European Regions Research Articles

The Geographical Conditioning of Regional Differentiation Characterising the COVID-19 Pandemic in European Countries.

The aim of this paper is to assess the influence of selected geographical factors on the diversity of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe's regions, and on its dynamics across the continent. The work took into account 250 of NUTS-2 regions. The datasets included the course of the COVID-19 pandemic (two dependent variables), intervening actions (four variables of the research background), and potential environmental and socio-economic conditioning (twelve independent variables). The dependent variables' set was composed of two indexes: morbidity and temporal inertia. The temporal scope of the research was 23 March 2020-15 May 2022, with weekly resolution. By means of multiple linear regression model, the influence of the administrative actions and of the selected natural and socio-economic factors was assessed. Finally, a synthetic Regional Epidemic Vulnerability Index (REVI) for each individual region was calculated. It allowed us to classify the regions into three categories: resistant, neutral, or sensitive. REVI's spatial distribution indicates that the zone of above-average vulnerability occurred in the western part of Europe and around the Alps. Therefore, focus ought to extend beyond regional statistics, towards spatial relationships, like contiguous or transit position. This research also validated the strong impact of national borders.

Design of Social Infrastructure and Services Taking into Account Internal Migration by Age Cohort

Abstract Background European cities and regions are facing depopulation and an ageing population, leading to a shift in the demand and supply of goods and giving rise to the silver economy. This demographic change has an impact on urban and regional planning, which is influenced by both internal and external migration. Objectives Based on the hypothesis that the attractiveness of locations also depends on the age of the inhabitants, the paper investigates the gravitational effects on the intensity of migration flows by age cohorts. Methods/Approach This study examines how factors that influence the retention or attraction of people towards specific areas affect migration between age groups at different hierarchical spatial levels, using the gravity model implemented at the Slovenian spatial levels NUTS 2 and NUTS 3. Results Distance is least important for the 65-74 age group, while wages influence only the youngest cohorts. The capacity of care homes has a significant influence on the attractiveness of older cohorts to move between NUTS 2 regions. There is a high correlation between the factors at the municipal and NUTS 3 levels for the population aged 75+. The factors at NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 levels show a strong correlation for those under 65. Conclusions These results can form a basis for the development of the silver economy as they show the need for adapted infrastructures and services for older adults. As the age structure is changing, authorities should adapt infrastructures and services to the different levels of central places/regions. The growing number of older people makes research into optimal solutions for long-term care a crucial factor for the silver economy.

Data utilisation among employees in SMEs in Destination Limfjorden, Denmark

ABSTRACT This article explores the efforts of Destination Limfjorden in Denmark to enhance employees’ competencies and skills in small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMEs) through the strategic use of data. The study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating digital questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to identify the competence needs of stakeholders. The research reveals a significant need for improved digital guest services and highlights the importance of data usage within companies, network building and general competence needs. The article also reviews the literature on the role of big data in augmenting tourism research and the challenges SMEs face in harnessing big data analytics. It underscores the need for robust knowledge management initiatives, targeted skill development programmes and a culture of collaboration among tourism SMEs. The article concludes by emphasising the increasing significance of big data competencies for SMEs in the tourism sector, particularly in remote European regions, and the potential of data analytics in fostering resilience among SMEs and enhancing their competitiveness within the evolving dynamics of the tourism industry landscape.

Палинологическое обоснование стратиграфического расчленения и корреляции отложений беловежского горизонта плейстоцена Беларуси

The Belovezhian stage is a part of the Middle Pleistocene of Belarus. It is located between the Narevian and Berezinian glacial stages and consists of three substages: Borkovian, Nizhninian and Mogilevian. Belovezhian stage corresponds to the Muchkapian one in the stratigraphic scheme of the Pleistocene of the European part of Russia, which is also subdivided into the Glazovian, Podrudnyanian and Konakhovian substages and located between the Donian and Okian glacial stages. Generalization and analysis of the results of accumulated palynological and geological studies indicate that the Borkovian, Nizhninian and Mogilevian substages can be assigned a higher status — stages. Arguments in favor of such a division are presented in this paper. This point of view was repeatedly expressed earlier, but was not accepted in the modern stratigraphic scheme of the Pleistocene of Belarus. Another topical issue of the stratigraphy of this part of Pleistocene, considered within this article, is the validity of the Korchevian substage within the Narevian glacial stage. According to the available palynological data, the deposits of the Korchevian substage are characterized by a similar sequence and features of pollen zones as the Mogilevian accumulations within the Belovezhian stage, and therefore their age should be determined as Mogilevian. To substantiate the conclusions, a detailed interregional correlation of the studied deposits with the corresponding deposits of other regions of Europe by pollen zones was carried out and presented in this article.

Responding to COVID-19: an exploration of EU country responses and directions for further research.

During COVID-19, scientists advising policymakers were forced to deal with high uncertainty and risks in an environment of unknowns. Evidence on which policies and measures were effective in responding to the pandemic remains underdeveloped to answer the key question 'what worked and why?'. This study aims to provide a basis for studies to go further to answer this critical question, by starting to look efficacy or how countries ensured that health services remained available and what measures were enacted to protect and treat their populations and workers. We applied a three-phase sequential mixed methods design. In phase one, we started with a qualitative content analysis of the EU Country Profile reports to retrieve and analyse data on COVID-19 responses taken by 29 countries in the European region. Phase two is the step of data transformation, converting qualitative data into numerical codes that can be statistically analysed, which are then used in a quantitative cross-national comparative analysis that comprises phase three. The quantifying process resulted in a numerical indicator to measure the 'response efficacy' of the 29 countries, which is used in phase three's association of the response measure with country performance indicators that were derived from European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) COVID-19 case and death rate data. Through comparing the frequency of COVID-19 measures taken, we found that many countries in the European region undertook similar actions but with differing effects. The cross-national analysis revealed an expected relationship: a lower COVID-19 response efficacy appeared to be related to a higher case and death rates. Still, marked variation for countries with similar response efficacy indicators was found, signalling that the combination and sequence of implementation of COVID-19 responses is possibly just as important as their efficacy in terms of which response measures were implemented. Many European countries employed similar COVID-19 measures but still had a wide variation in their case and death rates. To unravel the question 'what worked and why?', we suggest directions from which more refined research can be designed that will eventually contribute to mitigate the impact of future pandemics and to be better prepared for their economic and human burden.

Revealing the Genetic Differentiation of Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout 1769) Populations by Analyzing Two Mitochondrial Markers

Rattus norvegicus (Brown rat) has a great importance for public health and economy because it lives in close association with human populations. However, molecular systematic studies on global populations of R. norvegicus are very few. In this study, sequences obtained from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America regions were analyzed using mitochondrial Cytochrome-b and Cytochrome oxidase-I gene regions and genetic differentiation levels between these populations were revealed. Accordingly, samples belonging to the studied populations did not split in Bayesian Inference trees and Median-joining networks; these samples also formed common haplotypes, and mean genetic distance and fixation index values were generally low. The results of the study showed that gene flow between these populations may be continuing due to the transportation activity by humans.

Conservation of degraded and technologically contaminated lands of Ukraine damaged as a result of military aggression of the Russia: problems of legal regulation

The article is devoted to the study of the problems of legal regulation of conservation of degraded and technogenically polluted lands of Ukraine, which were damaged as a result of Russian hostilities. The article states that the military aggression of the Russian Federation has transformed the territory of Ukraine since 2014 into a military-technologically tense region of Europe. These events caused catastrophic consequences for the state of land resources and soils of the state. It was found that the constant use of military means of destruction is a powerful polluter of the soil cover and poses a direct threat to the population. It has been proven that one of the important factors that will contribute to the restoration of the condition of lands and soils in Ukraine after the end of hostilities is the use of land conservation, which is a powerful measure of land and soil protection, will contribute to the restoration of soil fertility and their further use. It is noted that to date there are certain deficiencies in the legislation of Ukraine in the field of conservation of technogenically polluted and degraded lands that have been violated as a result of the military aggression of the Russian Federation. The article establishes the expediency of supplementing the provisions of the Land Code of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine “On Land Protection” with the concept of technogenically polluted and degraded lands damaged as a result of military operations. It is noted that it seems appropriate to introduce a special legal regime for man-made and degraded lands subject to conservation as a result of hostilities and emergency situations. Conclusions were made about the necessity of conservation of technologically polluted and degraded lands that were damaged as a result of hostilities. The expediency of adding provisions to the land legislation of Ukraine regarding the protection and rational use of this type of land has been proven.

Clinical characterization, prognostic, and predictive values of HER2-low in patients with early breast cancer in the PALLAS trial (ABCSG-42/AFT-05/BIG-14–13/PrE0109)

BackgroundBidirectional crosstalk between HER2 and estrogen receptor (ER) pathways may influence outcomes and the efficacy of endocrine therapy (ET). Low HER2 expression levels (HER2-low) have emerged as a predictive biomarker in patients with breast cancer (BC).MethodsPALLAS is an open, international, phase 3 study evaluating the addition of palbociclib for 2 years to adjuvant ET in patients with stage II-III ER-positive/HER2-negative BC. To assess the impact of HER2 expression on patient outcomes in the phase III PALLAS trial, we analyzed (1) the association between rate of HER2-low with demographic and clinicopathological parameters, (2) the prognostic value of HER2-low status on invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), distant relapse-free survival (DRFS), and overall survival (OS) and (3) HER2 expression’s value as a predictive biomarker of response to palbociclib. HER2-low was defined as HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1 + or IHC 2 + with negative in situ hybridization (ISH). All pathologic evaluation was performed locally. Prognostic and predictive power of HER2 were assessed with Cox models.ResultsFrom the original PALLAS intention-to-treat population (N = 5753), 5304 patients (92.2%) were included in this analysis. Among these, 2254 patients (42.5%) were classified as having HER2 IHC 0 (HER2-0), and 3050 (57.5%) as having HER2-low disease (1838 with IHC 1 + and 1212 with IHC 2 +). Median follow-up was 59.8 months. HER2-low prevalence varied significantly across 21 participating countries (range 16.7% to 75.6%; p < 0.001) and was more frequent in patients enrolled in North America (63.1%) than in Europe (53.4%) or other regions (53.4%) (p < 0.001). HER2 status was not significantly associated with iDFS in a multivariable Cox model (hazard ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.81 – 1.06). No significant interaction was observed between treatment arm and HER2 status for iDFS (p = 0.43). Similar results were obtained for DRFS and OS.ConclusionsIn this large, prospective, global patient cohort, no differences were observed in clinical parameters, prognosis, or differential benefit from palbociclib between HER2-0 and HER2-low tumors. Significant geographic variability was observed in the prevalence of HER2-low status, suggesting a high degree of variation in pathologic assessment of HER2 expression without impact on outcomes.

Analysis of Gyimes Csango population samples on a high-resolution genome-wide basis

BackgroundThe Csangos are an East-Central European ethnographic group living mainly in east of Transylvania in Romania. Traditionally, ethnography distinguishes three Csango subpopulations, the Moldavian, Gyimes and Burzenland Csangos. In our previous study we found that the Moldavian Csangos have East Asian/Siberian Turkic ancestry components that might be unique in the East-Central European region and might help to better understand the history of Hungarian speaking ethnic groups of the area. Since then, we obtained further Csango samples from Moldavia and from a distinct region of Gyimes, which two Csango subgroups are traditionally different since they live in a degree of isolation not only from other people but also from each other. Here we present the first genomic analysis of Gyimes Csangos, which intended to compare the genetic makeup of these two Csango subgroups using both allele-frequency and haplotype-based methods. The main goal of the study was to investigate the genetic isolation of the Csangos on a genome-wide SNP basis and to assess the isolation of Gyimes Csangos, which in contrast to the Moldavians was not yet studied.ResultsOur results show that these two Csango groups show slight differences from each other. We confirmed the genetic isolation of Moldavian Csangos and revealed that Gyimes Csangos have a similar, but detectably weaker isolation. In the case of Gyimes Csangos we detected also a stronger East European or presumably Asian derived ancestry.ConclusionThe Gyimes Csangos show a degree of genetic isolation comparable to that of the Moldavians. The Asian ancestry that differentiates the Moldavian Csango people from the other East-Central European populations may be present in the Gyimes Csangos in an even higher degree, since Gyimes Csango individuals show a more significant share from that ancestry component.

Record of albinism in European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Slovakia

The European ground squirrel is a mammalian species whose populations are declining and has therefore become the target of various conservation projects in recent years. Currently, there are only a few dozen isolated populations in the Central European region. Increased interest in these animals has contributed to the first record of albino specimens of this species. A total of four juvenile individuals from two litters from one colony were observed, and in addition to the documentation itself, elementary behaviour notes were also made. All specimens did not survive to adulthood, confirming the low survival rate of aberrant individuals in the wild.

Trends of Diphtheria–Tetanus–Pertussis and Measles Vaccine Coverage Preceding and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the WHO European Region from 2000 to 2022

Available data highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global vaccination trends. Despite this, comprehensive evaluations of these changes at the European level are still scarce. This study examines coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) and measles-containing vaccines (MCV) in the WHO European Region from 2000 to 2022. Vaccination coverage data, defined as the percentage of surviving infants who received the first and third doses of DTP (DTP1 and DTP3) and the first and second doses of MCV (MCV1 and MCV2), were extracted from UNICEF databases. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to identify joinpoints in the time series and to estimate Annual Percent Changes (APCs) and Average Annual Percent Changes (AAPCs) over predefined timeframes. The coverages for DTP1 and MCV1 exhibit a similar trend, overall characterized by four joinpoints, one of which is in 2019. In contrast, the coverage for DTP3 does not show a significant temporal trend and lacks joinpoints, while the vaccination coverage for MCV2 shows a steadily increasing trend, with three identified joinpoints. A comparative analysis with the pre-pandemic period reveals a significant increase in the number of countries characterized by a decreasing trend during the pandemic period for all considered vaccination coverages, as indicated by the negative AAPC values. These results highlight the effect of the pandemic on childhood vaccination coverage. Compared to a mere descriptive analysis, the temporal analysis of trends using joinpoint regression provides significant opportunities to identify variations in vaccination coverages and pinpoint areas for intervention in future vaccination strategies.

8582 THE PREVALENCE OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN ADULT WOMEN: THE IMPACT OF GEOGRAPHIC REGION

Abstract Disclosure: M. Amiri: None. S. Hatoum: None. R.P. Buyalos: None. A. Sheidaei: None. R. Azziz: Consulting Fee; Self; Spruce Biosciences, May Health, Core Access Surgical Technologies, Acacia Bio, Fortress Biotech, and Rani Therapeutics. Stock Owner; Self; Martin Imaging. Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age and is associated with various health complications. The reported prevalence of PCOS varies widely. However, variations in PCOS prevalence by geographic region are unclear. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare PCOS prevalence in adults across World Health Organization (WHO) regions. Materials and methods: A search of PubMed and Embase was conducted for studies on PCOS prevalence in unselected populations published from inception to July 2023 using various diagnostic criteria. Studies were categorized according to: a) PCOS criteria (NIH 1990 [PCOS phenotypes A&amp;B], AE-PCOS 2006 [PCOS phenotypes A-C], Rotterdam 2003 [PCOS phenotypes A-D], and ‘other/self-reported’ criteria); b) subject assessment type (direct assessment, survey/indirect assessment, or mixed assessment); and c) study quality, assessed using the PCOS Epidemiology and Phenotype (PEP) quality assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed using fixed-effects or random-effects models depending on the heterogeneity among the studies. Publication bias was assessed using the Egger’s regression test and funnel plots. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on PCOS criteria, assessment types, study quality, and WHO region. Results: Of 6,644 records, 50 studies with including a total of 70,146 adult women (age ≥18 years) were included. The overall pooled prevalence of PCOS was 9.7% (95% CI: 8.25, 11.38) with a pooled PCOS prevalence by criteria of NIH 7.7% (95% CI: 6, 9.83), Rotterdam 11.83% (95% CI: 9.15, 15.17), AE-PCOS 11.48% (95% CI: 7.5, 17.18), and other/self-report 10.05% (95% CI: 6.63, 14.96). High-quality studies reported lower prevalences for Rotterdam and NIH criteria than low-qualities (6.99% vs 10.07% for NIH and 11.07% vs 20.97% for Rotterdam), with all studies using AE-PCOS being high-quality and all studies using other/self-report criteria being low-quality. Among high-quality studies using direct/mixed assessments, PCOS prevalence by NIH was highest in Western Pacific Region (8.19%) and lowest in Europe (6.47%), whereas by Rotterdam, it was highest in Europe (21.30%) and lowest in Western Pacific Region (7.67%). We also observed that highest PCOS prevalence based on AE-PCOS criteria was in Europe (16.09%) and lowest in Western Pacific Region (7.43%). Publication bias was not significant (Egger’s coefficient = 1.2, 95% CI: -1.49, 3.9, p = 0.38), and funnel plot showed a nearly symmetrical distribution of studies around the estimated effect size. Conclusions: This meta-analysis revealed that the reported PCOS prevalence in adults varies widely by WHO geographic region. Study quality, assessment type and diagnostic criteria for PCOS impact the assessment, with low-quality studies overestimating PCOS prevalence. Presentation: 6/2/2024

12248 Leptin Signaling Deficiency At The Central Nervous System Reduces Hepatic Glucagon Sensibility Disturbing Liver Amino Acid Metabolism Leading To Hyperaminoacidemia And Hyperglucagonemia In Male Adult Rats

Abstract Disclosure: C. Pintado Losa: None. L. Mazuecos Fernández-Pacheco: None. Ó. Gómez Torres: None. S. Artigas Jerónimo: None. E. Burgos Ramos: None. I. Ramos: None. J. Poveda Colado: None. C. Arribas Mocoroa: None. A. Andres: None. N. Gallardo: None. Leptin regulates glucagon secretion, but the contribution of central leptin resistance to circulating glucagon levels and hepatic glucagon signaling is poorly studied. To analyze the effects of deficient hypothalamic leptin signaling on glucagon levels and hepatic glucagon signaling, we infused intracerebroventricularly a rat-specific leptin receptor antagonist SLA (0,2 µg/day) for 21 days to male 3-month-old Wistar rats (n=12) or PBS (n=12). At day 21 of treatment and 30 min before sacrifice, a glucagon challenge (100 µg/kg) was performed in 16h fasted rats. After sacrifice, blood and liver samples were collected for analysis. Serum hormones, urea, and total and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) levels were determined using commercial kits and by RP-HPLC. Hepatic neutral lipid was extracted and quantified using an enzymatic kit and the hepatic content of mRNA and proteins involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism were measured by RT-PCR and Western-Blot. Additionally, the HOMA-IR and glucagon-alanine index were determined in all rats. Blocking central leptin signaling led to impaired fat oxidation and triglyceride export capacity in the liver, resulting in a 50% increase in hepatic triglyceride content in SLA-treated rats. Glucagonemia increased in SLA-treated rats, indicating impaired hepatic glucagon sensitivity. In fact, in response to exogenous glucagon, the hepatic phosphorylation of CREB was reduced by 55% in SLA-infused compared to control rats. Importantly, SLA treatment significantly decreases the expression and the activity of BCKDH (branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase) in the liver, leading to a reduction in the BCAA degradation in SLA-treated rats, hyperaminoacidemia, and decreased serum urea levels. In conclusion, deficient hypothalamic leptin signaling alters glucose, lipid, and amino acid homeostasis, highlighting the relevance of central leptin action in the control of peripheral metabolism and glucagon sensitivity. Funding: Work supported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades under project grants RTI2018-098643-B-I00, PID2021-128243OB-I00, and from the University of Castilla-La Mancha and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) under project grant 2023- GRIN-34280. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Assessment of foods for infants and toddlers in Australia against the World Health Organization's Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model for food products for infants and young children.

Global public health agencies have recommended stronger regulation of food marketing to protect children's diets. This study assessed commercial foods for infants and toddlers available in Australian supermarkets for compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe's Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model: supporting appropriate promotion of food products for infants and young children 6-36 months in the WHO European Region (NPPM). Dietitians assessed a sample of commercial foods for infants and toddlers against the composition, labelling and promotion requirements of the NPPM. Australia. Commercial foods for infants and toddlers (n 45) available in two major Australian supermarkets, purposely sampled across product categories and brands. Fewer than one quarter (23 %) of the assessed products met all nutrient content requirements of the NPPM. No products met all of the labelling or promotional requirements. All products included at least one promotional marketing claim that was not permitted under the NPPM. The NPPM is useful to assess and monitor the nutritional composition and prevalence of marketing claims on commercial foods for infants and toddlers. Findings of noncompliance with the NPPM recommendations indicate an urgent need for stronger government regulation of the composition, labelling and marketing of commercial foods for infants and toddlers in Australia.

Inclusive mobility hubs: An in-depth exploration of the requirements of disadvantaged groups

Mobility hubs are becoming increasingly relevant in urban transport systems because they have the potential to enhance sustainability and decrease transport disadvantages. However, the literature has not yet identified the use that disadvantaged groups make of mobility hubs, nor has it thoroughly revealed their requirements for using them without difficulties. As a means to fill this knowledge gap, this qualitative study applied the Capabilities Approach to thoroughly investigate the requirements of disadvantaged groups concerning the use of mobility hubs. The data was obtained through 45 semi-structured interviews and four focus groups with local experts and potential or current users of mobility hubs in four European regions: Brussels, Munich, Rotterdam-The Hague and Vienna. As a result, eight main categories of requirements and their prevalence among disadvantaged groups were identified. The findings contain several recommendations to support decision-makers and practitioners in developing inclusive mobility hubs.

Habitat requirements of Luronium natans (L.) Raf. in northern Belgium

We investigated the environmental range of Luronium natans populations in lower Belgium (Flanders) with particular focus on key factors influencing its population size and the interplay of nutrient availability and physical disturbances in determining its abundance. Soil calcium content and total phosphorus in the water layer were the only physical-chemical variables related to L. natans abundance. Physical water body and vegetation characteristics influenced population dynamics and incidence of reproductive strategies. The species has a ruderal character, and occurs early in vegetation succession or depends on regular physical disturbance events for prolonged presence. Presenting limited competitive abilities, especially in terms of light availability, the species is hindered by taller-growing vegetation. Large populations are typically associated with well-lit conditions. Its flexibility to switch between vegetative and generative reproduction strategies may be associated with nutrient and light conditions. The need for long-term monitoring to consider population dynamics and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts is emphasized. Overall, our study provides further insight into the relation between abiotic conditions, population dynamics and conservation management and extends the basis for sustainable management of the remaining L. natans populations in Flanders and similar regions of Atlantic Europe.

Can Spatial Proximity to Another Country Drive Short-distance Transnationalism? Evidence from Social Ties in Three European Border Regions

ABSTRACT This article draws inspiration from social network analysis (SNA) to investigate the impact of spatial proximity on the geography of strong social ties in three European border regions. We consider cross-border friendship and kinship as a measure of short-distance transnationalism, examine the conditions under which the latter is likely to emerge, and systematically compares our findings with “traditional” forms of transnationalism. The study is based on a large-scale and representative quantitative survey (N = 3,215) conducted in the Geneva, Lille, and Basque border regions in order to assess the impact of cross-border integration intensity on the inter-personal relationships of all residents, regardless of their migration experiences. The results indicate that only 11.9% of the residents reported having at least one strong cross-border tie. Binomial regression models are used to demonstrate that cross-border ties are not solely shaped by proximity, but also depend on individuals’ socioeconomics, on their mobility experiences, and on contextual factors. This article shows that cross-border integration primarily fosters cross-border friendships rather than kinships, and that cross-border ties are not evenly distributed among the population. Individuals born in the studied border regions do not have the highest levels of short-distance transnationalism, raising a discussion about the importance of promoting cross-border rootedness.

24-hour movement behaviours and cardiometabolic markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a compositional data analysis.

Are 24-h movement composition and time reallocations between the movement behaviours (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep) differentially associated with cardiometabolic markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) relative to women without PCOS? There was no difference in 24-h movement composition between the groups, although among women without PCOS, reducing SB time while increasing either MVPA or LPA time was associated with beneficial differences in cardiometabolic markers, whereas in women with PCOS beneficial differences were observed only when SB time was replaced with MVPA. Women with PCOS display lower levels of physical activity, higher sedentary time, and less total sleep than women without the syndrome. Exercise interventions among women with PCOS have shown improvements in body composition and insulin sensitivity, while the findings regarding blood pressure, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles are contradictory. This study was part of a prospective, general population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) (n = 5889 women). At the 31-year and 46-year follow-up, data collection was performed through postal and clinical examinations, including fasting blood samples and anthropometric measurements. Accelerometer data collection of 14 days (n = 2602 women) and a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (n = 2780 women) were performed at the 46-year follow-up. Participants were identified as women with or without PCOS at age 31 (n = 1883), and the final study population included those who provided valid accelerometer data at age 46 (n = 857). Women with PCOS (n = 192) were identified based on the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline, while those who exhibited no PCOS features were considered women without PCOS (controls; n = 665). Accelerometer-measured MVPA, LPA, and SB were combined with self-reported sleep to obtain 24-h compositions. Multivariable regression analysis based on compositional data analysis and isotemporal reallocations were performed to investigate the associations between 24-h movement composition and cardiometabolic markers. Isotemporal reallocations were expressed as differences (%Δ) from the sample's mean. There was no difference in overall 24-h movement composition between women with PCOS and controls in midlife. The 24-h movement composition was associated with waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting serum insulin, and Homeostatic Model Assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in both controls and women with PCOS. Reallocating 15 min from SB to MVPA was associated with favourable differences in cardiometabolic markers in both controls (%Δ range from -1.7 to -4.9) and women with PCOS (%Δ range from -1.9 to -8.6). Reallocating 15 min from SB to LPA was also associated with favourable differences in cardiometabolic markers among controls (%Δ range from -0.5 to -1.6) but not among women with PCOS. The substitution technique used in this study is theoretical, which can be considered as a limitation. Other limitations of this study are the use of self-reported sleeping time and the difference in the group sample sizes. These findings suggest that women with PCOS should be targeted with interventions involving physical activity of at least moderate intensity to improve their cardiometabolic health and underline the importance of developing tailored activity guidelines for women with PCOS. This study was funded by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Novo Nordisk (NNF21OC0070372), Research Council of Finland (315921/2018, 321763/2019, 6GESS 336449), Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland (OKM/54/626/2019, OKM/85/626/2019, OKM/1096/626/2020, OKM/20/626/2022, OKM/76/626/2022, and OKM/68/626/2023), and Roche Diagnostics International Ltd. L.J.M. is supported by a Veski Fellowship. M.Nu. has received funding from Fibrobesity-project, a strategic profiling project at the University of Oulu, which is supported by Research Council of Finland (Profi6 336449). NFBC1966 follow-ups received financial support from University of Oulu (Grant no. 65354, 24000692), Oulu University Hospital (Grant no. 2/97, 8/97, 24301140), Ministry of Health and Social Affairs (Grant no. 23/251/97, 160/97, 190/97), National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki (Grant no. 54121), Regional Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Finland (Grant no. 50621, 54231), and ERDF European Regional Development Fund (Grant no. 539/2010 A31592). T.T.P. declares consulting fees from Gedeon Richter, Organon, Astellas, Roche; speaker's fees from Gedeon Richter, Exeltis, Roche, Stragen, Merck, Organon; and travel support from Gedeon Richter. The remaining authors declare no conflicts of interest. N/A.

Improvement of noise calculation method considering aerodynamic noise condition during aircraft landing

Recently, while aircraft engine noise has become quieter, aerodynamic noise such as airframe noise, gear, and flaps have become relatively louder. In addition, the WHO environmental noise guidelines for the European region require consideration of small noise effects, and it has become necessary to increase the validity of calculations at distant airports, where aerodynamic noise fluctuations are large. Therefore, Nakazawa et al. reported a method to improve the validity of noise prediction for distant airports by correcting the existing noise calculation method to take aerodynamic noise into account. However, the predicted results deviated to a smaller extent than the measured results, indicating that the correction method needs to be improved. This method was improved, and using the results of highly accurate microphone array measurements with 195 microphones, NPD data for correction was prepared from aircraft noise by component using J-FRAIN, taking aerodynamic noise

Cities, Inequalities and the Geography of Societal Discontent in European Regions

Cities, Inequalities and the Geography of Societal Discontent in European Regions