Prevention Efforts Research Articles

Strategi Komunikasi Pencegahan Stunting oleh Puskesmas Palaran

This research aims to analyze and describe how the communication strategy of stunting prevention efforts by Palaran Health Center. The formulation of communication strategies uses Onong Uchjana Effendy’s research focus and Campaign Communication Theory. The research method used in this research is descriptive qualitative which aims to explain in detail and in depth. The results of the research conducted by researchers can be concluded that the communication strategy for preventing stunting by the Palaran Health Center is to recognize the target being of communication directly based on data obtained from the posyandu with the target being productive women and adolescents. Indirectly based on followers who are friends and have followed the social media belonging to the Palaran Health Center. Selection of communication media directly by socializing to schools and communities, while indirectly using social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Website and print media such as Leaflets, Banners and Posters. Assessment of the purpose of communication messages based on vision and mission. The role of communicators in communication based on criteria including doctors, nutritionists, health promotion, midwives and nurses.

Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in North-Central Nigeria

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a major challenge to global efforts to control the pandemic, particularly in Nigeria, where hesitancy to other effective vaccines such as polio and measles has been widely reported. Several individual, societal, and structural factors contribute to this behaviour and prevent the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention efforts. Objectives This study sought to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the seven states of North-Central, Nigeria. Methods A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted among residents using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO SAGE vaccine hesitancy scale and distributed via social media networks over 8-weeks. Results A total of 1,429 responses met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Among the respondents, 60.7% were males, 47.5% were between the ages of 26 and 45, and 80.1% had postsecondary education. A total of 421 respondents (29.5%) were hesitant and unwilling to receive the vaccine. The reasons for hesitancy were concerns about side effects (37.1%), doubt about the existence of COVID-19 (11.0%), and the perception of time required to receive the vaccine (9.6%). Post-secondary education (AOR: 0.49, 0.36-0.66) and people of the Islamic faith (AOR: 0.68, 0.52-0.90) were found to be associated with lower levels of hesitancy. Conclusion The study found that vaccine hesitancy is a complex problem that is linked with multiple social determinants of health as lower educational attainment, lower income and Christian faith were found to be predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Confidence, Complacency and Convenience factors were expressed by respondents as concerns about side effects, doubt about the existence of COVID-19 and time required to receive the vaccines were the most prominent reasons for unwillingness to receive the vaccine. In order to protect the public health of communities, targeted interventions are required to increase vaccine acceptance by cultivating trust in vaccines, disseminating accurate information, and engaging with community stakeholders including religious groups.

Deep learning approaches in predicting tropical cyclone tracks: An analysis focused on the Northwest Pacific Region

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive and integrated test of tropical cyclone track prediction using deep learning technologies, aiming to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the prediction methods. We employed the Best Track dataset from the China Meteorological Administration's Tropical Cyclone Data Center, which covers the Northwest Pacific region from 1949 to 2023. This dataset provides comprehensive coverage, encompassing critical tropical cyclone details like time, latitude, longitude, and wind speed. Our focus was on evaluating and comparing different deep learning models, including Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Long Short-Term Memory Networks (LSTM), and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), for their effectiveness in handling complex time series data. Through detailed analysis of various model configurations, including factors such as input-output lengths, hidden size, the number of layers, the implementation of bi-directional networks, and attention mechanisms, we discovered that LSTM and GRU models significantly outperform traditional RNN models in dealing with long-term dependencies and enhancing prediction accuracy. Moreover, the LSTM model, used to forecast key tropical cyclones during the 2023 Pacific tropical cyclone season, achieved mean errors of 21.84 km, 37.56 km, and 26.12 km for Typhoons Mawar, Doksuri, and Saola, respectively. This method also demonstrated high efficiency in rapid response to extreme weather changes, processing each tropical cyclone's forecast in just about 8 s. The results not only illustrate the practical utility of deep learning in tropical cyclone track prediction but also provide new, effective tools for disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.

Promotive Factors Within Neighborhood, Family, and School Contexts for Adolescents Living in an Urban, High-Burden Community

Adverse outcomes associated with living in urban, high-burden communities can be reduced by strengthening promotive factors—processes that promote positive development or resilience. Utilizing the social development strategy, we examined promotive factors (perceptions of safety, attachment, rewards and opportunities for prosocial involvement) across neighborhood, family, and school, in relation to mental health and violence outcomes. Participants were 1,744 adolescents (50% female, 91% Black) from an urban, high-burden community in Chicago. Latent profile analyses found four groups of promotive factors. Thirty-seven percent of youth were in a profile with high levels of promotive factors, reporting the lowest levels of mental health symptoms and violence. As youth moved towards average or low levels of promotive factors in one or multiple contexts, they reported worse mental health and violence. These results have important implications, specifically for high-burden communities, highlighting the need to strengthen promotive factors in comprehensive prevention efforts and mental health care.

Enhancing cybersecurity: A comprehensive approach to addressing the growing threat of cybercrime

The rise of technology and internet usage has revolutionized interactions and business practices but has also significantly increased the prevalence of cybercrime. Cybercrimes, including data theft, ransomware, attacks on critical systems, and botnet-driven attacks, have grown more sophisticated and damaging. Recent research by Mphatheni and Maluleke (2022), Cascavilla, Tamburri, and Heuvel (2021), Shah and Chudasama (2021), Dupont and Whelan (2021), Djenna et al. (2023), and Back and LaPrade (2020) offers a detailed analysis of contemporary cybersecurity challenges and emerging solutions. These studies emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to combating cybercrime. Mphatheni and Maluleke (2022) highlight the absence of a universal definition for cybercrime, which undermines prevention efforts and overlooks the global economic impact, particularly in Africa. Cascavilla, Tamburri, and Heuvel (2021) stress the importance of advanced machine learning techniques and threat intelligence for detecting cybercrimes across various web layers, advocating for improved risk assessment and anonymity measures. Shah and Chudasama (2021) propose a new cybercrime taxonomy to address gaps in current legislation, especially in regions like India where crimes often stem from data issues or malicious intent. Dupont and Whelan (2021) call for greater integration between cybercriminology and cybersecurity, promoting a continuous approach that fosters better collaboration between security and crime control domains. Djenna et al. (2023) introduce an advanced deep learning method for early botnet attack detection, enhancing forensic investigations and threat response. Back and LaPrade (2020) emphasize updating cybersecurity practices in academic institutions using a Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) framework to improve digital security. Overall, a proactive and coordinated strategy, incorporating new technologies, enhanced practices, and updated legislation, is essential for effective cybercrime prevention and response. Collaboration among governments, the private sector, and academia is crucial for developing robust defenses against escalating cyber threats.

International Initiatives of the American Heart Association: Original Concepts, Present Programs, and Future Focus: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association (AHA), founded in 1924, is anchored in the core belief that scientific research can lead the way to better prevention, treatment, recovery, and ultimately a cure for cardiovascular disease. Historically, the association's involvement in international efforts centered on scientific cooperation. Activities mostly involved AHA leadership presenting at international scientific meetings and leaders from other countries sharing scientific and medical information at AHA meetings. Although the AHA's and American Stroke Association's international efforts have expanded substantially since those early days, global knowledge exchange remains the bedrock of its international endeavors. As the AHA turns 100, we reflect on the successful global efforts in prevention, resuscitation, global advocacy, quality improvement, and health equity that have guided the organization to a place of readiness for "advancing health and hope, for everyone, everywhere." Motivated by the enormous potential for population health gains in an aging world, the AHA is entering its second century with redoubled commitment to improving global cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health for all.

Penyuluhan Pentingnya Vaksin HPV untuk Mencegah Kanker Serviks Sedini mungkin di Kabupaten Takalar

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the female genital organs caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and preventive measures are highly recommended rather than curative measures. Prevention efforts are still poorly understood, so education is needed to increase vaccination coverage. The aim of this service is to increase participants' understanding of cancer vaccines. This method was used to discuss with partners at SDN Pusat No. 1 Patalasang District. Takalar, and students and teachers participate. Participants' knowledge was assessed through pre-test and post-test. The test result in front of 6 teachers and 15 students was 71.4, increasing to 98.2 at the time of the test. All service participants were satisfied with the implementation of the service because they felt the information was very useful and they needed it. All participants feel the benefits of using the services. Participants hope to continue this service in the future with free pap smears and vaccinations. It can be concluded that advice on cancer prevention and vaccination increased participants' understanding from 71.4 to 98.2 and was highly appreciated by the participants.

Profile of Persons Recently Infected with HIV-1 in Belgium: New Insights to Tailor Prevention Efforts.

Despite wide availability of prevention and treatment services, including the ongoing roll-out of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the HIV epidemic is not under control in Belgium. Hence, there is a recognized need to improve case finding and early diagnosis to curb the further spread of HIV more effectively. The objective of the present study was to improve insight into the profiles of persons recently infected with HIV-1 and on their prevention trajectory. Between May 2018 and December 2022, we selected persons diagnosed in Belgium within three months of the presumed infection date. We then analyzed information collected using a questionnaire covering topics on HIV testing, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), PrEP use, sexual behavior, partner notification and substance use. The data obtained were analyzed alongside information derived from phylogenetic cluster analysis of the viral source of infection. A total of 93 persons with a recent HIV-1 infection completed the questionnaire, the majority (74%) being MSM, 14% were heterosexual women and 12% were heterosexual men. Nearly one-third of participants engaged in sexual activity with an average of 2 to 5 casual partners around the presumed time of infection. A significant percentage reported frequent substance use during sexual activity (65%), being previously diagnosed with STI (65%) and using condoms infrequently (44%). 63% reported a testing frequency of at least one HIV test per year before being diagnosed and 46% notified their previous sex partner(s) after being diagnosed. Over 20% of respondents (including 11 MSM, 4 heterosexual men and 5 heterosexual women) reported exclusive sexual activity with their steady partner. Eight participants (9%, all MSM, 75% born outside of Belgium) reported PrEP use in the past. No significant differences in behavioral characteristics were found between persons who were part of a local transmission cluster (48%) and persons that were not part of a cluster (47%). The study results revealed that the majority of persons diagnosed early with HIV-1 infection in Belgium exhibited characteristics corresponding to a high-at-risk population and were aware of this risk, as evidenced by a high testing frequency. However, partner notification rates were low and use and awareness of PrEP limited. A notable group of persons not corresponding to the high-risk profiles was also identified. This information may help to expose missed opportunities for prevention and contribute to enhancing the implementation of future prevention measures.

Salivary and Serum Analytes and Their Associations with Self-rated Health Among Healthy Young Adults.

Understanding the biological processes underlying poor self-rated health (SRH) can inform prevention efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of using self-reported measures and self-collected biospecimens, such as saliva, to understand physiological functioning and assist with health surveillance and promotion. However, the associations between salivary analytes and SRH remain understudied. The current study addresses this gap. In a laboratory-based study, 99 healthy adults (Mage = 23.8years, SD = 4.5, 55% men, 43% non-Hispanic White) reported their SRH and provided saliva and blood samples that were assayed for adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA), and cytokines(IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α). Principal component analyses assessed the component loadings and generated factor scores for saliva and serum analytes. Binary logistic regressions examined the associations between these components and poor SRH. Salivary analytes loaded onto two components (component 1: adiponectin and cytokines; component 2: CRP and UA) explaining 58% of the variance. Serum analytes grouped onto three components (component 1: IL-8 and TNF-α; component 2: CRP, IL-1β, and IL-6; component 3: adiponectin and UA) explaining 76% of the variance. Higher salivary component 1 scores predicted higher odds of reporting poor SRH (OR 1.53, 95%CI [1.10, 2.11]). Higher serum component 2 scores predicted higher odds of reporting poor SRH (OR 2.37, 95%CI [1.20, 4.67]). When examined in the same model, salivary component 1 (OR 1.79, 95%CI [1.17, 2.75]) and serum component 2 were associated with poorer SRH (OR 7.74, 95%CI [2.18, 27.40]). In our sample, whether measured in saliva or serum, indices of inflammatory processes were associated with SRH.

Identifying Childhood Risk Factors for Hepatitis B with a Focus on Vertical Transmission.

Despite worldwide vaccination efforts, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health burden, particularly in regions where vertical transmission is prevalent. Given Romania's history as an endemic area for hepatitis B from the 1990s until the early 2000s and the previously high infection rates among children, it is crucial to continually evaluate HBV infection in this population to monitor current trends, assess the long-term impact of vaccination programs, and address any remaining gaps in prevention and treatment efforts. This study aims to identify childhood risk factors associated with HBV acquisition, examining the role of maternal HBV status in child HBV infection, focusing on vertical transmission among a cohort of 654 children, with maternal infection as the independent variable and child infection as the dependent variable. We assessed potential risk factors and vaccination coverage among these children. The cohort included 148 children who tested positive for chronic hepatitis B from those 654 tested for HBsAg. Anamnestic data and vaccination history were analyzed, with particular attention to birth type and surgical interventions. Of the 148 HBV-positive children, 80.4% were delivered naturally. Among these, 130 had received hepatitis B vaccination, and 5 were also given hepatitis B immunoglobulin at birth, 4 of whom were born via cesarean section. In the control group, comprising 418 vaccinated children, a lesser proportion were unvaccinated (2.2%). Documented surgical interventions included general and dental surgeries, as well as a single blood transfusion. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive vaccination strategies and illuminates potential correlations between birth type and vaccination status with childhood HBV infection. Crucially, it highlights the necessity of diligent monitoring and treatment of pregnant women with HBV to prevent vertical transmission as effectively as possible.

10-year risk for cardiovascular diseases according to the WHO prediction chart: findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019

BackgroundThere has been a significant increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Malaysia. It is important to identify the group at high risk of CVD. This study aimed to assess the population distribution and factors associated with 10-year CVD risk among adults aged 40 to 74 years in Malaysia.MethodsThis study used secondary data from the NHMS 2019, a nationally representative cross-sectional population study. The following measurements were collected: anthropometric, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, smoking, and sociodemographic. The 2019 WHO Southeast Asia laboratory-based charts were used to estimate individuals’ CVD risk. These charts predict significant cardiovascular events over ten years. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to ascertain the factors that are linked to elevated or extremely elevated risk of CVD.ResultsA total of 5,503 respondents were included in the analysis. Less than one-quarter of the respondents were current smokers and obese. Approximately 41.7%, 30.9%, and 22.5% of the participants had extremely low risk (less than 5%), low risk (between 5% and less than 10%), and moderate risk (between 10% and less than 20%), respectively. A total of 4.9% of the participants were categorised as having high (20% to < 30%) or very high (CVD) risk (≥ 30%). This classification was more prevalent among males (7.3%) than among females (2.5%; p < 0.001). The factors associated with high/very high CVD risk were unemployment (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.47–2.40), those with non-formal and primary education level (aOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.36 − 4.12 and aOR = 3.28, 95% CI = 2.10 − 5.12, respectively), and being physically inactive with obesity (aOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.18 − 4.08).ConclusionsThis study revealed that almost 5% of the population in Malaysia has a high 10-year CVD risk. These findings highlight Malaysia’s urgent need for comprehensive CVD prevention efforts.

A Review of Academic Use of the Term "Minor Attracted Persons".

Although it originated within online pro-pedophile groups, the term "minor attracted person" (MAPs) has been adopted by some academic researchers as a neutral and non-stigmatizing alternative to the term "pedophile." The transferral of this term from pedophile advocates to academic scholarship has been highly controversial. Claims that the use of the term "minor attracted people" normalizes or endorses pedophilia deserve closer scrutiny. This paper is based on a rapid evidence review of all peer-reviewed papers between 2015 and 2023 that used variants of the term "minor attracted" in their title and/or abstract. After screening, 30 studies were identified for review. Our analysis took a thematic approach to understanding the construction and use of the term MAPs in this scholarship. The analysis found that the term MAPs was operationalized in different and contradictory ways, however, the literature broadly agreed that MAPs constitute an oppressed sexual minority who are subject to undue stigmatization and discrimination. We point to the similarities between this sympathetic framing of MAPs and the political goals of the pro-pedophile advocacy groups that created the term MAPs, and from which many MAPs studies recruit their research participants. The review concludes that, in the absence of adequate self-reflexivity and awareness of bias, academic collaborations with pro-pedophile groups can produce work that minimizes the risk and harm of child sexual abuse and has the potential to delegitimize child sexual abuse prevention and treatment efforts.

Suicide Risks and Protections in Religious Communities: Two Exploratory Studies

It is imperative to understand possible protections against suicide because of the steadily climbing U.S. suicide rate. Religion has been associated with fewer suicidal behaviors. This study sought to explore the perspective of congregants experiencing suicidal behaviors (CESBs) on the risks and protections that they experience in their religious communities (RCs) in two separate studies. Study One included a purposive sample of 15 Christian congregants yielding seven codes: routine practices and deliberate suicide prevention efforts were inconsistent both before and during the pandemic lockdown, though RCs continued to operate. Cultures provided participants both protections and risks, while the pandemic amplified deep cultural divides already present before the pandemic. Study Two included a purposive sample of 20 congregants yielding six codes, core protections of a routinely provided worldview and deliberately provided theological teachings, risks of absent protections, aspirational tasks for faith leaders and RCs, inspiring stories of recovery, and some consistency with human flourishing with caution. CESBs in some RCs that have a norm of well-being hide their norm violation and expect rejection. RCs need training in order to provide deliberate suicide prevention protections and CESBs may provide counter-narratives to stigma in RCs and cultures.

Penyuluhan dan Sosialisasi Guna Meningkatkan Kesadaran Bahaya NAPZA bagi Remaja Desa Sumbersari

Abuse of Narcotics, Psychotropics and Addictive Substances (Drugs) among the younger generation is a crucial issue that threatens the future of the nation. This abuse has a significant negative impact on the mental and physical development of the younger generation. Therefore, prevention efforts through education, routine counseling and positive activities in the community are very important. The socialization program on the dangers of drugs was carried out at the Sumbersari Village Hall, Ngampel District, Kendal Regency. The targets for this activity are teenagers from Sumbersari Village. This activity is carried out using the ABCD method which includes identifying community strengths, asset mapping, community economic analysis, creating relationships and activity priorities, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The results of counseling regarding the abuse of narcotics, psychotropic substances and other addictive substances in Sumbersari village show significant benefits for the younger generation. Participants' responses emphasized the importance of the understanding provided. The suitability of participants' expectations with the reality of the activity can be seen from the appreciation for the presence of food and similarities with socialization at school. Participants' understanding also increased thanks to the material presented in an interesting way. Comfort during activities is an important factor in maintaining participant concentration. However, participant satisfaction was affected by schedule discrepancies.

The role of behavioral decision-making in panic buying events during COVID-19: From the perspective of an evolutionary game based on prospect theory

Sudden public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic have triggered widespread panic buying incidents globally, causing disruptions in commodity markets characterized by imbalances between supply and demand. This has posed a serious threat to social stability. During sudden public health events, panic buying typically complicates epidemic prevention and control efforts, leading to adverse consequences such as resource wastage, supply-demand imbalances, and market failures, which pose a threat to social stability and economic development. The progression of panic buying is significantly influenced by the actions and choices of both the public and local authorities. Therefore, studying the impact of the behavioral decisions made by the public and local governments plays a pivotal role in the evolution of such events. Building upon this premise, this paper studies the role of behavioral decisions in the COVID-19 panic buying event from the perspective of an evolutionary game. First, the public’s attitude toward the development of the event is divided into two categories: those with a negative attitude and those with a positive attitude. At the same time, the concepts of mental benefits and mental costs are introduced and quantified, serving as key factors in public decision-making. Second, prospect theory is used to elucidate the risk preferences and loss aversion of decision-makers. An evolutionary game model is constructed with the public and local governments as the main entities based on prospect theory. The replication dynamic equation is constructed using the benefit perception matrix, and the equilibrium point and stability conditions of the model are deduced. Third, the impact of participants' behavioral decisions during the panic buying event on the event’s evolution process is discussed through numerical simulation analysis. The results show that (1) in the context of sudden public health emergencies, material demand is the primary cause of public panic buying behavior. Postpanic buying events, such behavior is influenced primarily by the proportion of individuals with negative attitudes within the population. Local governments should release positive information regarding supplies in a timely manner during the nascent stage of panic buying events and actively monitor the proportion of individuals with negative attitudes. (2) There is a positive correlation between risk preference and public panic buying behavior, whereas loss aversion has the opposite effect. The spiritual benefits perceived by the public from engaging in panic buying increase with higher risk preference, whereas perceived costs related to health issues increase with deeper levels of loss aversion. (3) When response costs exceed what local governments are willing to bear, reputation gains and losses play a crucial role in their decision-making. The probability of local governments adopting responsive strategies increases with their emphasis on reputation and aversion to reputation losses. Higher-level governments should enhance the dissemination of positive and negative examples of government handling, enhancing local governments' sense of responsibility and honor to improve their perception of reputation gains and losses, thereby encouraging proactive management of panic buying events.

Prevention of Bullying Behavior through the Roots Program

The study aims to identify the bullying of students and the preventive efforts of the school through the Roots School Movement program. This type of research is qualitative descriptive with a phenomenological approach, and the research location is in the 7th Makassar State High School. The population in this study is the head of school, teachers, and pupils with sampling techniques using probability random samplings. Data collection techniques are done using observations, interviews, and documentation; then, data will be analyzed using triangulation data, i.e., data collection, data reduction, and verification. Based on the research results, conversation forms often occur in both verbal and non-verbal forms. The verbal conversations experienced by the students are extortion, body shaming, kissing, igniting, and exorcism. Whereas the non-verbal negotiations that occur with the pupils are deliberately pushed and beaten. This beating is done between individuals and individuals, groups to individuals, and groups to groups. So based on that, the things that the 7 Makassar State High Schools are doing in dealing with the negotiations are forming anti-negotiation teams, socializing, forming pupils as anti-counseling agents, training teachers, training pupils, anti-conversion exhibitions for pupils and activating school committees and changing the learning paradigm between teachers and pupils.

Forms vs. Types: A Theory of Cultural Conflict and Community Violence

Simmel's (1950) forms are contrasted to Durkheim‟s (1938) types to examine cultural offenses to understand conflict between two distinct cultural groups: American Indians and non- Indians. Data from the Southern Ute Indian Community Safety Survey, a U.S.D.O.J.- ponsored2 study of crime and violence, are used to understand cultural crimes in comparison with other crimes. Conflict between the two cultural groups occurs when actions of members of the nonIndian group are contrary to the values of the Indian group. Findings demonstrate the relevance of data collection efforts from small, rural communities may have implications for understanding community violence and improved violence prevention efforts.

Soil response in a Mediterranean forest ecosystem of Southeast Spain following early prescribed burning

The escalation of global warming, high temperatures, and wildfire frequency in dry ecosystems, including semi-arid landscapes, has resulted in increased wildfire regimes, compromising ecosystem resistance and resilience. To mitigate these risks, prescribed burning (PB) is being employed as a preventive measure to modify fuel loads in forest ecosystems. However, fire can also impact soil structure and microbiota, which play critical roles in nutrient cycling, biodiversity conservation, and overall ecosystem functioning. Therefore, understanding post-fire processes is essential for sustainable forest management. However, while previous studies have explored the effects of prescribed fire management on semi-arid soil properties in Mediterranean forest ecosystems, gaps remain in our understanding of its specific impact on the physical structure, chemical composition, and biological activities of soils.In this study, we conducted early spring PB in SE Spain in 2021 and assessed the ecological and temporal effects of PB on semi-arid soils. Soil respiration (SR) measurements using automatic CO2 flow chambers were employed to evaluate microbiota recovery. To examine impacts on soil structure we evaluated physicochemical characteristics, soil hydraulic conductivity (SHC), and soil water repellency (SWR). No significant differences were observed in any of the variables studied after one year. However, immediate effects were detected shortly after the PB. Our research specifically targeted soil structure and microbiota in a semi-arid landscape with poor soils, characterized by slower recovery and potentially fragile ecosystems. These results provide valuable insights for forest management practices, indicating that prescribed fire management strategies in similar ecosystems are unlikely to cause adverse effects on soil health. However, further research is warranted to explore the potential effects of prescribed fire intensity and seasonality. Future studies can focus on investigating these factors to provide more targeted recommendations for effective forest management strategies and wildfire prevention efforts.

Magnitude and hotspots of soil erosion types during heavy rainstorm events on the Loess Plateau: Implications for watershed management

In the context of climate change, rainstorm events are becoming increasingly frequent. In particular, on the Loess Plateau, heavy rainstorms are the primary cause of soil erosion. This study investigated and analysed different types of soil erosion hotspots and influencing factors in small watersheds under different rainstorm events in different areas of the Loess Plateau. The results indicate that the erosion intensities of rills, gullies, landslides and collapses ranged from 13600-46244, 1982-772201, 1163-172153 t km-2 and 1867-94985 t km-2, respectively. Newly constructed terraces exhibited an erosion intensity 1.6 times greater than that of old terraces, while terraces constructed before the rainy season in the current year exhibited an erosion damage intensity 2.6 times greater than that of terraces constructed after the rainy season in the previous year. In addition, under rainstorm conditions, landslides represented the most severe type of erosion in the watersheds, with the maximum amount of erosion accounting for more than 90 % of the total erosion amount, followed by gully or collapse erosion, with the collapse of terrace risers as the main contributor. Slope cultivation land, unpaved roads, terrace risers, and valley slopes below the gully shoulder line were identified as erosion hotspot areas. Rainstorm erosion was significantly influenced by the land use type and slope, which explained 14.2 %-41.5 % and 9.7 %-15.1 %, respectively, of the total variance in erosion intensity. We suggest that soil erosion prevention and control efforts on the Loess Plateau should focus on landslides on valley slopes below gully shoulder lines, followed by gullies on unpaved roads and the collapse of terraced fields. Drainage ditches and water cellars should be constructed above the gully shoulder line and on the inside of roads and terraces, thereby reducing erosion. Our research is crucial for optimizing and adjusting watershed management measures and preventing rainstorm erosion disasters.

Childhood trauma distribution and behavioural problems among Pakistani adolescents.

Childhood trauma adversely impacts adolescents, and consequently, they develop behavioural problems. Understanding the distribution of childhood traumas and their association with behavioural problems among adolescents is paramount for the preventive efforts. The present research aimed to investigate this association among adolescents. This association was investigated among adolescents (N = 200) between 12 and 18 years. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire was used to assess the distribution of trauma and internalizing and externalizing behavioural problems among adolescents through purposive and convenience sampling technique. The findings across trauma distribution indicated higher distribution of childhood abuse and neglect across males as compared to females. Males further significantly scored higher on sexual abuse and emotional neglect. Apparently, a large number of adolescents experienced all five sub types of childhood traumas (sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, emotional and physical neglect). Additionally, across the severity continuum of childhood traumas, male scored higher on the severe to extreme continuum for all subtypes except physical abuse, where females scored higher. Lastly, logistic regression analysis indicated higher peer problems among those adolescents who have experienced all types of childhood traumas. These findings could be beneficial for intervention-based programs and policies to help trauma-exposed adolescents cope with their lives.