Shifts In Patterns Research Articles

Prevalence and Temporal Trends of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Medication Fills During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding in Denmark.

Females of reproductive age are increasingly using attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication, but its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of ADHD medication fills during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including characteristics of these females and cohort differences over time. We conducted a descriptive study using Danish nationwide registers. Within cohorts of pregnant and breastfeeding females, we calculated the prevalence of ADHD medication (methylphenidate, amphetamine, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, modafinil, atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine) fills and described sociodemographic and clinical characteristics across groups with fills, no fills and previous fills. Cohort differences in ADHD medication fills during pregnancy for 2005-2010, 2011-2016 and 2017-2022 were examined. In this cohort of 1,077,279 pregnancies, ADHD medication fills increased from 0.08 to 7.71 per 1000 individuals between 2005 and 2022. Among 446,485 breastfeeding females, fills increased from 0.55 to 3.67 per 1000 individuals from 2012 to 2022. Compared with the group with no fills, females filling ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding were younger, had lower levels of education, were more often smoking during pregnancy, utilised more psychiatric healthcare and had concurrent fills of other psychotropic medication. Cohort differences over time revealed that females filling ADHD medication during pregnancy in 2017-2022 were older, had higher levels of education, smoked less during pregnancy, had fewer psychiatric contacts and were less likely to fill other psychotropic medications compared with females in the earlier cohorts. Results showed an increasing prevalence of ADHD medication fills during pregnancy and breastfeeding in Denmark over time, surpassing the increase observed generally in females of reproductive age filling ADHD medication. Results revealed a difference in characteristics of females filling ADHD medication during pregnancy over time, suggesting a shift in pregnancy treatment patterns.

Optimising lighting conditions to enhance seafarer adaptation to the '6-h on/6-h off' shift pattern: a balanced crossover study.

The '6-h on/6-h off' shift pattern could potentially disrupt the physiological rhythms and cognitive performance of seafarers, attributed to its shorter and more frequent shifts. Conversely, light exposure has been demonstrated to enhance cognitive abilities and synchronise physiological processes. Therefore, we studied the fatigue, cognition, sleep and rhythm of seafarers with different shifts to determine how light can benefit their performance. A total of 16 seafarers participated in a 2 × 2 crossover study, which involved two shift types (Morning-Evening and Day-Night) and two lighting conditions (static lighting and dynamic lighting). Sleepiness, cognition and fatigue were assessed every 2 h during '6-h on' period, using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, psychomotor vigilance task, critical flicker frequency and visual analogue scale for fatigue. Sleep was monitored during '6-h off' period, core body temperature was continuously tracked for rhythm throughout the shift protocol. For the Day-Night shift, the static mode with stable higher illuminance than dynamic lighting significantly reduced sleepiness (p = 0.01), objective fatigue (p = 0.001), subjective fatigue (fatigue level [p = 0.004] and visual fatigue [p = 0.001]) during the night period, while increasing sleep duration during the day (6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and delaying the rhythm. For the Morning-Evening shift, dynamic lighting with lower illuminance significantly increased sleep duration during the night (12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) without causing a significant difference in performance. Overall, static lighting is more suitable for Day-Night shift seafarers due to lower sleepiness, fatigue and longer daytime sleep duration, while dynamic lighting is more suitable for Morning-Evening shift seafarers due to longer night-time sleep duration. Therefore, different lighting patterns should be adopted for seafarers during different shifts.

Spatial Ecology and Movement of Ornate Box Turtles in the Escalating Drought Conditions of the Great Plains Ecoregion

Shifts in global climate patterns can alter animal behavior, including movement and space use. The southwestern United States of America is currently undergoing a period of megadrought, which can have profound consequences on small ectothermic organisms like box turtles. We radiotracked eight adult ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata) in eastern New Mexico from September 2019 to July 2022, when the environmental conditions transitioned from a dry season with low cumulative precipitation in 2020 to high cumulative precipitation in 2021, followed by a regression to exceptional drought conditions that culminated with a high-intensity wildfire in early 2022. Turtles exhibited greater mean daily movement and were more active in 2021 in comparison to 2020 and 2022. Turtles were least active in 2022, while mean daily movement was comparative to 2020. All turtles in our study exhibited homing behavior after the wildfire, but individual responses varied. While some turtles initially moved out of the burned area and returned within a month, others remained inactive within a small portion of the burned area. The greatest movement was documented in one female turtle following the wildfire, whose home range expanded to seven times the average maximum annual home range size observed among other turtles. Overall, this is the first documentation of T. ornata response to highly altered habitat after high-severity wildfire.

Exploring the transition to agroforestry for smallholder farmers: a feasibility study for the Ashanti region of Ghana

Smallholder farmers in the Ashanti region of Ghana face challenges due to shifts in climate patterns that have a significant negative impact on their crop yields. We conducted a feasibility study into the transition toward an agroforestry system by integrating trees and shrubs within crop fields. In this research, we adopted a complex systems perspective to analyse the institutional, social, and technical aspects that play a role in such a transition. By conducting in-depth analyses through three rounds of interviews and a Q-sort method with smallholder farmers in the Ashanti region, we mapped the most important challenges in transitioning to an agroforestry system. These pertain to: uncertainties in land tenure agreements, the absence of effective conflict resolution mechanisms, having no knowledge of and tools for maintaining trees, and the lack of financial resources for upfront investments. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for the design of the transition process toward a comprehensive agroforestry system in Ghana. We recommend improving land tenure security and establishing conflict resolution mechanisms by polycentric coordination in which all stakeholders are involved for this essential institutional redesign process. To enable smallholder farmers to acquire the required skills and tools for tree crops, preferably a pilot plot for real-life demonstration is initiated. Financial resources for the smallholder farmers in the transition period need to be warranted, e.g., via the design of a carbon credit market. We recommend future research to explore the perspective and interests of chiefs/landowners in the Ashanti region who have crucial decision-making power through their land ownership.

Exploring lifestyle and dietary pattern shifts among Saudi adults during COVID-19 pandemic: insights from a cross-sectional examination.

Since the emergence of COVID-19 and the subsequent imposition of lockdown and movement restrictions, the world has witnessed fundamental lifestyle changes including alterations in dietary patterns and food consumption habits. Here, we investigated how the COVID-19 lockdown impacted dietary patterns and eating behaviors in the Saudi population. This cross-sectional study enrolled 427 participants aged 18 years or more, with 258 of them completing the survey. The survey included questions about demographic and dietary patterns during the COVID-19 lockdown. Data were collected and dietary behaviors before and during the lockdown in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were analyzed. The number of participants who considered lunch as their primary meal significantly decreased (p < 0.001) during the COVID-19 lockdown (74%), compared to before it (86%). By contrast, the number of participants who considered dinner as their primary meal remained almost unchanged (p = 0.079) during (79.1%) and before (84.1%) the lockdown. However, snack consumption significantly increased (p < 0.001) while fast-food consumption significantly decreased (p < 0.01) during the lockdown period. Our results also revealed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in water and coffee intake during the lockdown, with a significant rise in dessert consumption (p < 0.01). Our results demonstrate that the COVID-19 lockdown caused a marked shift in dietary patterns and eating behaviors among the Saudi population. Notable changes were observed in overall food preferences after the lockdowns were imposed, with reduced consumption of fast foods and increased fluid intake.

Advanced Surgical Training Models for Wrist Surgery.

Globally, surgical exposure for the trainee has become challenging due to changes in shift patterns, increasing medicolegal issues and the recognition of burnout. Simulation models are a crucial adjunct for the development of arthroscopic skills and open procedures. Advanced anatomically precise 3D-printed wrist models are used in our workshops. The models have pathological lesions within, allowing a range of arthroscopic and open procedures to be performed. Pathology can be ordered on-demand. Arthroscopic and open procedures can be performed, including fracture fixation and arthroplasty. For effective teaching, we use a lab-based environment with basic arthroscopic and open equipment and implants available. We use a specific structure in which to teach trainees, including pre-course material, videos, demonstrations, practice and feedback. Advanced surgical training models for wrist surgery allow for safe, repetitive surgical training to allow the trainee to accelerate their learning curve. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

From open fields to inside worlds: three generations of childhood in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

ABSTRACT This paper explores how childhood experiences in urban Indonesia have changed across three generations, aiming to understand how these different cohorts have navigated and adapted to their environments amidst continuous urban and social transformations. Focusing on Yogyakarta – a city marked by a unique blend of tradition and modernity – we explore how changes in the urban fabric and socio-economic circumstances have affected children’s play, socialisation and mobility and their agency in navigating their urban environments. Drawing from in-depth interviews with 12 three-generation families, our findings reveal generational shifts in play patterns, from the communal and outdoor activities that grandparents enjoyed as children, to the increasingly supervised and indoor play of today’s children. Growing concerns over traffic congestion and changing social norms have restricted children’s mobility and access to outdoor play spaces, prompting calls from participants for urban spaces that support less structured and more socially enriching play opportunities. Despite such changes, the importance of religious practices and community engagement were found to be constants in shaping children’s daily lives across generations. This study thus deepens understanding of the roles of cultural and religious practices in shaping urban childhood experiences and contributes to the relatively sparse literature on children’s geographies in Asia.

Mixotrophic anammox bacteria outcompete dissimilatory nitrate reduction and denitrifying bacteria in propionate-containing wastewater.

Organic carbon can influence nitrogen removal during the anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) process. Propionate, a common organic compound in pretreated wastewater, its impacts on mixotrophic anammox bacteria and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the core metabolism and shift in behavior patterns of mixotrophic Candidatus Brocadia sapporoensis (AMXB) under long-term propionate exposure. Genome-resolved metagenomic analysis revealed that AMXB could convert nitrate generated by anammox bacteria to ammonium via the DNRA pathway, leveraging propionate as an electron donor. This recycled ammonium was then used to sustain the anammox process, thereby enhancing nitrogen removal efficiency. Notably, AMXB grew more efficiently than DNRA and denitrifying bacteria due to its more energy-efficient propionate metabolic pathway. This finding suggests that AMXB, as a mixotrophic anammox bacterium, has a competitive advantage in nitrogen metabolism in low C/N wastewater, contributing to efficient nitrogen removal.

An update on beverage consumption patterns and caffeine intakes in a representative sample of the US population.

Caffeine is a popular stimulant, predominantly consumed from beverages. The caffeinated beverage marketplace is continually evolving resulting in considerable interest in understanding the impact caffeinated beverages have on levels of intakes. Therefore, estimates of caffeine intakes in the U.S. population were calculated using a recent 2022 beverage survey, the Kantar Worldpanel Enhanced Beverage Service. A nationally representative sample of 49,700 consumers (aged ≥2 years) completed a 1-day beverage intake survey which collected data on beverage type/category, amount and brand. Approximately 69% of the U.S. population consumed at least one caffeinated beverage per day. The mean (±SE) daily caffeine intake of caffeine consumers (age >2 years) from all beverages was 210 ±1.5 mg. Caffeine intake was highest in consumers aged 50-64 years (246±4.5 mg/day) and lowest in children aged 2-5 (42±2.4 mg/day). At the 90th percentile intake was 520 mg/day for all ages combined. Coffee was the largest contributor (69%) to caffeine intake across all age groups followed by carbonated soft drinks (15.4%), tea (8.8%), and energy drinks (6.3%). This study indicates that an increase in caffeine intake has occurred with a corresponding shift in beverage consumption patterns compared to previous surveys.

Local honey reflects environmental changes in metal concentrations and lead isotope ratios during COVID-19 restrictions in Brussels, Belgium, and Vancouver, Canada.

Effective methods for measuring sudden environmental changes are crucial for understanding how cities respond to shifts in human activity. This study examines atmospheric metal outputs during the COVID-19 restrictions using honey samples collected from three land use types in Brussels Capital Region (BCR), Belgium, and Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD), Canada to study changes as the result of restrictions. By comparing these cities with distinct sizes, ages, and structures, we assess how urban environments responded to pandemic-induced restrictions. We present honey samples, analyzed for metal concentration and Pb isotope ratios, to provide insights into the impacts of reduced human activity in different land use types. In BCR, significant increases of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Ti, and V were observed in suburban sites, while in MVRD, significant decreases of Cr, Pb, Sb, Ti, and V were observed in suburban sites. The increase in metal concentrations in BCR suburban sites indicates a shift in metal emission patterns due to changes in human activity during the restrictions. Conversely, the decrease in metal concentrations in MVRD suburban areas aligns with expectations of reduced pollution during restrictions. Pb isotope ratios of BCR vary more widely and do not show any spatial trends by land use, suggesting that Pb concentrations in BCR may be more homogenized. In MVRD, significant differences in 208Pb/206Pb were observed during the restrictions, wherein honey sampled from rural sites had more radiogenic (lower 208Pb/206Pb) Pb isotope ratios. This difference suggests that honey may be more sensitive to Pb isotope ratio changes in environments with a less extensive history of metal use, such as rural British Columbia. This research demonstrates the potential of honey as a biomonitor for sudden environmental shifts. This study contributes to a global geochemical honey database, enabling tracking of environmental trends across diverse urban settings worldwide.

Climate Projection of Tropical Cyclone Lifetime in the Western North Pacific Basin

Abstract In this study, the potential changes in tropical cyclone (TC) lifetime in the western North Pacific basin are examined for different future climates. Using homogeneous 9-km-resolution dynamical downscaling with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, we show that TC-averaged lifetime displays insignificant change under both low and high greenhouse gas concentration scenarios. However, more noticeable changes in the tails of TC lifetime statistics are captured in our downscaling simulations, with more frequent long-lived TCs (lifetime of 8–11 days) and less short-lived TCs (lifetime of 3–5 days). Unlike present-day simulations, it is found that the correlation between TC lifetime and the Niño index is relatively weak and insignificant in all future downscaling simulations, thus offering little explanation for these changes in TC lifetime statistics based on El Niño–Southern Oscillation. More detailed analyses of TC track distribution in the western North Pacific basin reveal, nevertheless, a noticeable shift of TC track patterns toward the end of the twenty-first century. Such a change in TC track climatology results in an overall longer duration of TCs over the open ocean, which is consistent across future scenarios and periods examined in this study. This shift in the TC track pattern is ultimately linked to changes in the western North Pacific subtropical high, which retreats to the south during July and to the east during August–September. The results obtained in this study provide new insights into how large-scale circulations can affect TC lifetime in the western North Pacific basin in warmer climates. Significance Statement Using high-resolution dynamical downscaling with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model under low- and high-emission scenarios, this study shows that the basin-averaged tropical cyclone (TC) lifetime in the western North Pacific (WNP) basin has no noticeable change under both warmer climate scenarios, despite an overall increase in TC maximum intensity. However, the tails of the TC lifetime distribution display significant changes, with more long-lived (6–20 days) TCs but less short-lived (3–5 days) TCs in the future. These changes in TC lifetime statistics are caused by the shift of the North Pacific subtropical high, which alters large-scale steering flows and TC track patterns. These results help explain why previous studies on TC lifetime projections have been inconclusive in the WNP basin and provide new insights into how large-scale circulations can modulate TC lifetime in a warmer climate.

Towards Fault Detection in Industrial Equipment through Energy Consumption Analysis: Integrating Machine Learning and Statistical Methods

Accurately forecasting the energy consumption of industrial equipment and linking these forecasts to equipment health has become essential in modern manufacturing. This capability is crucial for advancing predictive maintenance strategies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we propose a hybrid model that combines Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) for energy consumption prediction with a statistical change-point detection algorithm to identify significant shifts in consumption patterns. These shifts are then correlated with the equipment’s health status, providing a comprehensive overview of energy usage and potential failure points. In our case study, we began by evaluating the prediction model to confirm the performance of LSTM, comparing it with several machine learning models commonly used in the literature, such as Random Forest, Support Vector Machines (SVM), and GRU. After assessing different loss functions, the LSTM model achieved the strongest prediction accuracy, with an RMSE of 0.07, an MAE of 0.0188, and an R2 of 92.7%. The second part of the model, which focuses on detecting change points in consumption patterns, was evaluated by testing several cost functions combined with binary segmentation and dynamic programming. Applied to a real-world case, it successfully detected a change point two months before equipment failure, offering the potential to reduce energy consumption by 27,052 kWh. This framework not only clarifies the relationship between equipment health and CO2 emissions but also provides actionable insights into emission reduction, contributing to both economic and environmental sustainability.

Trophic diversity of the bloom-forming jellyfish community in the coastal waters of China assessed by stable isotope analysis

A growing realization indicates that the trophic ecology of jellyfish is more diverse than once thought, yet a holistic view reflecting the trophic structure and trophodynamics in bloom-forming jellyfish community remains rare. Based on stable isotope δ13C and δ15N analysis, we estimated the trophic characteristics of common blooms jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai, Cyanea spp., Aurelia coerulea and Aequorea spp. in the coastal waters of China (CWC). Our data indicated that most of the isotopic niche space in the overall planktonic food web was occupied by the bloom-forming jellyfish community. The large spectrum of isotopic niche highlights the diverse ecological roles and potentially broad trophic relevance of these jellyfish in the food web. The substantial trophic diversity of these jellyfish resulted from the various trophic positions occupied by different taxa, complicated niche differentiation and overlap patterns, inconsistent size-based trophic variation, and spatial and temporal variation patterns. Isotopic niche comparisons indicated the presence of niche differentiation, reflecting the difference and individual-specific characteristic in resource exploitation and feeding preference among different jellyfish. Additionally, the inconsistent size-based trophic variation among groups derived from an increase in trophic level with size for Cyanea spp., A. coerulea and Aequorea spp. medusae to no change for N. nomurai medusae, which suggests the complexity in size-related trophic shift patterns within the jellyfish group. Additional diversity also arose from variation in the spatiotemporal structuring of jellyfish trophic ecology, which might be caused by the occurrence of trophic heterogeneity at the base of the planktonic food web. In conclusion, our study characterized the trophic structures of the bloom-forming jellyfish community in the CWC, and revealed their trophic diversity resulting from interspecific, intraspecific (ontogenetic), and spatiotemporal variation. These results hold strong potential to further improve the understanding of the trophic ecology and functional roles of the jellyfish community. Furthermore, this study provides a systematic and valuable isotopic data set, spanning from the food web baseline to zooplanktonic organisms and jellyfish community, against which compare with trophic investigations in future in planktonic food web of the CWC.

Cloud computing-based estimation of Peninsular India’s long-term climate change impacts on rainfall, surface temperature, and geospatial indices

Realizing the intricate relationships between drought, vegetation dynamics, and climate change is essential for sustainable resource management. Although temperature and rainfall patterns are the primary determinants of these fluctuations, human activity also plays a significant role. Recent decades have witnessed significant climate change events, particularly in peninsular India. Analyzing these year-by-year variations in rainfall and temperature is essential for informed decision-making. This knowledge can guide the development of innovative adaptation strategies to ensure sustainable livelihoods in the region. This study utilizes the Google Earth Engine platform to analyze yearly climate data and relevant geographical indices from 2003 to 2023 across Peninsular India. The analysis reveals a statistically significant increase in mean annual rainfall (0.262 mm/year) alongside a slight rise in regional land surface temperature (LST) trends (0.102 °C/year). However, yearly average anomaly values for LST also show an upward trend, rising from 2.56 in 2003 to 3.23 in 2023. This suggests a potential shift in rainfall patterns, with potential consequences for water availability. Rising temperatures coupled with altered rainfall patterns can lead to water scarcity, especially in regions reliant on rain-fed agriculture. This has a direct impact on crop yields and overall agricultural productivity. Despite rising temperatures, the analysis using drought indices suggests a decline in average annual drought severity across Peninsular India, with values decreasing from 0.33 in 2003 to 2.70 in 2023. Interestingly, we found a strong positive association between rainfall and vegetation indices, while rainfall and LST exhibited a negative correlation. Interestingly, while rainfall and LST exhibited a negative correlation, a strong positive association was found between rainfall and vegetation indices. These comprehensive findings hold significant potential for informing future climate projections and promoting sustainable development in peninsular India through evidence-based applications.

The Linguistic Landscape of Popular Culture: Analyzing Military Speech in Manga

This study investigates Japanese popular culture, focusing on manga as a central cultural product that offers rich narrative and visual content that reflects both universal and culturally specific themes. One key concept explored in this study is yakuwarigo, or “role language”, a linguistic phenomenon where specific speech patterns convey a character’s social role, age, gender, or personality. Yakuwarigo serves as a tool for character development, allowing readers to infer traits through language. The research includes a pragma-linguistic analysis of yakuwarigo in manga, focusing on the speech of military leaders. Using Erwin Smith’s communication acts from Shingeki no Kyojin (‘Atacul titanilor’) as a case study, the analysis examines how his speech patterns shift between formal, honorific language when addressing superiors and direct, motivational language with subordinates. This duality highlights the adaptability and strategic clarity of his role as a leader. The study also evaluates the Romanian translations of his addresses, assessing how effectively they retain the original pragmatic and linguistic nuances, thus contributing to the understanding of cultural and linguistic transfer in manga translations.

Post-COVID street-intercept survey: the perceptions of Hong Kong horse racing fans toward local horse racing media

Purpose The aim of this study is to understand the factors influencing the perceptions of Hong Kong horse racing fans toward local horse racing media. Design/methodology/approach In 2023, we conducted street-intercept survey interviews (n = 620) in the public area near the Shatin racecourse on July 1, 3, 9 and 16 and near the Happy Valley racecourse on June 28, July 5 and 12. This study examines the extent to which internet experiences, niche breadth and the competitive superiority of internet media mediates the relationship between age and the substitution of internet media for print media. Findings Regression analyses show that the respondents’ perceived niche breadth and competitive superiority of internet media are positively related to their substitution of internet racing media for print racing media outlets. However, for most elderly and middle-aged respondents, print racing media outlets are still attractive because they perceive the information is accurate and easy to understand, the print copies are easily accessible and the content of columns is attractive. Originality/value This study reveals that the shift of patterns regarding receiving Hong Kong horse racing information is significantly caused by many factors. On the contrary, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic is not significant on changing the perceptions of Hong Kong horse racing fans toward local horse racing media.

Optimizing Cardiovascular Health Monitoring with IoT-Enabled Sensors and AI: A Focus on Obesity-Induced Cardiovascular Risks in Young Adults

With shifts in lifestyle and dietary patterns, obesity has become an increasing health issue among younger demographics, particularly affecting young adults. This trend is strongly associated with a heightened risk of developing chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular conditions. However, conventional health monitoring systems are often limited to basic parameters such as heart rate, pulse pressure (PP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP), which may not provide a comprehensive assessment of cardiac health. This study introduces an intelligent heart health monitoring system that leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced sensor technologies. By incorporating IoT-based sensors, this system aims to improve the early detection and continuous monitoring of cardiac function in young obese women. The research employed a TERUMO ES-P2000 to measure blood pressure and a PhysioFlow device to assess noninvasive cardiac hemodynamic parameters. Through precise sensor data collection, the study identified key indicators for monitoring cardiovascular health. Machine learning models and big data analysis were utilized to predict cardiac index (CI) values based on the sensor-derived inputs. The findings indicated that young obese women showed significant deviations in blood pressure (SBP and PP) and cardiac hemodynamic metrics (SVI, EDV, and ESV) at an early stage. The implementation of signal processing techniques and IoT sensors enhanced the CI prediction accuracy from 33% (using basic parameters like heart rate, PP, and SBP) to 66%. Moreover, the integration of extra sensor-based parameters, such as Stroke Volume Index (SVI) and Cardiac Output (CO), along with the use of color space transformations, successfully improved the prediction accuracy of the original data by 36.68%, increasing from 53.33% to 90.01%. This represents a significant improvement of 30.01% compared to the existing technology’s accuracy of 60%. These results underscore the importance of utilizing sensor-derived parameters as critical early indicators of cardiac function in young obese women. This research advances smart healthcare through early cardiovascular risk assessment using AI and noninvasive sensors.

Enhancing building resilience: the role of future weather data in building design

With climate change driving unprecedented shifts in global weather patterns, the need to future-proof building designs has become critical. Current design practices predominantly rely on simulations and analysis that use Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) files, which are based on historical weather data and may not reflect future climatic conditions. This could result in buildings that may not be able to adapt to long-term climate change. Our study examines whether the use of future weather data in design analysis points to different strategies and is necessary to successfully predict building performance.We used predicted future weather data for 2080 in Bangalore, India, which forecasts a global temperature of 4°C temperature increase and historical Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data, compared these data, conducted analysis to determine the passive and active strategies that get prioritised from the analysis and compare these. We used a calibrated Building Energy Simulation (BES) model of a building in Bangalore to determine how the performance of the building changes under future weather conditions.The future weather indicates significant temperature rise across all seasons, increase in summer temperatures of 10°C; decreasing relative humidity in summer and increasing in winter; a reduction of 16.2% for number of hours in the comfort range. The design analysis indicated that different active and passive design strategies gets prioritised for the future weather scenario.The calibrated models shows that while the passive design features incorporated in the building are adequate for the TMY weather conditions, they may fail to maintain thermal comfort in the future. The percentage of discomfort hours in the future condition increased by 37%.These findings indicate for future-proof our buildings it is necessary to use future weather data during the design stages while selecting climate-responsive strategies. Analysis methods must incorporate future weather conditions for climate resilient building. The findings also indicate that the sole use of current weather data results in passive and active strategies that will not be appropriate for future climate-changed forced weather conditions.

How Aging and Low Fertility Influence Household Savings: A Case Study in China

This paper investigates the intricate relationship between demographic changes, particularly population aging and declining fertility, and household savings rates, with a specific emphasis on China. These demographic shifts carry significant consequences for economic growth and stability. As China's population ages, the growing demand for healthcare and pensions exerts pressure on household savings, while a declining fertility rate raises concerns about the future labor force and the sustainability of long-term savings. This paper reviews key theoretical frameworks such as the life-cycle hypothesis and precautionary savings theory, examining how shifts in population age structure influence consumption patterns, savings behavior, and overall economic resilience. Additionally, it delves into the broader socio-economic challenges posed by these demographic trends, including potential labor shortages and increased fiscal strain. By synthesizing a wide range of research, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of these demographic trends, offering insights for policymakers to promote sustainable household savings while ensuring balanced economic growth.

Aggregate bank deposit flows in the U.S.

This paper investigates the dynamics of aggregate deposit inflows, outflows, and the reallocation of deposits within the U.S. banking system from 1984 to 2022, with a particular focus on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that, on average, deposit inflows are nearly three times larger and twice as volatile as outflows. Larger banks generally attract and retain more deposits than smaller ones, with significant reallocation of deposits to banks that offer higher rates, have lower insolvency risk, and lower capital levels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, total and core deposit inflows increased, whereas inflows of large time-deposits declined. Concurrently, outflows of large time-deposits surged, particularly in large banks. The pandemic also saw a shift in deposit reallocation patterns, with a notable movement of large time-deposits from large banks to smaller banks, reversing pre-pandemic trends. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding deposit flows and depositor diversity for assessing banking stability and highlight market discipline among depositors, who gravitate toward banks offering greater utility.