Potential Consequences Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence: From Theory to Application and Ethical Considerations

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various domains, driving technological advancements and reshaping societal landscapes. This article presents a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted facets of AI, encompassing its foundational concepts, diverse applications, and critical ethical considerations. The article begins by elucidating the fundamental principles of AI, encompassing machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing, providing readers with a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving AI's capabilities. Subsequently, the article delves into the wide-ranging applications of AI, spanning across industries such as healthcare, finance, education, transportation, and more. In each domain, AI's potential to augment decision-making, optimize processes, and foster innovation is analyzed, offering insights into the transformative potential of this technology in diverse sectors. Furthermore, the article tackles the increasingly crucial ethical implications arising from AI's pervasive integration into society. It critically examines issues of bias, fairness, transparency, and accountability that AI systems can manifest, impacting individuals and communities. The potential consequences of AI on privacy, data protection, and human autonomy are also assessed, prompting discussions on the necessity of ethical frameworks to govern AI development and deployment. The article adopts a balanced approach by acknowledging the immense potential of AI in enhancing human lives while acknowledging the need for responsible development and ethical considerations.

Potential consequences of ineffective COVID-19 antiviral management.

Potential consequences of ineffective COVID-19 antiviral management.

Effects of episodic stream dewatering on brook trout spatial population structure

Abstract Stream dewatering is expected to become more prevalent due to climate change, and we explored the potential consequences for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) within a temperate forest ecosystem in eastern North America. We estimated fish density within stream pools (n = 386) from electrofishing surveys over 10 years (2012–2021) to compare a stream that exhibits episodic dewatering (Paine Run) against a stream of similar size that remains flow‐connected (Staunton River) within Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (U.S.A.). Annual surveys encompassed fluvial distances ranging from 2.6 to 4.4 km in each stream. Mean annual fish density (fish/pool m2) was not different between streams for juvenile or adult age classes, but spatial variation in density was greater in Paine Run for both age classes of fish. Paine Run also included a greater proportion of unoccupied pools than Staunton River and exhibited stronger spatial autocorrelation in fish density among nearby pools, suggesting dispersal limitation due to surface flow fragmentation. Fish density in pools increased during years with low summer precipitation, and this effect was observed in both streams but was stronger in Paine Run than Staunton River, further indicating the importance of fish movement into pools in response to low‐flow thresholds. Our results indicate the importance of pools as ecological refuges during low‐flow conditions and that episodic dewatering may affect extirpation risks for brook trout by sequestering more fish into fewer areas. Our findings also highlight the importance of hydrological variation within stream networks because downstream river gages could not predict the observed spatial heterogeneity in fish density or pool occupancy.

Short-time work, labor hoarding, and curtailed hiring: establishment-level evidence from Japan

This study analyzes the mechanisms by which short-time work (STW) schemes affect firm’s employment adjustments, using establishment-level data during the Great Recession from Japan. The findings show that STW leads to a decrease in both hiring and separations, with no significant positive effect on net employment. The observed curtailed hiring can be explained within the context of how STW promotes labor hoarding. STW encourages firms to maintain redundant employment by subsidizing the costs of labor hoarding. The excess labor surplus in firms adopting STW diminishes the incentive to recruit new workers in anticipation of the recovery period. Furthermore, as firms generally lack the motivation to hoard marginal workers, STW may exacerbate job security disparities between regular and marginal workers. These findings have important implications for policy evaluation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the potential adverse consequences of STW on labor market entrants and marginal workers.

Do No Harm in Global Health Engagement.

This manuscript examines the principle of "Do No Harm" in DoD Global Health Engagement (GHE) efforts. It highlights the potential positive and negative consequences of health investments and explores how unintentional harm is addressed in a global health context. The manuscript also discusses the involvement of the U.S. military in global health and the concept of dual loyalty faced by military GHE practitioners. The goal is to understand the challenges of doing no harm and identify methods to mitigate or avoid unintended negative consequences in DoD GHE activities.

Do you have AI dependency? The roles of academic self-efficacy, academic stress, and performance expectations on problematic AI usage behavior

Although previous studies have highlighted the problematic artificial intelligence (AI) usage behaviors in educational contexts, such as overreliance on AI, no study has explored the antecedents and potential consequences that contribute to this problem. Therefore, this study investigates the causes and consequences of AI dependency using ChatGPT as an example. Using the Interaction of the Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model, this study explores the internal associations between academic self-efficacy, academic stress, performance expectations, and AI dependency. It also identifies the negative consequences of AI dependency. Analysis of data from 300 university students revealed that the relationship between academic self-efficacy and AI dependency was mediated by academic stress and performance expectations. The top five negative effects of AI dependency include increased laziness, the spread of misinformation, a lower level of creativity, and reduced critical and independent thinking. The findings provide explanations and solutions to mitigate the negative effects of AI dependency.

Environmental Sustainability Analysis of Land Use/Land Cover Change Using the WEI Index: Application to the Municipalities around the Doñana Area in Spain

This paper presents a novel definition of the Weighted Environmental Index (WEI) specifically adapted to integrate with the official land use and land cover (LULC) cartographic historical database employed in Andalusia. This adapted WEI framework was applied to investigate land use changes within municipalities surrounding the Doñana area (South of Spain). The analysis focused on the period 1991–2016, with a detailed examination of land use modifications in thirteen individual municipalities. The results demonstrate the WEI’s adaptability in incorporating information from diverse databases. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of integrating the analysis of WEI evolution over time. This combined approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the socio-economic and environmental drivers influencing land use changes in municipalities around the Doñana area. The findings reveal a sustained decrease in WEI values over the analyzed period. This decline is attributed to the expansion of irrigated cropland at the expense of rain-fed agriculture. Additionally, a significant increase in greenhouse surface area was observed. This intensification of agriculture has contributed to aquifer overexploitation, with potential environmental consequences for the Doñana area.

Genetic erosion in a tropical tree species demonstrates the need to conserve wide-ranging germplasm amid extreme habitat fragmentation

AbstractComparing the genetic diversity across different generations within tropical tree populations is an understudied topic. To assess the potential genetic consequences and conservation implications of contemporary disturbances, a population genomic study of Palaquium obovatum across age classes was undertaken. Trees and juveniles were sampled from ten different localities (eight in Singapore, two in Peninsular Malaysia) and subjected to double digest restriction-site associated DNA-sequencing (ddRAD-seq) to assess intergenerational genetic differences and investigate population structure in a hexaploid lineage. Genetic erosion, characterised by reduced heterozygosity, was found to have occurred in almost all wild populations over time, the exceptions being in one isolated coastal population and some areas with cultivated occurences. Population structure was highly localised with the number of genetically distinct populations usually following geographically separated districts, which indicates limitations in pollen and seed dispersal between fragments, possibly due to declines in the associated assemblage of dispersers. For this reason, the germplasm for conserving species diversity in degraded habitats and forest fragments should be selected from a wide range of wild populations across the landscape.

"Being Queer, It Was Really Isolating": Stigma and Mental Health Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Young People During COVID-19.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) youth and young adults (YYAs) have poorer mental health outcomes than their cisgender, heterosexual peers in large part due to multilevel stigmatization and minority stress. This was exacerbated by psychological stressors stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic; these experiences intersected with YYA unique developmental stage. Here we explored LGBTQ+ YYA's pandemic-related experiences, focusing on intersections between stigma and belonging, developmental processes, and their relationship to mental health. We conducted qualitative interviews from August to November 2021 with 34 LGBTQ+ YYA ages 14 to 24; interviews were nested within a quantitative study on YYA experiences during COVID-19. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. YYA described how pandemic impacts like quarantine and isolation directly impacted their mental health; these coalesced around four types of thematic shifts: shifts in (1) time, (2) living situations, (3) community supports, and (4) social and political climate. Multilevel stigmatization also created new mechanisms of norm enforcement for LGBTQ+ YYA. Interviews demonstrated how the pandemic also impacted key developmental processes including identity formation and autonomy seeking. The potential consequences of these pandemic-related shifts largely depended on YYA's experiences of stigma and/or belonging throughout the pandemic. Findings suggested that isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic intersected with existing socio-ecological structures in LGBTQ+ young people's lives. Efforts to investigate longitudinal impacts of the pandemic, as well as to intervene to reduce the stigmatization experienced by LGBTQ+ YYA, remain urgent.

Environmental Phenols and Growth in Infancy: The Infant Feeding and Early Development Study.

Higher mean and rapid increases in body mass index (BMI) during infancy are associated with subsequent obesity and may be influenced by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phenols. In a prospective US-based cohort conducted 2010-2014, we investigated associations between environmental phenol exposures and BMI in 199 infants. We measured seven urinary phenols at ages 6-8 and 12 weeks and assessed BMI z-score at up to 12 study visits between birth and 36 weeks. We examined individual and joint associations of averaged early infancy phenols with level of BMI z-score using mean differences (β [95% confidence intervals (CI)]) and with BMI z-score trajectories using relative risk ratios (RR [95% CI]). Benzophenone-3, methyl and propyl paraben, and all phenols jointly were positively associated with higher mean BMI z-score (0.07 [-0.05, 0.18], 0.10 [-0.08, 0.27], 0.08 [-0.09, 0.25], 0.17 [-0.08, 0.43], respectively). Relative to a Stable trajectory, benzophenone-3, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,5-dichlorophenol, and all phenols jointly were positively associated with risk of a Rapid Increase trajectory (1.46 [0.89, 2.39], 1.33 [0.88, 2.01], 1.66 [1.03, 2.68], 1.41 [0.71, 2.84], respectively). Early phenol exposure was associated with a higher mean and rapid increase in BMI z-score across infancy, signaling potential long-term cardiometabolic consequences of exposure.

The impacts of undetected nonadherence in phase II, III and post-marketing clinical trials: An overview.

This research aims to provide an overview of the consequences of undiagnosed nonadherence (noninitiation, suboptimal implementation, nonpersistence) in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). This research was conducted by combining a literature review and qualitative semistructured interviews with key opinion leaders. Based on this groundwork, the consequences of undiagnosed nonadherence in RCTs were summarized and reported in a figure. This study focused on phases II, III and post-marketing in ambulatory settings across a variety of therapeutic areas and indications. Various consequences of nonadherence in RCTs were investigated. In phase II, drug efficacy may be underestimated, variability in the outcomes may be high and a distorted picture of side effects could be reported, resulting in an uncertain impression of the investigational product's profile and complicating decision-making. The sponsor may need to increase the sample size of the upcoming phase III study to improve its power, representing additional costs, or even terminate the study. In phase III, similar phenomena may be observed, making demonstration of efficacy to the regulatory bodies more difficult. Lastly, after commercialization, a distortion in pharmacometrics may occur: the drug may underperform, prescriptions may be refilled less often than expected or extra expenses may be incurred by the payers. This can result in post-marketing dose reduction, new competitors coming into the market and, eventually, product withdrawal. This research highlighted the many potential adverse consequences of undiagnosed nonadherence in RCTs, including additional costs. Collecting accurate data appeared to be crucial for decision-making throughout the drug development process.

Microplastic presence in dog and human testis and its potential association with sperm count and weights of testis and epididymis.

The ubiquitous existence of microplastics and nanoplastics raises concerns about their potential impact on the human reproductive system. Limited data exists on microplastics within the human reproductive system and their potential consequences on sperm quality. Our objectives were to quantify and characterize the prevalence and composition of microplastics within both canine and human testes and investigate potential associations with the sperm count, and weights of testis and epididymis. Using advanced sensitive Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), we quantified 12 types of microplastics within 47 canine and 23 human testes. Data on reproductive organ weights, and sperm count in dogs were collected. Statistical analyses, including descriptive analysis, correlational analysis, and multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to investigate the association of microplastics with reproductive functions. Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all canine and human testes, with significant inter-individual variability. Mean total microplastic levels were 122.63 µg/g in dogs and 328.44 µg/g in humans. Both humans and canines exhibit relatively similar proportions of the major polymer types, with PE being dominant. Furthermore, a negative correlation between specific polymers such as PVC and PET and the normalized weight of the testis was observed. These findings highlight the pervasive presence of microplastics in the male reproductive system in both canine and human testes, with potential consequences on male fertility.

Retrieval of Embolized WATCHMAN® Flex Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device.

This case report documents the management of a 66-year old man with atrial fibrillation with recent placement of a WATCHMAN® Flex atrial appendage occlusion device. The patient presented with renal failure, abdominal pain, and difficulty walking 2months after placement. The WATCHMAN® Flex device was found to have embolized to his abdominal aorta at the level of the renal arteries with associated thrombus. Extensive workup revealed reduced left ventricular cardiac function and decreased renal function, both of which were felt to be potentially reversible with device removal. The patient then underwent retrieval of the device and all associated thrombus via an open retroperitoneal approach. This case demonstrates a potential consequence of implanting devices such as an atrial appendage occlusion device and describes a technique for removal.

Microplastic exposure is associated with epigenomic effects in the model organism Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow).

Microplastics have evolutionary and ecological impacts across species, affecting organisms' development, reproduction, and behavior along with contributing to genotoxicity and stress. As plastic pollution is increasing and ubiquitous, gaining a better understanding of organismal responses to microplastics is necessary. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation are heritable forms of molecular regulation influenced by environmental conditions. Therefore, determining such epigenetic responses to microplastics will reveal potential chronic consequences of this environmental pollutant. We performed an experiment across two generations of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to elucidate transgenerational epigenetic effects of microplastic exposure. We exposed the first generation of fish to four different treatments of microplastics: two concentrations of each of pre-consumer polyethylene (PE) and PE collected from Lake Ontario. We then raised the first filial generation with no microplastic exposure. We used enzymatic methylation sequencing on adult liver tissue and homogenized larvae to evaluate DNA methylation differences among treatments, sexes, and generations. Our findings show the origin of the plastic had a larger effect in female minnows whereas the effect of concentration was stronger in the males. We also observed transgenerational effects, highlighting a mechanism in which parents can pass on the effects of microplastic exposure to their offspring. Many of the genes found within differentially methylated regions in our analyses are known to interact with estrogenic chemicals associated with plastic and are related to metabolism. This study highlights the persistent and potentially serious impacts of microplastic pollution on gene regulation in freshwater systems.

Modelling the Performance Consequences of Coopetition in Business Relationships – a Quantitative Approach

Modelling the Performance Consequences of Coopetition in Business Relationships – a Quantitative Approach

Breast cancer and the steadily increasing maternal age: are they colliding?

BackgroundPregnancy-related cancers are mostly breast cancers, and their incidence is likely to increase as a result of the modern trend of delaying childbearing. In particular, advanced maternal age increases breast cancer risk, and younger breast cancer patients are more likely to die and metastasize. This study compared a population with a high incidence of delayed childbearing with another population with a lower mean age at childbirth in order to determine whether breast cancer diagnosis and childbearing age overlap.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed multiple data sources. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the United States National Center for Health Statistics as part of the National Vital Statistics System, the United Nations Population Division, the GLOBOCAN Cancer Observatory, the CLIO-INFRA project database, the Human Fertility Database, and anonymized local data were used.ResultsAs women’s age at delivery increased, the convergence between their age distribution at breast cancer diagnosis and childbearing increased. In addition, the overlap between the two age distributions increased by more than 200% as the average age at delivery increased from 27 to 35 years.ConclusionsAs women’s average childbearing age has progressively risen, pregnancy and breast cancer age distributions have significantly overlapped. This finding emphasizes the need for increased awareness and educational efforts to inform women about the potential consequences of delayed childbearing. By providing comprehensive information and support, women can make more informed decisions about their reproductive health and cancer prevention strategies.

Impact of a national audit on child and adolescent psychiatrists' prescribing practices.

A look back review of South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Ireland, known as the 'Maskey report' (MR), highlighted substandard prescribing practices. The aim of this 'Maskey Impact Study' (MIS) was to explore changes to child and adolescent psychiatrists' prescribing practices following the MR. The study was cross-sectional and mixed method. A study specific questionnaire was distributed electronically to psychiatrists working in CAMHS (n = 160). 102 psychiatrists participated in the study (response rate 63.8%). Perceived improvement in prescribing practices included improved medical record keeping (63.7%), consent documentation (53.9%), medication information provision (41.2%) and physical health monitoring (60.8%). However, 43.1% of psychiatrists reported a reluctance to prescribe medication even when clinically indicated and 50% were more likely to avoid off-label use. Most respondents reported increased stress levels (80.4%) with higher stress being significantly associated with reticence in prescribing (χ2 = 11.746, p < .001) and avoiding off-label use (χ2 = 15.392, p < 0.001). Thematic analysis highlighted increased medication hesitancy, enforced 'meaningless' bureaucracy and medication mistrust among families. Although improvements reported are welcomed, the increased hesitancy of medication use, avoidance of prescribing more than one medication, and avoidance of off-label use, is of concern with potential unintended adverse consequences. Reluctance in prescribing may deprive youth of access to evidence-based treatments and limit exposure of NCHDs to the safe practice of consultant-initiated psychopharmacology. Further research will be important to determine if this impacts clinical care. Continued education in psychopharmacology is essential along with increased public awareness of the evidence for medication, to help restore public confidence and trust in psychopharmacology.

Slow to launch: Young men's parental coresidence and employment outcomes

AbstractObjectiveThe authors investigate the potential early career consequences of parental coresidence for young men and whether they vary by duration of coresidence.BackgroundYoung adult coresidence with parents is becoming more common, particularly since the Great Recession and the recent pandemic. Although many studies have investigated the factors that predict coresidence, few examine the consequences. Some prior research suggests that coresidence may directly reduce career opportunities and indirectly shape employment through its effects on mental health and family formation. Yet, the consequences may be milder if coresidence is short‐term.MethodUsing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the authors examine the associations between parental coresidence after the age of 24 and employment status (n = 3915) and occupational standing (n = 3613) for young men in their early 30s in the United States. They explore how this association varies by the duration of coresidence, testing several model specifications and controlling for factors that select young men into parental coresidence.ResultsShort‐term coresidence of about 1 year is marginally associated with an improved likelihood of full‐time employment, but longer‐term parental coresidence of 4 to 6 years is negatively associated with occupational standing.ConclusionParental coresidence may be beneficial for young men in their peak ages of career growth if it is only for a few years. However, just as long‐term unemployment can have a scarring effect on employment outcomes, long‐term parental coresidence might negatively impact career growth.

GLP-1 agonists and hair loss: a call for further investigation.

The widespread adoption of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity has sparked investigations into their impact on hair health, an area characterized by diverse conjectures. Some propose potential risks such as disrupted hair growth cycles or premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA), while others suggest benefits linked to improved insulin sensitivity and enhanced scalp blood circulation. However, despite these theoretical underpinnings, clinical evidence linking GLP-1 agonists to hair loss remains sparse. The necessity for vigilant patient monitoring and collaborative efforts cannot be overstressed in comprehensively addressing any potential consequences of GLP-1 agonist therapy on hair health as their use continues to expand.

Tics Temporally Associated with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Pediatric Patients: A Sui Generis Case Series

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern in Canada, with falls, blows to the head, car accidents, and sports-related injuries being the leading causes. Post-traumatic movement disorders, such as tics, can occur after a TBI, but their association with mild TBIs has been less explored. This manuscript presents two pediatric cases of de novo tics following mild TBIs, shedding light on this unique phenomenon. Possible mechanisms linking mild TBI and tics, such as genetic predisposition and stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, are discussed. This paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing tics as a potential consequence of mild TBIs in children, and underscores the need for further research to shed light on the mechanism involved.