Low Pressure Research Articles

Pressure-Induced Enhancement of Room-Temperature Phosphorescence in Heavy Halogen-Containing Imide and Polyimide.

To investigate the correlation between the aggregated state and photoluminescence (PL) mechanism of dual fluorescent (FL) and phosphorescent (PH) polyimides (PIs), the photophysical processes of FL-type BP-PI, PH-type DBrBP-PI, and their corresponding imide model compounds (BP-MC and DBrBP-MC) dispersed in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films were analyzed at elevated pressures up to 8 GPa using a diamond anvil cell. Dibromo-substituted DBrBP-MC demonstrated a shorter wavelength absorption than BP-MC owing to the larger dihedral angle in the biphenyl moiety. Both MCs exhibited red-shifts in their absorption spectra with increasing pressure, indicating planarization occurred at the biphenyl moieties associated with the compression of the free volume in PMMA. The PL intensity of BP-MC increased with increasing pressure, while its quantum yield (ΦPL) decreased sharply due to the enhanced energy transfer via the Förster mechanism. In contrast, the PH quantum yield (ΦPH) of DBrBP-MC monotonically increased at lower pressures, while it showed excitation wavelength-dependent behaviors at higher pressures: ΦPH remained unchanged under excitation at 340 nm but gradually increased under excitation at 365 nm. This fact suggests that, at higher pressures, 365 nm excitation promoted intersystem crossing (ISC) from excited singlet states at higher energy levels. Using this phenomenon, a significant pressure-induced PH enhancement (PIPE) was observed for DBrBP-PI up to 0.9 GPa upon excitation at 365 nm, which is a rare phenomenon for organic polymers. This study indicates that even in colorless and optically transparent amorphous polymers, an enhancement of PH due to restricted molecular motion and intensified ISC outweighs the deactivation due to intermolecular energy transfer under certain pressures, leading to an increase in ΦPH.

Performance evaluation of the nano-biodegradable drilling fluid using the greenly synthesized zinc nanorods and gundelia seed waste.

Addressing the increasing demand for green additives in drilling fluids is essential for the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry. Fluid loss into porous and permeable formations during drilling presents significant challenges. This study introduced an innovative, environmentally sustainable drilling fluid known as nano-biodegradable drilling fluid (NBDF). The NBDF formulation incorporates greenly synthesized zinc nanorods (ZNRs) and gundelia seed shell powder, with ZNRs derived from Cydonia oblonga plant extracts using an eco-friendly method. The research developed multiple drilling fluid variants for experimentation: a reference drilling fluid (BM); biodegradable drilling fluid (BDF) with particle sizes of 75, 150, 300, and 600µm at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1 wt% (GSMs); a drilling nanofluid (DNF) with ZNRs at a 0.1 wt% concentration (ZNR); and NBDF combining both nano and gundelia waste (GS-ZNR). Experimental tests were conducted under various temperature and pressure conditions, including low temperature and low pressure (LTLP) and high temperature and high pressure (HTHP). Rheological and filtration measurements were performed to assess the impact of the nano-biodegradable additives on flow behavior and fluid loss. Results indicated that incorporating 1 wt% of gundelia seed shell powder with a particle size of 75µm led to a 19.61% reduction in fluid loss compared to BM at 75°C and 200 psi. The performance of the same GSM improved by 31% under identical conditions when 1 wt% of zinc ZNRs was added. Notably, the GS-ZNR formulation demonstrated the most effective performance in reducing fluid loss into the formation, decreasing mud cake thickness, and enhancing the flow behavior of the non-Newtonian reference drilling fluid. This study highlights the relevance of particle size in the effectiveness of biodegradable additives and underscores the potential of NBDF to address environmental concerns in the oil and gas drilling industry.

Continuous low water pressure dissection technique minimizing air bubbles during underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Continuous low water pressure dissection technique minimizing air bubbles during underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection.

A MEMS piezoelectric hydrophone with high sensitivity and wide bandwidth

To solve the problems of low sound pressure sensitivity and narrow operating bandwidth of hydrophones, this paper proposes a MEMS piezoelectric hydrophone with a corrugated structure substrate. This design is improved from two aspects, on the one hand, the MEMS technology is used to make the aluminum oxide substrate into a corrugated structure, the corrugated structure can make the hydrophone work with better linearity, and at the same time broaden the hydrophone’s operating bandwidth; on the other hand, the array design is utilized to improve the sound pressure sensitivity by integrating four identical sensitive cores in the same piece of hydrophone. The test results show that the sound pressure sensitivity of the MEMS piezoelectric hydrophone of this design is better than −207.6 dB in the operating bandwidth of 10 ∼ 3800 Hz, and reaches the highest −195.5 dB sound pressure sensitivity at the input signal frequency of 2500 Hz.

A systematic review and meta-analysis compared the safety and effectiveness of the AirSeal system with traditional pneumoperitoneum systems in robot-assisted laparoscopic urologic surgery.

This study aimed to analyze perioperative results in robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgeries, comparing the AirSeal system with traditional pneumoperitoneum systems. This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Extensive searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies up to June 15, 2024. A combined examination of the studies found that the AirSeal system had superior results in terms of surgery duration, end-tidal carbon dioxide levels, and tidal volume compared to the traditional pneumoperitoneum system. During robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy, the AirSeal team experienced a notable decrease in surgical time, ETCO2, and VT. In addition, the occurrence of SCE was lower in the AirSeal group. However, there were no significant differences observed between the groups regarding EBL, LOHS, overall complications, and major complications. Compared to conventional pneumoperitoneum systems, the AirSeal system offers several advantages in robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgery: reduced operative time, lower end-tidal CO2 pressure, and decreased tidal volume. Furthermore, implementing the AirSeal system does not lead to higher rates of complications, estimated blood loss, or lengthier hospital stays.

Do Surgeons Experience Moral Dissonance When There Is Misalignment Between Evidence and Action? A Survey and Scenario-based Study.

Moral dissonance is the psychological discomfort associated with a mismatch between our moral values and potentially immoral actions. For instance, to limit moral dissonance, surgeons must develop a rationale that the potential for benefit from performing surgery is meaningfully greater than the inherent harm of surgery. Moral dissonance can also occur when a patient or one's surgeon peers encourage surgery for a given problem, even when the evidence suggests limited or no benefit over other options. Clinicians may not realize the degree to which moral dissonance can be a source of diminished joy in practice. Uncovering potential sources of moral dissonance can help inform efforts to help clinicians enjoy their work. In a scenario-based experiment performed in an online survey format, we exposed musculoskeletal specialists to various types of patient and practice stressors to measure their association with moral dissonance and asked: (1) What factors are associated with the level of pressure surgeons feel to act contrary to the best evidence? (2) What factors are associated with the likelihood of offering surgery? We performed a scenario-based experiment by inviting members of the Science of Variation Group (SOVG; an international collaborative of musculoskeletal surgeons that studies variation in care) to complete an online survey with randomized elements. The use of experimental techniques such as randomization to measure factors associated with specific ratings makes participation rate less important than diversity of opinion within the sample. A total of 114 SOVG musculoskeletal surgeons participated, which represents the typical number of participants from a total of about 200 who tend to participate in at least one experiment per year. Among the 114 participants, 94% (107) were men, 49% (56) practiced in the United States, and 82% (94) supervised trainees. Participants viewed 12 scenarios of upper extremity fractures for which surgery is optional (discretionary) based on consensus and current best evidence. In addition to a representative age, the scenario included randomized patient and practice factors that we posit could be sources of moral distress based on author consensus. Patient factors included potential sources of pressure (such as "The patient is convinced they want a specific treatment and will go to a different surgeon if they don't get it") or experiences of collaboration (such as "The patient is collaborative and involved in decisions"). Practice factors included circumstances of financial or reputational pressure (such as "The practice is putting pressure on you to generate more revenue") and factors of limited pressure (such as "Your income is not tied to revenue"). For each scenario, the participant was asked to rate both of the following statements on a scale from 0 to 100 anchored with "I don't feel it at all" at 0, "I feel it moderately" at 50, and "I feel it strongly" at 100: (1) pressure to act contrary to best evidence and (2) likelihood of offering surgery. Additional explanatory variables included surgeon factors: gender, years in practice, region, subspecialty, supervision of trainees, and practice setting (academic/nonacademic). We sought factors associated with pressure to act contrary to evidence and likelihood of offering surgery, accounting for potential confounding variables in multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models. Accounting for potential confounding variables, greater pressure to act contrary to best evidence was moderately associated with greater patient despair (regression coefficient [RC] 6 [95% confidence interval 2 to 9]; p = 0.001) and stronger patient preference (RC 4 [95% CI 0 to 8]; p = 0.03). Lower pressure to act contrary to evidence was moderately associated with surgeon income independent of revenue (RC -6 [95% CI -9 to -4]; p < 0.001) and no financial benefit to operative treatment (RC -6 [95% CI -8 to -3]; p < 0.001). Marketing concerns were the only factor associated with greater likelihood of offering surgery (RC 6 [95% CI 0 to 11]; p = 0.04). In this scenario-based survey experiment, patient distress and strong preferences and surgeon financial incentives were associated with greater surgeon feelings of moral dissonance when considering discretionary fracture surgery. To support enjoyment of the practice of musculoskeletal surgery, we recommend that surgeons, surgery practices, and surgery professional associations be intentional in both anticipating and developing strategies to ameliorate potential sources of moral dissonance in daily practice.

In-situ preparation of MnFeCoNiCu/C for the sustainable co-production of bio-jet fuel and green diesel under solvent-free and low hydrogen pressure conditions

The conversion of non-edible oils such as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) into green and renewable liquid fuels align with the current trend of sustainable development. However, traditional processes often involve multi-step process to prepare catalyst and require high-pressure hydrogen. This study reports a strategy for the in-situ preparation of MnFeCoNiCu/C catalyst, enabling the one-step conversion of FAME into bio-jet fuels and hydrocarbon-based diesel under solvent-free and low-pressure conditions. The effect of active metal loading, reaction temperature, hydrogen pressure, and ZSM-5 zeolite addition on the catalytic performance was investigated. Under the conditions of reaction temperature 350 ℃ and hydrogen pressure 2 MPa, the conversion rate of FAME reaches 100 %, and the selectivity of bio-jet fuel and green diesel is 48.35 % and 51.05 %, respectively. A small number of olefins, cycloalkanes, and aromatics can also be detected in the products. After the 4 cycles of AC-15 catalyst, the selectivity of bio-jet fuel and diesel are 40.09 % and 39.81 %, respectively. The above research work provides a mild and efficient method for the preparation of renewable bio-jet fuel and green diesel.

Geometrical Parameters Investigation of a Zig‐Zag Soft Pneumatic Actuators

Unlike conventional rigid robots, soft robots utilize soft materials that allow them to deform based on their structure, enabling safe interaction with humans. Among various pneumatic actuators in soft robotics, pneumatic network (PneuNet) actuators, which consist of bellows‐like chambers, enable bending and repetitive actions with minimal material deformation at low pressures. Given that the performance of PneuNet actuators is affected by their geometric parameters, considering the impact of geometric variations is crucial in this field. Herein, the effect of geometrical parameters on a zig‐zag soft pneumatic actuator, and an improved version of conventional PneuNet actuators designed for enhanced performance are investigated. Finite element analysis (FEA) indicates that smaller gaps between chambers, thinner bottom layers, and taller chamber heights result in greater bending under the same pressure within the tested parameter range. Experimental results reveal a 30.9% larger bending angle than that of conventional actuators with the same parameters. The FEA results are consistent with the experimental data, exhibiting an error of 10.2%. Furthermore, the tip and grip forces are 1.45 times and 1.3 times larger, respectively, compared to conventional actuators. These results provide direction for the design of zig‐zag soft pneumatic actuators, showcasing improved performance over conventional soft actuators.

The Effect of Short-Term Exposure to Lower Body Positive Pressure on Motor Signal Processing, Reaction Times, and Cardiovascular Parameters in Healthy Volunteers Using Medical Anti-shock Trousers

The Effect of Short-Term Exposure to Lower Body Positive Pressure on Motor Signal Processing, Reaction Times, and Cardiovascular Parameters in Healthy Volunteers Using Medical Anti-shock Trousers

Effects of Heat Treatment on the Chemical Composition and Microstructure of Cupressus funebris Endl. Wood

The effects of heat treatment on Cupressus funebris Endl. wood were examined under different combinations of temperature, time, and pressure. The chemical composition, crystallinity, and microstructure of heat-treated wood flour and specimens were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Vacuum heat treatment led to changes in the functional groups and microstructure of C. funebris wood, and the relative lignin content decreased with increasing treatment temperature, which was significant at lower negative pressures. Cellulose crystallinity showed a change rule of first increasing and then decreasing throughout the heat treatment range, and the relative crystallinity ranged from 102.46% to 116.39%. The cellulose treated at 120 °C for 5 h at 0.02 MPa had the highest crystallinity of 44.65%. These results indicate that although heat treatment can improve cellulose crystallinity, very high temperatures can lead to decreased crystallinity. The morphology and structure of the cell wall remained stable throughout the heat treatment range; however, at elevated temperatures, slight deformation occurred, along with rupture of the intercellular layer.

Evaluating low pressure storage for prolonging the postharvest life of blueberries

Low pressure storage (LPS) is a postharvest technology that has shown the potential to extend the storage life of various horticultural commodities. LPS addresses core postharvest challenges, such as desiccation, decay and senescence by creating an environment that maintains fully saturated air (i.e., high relative humidity) and ultra-low oxygen (ULO) conditions that can reduce respiration rates and suppress fungal growth. In this study, LPS chambers were evaluated for their ability to extend the storage life of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L., cv. ‘Draper’), compared to regular atmosphere (RA), across four different storage locations in the Pacific Northwest, USA. In three of the four locations, blueberries were field picked and loaded by hand, while at one location, fruit was loaded through mechanical harvesters. Following two weeks of storage, LPS chambers reduced blueberry respiration rates by 47 % from initial to lowest point, on average. Vacuum chambers filled with machine harvested fruit exhibited respiration rates 28 % higher than chambers with hand harvested fruit, although still sustained rates lower than at the initial loading (i.e., harvest). After five to eight weeks of storage, LPS chambers sustained nearly no weight loss, while fruit stored under RA conditions demonstrated weight loss between 2 and 7 % in the same period. LPS fruit was firmer, exhibited less incidence of superficial mold and fungal decay and better maintained titratable acidity than RA fruit. LPS chambers, when field loaded by hand, demonstrate significant potential in maintaining the at-harvest quality and condition of blueberries for up to eight weeks postharvest. Under these conditions, LPS can extend the storability of blueberries for eight weeks or more. Further investigation is required to determine the compatibility of extended LPS on machine harvested blueberries and with other commercially relevant cultivars.

Lithium-modified B3C2P3 monolayer as a promising medium for reversible hydrogen storage

Although two-dimensional (2D) materials have been extensively studied as hydrogen storage media, the search for 2D materials with high hydrogen storage capacity and reversible hydrogen storage properties at room temperature remains challenging. In this context, B3C2P3 monolayer with Li modification is studied systematically by first-principles calculation. We find that Li-modified B3C2P3 monolayer can achieve a high hydrogen storage capacity of 8.99 wt% with an average adsorption energy of −0.23 eV/H2. Three of the H2 molecules are adsorbed around the Li atom, while the fourth H2 molecule is adsorbed above the buckled P atom due to the constricted space around the Li atom. Not only metal Li atoms but also the buckled substrate plays an important role in hydrogen adsorption, indicating that buckled 2D materials are more interesting and promising in hydrogen storage than flat 2D materials. The average desorption temperature (TD) calculated by van't Hoff formula is 293.84 K, which is very close to room temperature. In addition, at room temperature, the structure of hydrogen adsorption is stable at a low pressure of 3.21 MPa, suggesting a broad application prospect of in reversible hydrogen storage.

Heating mode transitions in Capacitively Coupled CF4 Plasmas at low pressure

Abstract Capacitively coupled plasmas operated in CF4 at low pressure are frequently used for dielectric plasma etching. For such applications the generation of different ion and neutral radical species by energy dependent electron impact ionization and dissociation of the neutral background gas is important. These processes are largely determined by the space and time dependent electron energy distribution function and, thus, by the electron power absorption dynamics. In this work and based on a PIC/MCC model, we show that the electron heating mode in such plasmas is sensitive to changes of the gap at a constant pressure of 3 Pa. At a gap of 1.5 cm, the dominant mode is found to be a hybrid combination of the Drift-Ambipolar (DA) and the α-mode. As the gap is increased to 2 cm and 2.5 cm, the bulk power absorption and ambipolar power absorption decreases, and the DA mode decays. When the gap reaches 3 cm, the α-mode becomes more prominent, and at a gap of 3.75 cm the α-mode is dominant. These mode transitions are caused by a change of the electronegativity and are found to affect the discharge characteristics. The presence of the DA-mode leads to significant positive electron power absorption inside the bulk region and negative power absorption within the sheaths on time average, as electrons are accelerated from the bulk towards the collapsed sheath. The heating mode transitions result in a change from negative to positive total electron power absorption within the sheaths as the gap increases. When accounting for secondary electron emission (SEE), the transition of the heating mode can occur at shorter gaps due to the enhanced plasma density and decreased electronegativity.

Feasibility of superimposed supine cycling and lower body negative pressure as an effective means of prolonging exercise tolerance in individuals experiencing persisting post-concussive symptoms: Preliminary results.

To examine the feasibility, utility and safety of superimposed lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and tilt during supine cycling in individuals suffering from persisting post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). Elevenindividuals aged 17-31 (6 females/5 males) participated in two randomized separate visits, 1week apart. A ramp-incremental test was performed during both visits until volitional failure. Visits included no pressure (control) or LBNP at -40Torr (experimental) with head-up tilt at 15degrees (females) or 30degrees (males). Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was utilized to quantify middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv), while symptom reports were filled out before and 0, 10, and 60min post-exertion. Ratings of exertion and overall condition followed similar trends for participants across both tests. The relative increase in MCAv was blunted during the experimental condition (8%) compared to control (24%), while a greater heart rate (17 beats/min) was achieved during the LBNP condition (P=0.047). Symptom severity at the 0 and 10minpost-exertion time points displayed negligible-to-small effect sizes between conditions (Wilcoxon's r<0.11). Symptom reporting was lower at the 60min post-exertion time point with these displaying a moderate effect size (Wilcoxon's r=0.31). The combination of LBNP and tilt during supine cycling did not change the participants' subjective interpretation of the exertional test but attenuated the hyperpnia-induced vasodilatory MCAv response, while also enabling participants to achieve a higher heart rate during exercise and reduced symptoms 1h later. As this protocol is safe and feasible, further research is warranted in this area for developing PPCS treatment options. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? What are the feasibility, safety and utility of combining head-up tilt with lower body negative pressure during supine cycling for blunting the increase in cerebral blood velocity seen during moderate-intensity exercise in individuals experiencing persisting post-concussion symptoms? What is the main finding and its importance? Although no differences were found in symptoms between conditions within the first 10min following exertion, symptom severity scores showed a clinically meaningful reduction 60min following the experimental condition compared to the non-experimental control condition.

Snail shell shape, force of attachment, and metabolic rate together cope with the intertidal challenge

Inhabitants of rocky intertidal shores, including gastropods, require specific adaptations to cope with numerous challenges that vary across the intertidal levels. We collected Stramonita biserialis snails from upper (wave-protected and intense predation) and lower (wave-exposed and low predation) intertidal sites to compare the following traits: shell skeleton (ventral and abaxial lateral views of shell shape, thickness, and mass), foot size, energy metabolism, and attachment strength to determine whether the trait values of snails from each zone fit the environmental challenges they face. We used a Principal Component Analysis to reduce the dimensionality of the data. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) for comparing characteristics between the two intertidal zones, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) analyses for testing the integration of overall snail characteristics. The traits of the snails of the two intertidal sites matched with the adaptations expected to allow them to cope with their contrasting challenges. The snails from the lower intertidal had more streamlined shells (which reduces drag forces) and a larger aperture and foot extension (which increase the strength of their attachment to the substrate) compared to snails from the upper sites. Snails from the lower intertidal also had a high mass-specific metabolism and soft body proportion, indicating that these snails from the wave-exposed sites have an energetically active musculature that matches their strong substrate attachment. The thin shell walls of the snails of the lower intertidal match the relatively low predatory pressure there.

Three-dimensional structural analyses of the oxygen electrodes in solid oxide electrolysis cells

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) have garnered interest as efficient devices for production of clean fuel such as hydrogen gas. However, the industrialization of SOEC technology has encountered significant challenges, such as unsatisfactory performance and insufficient durability. In this study, we aimed to improve the electrochemical performance and stability of the SOEC air electrode by modifying it at various annealing temperatures (900, 1000, and 1100 °C). Electrochemical testing revealed that the SOEC cell with the electrode annealed at 1000 °C for 1 h exhibited the highest current density of 0.88 A/cm2 at 750 °C and 1.3 V, which is 1.76-times higher than that of the cell with the unoptimized electrode annealed at 900 °C. Three-dimensional microstructural analyses using Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM) confirmed that the optimized cell is the most porous with sufficient pore surface area, thereby facilitating electrochemical reactions and gas transport, and preventing delamination of the air electrode resulting from lower oxygen partial pressure difference between the barrier layer and air/electrode interface. Side reactions at the interface, including the generation of resistant SrZrO3, are concurrently avoided. These findings demonstrate the potential of the modified SOEC air electrode for improving electrochemical performance and stability.

Theoretical and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approaches to Praseodymium Content Effect on Radiation Shielding and Time Dependent Volume‐Collapse for a Newly Produced Borate Glass

AbstractGamma‐ray, fast neutron and charged particle shielding characteristics of Praseodymium (Pr3+) activated glasses with composition 10ZnF2‐(10‐x)SrO‐15Li2O‐65H3BO3‐xPr2O3(where x = 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0) are investigated. For this, the radiation shielding parameters are estimated by using Photon Shielding and Dosimetry (Phy‐X/PSD), Interaction of Proton, Alpha, Gamma rays, Electrons, and X‐rays with matter (PAGEX), Stopping Powers and Ranges for Electrons (ESTAR), and The Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) codes. Furthermore, the results are compared comprehensively and comparatively. The glasses with increasing Pr3+ content exhibited higher shielding potential. It can be said that the ZFLHBPr2.0 sample could be used as a shielding material in various applied fields. Additionally, the effect of Pr composition on structural transitions and time‐dependent volume‐collapse of this new family of borate glass doped with Pr is analyzed by molecular dynamics study (MD) based density functional tight binding method. The simulation results show that the addition of Pr led to the cubic‐orthorhombic transformation of simulation cell at determined temperature and 1 atm pressure. Also, a sudden decrease in volume are observed within a short time at 8% Pr composition (x = 2.0) atmospheric pressure. This result provides a strong connection between Pr composition and volume change with time and at constant low pressure.

Comprehensive climatic variability analysis and its significance on flood occurrences in the Middle Ganga Plain, India

Climate variability significantly affects rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation. In subtropical regions like India, intense monsoon rainfall primarily causes floods. This study aims to analyze the climatic factors contributing to flood occurrence in the Middle Ganga Plain (MGP) by examining meteorological parameters through various analyses, including monthly and yearly trends, spatial variability, exceedance probability, historical highest intensity rainfall, and wind trajectory analysis. By establishing a strong link between climatic variables and flood events, this research provides valuable insights into the impact of climate variability on flood patterns in the MGP. Results indicate that monsoon rainfall peaks from July to October, correlating with major flood events. During these months, high relative humidity increases the likelihood of rainfall. Spatial analysis shows higher rainfall in the northern Middle Ganga Plain (MGP), which aligns with observed flood patterns. Trend detection tests reveal increasing annual rainfall and rising average temperatures. Geostatistical analysis identifies the western and eastern MGP as areas prone to extreme rainfall. Exceedance probability analysis confirms the occurrence of substantial monsoon rainfall events. Wind trajectory analysis uncovers seasonal shifts that lead to low-pressure systems and heavy monsoon rainfall. The study establishes a strong link between climatic variables and flood events in the MGP region.

Mild structure, low pressure: how might we increase young people’s social connection in the COVID-19-era

ABSTRACT This study aimed to understand how COVID-19 affected social connection, barriers to connection, and generated ideas for creating pro-connection activities and spaces. The approach was guided by design principles and included generative interviews and a group workshop with young people aged 16–24 years. COVID-19 allowed young people to recognize the importance of face-to-face and incidental social contacts and appreciate deeper connections to friends, family, and community. Young people identified barriers and enablers to forming quality social connection as confidence, the time and effort taken to build meaningful friendships, mental health, and cultural identity. Programmes that overtly tackle social connection were considered unappealing and usually reach only those who are already engaged. Instead, social connection is a by-product of other activities that take a ‘mild structure, low pressure’ approach and focus on strengths and interests. Activities and spaces must be free and easy to access and involve multiple engagements over time.

The impact of meteorological factors on the incidence of infantile atopic dermatitis.

The role of the climate regarding atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationship between meteorological conditions and the incidence of early AD. The study was conducted using a retrospective design. We analyzed children aged 0-24 months with clinically diagnosed AD (n = 603), including infantile eczema (IE, n = 292), in relation to the mean monthly meteorological data in Minsk. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to study the association between an AD outcome and meteorological variables, stratifying by potential confounders. Seasons of birth were analyzed in children diagnosed with AD before 6 months of age (n = 567) and at 12 months of age (n = 350) from 2005 to 2019. The incidence rate of IE was negatively associated with air temperature (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.94), precipitation (0.74; 95% CI 0.58-0.93), and positively associated with atmospheric pressure (1.31; 95% CI 1.04-1.66). The highest incidence rate of IE was during spring, and the lowest was during summer. Incidences of AD were less frequent among infants born in the spring (18.1% vs. 29.4%, P < 0.001) than among older children. The principal component analysis identified three meteorological combinations where the first one (warm, low humidity) was negatively associated with the incidence rate of AD among children aged 0-24 months (0.77; 95% CI 0.65-0.92), and the third one (rainy, low atmospheric pressure) with IE (0.70; 95% CI 0.54-0.90). Continental seasonal cold-humid weather may influence early AD incidence. Moreover, short-term meteorological factors may play an important role in the onset of IE.