Goal Research Articles

Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a phytocannabinoid increasing in popularity, with preclinical research indicating it has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. However, there are no published clinical trials to corroborate these findings in humans. The primary objective of this study was to examine acute effects of CBG on anxiety, stress, and mood. Secondary objectives were to examine whether CBG produces subjective drug effects or motor and cognitive impairments. A double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over field trial was conducted with 34 healthy adult participants. Participants completed two sessions (with a one-week washout period) via Zoom. In each, they provided ratings of anxiety, stress, mood, and subjective drug effects prior to double-blind administration of 20 mg hemp-derived CBG or placebo tincture (T0). These ratings were collected again after participants ingested the product and completed an online survey (T1), the Trier Social Stress Test (T2), a verbal memory test and the DRUID impairment app (T3). Relative to placebo, there was a significant main effect of CBG on overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress at T1. CBG also enhanced verbal memory relative to placebo. There was no evidence of subjective drug effects or impairment. CBG may represent a novel option to reduce stress and anxiety in healthy adults.

Beyond the forests: ecotourism and sustainable livelihoods in Karnataka’s protected landscapes

ABSTRACT The paper is situated within the context of two prominent tiger reserves, namely the Kali Tiger Reserve and Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, located in Karnataka, India. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the pivotal role played by ecotourism in shaping rural livelihoods and to evaluate the outcomes that result from the integration of ecotourism into pre-existing livelihood strategies. Employing a sustainable livelihoods approach, the study engaged 214 participants from 25 adjoining villages of the tiger reserves, service providers, and government officials at various administrative levels. The findings of the study suggest that although ecotourism has not supplanted traditional livelihoods, it has effectively contributed to income augmentation for residents in the study areas. This research also illuminates a notable disparity between policy intent and on-ground implementation due to the inherent ambiguity present in tourism policies, which tends to generate and exacerbate a plethora of issues that impede the effective integration of ecotourism into existing livelihood strategies. The paper sets the stage for further deeper exploration of the intersection between ecotourism and rural livelihoods, aimed at fostering more inclusive and sustainable tourism practices within ecologically sensitive areas.

Patient experiences and clinical outcomes of admissions to municipal acute wards versus a hospital: a multicentre randomised controlled trial in Norway

Background In Norway, municipal acute wards (MAWs) were implemented as alternatives to hospitalisation. Evaluations of the quality of MAW services are lacking. The primary objective of this study was to compare patient experiences after admission to a MAW versus to a hospital. The secondary objective was to compare ‘readmissions’, ‘length of stay’, ‘self-assessed health-related quality of life’ as measured by the EuroQol 5 items 5 level (EQ-5D-5L) index, and ‘health status’ measured by the RAND-12, in patients admitted to a MAW versus a hospital. Methods A multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT), randomising patients to either MAW or hospital. Results In total, 164 patients were enrolled in the study; 115 were randomised to MAW and 49 to hospital. There were no significant differences between the MAW and hospital groups regarding patient experience, which was rated positively in both groups. Patients in the MAW group reported significantly better physical health status as measured by the RAND-12 four to six weeks after admittance than those randomised to hospital (physical component summary score, 31.7 versus 27.1, p = 0.04). The change in EQ-5D index score from baseline to four to six weeks after admittance was significantly greater among patients randomised to MAWs versus hospitals (0.20 versus 0.02, p = 0.03). There were no other significant differences between the MAW and hospital groups. Conclusions In this study, patient experiences and readmissions were similar, whether patients were admitted to a MAW or a hospital. The significant differences in health status and quality of life favouring the MAWs suggest that these healthcare services may be better for elderly patients. However, unfortunately we did not reach the planned sample size due to challenges in the data collection posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Harmonic Mean Optimizer (HMO) for global problems solving

This study introduces the Harmonic Mean Optimizer (HMO), a novel meta-heuristic algorithm designed to address complex global optimization problems. The primary objective of this research is to develop an optimization technique that effectively balances exploration and exploitation without requiring extensive parameter tuning, thereby simplifying the optimization process and enhancing its robustness across various problem domains. The HMO employs a unique dual-fitness index that leverages the harmonic mean to assess both the quality and diversity of candidate solutions dynamically. This approach ensures a balanced search process that avoids premature convergence and improves the ability to find global optima. The methodology involves extensive benchmarking of the HMO against a comprehensive set of test functions, including 23 traditional functions from the Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC) 2017 test suite. The performance of the HMO is compared with that of established meta-heuristic algorithms, such as Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), to validate its efficacy in terms of convergence speed and solution accuracy. Additionally, the HMO is applied to several real-world engineering problems to demonstrate its practical utility. The results show that the HMO consistently outperforms the benchmark algorithms, achieving faster convergence and higher accuracy in finding optimal solutions across a diverse range of test problems. In practical applications, the HMO effectively optimized complex engineering tasks, achieving significant improvements in both solution quality and computational efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of the HMO as a versatile and powerful tool for global optimization tasks. the HMO offers a significant advancement in optimization methodologies by providing a robust, parameter-free approach that effectively balances exploration and exploitation. This study underscores the HMO’s applicability to a wide range of optimization challenges and sets the foundation for future research and development in enhancing and applying this innovative algorithm to more complex and diverse problem domains.

Association of histidine-rich glycoprotein C633T single nucleotide polymorphism and recurrent miscarriage in Iranian women.

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is defined as the occurrence of at least two or three subsequent miscarriages within the 20th -24th weeks of pregnancy. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether histidine-rich glycoprotein C633T single nucleotide polymorphism (HRG C633T SNP) statistically correlates with the occurrence of RM among Iranian women. Blood samples from 200 women were taken at the outset of the study. Then, the blood samples of 100 women who had a record of RM (case group) were compared with the other 100 women's blood samples who had no record of RM (control group). Following DNA extraction, the polymorphism of histidine-rich glycoprotein C633T (HRG C633T) for every case was specified and all women were genotyped by the amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS) method. The results of the study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between T/T genotype (OR = 3.5, CI (1.39-8.77), p = 0.007), and C/T genotype (OR = 1.83, CI (0.99-3.37), p = 0.05) in the case and control groups. Also, a statistically significant association was observed in T allelic frequency in the RM participants compared to the control group (OR = 2.01, CI (1.31-3.09), p = 0.01). The present study determined that there was a statistically significant relationship between HRG C633T SNP and increased RM regarding allelic and genotypical aspects. Moreover, it became apparent that women with homozygous T/T genotype were more susceptible to the risk of RM.

The effect of vitamin E and docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)-A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial (PUVENAFLD).

We conducted a clinical trial to determine the efficacy of the combination of vitamin E and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) versus placebo in reducing liver fat content after 6 months of intervention in adults with MASLD. Adults with MASLD were randomised to one of four treatment arms (vitamin E 1000 mg/daily + DHA 1.89 g/daily or combination arm, vitamin E 1000 mg alone, DHA 1.89 g alone or placebo) following a 2:1:1:2 randomisation. The primary objective was to determine the efficacy of DHA + vitamin E versus placebo in reducing hepatic fat fraction (%) relative to baseline after 6 months of intervention. Secondary objectives were to determine the effect of vitamin E or DHA alone versus placebo on reducing liver fat at 6 months. Our cohort consisted of 203 subjects with a mean age of 51 years, 53% female, 91% White, 59% Hispanic ethnicity. The combination of vitamin E + DHA had no effect on the primary endpoint of reducing hepatic steatosis as determined by MRI-PDFF (p = 0.98). Neither vitamin E alone (p = 0.91) nor DHA alone (p = 0.14) significantly reduced hepatic steatosis compared to placebo. However, the trial was not powered adequately for this analysis. Compared with placebo, no statistically significant differences were detected in the 3-month or 6-month levels for ALT (U/L) or AST (U/L) in all three intervention groups. The combination of DHA + vitamin E or either agent alone did not demonstrate efficacy on reducing liver fat or aminotransferases in the studied population.

A cognitive-behavioral treatment for suicide prevention among adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in community mental health: Study protocol for a pilot feasibility and acceptability randomized clinical trial

BackgroundSuicide is among the leading causes of death for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), and there is a paucity of evidence-based suicide prevention-focused interventions tailored for this vulnerable population. Cognitive-Behavioral Suicide Prevention for psychosis (CBSPp) is a promising intervention developed in the UK that required modifications for delivery in community mental health (CMH) settings in the United States of American. This pilot trial evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of our modified CBSPp intervention in comparison to services as usual (SAU) within a CMH setting in a Midwestern state of the USA.MethodsThis is a single-site randomized pilot trial with a planned enrollment of 60 adults meeting criteria for both SSD and SI/A. Eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to either 10 sessions of CBSPp or SAU. Clinical and cognitive assessments will be conducted within a 4-waive design at baseline (prior to randomization and treatment) and approximately 1 month (mid-treatment), 3 months (post-treatment), and 5 months (follow-up) after baseline assessment. Qualitative interviews will also be conducted at post-treatment. The primary objective is to determine whether CBSPp is feasible and acceptable, involving examinations of recruitment rate, treatment engagement and adherence, retention and completion rates, and experiences in the CBSPp treatment and overall study. The secondary objective is to preliminarily evaluate whether modified CBSPp is associated with reductions in clinical (suicide ideation, suicide attempt, symptoms of psychosis, depression, and emergency/hospital service, hopelessness, defeat, and entrapment) and cognitive (information processing biases, appraisals, and schemas) outcomes in comparison to SAU from baseline to post-treatment assessment.DiscussionThis randomized pilot trial will provide clinically relevant information about whether CBSPp can improve SI/A, depression, and psychosis among adults with SSDs. Testing this modified cognitive-behavioral suicide prevention-focused intervention has the potential for a large public health impact by increasing the intervention’s utility and usability in CMH where many individuals with SSDs receive care, and ultimately working towards reductions in premature suicide death.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT#05345184. Registered on April 12, 2022.

HER2DX Genomic Assay in HER2-positive Early Breast Cancer Treated with Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab: A Correlative Analysis from PHERGain Phase II Trial.

To assess the predictive capability of HER2DX assay following (neo)adjuvant trastuzumab-pertuzumab (HP)-based therapy in HER2-positive (HER2+) early breast cancer (EBC). HER2DX was analyzed in baseline pre-treatment tumors from PHERGain trial. Patients with stage I-IIIA HER2+ EBC were randomized to group A (docetaxel, carboplatin, and HP [TCHP]) and group B (HP ± endocrine therapy). PET response was evaluated after 2 cycles. Group A received TCHP for 6 cycles regardless of PET response. Group B continued with HP ± endocrine therapy for 6 cycles (PET-responders) or with TCHP for 6 cycles (PET-non-responders). The primary objective was to associate HER2DX pCR-score with pathological complete response (pCR). The secondary objective was the association of HER2DX risk-score with 3-year invasive disease-free survival (iDFS). HER2DX was performed on 292 (82.0%) tumors. The overall pCR rate was 38.0%, with pCR rates of 56.4% in group A and 33.8% in group B. In multivariable analysis including treatment and clinicopathological factors, HER2DX pCR-score (continuous variable) significantly correlated with pCR (odds ratio [OR]=1.29, 95% confident interval [CI] 1.10-1.54, p<0.001). HER2DX-defined pCR-high, med, and low groups exhibited pCR rates of 50.4%, 35.8%, and 23.2%, respectively (pCR-high vs pCR-low OR=3.27, CI 1.54-7.09, p<0.001). In patients with residual disease, HER2DX high-risk group demonstrated numerically worse 3-year iDFS than the low-risk group (89.8% vs 100%; HR= 2.70, 95% CI 0.60-12.18, p=0.197). HER2DX predicts pCR in the context of neoadjuvant HP-based therapy, regardless of chemotherapy addition, and might identify patients at higher risk of recurrence among patients with residual disease.

Clinical outcomes for linked fixation of distal humerus fractures: a multi-center study

BackgroundO’Driscoll popularized the principle of linked column fixation for distal humerus fractures. Despite the linked column concept being widely accepted, there are few reported techniques to accomplish this goal. A novel device was designed based on the principles of linked columns. An interlocking beam is used to connect the medial and lateral plates, creating a unified fixed angle construct. Our primary objective was to report clinical outcomes across multiple institutions for a linking beam used in distal humerus fracture fixation. MethodsA retrospective series was collected from five institutions for the TiBeam (Skeletal Dynamics, Miami, FL, USA) with a minimum follow-up of six months. Acute and chronic treatment of distal humerus fracture patterns, and all plate configurations were included for analysis. ResultsA total of 36 cases were collected at a mean age of 52 years and a mean follow-up of 19.3 months. AO C-type fractures were 56% of the series. The median MEPS was 85 (IQR 76.3 to 90), the median DASH was 21.4 (IQR 15.9 to 30), and the median VASa was 3.5 (IQR 2 to 5). An olecranon osteotomy was used in 86% of cases and an anatomic plate was used for fixation of the osteotomy in 94% of those cases. There were three cases of olecranon plate removal for a rate across the series of 13.7%. DiscussionOur short-term results demonstrate satisfactory clinical outcomes with low rates of revision for distal humerus fracture fixed with a linking beam. Further, the rate of removal for the olecranon osteotomy plate was lower than historical reports for aggregate methods of osteotomy fixation.

CSF1R Inhibition in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors or Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor: A Phase 1 Study of Vimseltinib.

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a locally aggressive neoplasm caused by dysregulation of the colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) gene and overexpression of the CSF1 ligand. Surgery is the standard of care for most patients, but there are limited treatment options for patients with TGCT not amenable to surgery. This study evaluates vimseltinib, an investigational, oral, switch-control tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to selectively and potently inhibit the CSF1 receptor. This first-in-human, multicenter, open-label, phase 1/2 study of vimseltinib in patients with malignant solid tumors (N = 37) or TGCT not amenable to surgery (N = 32) followed a pharmacologically guided 3 + 3 study design (NCT03069469). The primary objectives were to assess safety and tolerability, determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), and characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK); exploratory objectives included pharmacodynamics and efficacy. Vimseltinib was well tolerated; the majority of non-laboratory treatment-emergent adverse events were grade 1/2. There was no evidence of cholestatic hepatotoxicity or drug-induced liver injury. The RP2D was determined to be 30 mg twice weekly (no loading dose), and vimseltinib plasma exposure increased with the dose. In patients with TGCT, the median treatment duration was 25.1 months (range, 0.7 to 46.9), and the objective response rate as assessed by independent radiological review using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 was 72%. Vimseltinib demonstrated long-term tolerability, manageable safety, dose-dependent exposure, and robust antitumor activity in patients with TGCT whose disease is not amenable to surgery.

A scoping review of geriatric emergency medicine research transparency in diversity, equity, and inclusion reporting.

The intersection of ageism and racism is underexplored in geriatric emergency medicine (GEM) research. We performed a scoping review of research published between January 2016 and December 2021. We included original emergency department-based research focused on falls, delirium/dementia, medication safety, and elder abuse. We excluded manuscripts that did not include (1) original research data pertaining to the four core topics, (2) older adults, (3) subjects from the United States, and (4) for which full text publication could not be obtained. The primary objective was to qualitatively describe reporting about older adults' social identities in GEM research. Secondary objectives were to describe (1) the extent of inclusion of minoritized older adults in GEM research, (2) GEM research about health equity, and (3) feasible approaches to improve the status quo of GEM research reporting. After duplicates were removed, 3277 citations remained and 883 full-text articles were reviewed, of which 222 met inclusion criteria. Four findings emerged. First, race and ethnicity reporting was inconsistent. Second, research rarely provided a rationale for an age threshold used to define geriatric patients. Third, GEM research more commonly reported sex than gender. Fourth, research commonly excluded older adults with cognitive impairment and speakers of non-English primary languages. Meaningful assessment of GEM research inclusivity is limited by inconsistent reporting of sociodemographic characteristics, specifically race and ethnicity. Reporting of sociodemographic characteristics should be standardized across different study designs. Strategies are needed to include in GEM research older adults with cognitive impairment and non-English primary languages.

The Effect of Online Learning Platforms, Inclusive Education Practices, and Teacher Professional Development on Student Achievement

This study explores the effect of online learning platforms, inclusive education practices, and teacher professional development on student achievement. The primary objective is to qualitatively analyze the literature to understand how these educational strategies contribute to enhancing student performance. The research employs a qualitative literature review methodology, synthesizing findings from academic articles, industry reports, case studies, and empirical studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this field. The literature review methodology involves systematically collecting and analyzing scholarly sources that discuss various aspects of online learning platforms, inclusive education practices, and teacher professional development. The study categorizes the literature into key themes, such as the effectiveness of online learning platforms in providing flexible and accessible education, the role of inclusive education practices in fostering a supportive learning environment, and the impact of continuous teacher professional development on teaching quality and student outcomes. Thematic analysis is used to identify patterns and trends in how these strategies influence student achievement. The findings indicate that online learning platforms, when effectively utilized, offer personalized and flexible learning experiences that can enhance student engagement and achievement. Inclusive education practices, such as differentiated instruction and support for diverse learning needs, create a more equitable and supportive environment that benefits all students. Teacher professional development is shown to be critical for improving instructional quality, keeping educators updated with the latest teaching methods, and ultimately boosting student performance.

Investigation of MHD flow balancing in electrically conductive manifolds of liquid metal blankets

In the liquid metal (LM) blanket design for magnetic confinement fusion reactors, manifolds including main and branch ducts are commonly used to direct fluids to various locations of the blanket to cool its components. The primary objective of this structural configuration is to achieve flow balancing within each branch duct. However, magnetohydrodynamic effects will cause uneven flow distribution, consequently, uncontrollable overheating phenomena in certain blanket segments may be caused by this flow distribution. To assess its impact, the influences of external magnetic fields, inlet velocities and coupling wall thicknesses on the flow partitioning in conductive manifolds are investigated in this study. The results indicate that the flow distribution among the branch ducts becomes less uniform as the external magnetic field strength increases, while varying the inlet velocity has minimal impact. In addition, increasing the coupling wall thickness leads to more even flow distribution when the rectangular branch ducts are perpendicular with the magnetic field direction. Based on above physical understanding, three controlling methods for the flow partitioning in conductive manifolds are proposed to achieve flow balancing in each branch duct and then validated through numerical simulations. The results indicate that flow balancing can be achieved by adjusting the coupling wall thickness when the rectangular branch ducts are aligned with the magnetic field direction, however, it is challenging when they are perpendicular. Furthermore, the flow balancing can be realized by a symmetrical design of the manifold with circular branch pipes and it is independent of external magnetic fields and inlet velocities. These findings will enhance the physical understanding of flow distribution patterns in conductive manifolds under strong magnetic fields, which is important for the flow control and design of manifolds in LM blankets.

Classification of soft cliff dynamics using remote sensing and data mining techniques

Coastal soft cliffs are subject to changes related to both marine and subaerial processes. It is imperative to comprehend the processes governing cliff erosion and develop predictive models for effective coastal protection. The primary objective of this study was to bridge the existing knowledge gap by elucidating the intricate relationship between changes in cliff system morphology and the driving forces behind these changes, all within the context of ongoing climate change. Therefore in this study, we employed various quantitative numerical methods to investigate the factors influencing coastal cliffs and the adjacent beaches. Our analysis involved the extraction of several morphological indicators, derived from terrestrial laser scanning data, which were then used to assess how cliffs respond to extreme weather events. The data span two winter storm seasons (2016–2018) and encompass three soft-cliff systems situated along the southern Baltic Sea, each characterized by distinct beach and cliff morphology. We conducted a detailed analysis of short-term cliff responses using various data mining techniques, revealing intricate mechanisms that govern beach and cliff changes. This comprehensive analysis has enabled the development of a classification system for soft cliff dynamics. Our statistical analysis highlights that each study area exhibits a unique conditional dependency between erosion processes and hydrometeorological conditions, both during and between storm events. Furthermore, our findings underscore the vulnerability of cliff coastlines to extreme water levels and episodes of intense precipitation.

Nitrate and ammonium removal in constructed wetlands: Experimental insights and zero-dimensional numerical modeling

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have emerged as effective wastewater treatment systems, mimicked natural wetland processes but engineered for enhanced pollutant removal efficiency. Ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) are among common pollutants in wastewater, posing significant environmental and health risks. The primary objective of this study is to compares the performance of CWs using gravel and three sizes of natural pumice, along with phragmites australis, in horizontal and horizontal-vertical CWs for nitrate and ammonium removal in the complementary treatment of domestic wastewater. Additionally, the study aims to develop and validate a numerical model using MATLAB software to predict the removal efficiency of these pollutants, thereby contributing to the optimization of CW design and operation. The model operates as a zero-dimensional model based on the law of mass conservation, treating the wetland as a completely mixed reactor, thus avoiding complexities associated with solute movement in porous media. It accurately could predict removal efficiency of chemical, biochemical, and biological indicators while considering active and passive absorption mechanisms by plant uptake. Notably, the determination of coefficients in the model equation does not rely on potentially error-prone laboratory measurements due to sampling issues. Instead, optimization techniques alongside field data robustly estimate these coefficients, ensuring reliability and practicality. Results indicate that higher pollutant concentrations increase reaction rates, particularly enhancing CW efficiency in ammonium removal. Pumice, especially in larger sizes, exhibits superior absorption due to increased porosity and surface area. Overall, the model accurately predicts nitrates concentrations, demonstrating its potential for CW performance optimization and confirming the significance of effective pollutant removal strategies in wastewater treatment.

The Emotional Impact of Suicide Assessment: A Qualitative Study of Military Family Medicine Residents.

Assessing suicide risk in primary care settings has become standard practice; however, the emotional toll on medical providers remains understudied. This qualitative study examines the emotional impact of suicide assessments among family medicine residents. We conducted one-on-one, semistructured, in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of residents enrolled in a family medicine residency program at a US military installation. Employing an exploratory, qualitative research approach, we iteratively coded transcribed interviews for content and themes. For this study, we interviewed 15 family medicine residents spanning all three postgraduate year groups. The primary objective of the comprehensive study was to evaluate the confidence levels of family medicine residents in suicide risk screening, with the intent to identify educational gaps for improvement. However, unexpectedly, participants revealed their profound negative emotional responses during these assessments. The emotional impact of suicide risk assessment was the most frequently coded theme in the study, with participants noting six main emotional reactions to assessing suicide risk among their patients: fear, weariness, anxiety, shock, overwhelm, and inadequacy. Despite claims of emotional detachment, participants often expressed surprise and vulnerability when faced with suicidal patients. With suicide screening becoming increasingly vital in primary care, understanding and mitigating the emotional impact on physicians is essential. Future research should explore strategies to support medical providers in navigating these challenging interactions effectively for both the patients and themselves.

Efficient removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from wastewater using amidoxime functionalized graphene oxide

AbstractThis study aimed to develop iminodiethylamine oxime graphite oxide (IOGO) through the grafting of iminodiethylamine oxime onto graphene oxide (GO) via amidation and oximation. The primary objective was to investigate the adsorption characteristics of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions on IOGO. Results demonstrated that IOGO exhibited exceptional adsorption capabilities, reaching maximum adsorption capacities of 798.87 mg/g for Pb(II) and 283.50 mg/g for Cd(II). Remarkably, IOGO maintained its high adsorption performance over five consecutive adsorption cycles. Specifically, the adsorption capacity for Pb(II) remained significantly stable at 480.78 mg/g, exhibiting only an 8.77% decrease. Similarly, the Cd(II) adsorption capacity remained robust at 204.13 mg/g, demonstrating a modest reduction of 10.47%. These findings underscore the feasibility of employing IOGO in repeated adsorption processes, thereby showcasing its potential for practical applications in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions.

Invisible threats: An investigation of electrical hazards and safety practices among residential electricity consumers

Understanding electrical hazards and implementing safety measures is paramount to protecting lives and property. Therefore, this research investigates electrical hazards in households and safety measures taken by residents in Sokode–Etoe, Ghana. The primary objective is to identify gaps in knowledge regarding electrical hazards among domestic electricity consumers and offer recommendations to enhance safety and mitigate the risks. The data were systematically collected from 200 participants, including both homeowners and tenants, using a structured questionnaire. The results were presented using Likert scale analysis, sample t-test, binary logistic regression analysis, involving statistical hypothesis testing of predictor variable coefficients, Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). Participants showed a high awareness of electrical hazards, yet demonstrated a weaker grasp of safety practices, correct emergency procedures, and infrequent testing of wiring systems by homeowners. The predominant electrical accident that emerged was electrical shock. Most homeowners have not engaged certified electrical inspectors for a decade, reflecting uncertainty about the safety protocols in place. Furthermore, respondents expressed a degree of uncertainty regarding the safety measures implemented in their households concerning electricity usage. This study underscores the pressing need to raise awareness and promote safe electrical practices in residential environments. Such an educational initiative could utilize a variety of communication channels, social media influencers, renowned personalities, customised mobile applications and other platforms. This research stands out as the inaugural investigation offering a comprehensive examination of the hazards related to energy consumption and safety precautions in Ghana. It focuses on an often-overlooked demographic of electricity users in Ghana, shedding light on domestic electrical safety issues and the growing hazards.

The Impact of Remote Work Policies, Employee Mental Health Support, and Agile Project Management on Organizational Resilience

This study examines the impact of remote work policies, employee mental health support, and agile project management on organizational resilience. The primary objective is to qualitatively analyze the literature to understand how these practices contribute to building and sustaining resilience within organizations. The research employs a qualitative literature review methodology, synthesizing findings from academic articles, industry reports, case studies, and empirical studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between these factors and organizational resilience. The literature review methodology involves systematically collecting and analyzing scholarly sources that explore various aspects of remote work policies, employee mental health support, and agile project management. The study categorizes the literature into key themes, such as the benefits and challenges of remote work, the importance of mental health initiatives for employee well-being, and the effectiveness of agile methodologies in project management. Thematic analysis is used to identify patterns and trends in how these practices interact to enhance organizational resilience. The findings reveal that remote work policies, when effectively implemented, offer flexibility, improve work-life balance, and maintain productivity during disruptions. Employee mental health support, including counseling services, stress management programs, and fostering a supportive workplace culture, significantly enhances employee well-being and reduces burnout, contributing to overall organizational stability. Agile project management, characterized by its flexibility, iterative approach, and emphasis on collaboration, enables organizations to quickly adapt to changes and efficiently manage projects under varying conditions.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Asthma Severity and Medication Use.

Bariatric surgery improves many obesity-related comorbidities, yet the literature remains inconclusive on the impact of bariatric surgery on asthma. Our primary objective was to identify the long-term impact of bariatric surgery on asthma severity and medication use. A retrospective review was completed of all patients with a diagnosis of asthma who underwent bariatric surgery over 10years at a single institution. Primary outcomes were the number of asthma medications prescribed at five time points (preoperative, postoperative < 18months, 19-36months, 37-60months, 60 + months) after bariatric surgery. Secondary outcomes were spirometry results and BMI. There were 260 patients with 84.6% female predominance. There were 168 sleeve gastrectomy patients and 92 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. Mean age was 47.6 ± 10.7years, mean BMI was 46.0 ± 6.8kg/m2, and 54.2% were previous tobacco users. The total number of patients on two or more asthma medications decreased from 46% preoperatively to 41% at 18months, to 36% at 36months, and to 32% at 60months after surgery. The total number of patients free from asthma medication increased from 25% preoperatively to 33% at 60months postoperatively. Asthma medication use decreased in both surgery groups, and neither operation demonstrated superiority. No significant improvement nor differences were found between groups at any time point regarding FEV1/FVC ratio spirometry measures. Bariatric surgery reduces the use of medications taken for management of asthma. The amount of asthma medication usage decreases with time and is sustained at 60months after bariatric surgery.