the access to care gap without diminishing the quality of hypertension control.

Unmasking a looming crisis: Escalating MIC of last resort drugs against MRSA isolates from a tertiary care hospital in Central India

PurposeThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) as a serious public health threat. The escalating minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of standard anti-methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) drugs within the susceptible range, known as "MIC creep," jeopardizes their effectiveness against MRSA infections, posing additional challenges in managing MRSA infections. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Central India to assess the susceptibility trends of clinical MRSA isolates against commonly used anti-MRSA drugs and to observe MIC creep, if any, over three years (2020–2022). MethodsThe study included 158 non-repetitive clinical MRSA isolates. The MICs of vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid were determined in MRSA strains using agar dilution, while the MIC of daptomycin was performed by broth microdilution. MIC creep was assessed by calculating MIC50, MIC90, Modal MIC, G-mean MIC, and susceptible and resistant percentages for the fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022. ResultsOf the 158 MRSA isolates, none were resistant to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and daptomycin, but two showed resistance to linezolid (LRSA). However, fifteen isolates showed intermediate resistance to vancomycin (VISA), and five showed intermediate resistance to teicoplanin (TISA). MIC of these anti-MRSA drugs increased in 2021 and 2022 compared to 2020. G-mean MIC for vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid in MRSA strains increased significantly over the study period, while daptomycin MIC remained relatively stable, with a slight increase in 2021 and 2022. There was a high resistance rate for clindamycin, doxycycline, and chloramphenicol among VISA, TISA, and LRSA isolates compared to MRSA. ConclusionsDuring the three years of the study, “MIC creep” was observed in vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid and, to some extent, for daptomycin in MRSA strains. The recovery of VISA, TISA, and linezolid-resistant MRSAs is worrisome, suggesting possible MRSA treatment failure and being a forerunner of resistant strains.

Constructing cascade electric fields and sulfur vacancies in Ni3S4/NiS2/v-Zn3In2S6 photocatalyst for efficient degradation of contaminants and H2 production

The increasing environmental pollution and looming energy crisis necessitate the development of advanced photocatalysts that demonstrate efficient separation and transfer of the photo-generated holes and electrons, as well as multiple functions to address the above issues. Herein, a bifunctional Ni3S4/NiS2/v-Zn3In2S6 photocatalyst has been constructed to degrade environmental hormones and antibiotics with simultaneous H2 production. Sulfur vacancies have been engineered in the Zn3In2S6 from a kinetic point of view to accelerate the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and act as active sites. Ni3S4 and NiS2 are introduced to construct cascade electric fields with Zn3In2S6 via ohmic junctions for spatially separated charge carriers and reduced hydrogen evolution potential. As a result, the composite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic H2 production and efficient degradation of bisphenol A, norfloxacin, and tetracycline, respectively. Specifically, the degradation pathways of BPA have been investigated based on Fukui calculations and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. This work may shed new light on the design and construction of dual-function photocatalysts for wastewater treatment and H2 production.

Literary Insanity and Psychiatric Literacy: Youth, Mental Health, and Contemporary Russian Fiction

AbstractIn the first post‐Soviet decade, Russian mental health professionals sounded the alarm about a looming psychiatric crisis affecting the nation’s youth. Some twenty years later, a spate of literary works seemingly marked the fictional apotheosis of these anxieties. Although critics have identified and reflected upon the significance of the “insanity cluster” in prose published around 2017, the youth of the protagonists has remained largely unconsidered. This essay focuses on three literary works that emerged at the intersection of two recent turns in contemporary Russian culture: the adolescent and the psychotherapeutic. These works featuring young, psychologically disturbed protagonists emphasize the corporeal aspects of mental illness. The characters strive to overcome the psyche or soul through empirically observable, bodily phenomena, such as violence against themselves and others, or sexual promiscuity. All three works unmask the harmful consequences of externalizing psychic abnormalities, of their teenage heroes’ belief that scarring one’s own body or that of another sentient being can ameliorate the symptoms of schizophrenia or other mental disturbances. With their complex and nuanced literary exploration of the interplay between “consciousness” and “flesh,” the three novels provide a fictional retort to narrowly mechanistic understandings of the psychology and behavior of youth.

How Shared Dietary Behaviors Within Asian American Families Are Influenced by Emotional Interaction Qualities: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Analysis.

Asian American (AA) young adults face a looming diet-related non-communicable disease crisis. Interactions with family members are pivotal in the lives of AA young adults and form the basis of family-based interventions; however, little is known on the role of these interactions in shared family food behaviors. Through an analysis of 2021 nationwide survey data of 18-35-year-old AAs, this study examines how the quality of family member interactions associates with changes in shared food purchasing, preparation, and consumption. Interaction quality was assessed through 41 emotions experienced while interacting with family, and was categorized as positive (e.g., "I look forward to it"), negative (e.g., "I feel annoyed"), and appreciation-related (e.g., "I feel respected") interactions. Participants were also asked how frequently they ate meals, ate out, grocery shopped, and cooked with their family. Among the 535 AAs surveyed (47.6% East Asian, 21.4% South Asian, 22.6% Southeast Asian), 842 unique family interactions were analyzed; 43.5% of interactions were with mothers, followed by siblings (27.1%), and fathers (18.5%). Participants most frequently ate meals with their family (at least daily for 33.5% of participants), followed by cooking (at least daily for 11.3%). In adjusted analyses, an increase in shared food behaviors was particularly associated with positive interactions, although most strongly with cooking together and least strongly with eating meals together; significant differences between ethnic subgroups were not observed. Findings revealed the importance of family interaction quality when leveraging family relationships to develop more tailored, impactful AA young adult dietary interventions.

Exploring the feasibility of dimethyl ether (DME) and LPG fuel blend for small diesel engine: A simulation perspective

There is a looming global crisis owing to the increase in greenhouse gases and the escalating fossil fuel process. The issue is further compounded by the ongoing conflicts in different places in the world. Hence, there is an urgent need for a bouquet of alternative fuels suitable to power the incumbent internal combustion engine. Among various options available Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a friendly environment fuel, easy to liquefy, and suitable for use in diesel engines, while Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is another potential alternative fuel suitable for internal combustion engines. The present study is an endeavor to investigate the characteristics of a diesel engine powered with DME-diesel blends as pilot fuel while LPG was used as the main fuel. During engine testing, different blends of diesel-DME were used containing 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% DME. The AVL Boost software was employed for modeling the engine performance and tailpipe emission. The test fuel combination was successful in running the engine sans any abnormality in sound or performance. The results showed carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were reduced using the test fuel combination while there was a marginal increase in the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) levels. In general, the combination of DME and LPG could be considered as a potential and promising solution to reducing pollutant emissions.