Low Risk Level Research Articles

Implementation Of The K-Means Clustering Algorithm For Grouping Heart Disease Risk Levels

Heart disease is a condition where the heart cannot carry out its duties properly, this disease occurs when blood to the heart muscle stops or becomes blocked, causing serious damage to the heart. The KMeans algorithm can be used to cluster heart disease groups to find out if someone is affected heart disease or not. The clustering method with the k-means algorithm in this research shows a new insight, namely grouping the risk level of heart disease based on 3 clusters. Cluster 1 is a category age with a fairly low risk level for heart disease or Low, namely 355 out of 1025 age categories tested, then cluster 2 is the age category with a moderate risk level for heart disease, namely 208 out of 1025 age categories tested, and finally cluster 3 is an age category with a fairly high age category level or High, namely 462 of 1025 age categories tested.

Geospatial based model for malaria risk prediction in Kilombero valley, South-eastern, Tanzania.

Malaria continues to pose a major public health challenge in tropical regions. Despite significant efforts to control malaria in Tanzania, there are still residual transmission cases. Unfortunately, little is known about where these residual malaria transmission cases occur and how they spread. In Tanzania for example, the transmission is heterogeneously distributed. In order to effectively control and prevent the spread of malaria, it is essential to understand the spatial distribution and transmission patterns of the disease. This study seeks to predict areas that are at high risk of malaria transmission so that intervention measures can be developed to accelerate malaria elimination efforts. This study employs a geospatial based model to predict and map out malaria risk area in Kilombero Valley. Environmental factors related to malaria transmission were considered and assigned valuable weights in the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), an online system using a pairwise comparison technique. The malaria hazard map was generated by a weighted overlay of the altitude, slope, curvature, aspect, rainfall distribution, and distance to streams in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Finally, the risk map was created by overlaying components of malaria risk including hazards, elements at risk, and vulnerability. The study demonstrates that the majority of the study area falls under moderate risk level (61%), followed by the low risk level (31%), while the high malaria risk area covers a small area, which occupies only 8% of the total area. The findings of this study are crucial for developing spatially targeted interventions against malaria transmission in residual transmission settings. Predicted areas prone to malaria risk provide information that will inform decision-makers and policymakers for proper planning, monitoring, and deployment of interventions.

Interaction of Rosmarinus officinalis L. with UV-A radiation by preserving its morphological traits and modifying its phenolic composition

This study investigated the effects of supplemental ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation on phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties, and agro-morphological characteristics of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Greenhouse plants were exposed to UV-A for 1, 2, and 4 h daily, 40 days. Based on the results, UV-A radiation had no significant effect on agro-morphological traits, while it remarkably altered chlorophyll content, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as radical scavenging activity. Plants exposed to UV-A (4h) had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, as well as the content of rosmarinic, carnosic, vanillic, and caffeic acids, and naringin. Conversely, carnosol, cirsimaritin, and hispulin levels decreased in treated plants. Overall, UV-A radiation had a positive effect on the medicinal aspects of R. officinalis L., which is important in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, it is suggested application of UV-A emitting LEDs for commercial purposes, with a lower risk level than UV-B and UV-C.

Contamination and environmental risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in the surface sediments of Northwest Persian Gulf

To assess the contamination sources, patterns, and environmental risk related to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the sediment of the region, ninety-seven surface sediment samples were systematically collected from the marine boundary of the Iranian coastal territory in the northwestern Persian Gulf. The concentrations of major and trace elements in the sediments can be ranked as follows: Ca > Al > Fe > Sr > Mn > Ba > Cr > Ni > V > Zn > Cu > Pb > As > Mo > Cd.The study found that Ca, As, Sr, and Cd showed significant enrichment, while Ni and Cr showed moderate enrichment. The ecological risk index analysis indicated a low risk level, with Cd contributing to 61% and As contributing to 26% of the estimated risk. Anthropogenic sources were found to be responsible for significant enrichment of As and Cd in the northwestern Persian Gulf, particularly near coastal areas and in the Musa estuary. High concentrations of Arsenic result from urban/agricultural wastewater, industrial activities, and gas/oil fields. Natural weathering, riverbank erosion, and aeolian inputs also contribute to Arsenic levels. Cadmium pollution comes from wastewater, shipping, oil tankers, agriculture runoff, and industrial factories. Nickel and Chromium were moderately enriched, mainly due to their natural occurrence in high concentrations in the soil of southern Iran. The study also revealed a significant correlation among the elements Al, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, V, Zn, and Cu, suggesting that these elements predominantly originate from lithogenous sources. The study highlights the importance of identifying and controlling sources of As, Cd, Ni, and Cr pollution in the northwestern Persian Gulf to protect the marine ecosystem and public health. The implementation and enforcement of stricter environmental regulations can reduce PTEs contamination in the region and safeguard the aquatic ecosystem and public health.

Health Literacy and Perceived Control: Intermediary Factors in the Relationship Between Race and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Incarcerated Men in the United States.

Black race, inadequate health literacy, and poor perceived control are predictors of increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships among race, health literacy, perceived control, and CVD risk while controlling for known risk factors in incarcerated men. We included data from 349 incarcerated men to examine race and CVD risk (Framingham Risk Score) using a serial mediation model with health literacy and perceived control using 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from 5000 bootstrap samples. Of the participants (age, 36 ± 10; education, 12 ± 2; body mass index, 28.3 ± 5.0), 64.2% were White and 35.8% were Black. Black incarcerated men were younger (P = .047) with lower levels of health literacy (P < .001). All 3 indirect effects of race on CVD were significant, whereas the direct effect of race was not. Black incarcerated men had higher levels of CVD risk through health literacy (a1b1 = 0.3571; 95% CI, 0.0948-0.7162) and lower levels of CVD risk through perceived control (a2b2 = -0.1855; 95% CI, -0.4388 to -0.0077). Black incarcerated men had higher levels of CVD risk through health literacy influenced by perceived control (a1b2d21 = 0.0627; 95% CI, 0.0028-0.1409), indicating that despite the protective effect of higher levels of perceived control in Black incarcerated men, CVD risk remained higher compared with their White counterparts. Future CVD risk reduction interventions in incarcerated men, specifically Black incarcerated men, should include goals of improving health literacy and perceived control as modifiable risk factors.

For the people by the people: Citizen science web interface for real‐time monitoring of tick risk areas in Finland

Abstract Ticks and tick‐borne diseases (TBDs) form a significant and growing threat to human health and well‐being in Europe, with increasing numbers of tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis cases being reported during the past few decades. Increasing knowledge of tick risk areas and seasonal activity remains the primary method for preventing TBDs. Crowdsourcing provides the best alternative for rapidly obtaining data on tick occurrence on a national level. In order to produce and share up‐to‐date data of tick risk areas in Finland, an online platform, Punkkilive (www.punkkilive.fi/en), was launched April 2021. On the website, users can submit and browse tick observations, report tick numbers and hosts, and upload pictures of ticks. Here, we looked at trends in the crowdsourced data from 2021, assessed the effect of local tick species on seasonality of observations and examined sampling bias in the data. The high number of tick observations (n = 78,837) highlights that there was demand for such a service. Approximately 97% of 5573 uploaded pictures represented ticks. Seasonal patterns of tick observations varied across Finland, highlighting variability in the risk associated with the two human‐biting tick species Ixodes ricinus and I. persulcatus, the latter having a shorter, unimodal activity peak in late spring–early summer. Tick numbers were low and the proportion of new sightings high in northern Finland, as may be expected near the latitudinal distribution limits of both species. While the number of inhabitants generally explained the number of tick observations well, geographically weighted regression models also identified areas that deviated from this general pattern. This study offers a prime example of how crowdsourcing can be applied to track vectors of zoonotic diseases, to the benefit of both researchers and the public. Areas with more or less observations than predicted based on number of inhabitants were revealed, wherein more specific analyses may reveal factors contributing to lower or higher risk levels that may be used in increasing awareness. We hope that the success of Punkkilive serves to highlight the usefulness of citizen science in the prevention of vector‐borne diseases.

Non-abstinent recovery in alcohol use disorder is associated with greater regional cortical volumes than heavy drinking.

Harm-reduction (i.e., non-abstinent recovery) approaches to substance use treatment have garnered increasing attention. Reduced levels of alcohol consumption post-treatment have been associated with better psychosocial functioning and physical health, yet less is known regarding differences in brain structures associated with varying levels of alcohol consumption. This study investigated regional cortical volumes after alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment among individuals who achieved complete abstinence and those who returned to lower and higher levels of consumption. Data were collected from individuals with AUD (n = 68) approximately 8 months after the initiation of treatment. Using risk drinking levels defined by the World Health Organization, participants were classified as abstaining (AB) or relapsing with low (RL) or higher (RH) levels. Data were also obtained from 34 age-matched light/non-drinking controls (LN). All participants completed a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging session and volumes for 34 bilateral cortical regions of interest were quantitated with FreeSurfer. Generalized linear models were used to examine group differences in cortical volume. All group findings are significant at an FDR-corrected value of 0.018. Adjusting for age and intracranial volume, significant group differences were found in 13/34 cortical regions. AB showed greater volumes than RL in 2/13 regions and RH in 6/13 regions. RH demonstrated significantly smaller volumes than LN in 12/13 ROIs, whereas RL differed from LN in 9/13 regions. RH and RL differed in only two cortical regions. Individuals who consumed low-risk levels of alcohol post-treatment exhibited regional cortical volumes more similar to abstainers than individuals who returned to higher-risk levels. This suggests that low-risk levels of alcohol consumption are associated with brain integrity that is comparable to that seen with complete abstinence. Given the previously demonstrated improvement in psychosocial and physical health with reduced levels of alcohol consumption post-treatment, harm reduction may be a beneficial and more attainable goal for some individuals with AUD who are seeking treatment.

Risk and Return Money Saving di Reksadana dan Bank Digital

In the era of the industrial revolution 4.0, as it is now, digitizing the banking and financial sector is important, considering that technological disruption has touched almost all aspects of life. In the world of investment and banking, the system used is already digital-based. The financial literacy level of the Indonesian people in 2022 will increase to 49.68%. This means that people are now smarter when it comes to choosing the financial products they will use. Currently, many financial institutions offer the advantages of each product by offering quite competitive returns. As an effort to increase public literacy, this study intends to compare the two financial products, namely mutual funds in seed applications and financial products at Bank Neo Commerce (BNC). The methodology used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The results of this study state that mutual funds and money savings at BNC both have advantages in terms of features and convenience. However, both have differences in the returns offered and the risks borne. Where digital banks offer greater returns with a lower level of risk. Interestingly, investment activities have the concept of compounding interest which has the possibility of obtaining much greater returns on the condition that the investment period is extended.

Evaluating the Performance of Jordanian Islamic Banks Using SWOT

The study aimed to evaluate the performance of Jordanian Islamic banks using SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The sample included all Jordanian Islamic banks. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical approach, starting with an analysis of the internal and external banking environment, as well as the legislative environment. It also analyzed the intellectual and financial performance indicators. The study found several strengths, including uniqueness in its adherence to Islamic principles, high profitability and liquidity levels, and low risk levels. On the other hand, it identified weaknesses such as deviating from its foundational principles, limited investment diversification, weak external presence, and insufficient contribution to economic development. Furthermore, the study highlighted opportunities, such as the possibility of increasing profitability, enhancing investment diversification, exploiting national investment opportunities, and improving international presence. It also identified threats, such as limited investment opportunities, the need for developing Sharia-compliant banking products, and the importance of improving service quality. The study recommended that Islamic banks address weaknesses, enhance strengths, capitalize on available opportunities, and proactively address expected threats.

OA08 Atypical femoral fracture secondary to long term bisphosphonate use; are we doing enough to prevent it?

Abstract Introduction Atypical femoral fractures (AFF) are low energy subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fracture associated with long term use of bisphosphonates (BP). Although the absolute risk of AFF is low and ranges between 3.2-50 cases/100,000 person-years, this risk is said to double with prolonged use (&amp;gt;5 years). ROS and American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) recommends regular review of patient at 5 years for oral BP and 3 years for intravenous BP. We would like to share our experience with two AFF which was seen in our bone clinic over the last one year resulting from prolonged bisphosphonates use. Case description Case 1 A 76-year-old Caucasian lady was reviewed for follow-up appointment in bone clinic for the management of steroid induced osteoporosis. She was on AA for 13 years for primary prophylaxis. It was noted that she was experiencing discomfort in her right thigh for the last 8 months. Her initial femoral X-ray showed incomplete AFF of the right femur and she was referred to orthopaedics who suggested conservative management. 6 months later, she unfortunately had a fall resulting in right femur fracture which required intramedullary nailing. X-ray of the contralateral side shows periosteal thickening and she is waiting for prophylactic nailing. Case 2 79 year old white Caucasian presented to the hospital with a fall. She has been on long term steroids for PMR and was on alendronate for 20 years for primary prophylaxis. X-ray showed complete AFF of proximal right femur shaft which required intramedullary nailing, subsequently developed pain in left hip during physiotherapy and X-ray showed incomplete AFF of mid left femur which needed prophylactic nailing. She was then referred to our clinic for further risk stratification. Both the patients had their bisphosphonates stopped and was advised reduced weight bearing along with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. The table summarises the background history and investigations post presentation with AFF: Discussion Bisphosphonates are one of the mainstays for managing steroid induced osteoporosis and for patients with high risk fragility fractures. Despite the increasing awareness of long term complication, we still see patients with AFF who have missed the opportunity for review in primary and secondary care particularly among patients with primary prophylaxis with satisfactory DEXA scan. ROS and ASBMR recommends review of patients who are on oral bisphosphonates at 5 years and for patients on intravenous bisphosphonates at 3 years for further risk stratification to reduce the incidence of AFFs. It also recommends close monitoring in patients with prodromal pain in the hip, groin or thigh especially in those who have high risk factors such as long term glucocorticoid use, Asian race and femoral bowing. Cessation of bisphosphonates can result in 70% reduction of developing AFF. Hence a break in the treatment for approximately 18-24 months needs to be considered for patients who are at lower levels of risk for fragility fracture such as age &amp;lt;75years, no previous history of fragility fracture, DEXA T score more than −2.5 and low FRAX score. Yet, this is not happening in routine clinical practice both in primary and secondary care and patients fall out of safety netting resulting in AFF. We need robust pathway and safety netting for patients who are on long term treatment. This situation could have also been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic which has increased the waiting lists and cancelled appointments. Resulting in many elderly patients having no follow ups and DEXA assessments for risk stratification. Key learning points Following the COVID pandemic there has been a huge impact on the waiting list, which has further pushed follow-up review for patients on long term bisphosphonates. This has resulted in a missed opportunity to identify patients with low risk to have a break in the BPs treatment. We feel that with appropriate treatment pathways needs to be set at primary care and secondary care level to capture these patients on long bisphosphonates after 3 to 5 years of BP use; especially patients who are at higher AFF risk, including patients on glucocorticoids and patients of Asian ancestry. Steps must be put in place to ensure counselling and education is given to patients about risk of AFF and prodromal symptoms such as thigh or groin pain which are initial symptoms, so that they can seek appropriate review at primary care level. ROS and ASBMR Task Force 2013 need to be implemented locally to capture patients with long term BPs treatment. Also, if patients has AFF fracture, imaging of the other leg has to be considered for further evaluation as more than one fourth of the cases have contralateral lesion.

Study on the regional risk classification method for the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases based on directed graph theory.

Emerging infectious diseases are a class of diseases that are spreading rapidly and are highly contagious. It seriously affects social stability and poses a significant threat to human health, requiring urgent measures to deal with them. Its outbreak will very easily lead to the large-scale spread of the virus, causing social problems such as work stoppages and traffic control, thereby causing social panic and psychological unrest, affecting human activities and social stability, and even endangering lives. It is essential to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases effectively. We aim to propose an effective method to classify the risk level of a new epidemic region by using graph theory and risk classification methods to provide a theoretical reference for the comprehensive evaluation and determination of epidemic prevention and control, as well as risk level classification. Using the graph theory method, we first define the network structure of social groups and construct the risk transmission network of the new epidemic region. Then, combined with the risk classification method, the classification of high, medium, and low risk levels of the new epidemic region is discussed from two cases with common and looped graph nodes, respectively. Finally, the reasonableness of the classification method is verified by simulation data. The directed weighted scale-free network can better describe the transmission law of an epidemic. Moreover, the proposed method of classifying the risk level of a region by using the correlation function between two regions and the risk value of the regional nodes can effectively evaluate the risk level of different regions in the new epidemic region. The experiments show that the number of medium and high risk nodes shows no increasing trend. The number of high-risk regions is relatively small compared to medium-risk regions, and the number of low-risk regions is the largest. It is necessary to distinguish scientifically between the risk level of the epidemic area and the neighboring regions so that the constructed social network model of the epidemic region's spread risk can better describe the spread of the epidemic risk in the social network relations.

Association of greenspace with hypertension in adult: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

ABSTRACT Background Several studies have investigated the relationship of greenspace with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension, but the results were inconsistent. We aimed to assess the relationship of greenspace with BP/hypertension. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science on greenspace and BP/hypertension published before 5 April 2023. The methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated. Results Twenty-seven articles were included. Our results suggested that higher normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was associated with lower odds of hypertension and levels of SBP [for every 10% increase of NDVI 500-m and NDVI 1000-m, the ORs were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90–0.99) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90–0.99), the ꞵwas -1.32 (95% CI: -2.18, -0.45) and -1.41 (95% CI: -2.57, -0.25), respectively]. Conclusion This study indicated that higher exposure to greenspace might be associated with lower levels of BP and risk of hypertension. Increase green spaces should be regarded as an important public health intervention..

Informant Discrepancies in Universal Screening as a Function of Student and Teacher Characteristics

Despite the widespread use of school-based universal screening systems for social, emotional, and behavioral risk, limited research has examined discrepancies in ratings provided by teachers and their secondary students. Using the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS; teacher report) and mySAEBRS (student report) scores from a middle school sample, we examined the magnitudes and prevalence of informant discrepancies as well as associated student and teacher factors. Analyses revealed discrepancies consistently in the direction of teachers reporting lower levels of risk than students and were starkest for the Emotional Behavior Risk subscale. Across subscales, multiple student and teacher factors significantly predicted variance in discrepancies. We discuss these findings in the context of implications for selecting screening informants at the secondary level and opportunities to advance practical guidance in this area. Impact Statement Middle school students and their teachers provide discrepant ratings within universal screenings of students’ social, emotional, and behavioral risk. In this sample, students self-reported higher levels of risk than their teachers reported for them. This was especially true for risk in the Emotional Behavior domain and for students and teachers with certain demographic characteristics.

Data-driven models for the risk of infection and hospitalization during a pandemic: Case study on COVID-19 in Nepal

The newly emerging pandemic disease often poses unexpected troubles and hazards to the global health system, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nepal. In this study, we developed mathematical models to estimate the risk of infection and the risk of hospitalization during a pandemic which are critical for allocating resources and planning health policies. We used our models in Nepal’s unique data set to explore national and provincial-level risks of infection and risk of hospitalization during the Delta and Omicron surges. Furthermore, we used our model to identify the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to mitigate COVID-19 in various groups of people in Nepal. Our analysis shows no significant difference in reproduction numbers in provinces between the Delta and Omicron surge periods, but noticeable inter-provincial disparities in the risk of infection (for example, during Delta (Omicron) surges, the risk of infection of Bagmati province is: ∼ 98.94 (89.62); Madhesh province: ∼ 12.16 (5.1); Karnali province ∼31.16 (3) per hundred thousands). Our estimates show a significantly low level of hospitalization risk during the Omicron surge compared to the Delta surge (hospitalization risk is: ∼10% in Delta and ∼2.5% in Omicron). We also found significant inter-provincial disparities in the hospitalization rate (for example, ∼ 6% in Madhesh province and ∼ 21% in Sudur Paschim) during the Delta surge. Moreover, our results show that closing only schools, colleges, and workplaces reduces the risk of infection by one-third, while a complete lockdown reduces the infections by two-thirds. Our study provides a framework for the computation of the risk of infection and the risk of hospitalization and offers helpful information for controlling the pandemic.

Derivation and independent validation of kidneyintelX.dkd: A prognostic test for the assessment of diabetic kidney disease progression.

To develop and validate an updated version of KidneyIntelX (kidneyintelX.dkd) to stratify patients for risk of progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) stages 1 to 3, to simplify the test for clinical adoption and support an application to the US Food and Drug Administration regulatory pathway. We used plasma biomarkers and clinical data from the Penn Medicine Biobank (PMBB) for training, and independent cohorts (BioMe and CANVAS) for validation. The primary outcome was progressive decline in kidney function (PDKF), defined by a ≥40% sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate or end-stage kidney disease within 5 years of follow-up. In 573 PMBB participants with DKD, 15.4% experienced PDKF over a median of 3.7 years. We trained a random forest model using biomarkers and clinical variables. Among 657 BioMe participants and 1197 CANVAS participants, 11.7% and 7.5%, respectively, experienced PDKF. Based on training cut-offs, 57%, 35% and 8% of BioMe participants, and 56%, 38% and 6% of CANVAS participants were classified as having low-, moderate- and high-risk levels, respectively. The cumulative incidence at these risk levels was 5.9%, 21.2% and 66.9% in BioMe and 6.7%, 13.1% and 59.6% in CANVAS. After clinical risk factor adjustment, the adjusted hazard ratios were 7.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-19.6) and 3.7 (95% CI 2.0-6.8) in BioMe, and 5.4 (95% CI 2.5-11.9) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.4-3.9) in CANVAS, for high- versus low-risk and moderate- versus low-risk levels, respectively. Using two independent cohorts and a clinical trial population, we validated an updated KidneyIntelX test (named kidneyintelX.dkd), which significantly enhanced risk stratification in patients with DKD for PDKF, independently from known risk factors for progression.

Uncertainty risk assessment of overloading violation based on security region and risk scheduling of active distribution networks

With increased uncertainties and depressed security margins of distribution networks, the risk of violating load or voltage constraints has increased. The usual risk-prevention method is to set an appropriate optimal schedule of active distribution networks to reserve enough margin without incurring extra operating costs. In this study, an optimal scheduling method for an active distribution network is proposed that allows for a low level of violation risk to minimize operating costs while maintaining good system security. Overload violation risk cost is a financial cost due to the cost of countermeasures needed to avoid overload violation. In this study, the N-0 security regions of overload are set as the constraint that provides the definition and calculation of the bidirectional violation distance of overloading for active distribution networks based on the N-0 security region. The relationship between the violation distance of overloading and the countermeasures against overload violation have been established based on the power flow equations, enabling the calculation of the countermeasures cost. The assessment model for the overload violation risk cost is derived from the cost of countermeasures and probability distributions of nodal power. The point estimation algorithm is introduced to simplify the calculation. The calculation of risk cost is fixed through the conditional value-at-risk. On this basis, a novel optimization scheduling model of active distribution networks that considers risk cost is constructed. Examples of the optimal schedule are designed and the validity of the proposed method is verified.

Exploring the Impact of Smartphone Addiction on Risk Decision-Making Behavior among College Students Based on fNIRS Technology.

Smartphone Addiction is a social issue caused by excessive smartphone use, affecting decision-making processes. Current research on the risky decision-making abilities of smartphone addicts is limited. This study used the functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain imaging technique and a Sequential Risk-Taking Task experimental paradigm to investigate the decision-making behavior and brain activity of smartphone addicts under varying risk levels. Using a mixed experimental design, the research assessed decision-making ability and brain activation levels as dependent variables across two groups (addiction and control), two risk amounts (high and low), and two outcomes (gain and loss). The study included 42 participants, with 25 in the addiction group and 17 in the control group. Results indicated that risk level significantly impacted the decision-making ability of smartphone addicts, with high-risk levels leading to weaker decision-making ability and increased risk-taking. However, at low-risk levels, decision-making abilities between addicts and healthy individuals showed no significant difference. Furthermore, brain imaging results using fNIRS revealed stronger brain activation in the dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dlPFC) region for smartphone addicts under loss outcome conditions, with no significant differences between the two groups in terms of brain activation at varying risk volumes. These findings are critical in promoting healthy smartphone use, guiding clinical treatment, and advancing brain mechanism research.

ANALISIS KESEHATAN DAN KESELAMATAN KERJA PADA KARYAWAN PROSES DEBURING DI PT YEAKIN PLASTIC INDUSTRY

In this process, employees who carry out deburing activities have various risks of work accidents and hazards that can be detrimental to employees and the company. Like a hand squeezed by a machine, the residual dust that is generated can cause coughing and shortness of breath. In January 2022 there was a work accident that caused an employee's hand to be injured because it was pinched by a machine in the injection molding department. The purpose of this study is to prevent work accidents and implement OHS with the aim of improving the performance of employees, especially in the deburing work process. The method used is Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Determining Control (HIRADC). The results of the study were that there were no more types of hazardous activities or situations with extreme and high levels of risk, activities or hazardous situations with moderate risk levels became 42 risks (70%), activities or hazardous situations with low levels of risk became 5 risks (8.33%).

Potential ecological risk assessment of land use structure based on MCCA model: A case study in Yangtze River Delta Region, China

Since land resources are essential to human survival, the over-exploitation and unreasonable utilization of land threatens the sustainability of human society. This paper uses the well-developed Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region as a case study, and adopts an improved Mixed-cell Cellular Automata Model (MCCA) to simulate the potential utilization of land resources in 2025 and 2035. Then, the paper attempts to construct a comprehensive assessment system that integrates multiple indicators, and evaluates regional risk changes at a micro patch-cell level and a macro city. The results suggest that (1) The utilization of land resources varies greatly in the YRD region from 2020 to 2035. While Shanghai will continue to make use of available built up land resources, the majority of land resources in Jiangsu Province will shift away from being agricultural in nature. Since forests make up a majority of the land resources in Zhejiang Province, and forests and agricultural land make up a majority of land resources in Anhui Province, the change in land utilization in these two provinces will be more gradual. (2) Changes in land utilization are also likely to cause ecological risks. The risk level in Shanghai is the highest, it is relatively high in Zhejiang but is likely to decrease, relatively low in Jiangsu but likely to increase, and Anhui has the lowest risk level. (3) The K-means clustering method obtained three ecological risk zones of the YRD, and the overall risk level is the highest in the central-eastern zoning ③, followed by the southern zoning ②, and the lowest in the northern zoning ①. Furthermore, the agglomeration pattern of the three zones transforms from L-L to H-H. (4) This paper puts forward corresponding suggestions and countermeasures for four aspects, including the strengthening of agricultural land protection, the regulation of built-up land use expansion, the coordination of an all-rounded approach of urban development, and the fostering of regional sustainable development, in hopes of optimizing land usage and alleviating ecological risk levels. Scientific estimations of potential ecological risks are critical to avoiding future ecological crises thus contributing to more sustainability.

PM2.5-Bound Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Hong Kong: Occurrence, Origins, and Source-Specific Health Risks.

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are emerging organic pollutants in PM2.5, which have caused significant public health concerns in recent years, given their potential carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects. However, studies on the sources, occurrence, and health risk assessment of PM2.5-bound OPFRs in Hong Kong are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we characterized 13 OPFRs in one-year PM2.5 samples using gas chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Our findings showed that OPFRs were present at a median concentration of 4978 pg m-3 (ranging from 1924 to 8481 pg m-3), with chlorinated OPFRs dominating and accounting for 82.7% of the total OPFRs. Using characteristic source markers and positive matrix factorization, we identified one secondary formation and five primary sources of OPFRs. Over 94.0% of PM2.5-bound OPFRs in Hong Kong were primarily emitted, with plastic processing and waste disposal being the leading source (61.0%), followed by marine vessels (14.1%). The contributions of these two sources to OPFRs were more pronounced on days influenced by local pollution emissions (91.9%) than on days affected by regional pollution (44.2%). Our assessment of health risks associated with human exposure to PM2.5-bound OPFRs indicated a low-risk level. However, further source-specific health risk assessment revealed relatively high noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from chlorinated OPFRs emitted from plastic processing and waste disposal, suggesting a need for more stringent emission control of OPFRs from these sources in Hong Kong.