Short-term Solution Research Articles

Development and validation of presumptive spot test for the identification of z-drugs used in drug-facilitated crimes.

The significance and desire for preliminary testing approaches that are straightforward, quick, selective, affordable, and practical for use in the field are highlighted by the increasing enormous amounts of potentially illegal samples being seized worldwide. The "z-drugs," which include zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone, are non-benzodiazepine medications used to treat insomnia. z-drugs are short-term solutions for sleeplessness and anxiety but have a long history of abuse and misuse. The extensive list is primarily utilized for drug-facilitated crimes and drug dependence. The presumptive color spot test for z-drugs, such as zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone, has been created and validated in this study. In the preliminary identification of zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone, no color spot test has been documented as per the literature. The color spot test is the most essential and routinely used technique for identifying any unknown sample substance. The color test method was proven to provide high-quality, dependable presumptive test findings and satisfy standards for preliminary screening usage. Validation experiments demonstrate that, at room temperature, the color change is specific to the zolpidem, zopiclone, and eszopiclone classes and unaffected by the common cutting agent's presence. It was discovered that 5, 10, and 6ppm were the operational limit of detection of the sample present against the reagents 0.1% diphenyl carbazone, aqueous potassium iodoplatinate, and modified cobalt thiocyanate reagent, respectively. The color test is immediate and validated with other substances of a similar category and 10ppm was the operational limit of detection.

Evaluation of Recycled Tyre Steel Fibres Effectiveness on the Properties of Concrete

Disposal of tire waste is a difficult task because tires are generally indestructible and have long lifetimes. Tire waste is managed via short-term solutions such as storing or dumping in illegal landfills. Tire recycling is a process where tires are recycled for reuse in vehicles; however, the recycled tires are not suitable for reuse because their recovery is difficult owing to faults such as holes. Thus, tires are the most problematic and largest source of waste owing to their high production and durability. Several tire recycling techniques that take advantage of various tire components have been implemented. This study focuses on the utilization of solid steel fibers are incorporated into a concrete tire frame. This is done to assess how well fibers work with reinforced concrete’s design. Additionally, concrete’s compressive strength was evaluated three times (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%). The study’s findings are based on an examination of how tire-recycled steel fibers affect concrete strength and their use to enhance the strength of concrete. Concrete reinforcement with steel fibers results was compared with the traditional concrete reinforcement and it was found that the iron fibers present in the tires enhanced durability and strength of concrete.

Getting Past a Crisis Mentality

Abstract This opinion piece advocates for literature courses that examine the United States’ mental health crisis from the perspective of neurodiverse writers. This is not a short-term solution to the crisis, but over time courses can have a powerful impact on students’ attitudes toward and understanding of mental illness. Courses engaging in this work will advance the cause of social justice and the full inclusion of neurodiverse students and faculty in our classrooms and on our campuses.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOOD SECURITY

Climate change is often associated with the melting of polar ice caps or the potential extinction of certain species. However, its consequences are much more extensive and ominous than commonly understood. One of the critical implications of climate change is its detrimental effect on food production and supply, posing a significant threat to global food security. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, crop yields and productivity are increasingly compromised. This situation is exacerbated by the heightened likelihood and severity of adverse climate events and natural disasters. Furthermore, air pollution contributes to the decline in crop yields, particularly affecting staple foods like rice, soybeans, and wheat. Additionally, changing weather patterns intensify water scarcity, reduce livestock productivity, and impede food access and distribution. While short-term solutions can alleviate some of the pressure, a sustained global commitment is imperative to mitigate the effect of climate change on our food safety in the long run. Keywords: climate change, food security, forest ecosystem, agriculture, livestock

The Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Characterization of Domestic Wastewater in Adétikopé (Togo, West Africa)

Wastewater represents a health risk for the population. For sanitary safety, it is important to know its physico-chemical and microbiological qualities in order to better understand the risks incurred by the population. The aim of this study was to analyze Adétikopé’s domestic wastewater from a microbiological and physico-chemical standpoint. Twelve wastewater samples were taken in Adétikopé from December 2022 to February 2023. Physico-chemical parameters were determined in accordance with AFNOR and the French NF standard. In microbiology, AFNOR was used as a reference for the detection of germs contaminating wastewater. Results were assessed in relation to European Union Criteria 98/83/EC. The wastewater analyzed has a pH close to neutral, with an average pH of 7.05. The pollutant load generated ranged from 32 mG/L to 201 mg/L for BOD5, from 660 mG/L to 900 mG/L for COD and from 408 mG/L to 2080 mG/L for suspended solids. The highest levels of germs were detected in the samples taken, with values of 68,000 CFU/100 mL and 47,000 CFU/100 mL for thermotolerant coliforms and fecal streptococci, respectively. The results show that fecal contamination originates from both animal and human sources. Concentrations of fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci are very high, far exceeding WHO guidelines. While a short-term solution would be to disinfect household sanitation systems on a daily basis, in the long term, the construction of collective sanitation systems, backed up by environmental education, remains a sustainable solution for the health and safety of populations.

Nation branding and feminist diplomacy after crisis: France’s response to SEA allegations in Central African Republic

Abstract This article makes the case that gender and racial analyses of the constitutive interplay between nation branding and diplomacy advance understandings of how liberal states use feminist agendas in response to political crises. Adopting a feminist post-colonial approach and drawing on a discourse analysis of French diplomatic speeches made in the UN Security Council between July 2011 and January 2020, the article examines how male and female diplomats address France’s accountability failures when French peacekeepers sexually abused children in Central African Republic in 2014–15, widely known as the Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, or SEA crisis. Operating as embodied brand ambassadors, diplomats use affective and performative strategies to progress through the political crisis life cycle quickly and re-establish France’s ontological security. It is contended that while feminist foreign policy and feminist diplomacy serve as short-term solutions to reputational damage, France’s longer-term nation-branding project, which follows a masculine, white-supremacist neoliberal logic, stabilises the grand narrative of the middle power and its projected image as a legitimate strategic leader in global governance. Yet in attempting to control the narrative on the SEA crisis, French diplomats downplay the global crisis of accountability surrounding sexual exploitation and abuse and silence the personal crises of SEA survivors.

Stated Value, Renewed Commitment? Community and Technical Colleges’ Response to Racial (In)equities During COVID-19

ABSTRACT In this study, we interrogated the efforts adopted by community and technical colleges in a Midwestern state to address racial inequities since the onset of COVID-19. We analyzed such efforts reported in institutional newsletters and associated media through critical content analysis supported by text mining techniques. Our findings demonstrate a notable reckoning with racial inequities on the part of institutional leaders and stakeholders. However, many initiatives remain short-term solutions and are detached from a holistic equity focus. This study challenges community and technical college leadership to reimagine their policies, structures, and practices toward advancing racial equity.

Sowing Seeds of Sovereignty: A Qualitative Exploration of Chapter Leader Experiences Who Belong to an African, Caribbean, and Black Women's Agriculture Advocacy Collective.

African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) populations are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity since the COVID-19 pandemic, with reports including limited access to healthy, affordable, and available food resulting in the exacerbation of existing health disparities and poorer living conditions and environments. Many interventions addressing food insecurity among ACB populations incorporate downstream models that emphasize consumer-level solutions (e.g., food donation or assistance programs). While useful for developing short-term solutions, these approaches do not meaningfully engage broader structures and root-causes-and, in many ways, reify existing inequities among these populations. Missing from mainstream dialogue is how food insecurity inequities at the individual level are often generated at higher structural levels and the unique assets of a targeted community or population to grow/distribute their own food and restore frayed transnational cultural foodways. This paper documents a case study of an international, Black women-led agriculture education collective headquartered in the South-Central region of the United States. Drawing on in-depth interviews with affiliate chapter leaders in the United States, US Virgin Islands, and Africa (n = 22), the research investigates how chapter leaders describe unique opportunities and barriers to farming and developing food insecurity solutions. Emergent themes from the data analysis were: (1) diasporically linked barriers, (a) infrastructural/political barriers and (b) patriarchal barriers; (2) mobilizing strategies; and (3) cultural and context-specific solutions. Findings from this study contribute important insights for food security development research centering community-based and grassroots organizing models addressing inequities in food production and health.

Critical Analysis of Stakeholders in the Municipality of Tarija, Bolivia, in Search of Strategies for Adequate Water Governance to Implement Reverse Osmosis as an Alternative for Generating Safe Water for Its Inhabitants

The accelerated deterioration of water quality in the city of Tarija, Bolivia, has caused several water sources in the Municipality of Tarija to be discontinued due to the presence of toxic contaminants. The current water purification systems that are used in Tarija do not guarantee the elimination of heavy metals; in addition, political and social interest conflicts are a serious problem in the execution of projects and new public investment alternatives, with these being the main problems found in the sector. Reverse osmosis (RO) water purification technologies are one of the most effective contemporary alternatives for the elimination of contaminants in water, such as heavy metals; however, their application and implementation in countries with little or no experience in this type of technology require acceptance and knowledge on behalf of the interested parties. Political and social conflicts between interested parties generate scenarios that affect hydrological planning. Analysis of the actors in the urban and municipal sphere of the city of Tarija, Bolivia, provides a case study for adequate water governance and enabled us to come to a consensus for the implementation of RO. The results show 23 fundamental actors in water management in the Municipality of Tarija, with local actors being those with the greatest influence and power in decision-making. Our analysis of social networks showed an important polarization in the power of decision makers, with municipalities and legislative entities being those that decide on public investments. The interested parties showed considerable interest in the application of RO as a technology that can provide definitive, short-term solutions to the problems of water stress and the water crisis in the Municipality of Tarija and its application in small towns with a high level of social and environmental vulnerability.

Rainwater Harvesting at Universities. Case study: Valle de las Palmas

Rainwater harvesting systems have become a necessary strategy in universities to reduce water consumption and to achieve efficient use of water resources, particularly in semi-arid areas, where the use of these systems is ideal and innovative for sustainable water management. However, the design and implementation of these systems needs to be well planned and cost-effective as well as compliant of the needs of the specific college campus. This work proposes to implement this technology for the design of a rainwater harvesting system at the Valle de las Palmas academic unit: the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Sciences (FCITEC), in order to take advantage of the area’s Winter rainfall, and to be used on the landscape areas of the campus. There is evidence that certain universities have obtained significant savings and a decreasing demand for water from their municipal hydraulic networks, such as the Federal University of Pará, in Japan and the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil. The FCITEC is located in the municipality of Tijuana, Baja California; a region considered as semi-arid, with long drought periods, high temperatures and a short season of Winter rainfall. Baja California’s main source of water supply comes from the Colorado River, representing 80% of the state’s water supply while 20% comes from underground aquifers. Due to the limited rainfall in the Colorado River basin, water levels have dropped significantly in recent years, affecting the city of Tijuana since, during hot seasons, the public water system implemented rotation practices which provoked many neighborhoods to run out of water (including the FCITEC). Therefore, it is a priority to consider water collection systems to take advantage of winter rains as a sustainable and profitable short-term solution for water management in universities, thus reducing the demand for consumption from the water supply network and contributing to the environmental sustainability of water resources.

Evaluation of different designs for posterior cantilever zirconia inlay-retained fixed dental prostheses in missing tooth replacement: Stage one results with 18-month follow-up assessment

ObjectivesThis clinical study aimed to investigate the outcomes and survival rates of different variations of inlay-retained fixed dental prostheses (IR-FDPs) composed of monolithic zirconia ceramic. The IR-FDPs with a single-retainer design were used for replacing missing mandibular second premolars. The research evaluated the effectiveness and longevity of these prostheses in clinical settings. MethodsA total of 30 IR-FDPs (n = 30) were placed for 27 female patients who presented with missing mandibular second premolar teeth. For this study, the mandibular first molar was chosen as a retainer for the cantilever IR-FDPs and the study involved a random assignment of participants into three distinct groups, each comprising 10 individuals (n = 10). The criterion for the grouping was the retainer design: inlay ring (IR), lingual coverage (LC), and occlusal coverage (OC). The three groups included mesial inlay box with the same dimensions (3 mm height, 3 mm width and 2 mm depth). All IR-FDPs were manufactured using monolithic high translucent 3Y zirconia and the connector area to the cantilever pontic was adjusted to dimensions of 3 × 3 mm for all designs. The restorations were bonded using adhesive resin cement. The clinical and radiographic evaluations of the restorations were conducted for a duration of 18 months, following the modified FDI (World Dental Federation) criteria. ResultsThe restorations were observed in stage one for a period of 18 months. Only one restoration in group LC was debonded after 10 months and re-bonded. The clinical quality of all crowns and the patient's satisfaction were high. No adverse soft tissue reactions around the crowns were observed and only one abutment in group IR was endodontically treated after 12 months. ConclusionsZirconia cantilever IR-FDPs offer a viable short-term treatment option for replacing missing posterior teeth, providing esthetic and functional benefits while minimizing invasiveness. Over an 18-month observation period, these prostheses have demonstrated a remarkable survival rate of 100% and a success rate of 96.6%. These findings suggest the effectiveness and reliability of zirconia cantilever IR-FDPs as a short-term solution for replacing missing posterior teeth. Clinical significanceZirconia cantilever IR-FDPs could present a practical solution for addressing posterior tooth loss, especially in cases where implant placement is not recommended and conventional fixed dental prostheses entail excessive invasiveness.

GRAY LEADS TO GREEN IN THE BLUE: BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE TO ENHANCE COASTAL HABITAT

Structures that are used to build and protect coastal habitats and properties are often referred to as gray infrastructure, distinct from the green infrastructure provided by nature. This green infrastructure includes natural habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, shellfish reefs, saltmarshes, and seagrasses - all of which have been demonstrated to maintain shorelines, balance hydrology, buffer land from storms, improve water quality, and provide recreational and aesthetical values. Concerns arise when built infrastructure damages such beneficial habitats, as can happen if designs are inadequate or poorly planned. The result is that much of the current narrative around gray/green infrastructure has created a false and dangerous dichotomy: green infrastructure is labelled a ‘nature-based solution’, while gray infrastructure is portrayed or perceived by certain stakeholders as the opposite (sometimes implying that engineered solutions are not long-term solutions at all, but rather short-term solutions that can pose long-term problems). Coastal structures can stabilize shorelines, prevent erosion, and create space for colonization by mangroves, seagrasses, corals, and other foundational marine species. The structures themselves can contribute to improving water quality, creating the enabling conditions for ecosystem recovery.

I thought we tested that!: Lessons learned from a team communications field study

This paper presents practical lessons learned for conducting field research based on challenges faced during a complex field study. Communication between soldiers was captured via audio recorders as Army squads conducted simulated battle drills. The communication data provided critical information regarding squad performance in a realistic context that would not have been obtainable in a lab environment. The field study, despite intensive preparation, presented unforeseen issues requiring both short-term and long-term solutions. Issues were encountered with the environment, data collection, and data handling, which were able to be dealt with in real-time because we were adequately prepared. Preparations, challenges with specific examples, and universal lessons learned that can be applied to other field studies are discussed.

From risk to resilience: Impact of solution focused coaching on teacher efficacy in supporting children with speech, language and communication needs

Research into supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) has primarily focused on risk factors and deficit-based interventions. Studies are beginning to highlight the importance of protective factors that mitigate risks of SLCN, including supportive school environments that foster resilience. Teacher efficacy is an important consideration in fostering supportive environments for children. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the impact of short-term solution focused group SLCN coaching on teacher efficacy. The research employed a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test control group design. Sixty-two primary school teachers participated in the study, of which 37 attended a two-sessional solution focused coaching intervention and a non-equivalent control group consisted of 25 teachers. Measures of teacher efficacy were obtained pre- and post-intervention. The paired sample t-test results demonstrated an increase in student engagement in the intervention group compared to the control group, but not for overall efficacy score and instructional strategies/classroom management. No statistically significant differences were found in the control group. Coaching teachers to identify strengths, resources and what’s already working for children with SLCN fosters a more holistic, resilience-oriented focus and facilitates student engagement.

Decarbonizing aviation: The roles of sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen fuel

As the aviation sector is projected to continue growing in the coming decades, so too are its greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts. Improvements to the efficiency of jet fuel-powered airplanes have dominated past emissions reduction efforts, but increasingly diminishing efficiency improvements now motivate the transition to alternative fuels. This article reviews two major classes of such fuels. Sustainable aviation fuels encompass a broad array of drop-in fuels with operational similarities to traditional jet fuel that show promise as a short-term solution. Hydrogen fuel shows promise as a long-term, carbon-free fuel, requiring more technology development and infrastructure changes. This article also presents an overview of the policy actions undertaken to aid both immediate and future deployment of these alternative fuels toward decarbonizing aviation.

How do industrialization and agricultural land use affect urban population in Turkey? Policy implications in the context of SDGs

Urban population growth in Turkey has been increasing rapidly since the middle of the 20th century. The escalating population, particularly in urban regions, has emerged as a critical challenge in achieving sustainable urban management. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2, 9, and 11 present various avenues for governments to adress this predicament. This study employs the framework of multiple stream model, offering a valuable lens through which policies can identify opportune moments for policy implementation. The study examines the impact of industrialization and agricultural land use on the country's urban population while identifying potential opportunities for enhancing sustainable urban management in alignment with the SDGs. Subsequently, it critically examines the asymmetrical effects of these two significant factors on the urban population, formulating policy recommendations based on the empirical findings. The study concludes by stressing the significance of prioritizing sustainable, long-term agricultural and industrialization policies outlined in national policy documents rather than relying on short-term and temporary solutions.

Current and Historical Genetic Variability of Native Brown Trout Populations in a Southern Alpine Ecosystem: Implications for Future Management

The highly polymorphic taxon European brown trout (genus Salmo) has high phenotypic plasticity, displaying a complex pattern of morphological and life-history variation, contributing to taxonomic confusion. Three main mitochondrial lineages (Adriatic, Mediterranean, and marmoratus) developed during the Pleistocene climatic events in the southern Alpine ecosystem. Here, the natural distribution of native brown trout S. trutta is controversial, complicated by introductions of the Atlantic strain. By investigating museum vouchers, this study aimed to retrace the historical presence of brown trout in the southern Alpine ecosystem before the beginning of mass introductions, which occurred since the middle of the 19th century. By examining the combination of historical and current genetic variability, this study aims to depict the actual impact of introductions of the introduced strain, increasing knowledge and informing conservation strategies and future management plans. The molecular approaches selected were: (i) sequencing of the mitochondrial control region and (ii) genotyping of the nuclear gene LDH-C1*. Vouchers dated the presence of the native Adriatic strain since 1821, while current genetic variability showed the widespread signature of introgression, a consequence of several decades of introductions. Focused plans to preserve local lineages are urgently needed, including short-term solution to avoid complete pauperization of this ecosystem.

Expressive Interviewing Agents to Support Health-Related Behavior Change: Randomized Controlled Study of COVID-19 Behaviors.

Expressive writing and motivational interviewing are well-known approaches to help patients cope with stressful life events. Although these methods are often applied by human counselors, it is less well understood if an automated artificial intelligence approach can benefit patients. Providing an automated method would help expose a wider range of people to the possible benefits of motivational interviewing, with lower cost and more adaptability to sudden events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents an automated writing system and evaluates possible outcomes among participants with respect to behavior related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We developed a rule-based dialogue system for "Expressive Interviewing" to elicit writing from participants on the subject of how COVID-19 has impacted their lives. The system prompts participants to describe their life experiences and emotions and provides topic-specific prompts in response to participants' use of topical keywords. In May 2021 and June 2021, we recruited participants (N=151) via Prolific to complete either the Expressive Interviewing task or a control task. We surveyed participants immediately before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and again 2 weeks after the intervention. We measured participants' self-reported stress, general mental health, COVID-19-related health behavior, and social behavior. Participants generally wrote long responses during the task (53.3 words per response). In aggregate, task participants experienced a significant decrease in stress in the short term (~23% decrease, P<.001) and a slight difference in social activity compared with the control group (P=.03). No significant differences in short-term or long-term outcomes were detected between participant subgroups (eg, male versus female participants) except for some within-condition differences by ethnicity (eg, higher social activity among African American people participating in Expressive Interviewing vs participants of other ethnicities). For short-term effects, participants showed different outcomes based on their writing. Using more anxiety-related words was correlated with a greater short-term decrease in stress (r=-0.264, P<.001), and using more positive emotion words was correlated with a more meaningful experience (r=0.243, P=.001). As for long-term effects, writing with more lexical diversity was correlated with an increase in social activity (r=0.266, P<.001). Expressive Interviewing participants exhibited short-term, but not long-term, positive changes in mental health, and some linguistic metrics of writing style were correlated with positive change in behavior. Although there were no significant long-term effects observed, the positive short-term effects suggest that the Expressive Interviewing intervention could be used in cases in which a patient lacks access to traditional therapy and needs a short-term solution. Clincaltrials.gov NCT05949840; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05949840.

An insight into environmental footprints of emerging air-conditioning systems towards sustainable cities

In this study, the environmental impacts of six conventional and modern air conditioning systems, including vapor-compression air conditioning (VAC), hybrid membrane-based air conditioning (HMBAC), desiccant enhanced evaporative air conditioning (DEVap), solar HMBAC, solar DEVap, and inverter VAC, are analyzed using a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The assessment is based on climate change, ozone depletion, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, human toxicity, photochemical oxidant formation, ecotoxicity, water depletion, and fossil fuel depletion impacts. The LCA findings reveal that membrane-based systems (HMBAC and DEVap) are highly environmentally-friendly in comparison to the regular VAC systems (household split coolers), showing the capability of membranes in developing efficient air conditioning systems. In addition, solar-assisted systems reduce seven out of eleven environmental impacts, while they cause severe eutrophication, marine and freshwater ecotoxicity, and human toxicity consequences. Furthermore, it is unveiled that the inverter can reduce up to 38% of the environmental impacts of VAC systems which are the most common air conditioning system in buildings. Therefore, the manipulation of the inverter system in VACs can be considered as one of the short-term solutions in reducing the environmental footprints of air conditioning. Finally, the sensitivity analysis is applied to show the reliability of the outcomes.

Remediation of Heavy Metal (Cu, Pb) Contaminated Fine Soil Using Stabilization with Limestone and Livestock Bone Powder

Soil environments contaminated with heavy metals by typhoon flooding require immediate remediation. High-pressure soil washing using water could be a viable short-term solution for cleaning soil contaminated with heavy metals. Soil washing employing high-pressure generates heavy metal contaminated fine soil and wastewater. This contaminated fine soil cannot be reused without proper treatment because of the high levels of heavy metal contamination. Stabilization was used for immobilizing heavy metals (Cu, Pb) in the contaminated fine soil. The stabilizing agents used for immobilizing heavy metals (Cu, Pb) in the contaminated fine soil included two types of limestone (Ca-LS and Mg-LS) and livestock bone powder (LSBP). The Ca-LS, Mg-LS, and LSBP were applied to the contaminated fine soil at dosages in the range of 2 wt%~10 wt%. Two different particle sizes (-#10 vs. -#20 mesh) and curing times (1 week vs. 4 weeks) were used to compare the effectiveness of the stabilization. Extractions using 0.1 N HCl were conducted to evaluate the stabilization effectiveness. Heavy metal leachability was significantly decreased with higher Ca-LS and LSBP dosages. The LSBP treatment was more effective than the Ca-LS and Mg-LS treatments and the Mg-LS showed the poorest performance. The highest degree of immobilization was attained using a 10 wt% LSBP (-#20 mesh), resulting in an approximate leachability reduction of 99% for Pb and 92% for Cu. The -#20 mesh material and 4 weeks of curing were more effective than the -#10 mesh material and 1 week of curing, respectively. The SEM-EDX results showed that metal precipitates and pyromorphite like phases could be responsible for effective heavy metal immobilization. This study suggests that Ca-LS and LSBP used at an optimum dosage can be effective stabilizing agents for immobilizing Cu and Pb in contaminated fine soils.