Reduction Efforts Research Articles

Food service management perspectives on reducing sodium content in foods served: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Between Fall 2017 and Spring 2018, the Los Angeles County Sodium Reduction Initiative interviewed food service management leaders and staff from eight public and private institutions in Southern California (three universities, four hospitals, and one senior meal program) to identify opportunities and challenges in reducing sodium content for the foods they sell, serve, and produce. Interviews were transcribed, collated, and analyzed using content analysis with thematic sorting and coding. Interviewees identified several opportunities: (1) group purchasing through a large organizational membership; (2) a supportive organizational culture; (3) organized strategies to replace high-sodium products; and (4) access to software resources to manage food inventories. Challenges included (1) negative customer/staff receptivity to low-sodium options; (2) lack of kitchen infrastructure/equipment; (3) low availability of healthy foods; and (4) limited program evaluation capacity. Collectively, these findings provide practice-based insights into how these factors contributed to sodium reduction efforts in these institutions.

Personal characteristics associated with switching from Cigarettes to Non-combustible tobacco and nicotine products among U.S. adults: Findings from PATH Study Wave 1 - Wave 5.

Reducing the disease burden from tobacco smoking may encompass switching to non-combustible (NCs), along with cessation. This study evaluates factors associated with switching to NCs (e-cigarettes, smokeless, snus) versus continued smoking, complete cessation, or dual use. Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health adult data were analyzed in three two-year wave pairs across 2013-2019 to assess product transitions among people who exclusively smoked tobacco. Generalized estimating equations examined demographics, smoking characteristics, perceptions, and messaging exposure as predictors of transitions from cigarette smoking. Ages 18-44 years (ref=65+; aORs=3.79-5.92), males (aOR=1.18, 95%CI[1.01,1.37]), and perceiving NCs as less harmful than smoking (ref=not; aOR=1.47, 95%CI[1.28,1.69]) were positively associated with switching to NCs versus continued smoking, while being Black (ref=White; aOR=0.36, 95%CI[0.26,0.48]) or Hispanic (ref=Non-Hispanic; aOR=0.59, 95%CI[0.45,0.78]) were negatively associated. Ages 18-64 years (aORs=2.49-5.89), noticing promotional ads (ref=not; aOR=1.34, 95%CI[1.14,1.58]), daily light or heavy smoking (ref=nondaily; aORs=2.33-3.72), and smoking within 30 mins of waking (ref=>30min; aOR=1.47, 95%CI[1.18,1.85]) were positively associated with switching to NCs versus cessation, while being Black (aOR=0.55, 95%CI[0.38,0.74]) or Hispanic (aOR=0.52, 95%CI[0.38,0.71]) were negatively associated.. Incomes of $10,000->$100,000 (ref=<$10,000; aORs=2.08-3.13) and daily heavy smoking (aOR=1.96, 95%CI[1.11,3.48]) were positively associated with switching to NCs versus dual use, while being male (aOR=0.44, 95%CI[0.29,0.65]) was negatively associated. Transitioning to NCs was unequally distributed among sociodemographic groups and smoking characteristics. The mere availability of NCs may not promote health equity. Continued market and regulatory efforts that promote both smoking cessation and transitioning to NCs among various populations may promote public health gains. This study examines factors associated with transitioning from smoking to non-combustible tobacco product use. We examined three different product use scenarios that may be associated with varied levels of exposure to harm. We observed that younger ages and perceiving NCs as less harmful than cigarettes were more likely to transition to NCs as compared to continued smoking and cessation, while Black or Hispanic individuals were less likely to transition to NCs. This highlights the need for more focused harm reduction efforts for racial and ethnic minority populations as a complementary strategy to cessation to reduce health disparities from smoking.

Decarbonizing Maritime Transport through Green Fuel-Powered Vessel Retrofitting: A Game-Theoretic Approach

Addressing the urgent global challenge of man-made greenhouse gas emissions and climate change necessitates collaborative action between shipping lines and government regulatory agencies. Aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s emissions reduction strategy, this paper presents a novel bi-level programming model that unifies these stakeholders. On the upper level of the proposed bi-level model, a number of shipping lines optimize retrofitting plans for their vessels to maximize economic benefits. On the lower level, the regulatory agency responds to the carbon reduction efforts by setting retrofitting subsidies and emission penalty rates. This framework represents a multi-leader–single-follower game involving shipping lines and the regulatory agency, and its equilibrium is determined through an equilibrium problem with equilibrium constraints (EPEC). The EPEC comprises multiple single-leader–follower problems, each of which can be formulated as a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). The diagonalization algorithm (DM) is employed for its solution. Simulation studies performed based on a ten-year planning period show that the proposed approach can effectively promote vessel retrofitting and the use of green fuels, which leads to an annual emission reduction of over 50%.

How do the Special Autonomy Fund, Village Fund, and Zakat interact in reducing poverty in Aceh Province?

This study explores the interaction between Special Autonomy Fund, Village Fund, and Zakat in poverty reduction efforts in Aceh Province. As a region with special autonomy status, Aceh receives a transfer allocation from the central government, which aims to accelerate development and improve people's welfare. In addition, village funds managed directly by the village government and zakat collected through religious institutions play an important role in supporting the local economy and social of the poor. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of special autonomy fund, village fund, and zakat on poverty rate in Aceh Province in the short run and long run. The method used is Panel ARDL by analyzing data from 23 districts/cities in Aceh Province during the period 2015-2022. The estimation results show that the special autonomy fund variable has a negative and significant effect on the poverty rate in Aceh Province in the short term, but has no significant effect in the long term. The village fund variable has a negative and significant effect on poverty in the short term, but has a positive and significant effect in the long term. Zakat has a negative and significant effect on poverty both in the short and long term. The Aceh Provincial Government should conduct more intensive policies in reducing poverty, especially the variables of special autonomy funds, village funds and zakat so that these problems can be resolved.

Study on Spatial Effects of Influencing Factors and Zoning Strategies for PM2.5 and CO2 Synergistic Reduction

China has identified the synergistic reduction of pollution and carbon emissions as a critical component of its environmental protection and climate mitigation efforts. An assessment of this synergy can provide clarity on the strategic management of both air pollution and carbon emissions. Due to the extensive regional differences in China, the spatial effects of influencing factors on this synergy exhibit variation across different provinces. In this study, the reduction indexes of PM2.5 and CO2 were calculated based on their reduction bases, reduction efforts, and reduction stabilities across provinces. Then, the synergistic reduction effect was assessed using an exponential function with the PM2.5 reduction index as the base and the CO2 reduction index as the exponent. Next, the MGWR model was applied in order to analyze the influencing factors of the synergistic reduction effect, considering natural settings, socioeconomic conditions, and external emission impacts. Finally, the k-means clustering method was utilized to classify provinces into different categories based on the degree of impact of each influencing factor. The results indicated that air circulation, vegetation, tertiary industry ratio, and emission reduction efficiency are major impact indicators that have a positive effect. The topography and emissions from neighboring provinces have a statistically significant negative impact. The spatial influences of different factors exhibit a distribution trend characterized by a high-high cluster and a low-low cluster. A total of 31 provinces are divided into three categories, and suggestions on the corresponding category are proposed, to provide a scientific reference to the synergistic reduction of PM2.5 and CO2.

Influence of Performance Packages on Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Emissions of Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles under WLTP

The transportation sector is responsible for about 16% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Despite efforts for a sensible reduction by means of new technologies’ development, the average age of a vehicle fleet is 12.3 years in the European Union. In light of this, actions aiming at improving the efficiency of circulating vehicles can prove effective in the short to mid-term. Introducing performance packages in standard fuels could allow a reduction in the CO2 emissions of whole vehicle fleets without any modification to powertrain. Such a kind of additive is generally used in premium fuels; deposit control additives can reduce or control the deposits at intake valves and at nozzle holes with benefits for the fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions. Further improvements in combustion phasing can be achieved with cetane/octane improver. This paper aims to assess the influence of two performance packages on the exhaust emissions and fuel consumption of five vehicles set to be as representative as possible of circulating Italian passenger cars and light commercial fleet vehicles (LCVs). Based on the literature datasets, three Euro 4 vehicles were selected with a mileage representative of each single vehicle class: two passenger cars (one spark ignition and one diesel) and an LCV. Further, two diesel Euro 6 vehicles, a passenger car and an LCV, were tested to investigate the effect of fuel additives on the combustion of vehicles compliant with current homologation regulation. Exhaust emissions and fuel consumption were experimentally estimated on a chassis dynamometer over a worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle (WLTC) in a climate-controlled laboratory. Each vehicle was preliminarily tested when running with base fuel, then a 3000 km clean-up stage was performed using the additive package. Finally, WLTC tests were repeated. Results demonstrated the efficiency of the performance packages with a reduction between 1.2% (diesel Euro 6 passenger car) and 8.1% (diesel Euro 4 passenger car) in fuel consumption. Similar trends were found for CO2 emissions. Further, a sensible reduction in THCs, CO and PM was found for each vehicle class.

Influence of Performance Packages on Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Emissions of Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles under WLTP

The transportation sector is responsible for about 16% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Despite efforts for a sensible reduction by means of new technologies’ development, the average age of a vehicle fleet is 12.3 years in the European Union. In light of this, actions aiming at improving the efficiency of circulating vehicles can prove effective in the short to mid-term. Introducing performance packages in standard fuels could allow a reduction in the CO2 emissions of whole vehicle fleets without any modification to powertrain. Such a kind of additive is generally used in premium fuels; deposit control additives can reduce or control the deposits at intake valves and at nozzle holes with benefits for the fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions. Further improvements in combustion phasing can be achieved with cetane/octane improver. This paper aims to assess the influence of two performance packages on the exhaust emissions and fuel consumption of five vehicles set to be as representative as possible of circulating Italian passenger cars and light commercial fleet vehicles (LCVs). Based on the literature datasets, three Euro 4 vehicles were selected with a mileage representative of each single vehicle class: two passenger cars (one spark ignition and one diesel) and an LCV. Further, two diesel Euro 6 vehicles, a passenger car and an LCV, were tested to investigate the effect of fuel additives on the combustion of vehicles compliant with current homologation regulation. Exhaust emissions and fuel consumption were experimentally estimated on a chassis dynamometer over a worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle (WLTC) in a climate-controlled laboratory. Each vehicle was preliminarily tested when running with base fuel, then a 3000 km clean-up stage was performed using the additive package. Finally, WLTC tests were repeated. Results demonstrated the efficiency of the performance packages with a reduction between 1.2% (diesel Euro 6 passenger car) and 8.1% (diesel Euro 4 passenger car) in fuel consumption. Similar trends were found for CO2 emissions. Further, a sensible reduction in THCs, CO and PM was found for each vehicle class.

Optimal Design of Truss Structures for Sustainable Carbon Emission Reduction in Korean Construction

Due to the recent abnormalities in global temperature and increasing carbon emissions, the world is working to reduce carbon emissions. In particular, the construction sector accounts for about 37% of all carbon emissions, so it is one of the areas where sustainable reduction efforts must be made. Therefore, in this paper, an optimal design process was performed by evaluating carbon emissions as the objective function, a choice which differed from the objective function of the existing research used in the optimal design of truss structures. The metaheuristics algorithm used for the process was the advanced crow search algorithm. The levels of carbon emissions generated when the material of a truss structure consisted of a customary material (steel) were compared to scenarios in which timber was used, and a construction scenario centered on the Republic of Korea was established for comparison. The structures used as examples were 10-, 17-, 22-, and 120-bar truss structures. As a result, it was confirmed that truss structures using timber had fewer carbon emissions than structures using steel. In addition, it was confirmed that, even in the same timber structures, domestic timber had fewer carbon emissions than imported timber. These results confirmed that in order to achieve carbon neutrality in the construction field, carbon emissions must be considered in advance, in the design stage.

The Total Mass of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in California Cosmetics.

Cosmetics make up one of the consumer product categories most widely known to contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including precursors to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Because of the way cosmetics are used, most of the PFASs present in these products are likely to reach wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which suggests that cosmetics may contribute significantly to the load of PFOA and other PFASs at WWTPs. However, the majority of PFASs present as intentional ingredients in cosmetics cannot be quantified with the available analytical methods. To address this issue, we developed a methodology to estimate the total PFAS mass in cosmetics as well as the corresponding mass of total organic fluorine and of fluorinated side chains associated with PFAA precursors, using various ingredient databases and ingredient concentrations reported by manufacturers. Our results indicate that the cosmetics sold in California during a one-year period cumulatively contain 650-56 000 kg of total PFASs, 370-37 000 kg of organic fluorine, and 330-20 000 kg of fluorinated side chains associated with PFAA precursors. Among the 16 product subcategories considered, >90% of the PFAS mass came from shaving creams and gels, hair care products, facial cleansers, sun care products, and lotions and moisturizers, while the sum of all nine makeup subcategories accounted for <3%. Comparing our estimates to available WWTP influent data from the San Francisco Bay Area suggests that cosmetics may account for at least 4% of the precursor-derived PFAAs measured in wastewater. As the first study ever to estimate the total mass of PFASs contained in cosmetics sold in California, our results shed light on the significance of certain cosmetics as a source of PFASs to WWTPs and can inform effective source reduction efforts.

Pengaruh Tingkat Pengangguran Terbuka, Indeks Pembangunan Manusia, Laju Pertumbuhan PDRB Per Kapita dan Upah Minimum Provinsi Terhadap Persentase Penduduk Miskin di Indonesia pada Tahun 2021-2023

Poverty is a problem faced by Indonesia that affects social and economic welfare. This research aims to analyze the influence of the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT), Human Development Index (HDI), GDP Growth Rate per capita, and Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) on the percentage poor population in Indonesia in 2021-2023. The data used is secondary data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) which covers 34 provinces in Indonesia. The research method uses the Common Effects Model (CEM), Fixed Effects Model (FEM), and Random Effects Model (REM) estimation models, with the Chow test and Hausman test to determine the best model. The research results show that TPT and UMP have a significant influence on the percentage of poor people, while HDI and GDP growth rate per capita are not significant. Rate and provincial minimum wages play an important role in poverty reduction efforts in Indonesia. The results of this research provide useful insights for policy makers in formulating effective strategies to improve community welfare

The effect of provincial policies on seismic disaster mitigation in China: An empirical study.

With the development of earthquake disaster reduction efforts in China, the content of earthquake disaster reduction policies has become increasingly enriched and improved. Particularly, multiple provincial governments have proposed earthquake disaster reduction planning policies. It is important to explore whether these policies can affect disaster mitigation. Therefore, this paper summarizes the earthquake disaster reduction plans and factors influencing seismic resilience. Panel data from 24 provinces between 2012 and 2021 were collected, and a difference-in-differences approach was used to construct an econometric model to evaluate the policy effects and analyze the enhancement of seismic resilience. The results show that the implementation of earthquake disaster reduction policies has a positive impact on earthquake monitoring, evacuation, and emergency relief capabilities, and the estimated policy effects are statistically significant. Moreover, a series of tests were conducted. The conclusions are as follows: (1) Earthquake disaster reduction policies have a positive impact on the improvement of seismic resilience in provinces. (2) Provinces with a higher number of earthquakes experience more significant effects from earthquake disaster reduction policies. (3) Provinces with higher seismic peak ground acceleration values exhibit more pronounced improvements in seismic resilience.

A Statistical Analysis and Strategic Recommendations on Global Educational Investment and Poverty Reduction

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between educational funding and poverty alleviation worldwide. By analyzing data from 1960 to 2023, encompassing 71 countries, it aims to understand how increasing educational investment impacts poverty rates. Methodology: The analysis utilized data from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators. Data cleaning was performed using Excel, while statistical analyses were conducted using Python’s sci-kit-learn, SciPy, NumPy, Matplotlib, and IBM’s SPSS. The methodologies included a normal model setup, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), linear regression, hypothesis testing, and confidence interval computation to establish correlations and predict outcomes. Findings: The study discovered a negative correlation between education funding and poverty rates. Specifically, a 1% increase in educational spending as a percentage of GDP correlates with a 3.09% reduction in poverty rates. The 95% confidence interval of [-4.979, -1.201] and the hypothesis test with a p value of 0.002 on the slope of the regression line further reinforce the observed negative trend. GPR predictions indicate that the decrease in poverty rate changes from about 5% to 10% of population as educational funding rises from 0% to 1.5% of GDP. The likelihood of annual poverty rate increase stands at 40.46%, with a potential 0.4052% rise in such cases. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: This study recommends progressive educational funding reforms, targeted tax credits for educational investments, and strategic educational programs aligned with labor market needs. Policy implications suggest a multilateral approach involving governments, corporations, and citizens to foster substantial improvements in education and poverty reduction efforts. These findings advocate for data-driven policy reforms to optimize the socio-economic benefits of educational funding globally.

A Statistical Analysis and Strategic Recommendations on Global Educational Investment and Poverty Reduction

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between educational funding and poverty alleviation worldwide. By analyzing data from 1960 to 2023, encompassing 71 countries, it aims to understand how increasing educational investment impacts poverty rates. Methodology: The analysis utilized data from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators. Data cleaning was performed using Excel, while statistical analyses were conducted using Python’s sci-kit-learn, SciPy, NumPy, Matplotlib, and IBM’s SPSS. The methodologies included a normal model setup, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), linear regression, hypothesis testing, and confidence interval computation to establish correlations and predict outcomes. Findings: The study discovered a negative correlation between education funding and poverty rates. Specifically, a 1% increase in educational spending as a percentage of GDP correlates with a 3.09% reduction in poverty rates. The 95% confidence interval of [-4.979, -1.201] and the hypothesis test with a p value of 0.002 on the slope of the regression line further reinforce the observed negative trend. GPR predictions indicate that the decrease in poverty rate changes from about 5% to 10% of population as educational funding rises from 0% to 1.5% of GDP. The likelihood of annual poverty rate increase stands at 40.46%, with a potential 0.4052% rise in such cases. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: This study recommends progressive educational funding reforms, targeted tax credits for educational investments, and strategic educational programs aligned with labor market needs. Policy implications suggest a multilateral approach involving governments, corporations, and citizens to foster substantial improvements in education and poverty reduction efforts. These findings advocate for data-driven policy reforms to optimize the socio-economic benefits of educational funding globally.

Pengaruh Tingkat Pengangguran Terbuka, Indeks Pembangunan Manusia, Laju Pertumbuhan PDRB Per Kapita dan Upah Minimum Provinsi Terhadap Persentase Penduduk Miskin di Indonesia pada Tahun 2021-2023

Poverty is a problem faced by Indonesia that affects social and economic welfare. This research aims to analyze the influence of the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT), Human Development Index (HDI), GDP Growth Rate per capita, and Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) on the percentage poor population in Indonesia in 2021-2023. The data used is secondary data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) which covers 34 provinces in Indonesia. The research method uses the Common Effects Model (CEM), Fixed Effects Model (FEM), and Random Effects Model (REM) estimation models, with the Chow test and Hausman test to determine the best model. The research results show that TPT and UMP have a significant influence on the percentage of poor people, while HDI and GDP growth rate per capita are not significant. Rate and provincial minimum wages play an important role in poverty reduction efforts in Indonesia. The results of this research provide useful insights for policy makers in formulating effective strategies to improve community welfare

Optimal Design of Truss Structures for Sustainable Carbon Emission Reduction in Korean Construction

Due to the recent abnormalities in global temperature and increasing carbon emissions, the world is working to reduce carbon emissions. In particular, the construction sector accounts for about 37% of all carbon emissions, so it is one of the areas where sustainable reduction efforts must be made. Therefore, in this paper, an optimal design process was performed by evaluating carbon emissions as the objective function, a choice which differed from the objective function of the existing research used in the optimal design of truss structures. The metaheuristics algorithm used for the process was the advanced crow search algorithm. The levels of carbon emissions generated when the material of a truss structure consisted of a customary material (steel) were compared to scenarios in which timber was used, and a construction scenario centered on the Republic of Korea was established for comparison. The structures used as examples were 10-, 17-, 22-, and 120-bar truss structures. As a result, it was confirmed that truss structures using timber had fewer carbon emissions than structures using steel. In addition, it was confirmed that, even in the same timber structures, domestic timber had fewer carbon emissions than imported timber. These results confirmed that in order to achieve carbon neutrality in the construction field, carbon emissions must be considered in advance, in the design stage.

Electric vehicle charging technologies, infrastructure expansion, grid integration strategies, and their role in promoting sustainable e-mobility

The transport sector is experiencing a notable transition towards sustainability, propelled by technological progress, innovative materials, and a dedication to environmental preservation. This study explicitly examines the incorporation of electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid, with a particular emphasis on passenger automobiles. Our analysis emphasises the vital importance of updated transport infrastructure in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and aiding carbon reduction efforts in electricity networks. The analysis uncovers that adopting electric vehicles offers significant advantages, including enhanced grid efficiency and decreased emissions. However, it also brings issues concerning the design and operation of power systems at both the transmission and distribution levels. Key players are crucial in tackling these difficulties to improve electric vehicle integration into the grid. The study determines the most effective ways for distributing and providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and investigates the efforts made to establish common standards in order to solve current challenges. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable mobility and energy systems by conducting a thorough examination of the impact of electric vehicles on power systems and offering appropriate integration solutions.

Towards a low-carbon and beautiful world: assessing the impact of digital technology on the common benefits of pollution reduction and carbon reduction.

When ecology thrives, civilization thrives, and when ecology declines, civilization declines. Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2000 to 2021, this study used marginal abatement costs to estimate the co-benefits of pollution reduction and carbon reduction. Two-way fixed effect and two-stage intermediary effect models were used to evaluate the impact of digital technology on co-benefits and its indirect channels. The results indicated that China's total carbon emissions maintained a steady growth trend, while air pollution showed a fluctuating declining trend. Reaching peak carbon neutrality calls for more innovative solutions. Under joint emission reduction efforts, the study revealed marginal abatement cost savings of 535.8 million yuan/million tons and 6216.5 million yuan/μg/m3 for carbon reduction and pollution reduction, respectively. Most importantly, the study confirmed that joint emission reduction programs can reduce environmental governance costs more than individual emission reductions can, and the co-benefits increased from 37.983 to 44.757. The co-benefits generally showed a trend of fluctuation and increases and had the characteristics of phased transformation. Intragroup differences and cross-overlapping between regions made regional differences in co-benefits obvious. The subversive, permeable, and integrated features of digital technology have resulted in the all-around transformation of the economy and society, and the new technology-economy paradigm has significantly improved co-benefits. The conclusion remains valid after robustness testing and controlling for endogeneity problems. The results of the mechanism analysis suggest that digital technology can indirectly improve synergies through the intermediary channels of fostering green technology innovation, reducing energy consumption intensity and improving the energy structure.

Implementation and evaluation of a community-based mindful walking randomized controlled trial to sustain cognitive health in older African Americans at risk for dementia

BackgroundWith an increasing proportion of older adults and the associated risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) around the globe, there is an urgent need to engage in ADRD risk reduction efforts. African American (AA) older adults in the U.S. are disproportionally impacted by ADRD compared to other races and ethnicities. Mindful walking integrates two potentially protective factors of ADRD by elevating mindfulness and physical activity (i.e., walking), resulting in a synergistic behavioral strategy that is feasible and safe for older adults. However, the efficacy of applying this intervention for cognitive health outcomes has not been evaluated using experimental designs.MethodsThis paper documents the goal and protocol of a community-based, mindful walking randomized controlled trial to examine the short- and longer-term efficacy on cognitive and other health-related outcomes in ADRD at-risk AA older adults. The study outcomes include various brain health determinants, including cognitive function, quality of life, psychological well-being, physical activity, mindfulness, sleep, and overall health status. In addition, the estimated costs of program implementation are also collected throughout the study period. This study will recruit 114 older adults (ages 60+ years) with elevated ADRD risk from the Midlands region of South Carolina. Older adults are randomly assigned to participate in 24 sessions of outdoor mindful walking over three months or a delayed mindful walking group (n=57 in each group). Participants in both groups follow identical measurement protocols at baseline, after 12 weeks, after 18 weeks, and after 24 weeks from baseline. The outcome measures are administered in the lab and in everyday settings. Costs per participant are calculated using micro-costing methods. The eliciting participant costs for mindful walking engagement with expected results are reported using the payer and the societal perspectives.DiscussionThis study will generate evidence regarding the efficacy of mindful walking on sustaining cognitive health in vulnerable older adults. The results can inform future large-scale effectiveness trials to support our study findings. If successful, this mindful walking program can be scaled up as a low-cost and viable lifestyle strategy to promote healthy cognitive aging in diverse older adult populations, including those at greatest risk.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov number NCT06085196 (retrospectively registered on 10/08/2023).

The Association Between a Neighborhood Adverse Childhood Experiences Index and Body Mass Index Among New York City Youth.

Background: The role of neighborhood factors in the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and body mass index (BMI) has not been widely studied. A neighborhood ACEs index (NAI) captures neighborhood environment factors associated with ACE exposure. This study examined associations between BMI and an NAI among New York City (NYC) youth. An exploratory objective examined the NAI geographic distribution across NYC neighborhoods. Methods: Data for students attending NYC public general education schools in kindergarten-12th grade from 2006-2017 (n = 1,753,867) were linked to 25 geospatial datasets capturing neighborhood characteristics for every census tract in NYC. Multivariable hierarchical linear regression tested associations between BMI and the NAI; analyses also were conducted by young (<8 years), school age (8-12 years), and adolescent (>12 years) subgroups. In addition, NAI was mapped by census tract, and local Moran's I identified clusters of high and low NAI neighborhoods. Results: Higher BMI was associated with higher NAI across all sex and age groups, with largest magnitude of associations for girls (medium NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.112 (SE 0.008), standardized β [effect size]=0.097, p < 0.001; high NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.195 (SE 0.008), standardized β = 0.178, p < 0.001) and adolescents (medium NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.189 (SE 0.014), standardized β = 0.161, p < 0.001, high NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.364 (SE 0.015), standardized β = 0.334, p < 0.001 for adolescent girls; medium NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.122 (SE 0.014), standardized β = 0.095, p < 0.001, high NAI vs. low NAI: unstandardized β = 0.217 (SE 0.015), standardized β = 0.187, p < 0.001 for adolescent boys). Each borough of NYC included clusters of neighborhoods with higher and lower NAI exposure, although clusters varied in size and patterns of geographic dispersion across boroughs. Conclusions: A spatial index capturing neighborhood environment factors associated with ACE exposure is associated with higher BMI among NYC youth. Findings complement prior literature about relationships between neighborhood environment and obesity risk, existing research documenting ACE-obesity associations, and the potential for neighborhood factors to be a source of adversity. Collectively, evidence suggests that trauma-informed place-based obesity reduction efforts merit further exploration as potential means to interrupt ACE-obesity associations.

Mapping Lightning Risk in Mexico: Integrating Natural Hazard and Social Vulnerability

Abstract Lightning around the world poses a significant threat to life, infrastructure, and economic sectors. This study evaluates lightning risk at the municipal level in Mexico, recognizing the interplay of hazard and vulnerability in risk estimation. Despite declining lightning-related fatalities, possibly attributed to demographic shifts and improved urban infrastructure, persistent social vulnerability exists, particularly among rural populations engaged in labor-intensive agriculture with lower education levels. We estimate a risk map for lightning-related fatality risk in Mexico, where we identify high-risk regions along the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Pacific coast, central and southeastern Mexico, marked by elevated lightning days and social vulnerability. The risk map integrates hazard and social vulnerability, capturing the distribution of fatality incidents, and it reveals that 82.1% of incidents occurred in municipalities categorized as “high” or “very high” risk. This result emphasizes the need to consider both physical hazard and social vulnerability for a comprehensive assessment of lightning risk. This study contributes to understanding lightning risk in Mexico, providing crucial insights at the municipality level for informing policymaking and targeting risk mitigation strategies. By highlighting the interrelation of hazard and social vulnerability, this research aligns with broader goals of enhancing local resilience and safety in the face of natural hazards, highlighting the ongoing need for disaster risk reduction efforts.