Survey Program Research Articles

The utility of wastewater surveillance for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 prevalence

Abstract Public health authorities have increasingly used wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to monitor community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other agents. In this study, we evaluate the utility of WBE during the COVID-19 pandemic in England for estimating SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. We use wastewater data from the Environmental Monitoring for Health Protection program and prevalence data from the REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-1 study. Across the pandemic, we describe how wastewater-based modeling can achieve representative SARS-CoV-2 prevalence estimates in fine and coarse spatial resolutions for relatively short-time horizons (of up to 1 month), and thus assist in filling temporal gaps in surveillance. We infer a temporally evolving relationship between wastewater and prevalence which may limit the utility of WBE for estimating SARS-CoV-2 prevalence over longer time horizons without a concurrent prevalence survey. Exploring further our finding of time-varying, population-level fecal shedding, we characterize WBE for SARS-CoV-2 prevalence as (i) vaccination coverage dependent and (ii) variant- specific. Our research suggests that these factors are important considerations in future uses of WBE by public health authorities in infectious disease outbreaks. We further demonstrate that WBE can improve both the cost efficiency and accuracy of community prevalence surveys which on their own may have incomplete geographic coverage and/or small sample sizes. Therefore, in England, for the objective of high spatial resolution prevalence monitoring, strategic use of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentration data nationally could have enhanced, but not replaced, community prevalence survey programs.

Too rare to dare? Leveraging household surveys to boost research on climate migration

Abstract Nationally representative household surveys are a potential data source that could shed light on the climate–migration nexus. However, they are rarely designed specifically to measure or study migration and often lack the necessary features to identify connections with climate change. This paper offers a critical reflection on current challenges faced by multi-topic household surveys in responding to these needs while also highlighting the many opportunities embedded in their use. Using the Living Standards Measurement Study household survey programme of the World Bank as an example, this paper proposes a methodological agenda and practical guidance to address data gaps and advance research on climate migration.

Green momentum? An age-period-cohort analysis of support for the environmental movement in 24 countries

Over the past decade, the climate movement and especially action groups like Fridays for Future have been effective in raising awareness of environmental issues and mobilizing protesters, especially among younger age groups. However, it remains unclear whether this recent surge in activism reflects a broader societal shift or if this trend is primarily driven by younger generations. Using data from 24 countries that participated in waves three and four of the International Social Survey Programme Environment Module, this study employs, for the first time, an Age-Period-Cohort (APC) analysis of environmental Public-Sphere Behavior in an international comparative context. Based on Bayesian negative binominal multilevel models, the results provide empirical evidence for a period effect: PSB have indeed increased across generational cohorts and age groups.

Geographically weighted logistic regression model for identifying risk factors for malaria infection among under-5 children in Ghana

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly affecting children under-5 years of age due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Identifying the risk factors associated with malaria infection in this vulnerable group is crucial for improving policy formulation and creating effective training programs. However, there is limited information on how the relationship between malaria risk and associated factors varies across different regions, especially among children in Ghana. This is important because understanding these spatial variations can enhance targeted interventions including area remediation and resource allocation. To address this gap, a geographically weighted logistic regression (GWLR) model was developed to identify spatially varying risk factors for malaria infection among children under five in Ghana. The model was built on the premise that the relationship between malaria and potential risk factors is not uniform across geographic areas. Data from the Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey collected through the demographic and health survey program were used for analysis. The study found that the GWLR model fit the data better than the conventional binary logistic regression (BLR) model, based on the information criterion used and mode evaluation metrics. The results indicated that risk factors for malaria such as a child's age, anaemia status, dwellings sprayed, place of residence, electricity access, NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) coverage, age of the household head, and household wealth index, were non-stationary across the study area. These findings underscore the importance of spatially tailored interventions to reduce malaria risk in children under-5. The results contribute to the body of literature on malaria risk factors and provide valuable insights for Ghana's national malaria control policies, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of future public health strategies.

Can Social Policy Alleviate Loneliness Among Older Adults? A Comparative Analysis of OECD Countries

ABSTRACT Loneliness in old age is a multifaceted issue influenced by personal, social, and environmental factors, necessitating a holistic approach. However, most research has predominantly focused on individual-level risk factors, with limited attention given to institutional factors such as social policy. This study investigated how social policies impact loneliness among older adults. Multi-level analysis was conducted using data from the 2017 wave of International Social Survey Programme, involving 6,337 older adults from 23 OECD countries. The analysis revealed that higher public spending on welfare and old-age pensions significantly reduces the likelihood of loneliness among older adults. These findings confirm the protective role of generous social policies in addressing old-age loneliness. They underscore the need for long-term changes in welfare systems to enhance the public response to the significant social risk posed by old-age loneliness.

The Demographic Frame

The Demographic Frame is a comprehensive, secure, access-controlled database of person-level data consisting of demographic, social, and economic characteristics of individuals derived from census, survey, administrative, and third-party data sources. The Demographic Frame is facilitating innovations in data collection, processing, analyses, and products for census and survey programs.

Психологическое состояние российской студенческой молодежи в условиях кризиса: связь с культурным и политическим патриотизмом

<p>The analysis of markers and determinants of the current psychological state of Russian youth as a risk group with high probability of combined influence on its state of normative crisis of identity and complex external conditions is important and necessary. In the study we conducted a hierarchical regression analysis of the correlation between the severity of psychological trauma associated with the special military operation and with the perception of the future of Russia (dependent variables) and cultural and political patriotism and several control variables (predictors). University students from Moscow, Omsk, Penza, Saratov, Smolensk, Khabarovsk (718 Russian citizens ages 18 to 25, M=19,4; SD=1,46, 21,6% of men) participated in the study. Data were collected in October 2022. We used the Russian version of “International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ)” and questions from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP 2013). We found signs of psychological trauma in the third of respondents. The link between the psychological condition of students and cultural and political patriotism and some control variables has been revealed. Cultural patriotism, combined with a low level of political patriotism, has contributed to the psychological trauma of young people in the current crisis. Cultural patriotism combined with political patriotism is a factor of positiv perception of the future of Russia. Based on the results, we presented a portrait of student who is in great need of psychological help.</p>

Perceived income inequality, perceived unfairness and subjective social status in Europe

Abstract This article examines the relationship between perceived income inequality, the perceived unfairness of income distribution (discrepancy between an individual’s perceived and preferred levels of income inequality) and subjective social status. Using four waves of the ‘Social Inequality’ module of the International Social Survey Programme (28 European countries, 70 000 individuals) and an empirical strategy that controls for a rich set of objective measures of social status and the objective level of income inequality, the results show that both perceived inequality and perceived unfairness are negatively associated with subjective social status. Moreover, perceived unfairness moderates the relationship between perceived inequality and subjective social status. Specifically, the negative effects are larger for individuals who perceive high levels of unfairness than for those with lower levels of perceived unfairness. The analysis also provides evidence that the association between perceived inequality and subjective social status is stronger for individuals with lower income, lower education, and those living in Eastern European countries.

An integrated strategy for pathogen surveillance unveiled Xylella fastidiosa ST1 outbreak in hidden agricultural compartments in the Apulia region (Southern Italy)

AbstractAnnual surveillance programs for the plant pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa are implemented in Europe as part of the preventive phytosanitary strategies enforced to face the emergence of the detrimental infections reported in olives in southern Italy. The programs include inspections and sampling of host plants by prioritizing those showing suspicious symptoms or those known to be highly susceptible to different strains and subspecies of the bacterium. In the framework of these programs numerous outbreaks have been unraveled, with several strains and subspecies found to infect a relatively large host range in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Here we report the results of an integrated surveillance approach implemented in the Apulia Region (southern Italy), where a conventional survey program on host plants is complemented by monitoring and testing for X. fastidiosa the insect vectors. In the framework of this program, bacterium-positive spittlebugs were intercepted in the Xylella-free area of the region, close to one of the most relevant Italian table grape production district. Such findings prompted further investigation to identify the bacterial reservoir in the host plants. Almond and grapevine were found to be the most frequently infected hosts, with infections caused by isolates of X. fastidiosa subspecies fastidiosa ST1. Investigations are ongoing to assess the extent and history of the outbreak, to assess and estimate the potential impacts, and define the best options for its containment.

Effect of Open Market Operations on Income Inequality

Inequality is particularly relevant for public debates on the disaggregate implications of economic policies since they might have distinct effects across different segments of the population. Impact of monetary easing on inequality have recently attracted increasing attention especially in developing countries. This article examined the effect of open market operations on income inequality in Kenya. A quantitative research design method was adopted. The study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional data from the Kenya Continuous Household Survey Programme (KCHSP) for the years 2020 and 2021. Stepwise regression, forward selection model was executed with a threshold of 0.2. Further, the study was supported by Permanent Income Hypothesis, Kuznets Hypothesis and the modernization theory. Income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, was the dependent variable. Open market operations (repo, and reverse repo) was the independent variable in the model. The male headed households had a Gini coefficient of 0.58 while a Gini coefficient of 0.59 was attributed to female headed households, across the 47 counties. The results showed that open market operations (reverse repo) had a coefficient of 0.022, p=0.026< 0.05 which was positive and statistically significant at 5% level. The findings indicate that in order to effectively manage income inequality in the country, policymakers should adopt an interdisciplinary and multifaceted approach. This approach should take into account the differential impacts of various policy instruments on income distribution, with a particular focus on demographic segmentation. Additionally, policymakers should combine careful adjustments to monetary policy with targeted social and fiscal measures. These measures should be continuously informed by rigorous data analysis, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy.

Association between serum cotinine levels and urinary incontinence in adults in the United States: a population-based cross-sectional analysis

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure has been shown to be associated with a variety of diseases, but evidence regarding the association between it and urinary incontinence (UI) is limited. Cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine in the human body, can more accurately quantify the level of human exposure to tobacco smoke. The study utilized data from seven survey cycles (2007-March 2020 Pre-pandemic) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) program. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, interaction tests, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect models were used to analyze the relationship between serum cotinine and UI. Additionally, a 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to minimize the impact of confounding factors. Before and after PSM, serum cotinine levels were higher in individuals with UI than those without (P < 0.05). Both before and after PSM, UI was positively correlated with serum cotinine levels, with a significantly increased risk of urinary incontinence when serum cotinine levels were in the Q3 range (before PSM: OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.59–2.24; after PSM: OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.28-2.00). Smooth curve fitting before and after PSM showed an approximate J-shaped non-linear dose-response relationship between log-transformed serum cotinine levels and UI. This study indicates that among American adults, there is a positive relationship between serum cotinine levels and UI, which is also significant in self-reported non-smoking populations. Therefore, reducing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (e.g., avoiding second-hand smoke) in work and daily life may help alleviate the occurrence of UI, and serum cotinine levels have the potential to be a tool for predicting the degree of risk of developing UI.

Investigating the causal relationship between wealth index and ICT skills: a mediation analysis approach

This study examines the relationship between the wealth index (WI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills among women aged 15–49 in Bangladesh. The research aims to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between WI and ICT skills, while also examining how education mediates this relationship. Using the data from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) Program 2019, a two-stage stratified clustered sampling method yielded a sample of 64,378 women. The analysis employed inverse probability weighting (IPW) to assess the causal effect of WI on ICT skills while investigating the mediating role of education in this cause-and-effect relationship through causal mediation analysis. The findings demonstrate a significant relationship between higher economic status and increased ICT proficiency among women aged 15–49 in Bangladesh. Mediation analysis reveals education status as a significant mediator, indicating that educational attainment plays a vital role in linking wealth and ICT skills among women. Sensitivity analysis indicates the observed effect estimates are robust to unmeasured confounding. This research underscores the importance of economic empowerment and educational interventions in narrowing the digital divide and fostering ICT skills development among women, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.

Discovery of a Relativistic Stripped-envelope Type Ic-BL Supernova at z = 2.83 with JWST

Abstract We present James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRCam and NIRSpec observations of a Type Ic supernova (SN Ic) and its host galaxy (JADES-GS+53.13533-27.81457) at z = 2.83. This SN (named SN 2023adta) was identified in deep JWST/NIRCam imaging from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) program. Follow-up observations with JWST/NIRSpec provided a spectroscopic redshift of z = 2.83 and the classification as an SN Ic-BL. The light curve of SN 2023adta matches well with other stripped-envelope SNe, and we find a high peak luminosity, M V = −19.0 ± 0.2 mag, based on the distribution of best-fit SNe. The broad absorption features in its spectrum are consistent with other SNe Ic-BL 1–3 weeks after peak brightness. We measure a Ca ii near-IR triplet expansion velocity of 29,000 ± 2000 km s−1. The host galaxy of SN 2023adta is irregular, and modeling of its spectral energy distribution indicates a metallicity of Z = 0.35 − 0.08 + 0.16 Z ⊙ . This environment is consistent with the population of low-z SNe Ic-BL that prefer lower metallicities relative to other stripped-envelope SNe and track long-duration γ-ray burst environments. We do not identify any γ-ray bursts that are coincident with SN 2023adta. Given the rarity of SNe Ic-BL in the local Universe, the detection of an SN Ic-BL at z = 2.83 could indicate that their rates are enhanced at high redshift.

Identifying Predictors of Positive and Negative Affect at Mid-Deployment Among Military Medical Personnel.

Positive and negative affect influence an individual's ability to utilize available physical, psychological, and social resources to maximize responses to life events. Little research has examined the factors that influence the development of positive affect or reduction of negative affective responses among deployed military personnel. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between deployment-related stressors and symptoms of behavioral health concerns with affectivity among deployed U.S. service members. Participants were 1148 U.S. Air Force medical personnel deployed to Balad, Iraq, between 2004 and 2011. All participants completed self-report measures of PTSD symptoms, general military and combat exposure, stress, and affectivity. The Institutional Review Board at Wilford Hall Medical Center, the Air Force Personnel Survey Program, and the U.S. Army's Joint Combat Casualty Research Team reviewed and approved the study. Most respondents (89%, 1,018/1,139) reported a positive military experience, but many respondents reported exposure to a potentially traumatic event during deployment. For example, seeing dead or seriously injured Americans (47%, 523/1,123) was the most common exposure reported by participants. A large portion of personnel (21%, 232/1,089) reported clinical levels of PTSD symptoms (score of 33 or higher on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Military version). Risk factors, including PTSD symptoms, combat exposure, and stress, explained 39% of the variance in negative affect, R2 = 0.39, F(1046) = 224.96, P < .001. Conversely, these risk and resilience factors, including PTSD symptoms, combat exposure, stress, and general military experiences, explained 28% of the variance in positive affect, R2 = 0.28, F(1050) = 103.79, P < .001. No significant gender differences were found between models predicting positive and negative affect. Negative mood states may be partly an epiphenomenon of PTSD, which has been shown to be safely and effectively treated in the deployed environment. Social support during deployments is uniquely associated with a positive mood. These findings extend beyond the military and into any high-stress occupation wherein leaders could interpret these findings as a need to build or reinforce efforts to provide opportunities to sustain healthy relationships in personnel. These critical indigenous resources support mission readiness and enable the maintenance of positive psychological health.

Philaenus tesselatus (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), the main potential vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Morocco: seasonal abundance, phenology and host-plant colonization by nymphs

Summary The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa presents a potential risk to the Moroccan flora, particularly for the citrus, olive, almond and grapevine industries. Philaenus tesselatus, the meadow spittlebug, is the most important Moroccan spittlebug, though recorded with uneven occurrence and considered to be the main potential insect vector of X. fastidiosa. A three-year field survey (2019 to 2021) was conducted at three sites in the provinces of Larache and Kenitra in northwestern Morocco, to study seasonal abundance, phenology and host-plant colonization by nymphs. Philaenus tesselatus is a univoltine species. Nymphs occurred in groundcover from end of mid-March to mid-May, with abundance peaking between end of March and mid-May. Emergence of teneral adults occurred between April and May, depending on the year. Adults were present on ground vegetation from March until early August, with the highest abundances surveyed by sweep net in April, and occurred in canopy in low abundance between the end of May and mid-September, depending on site. Both nymphal and adult abundances were significantly higher in Larache than at the other two sites. Philaenus tesselatus, the meadow spittlebug, is a polyphagous species, recorded on nine botanical families of host plant species including Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae, Apiaceae, Primulaceae, Urticaceae, Papaveraceae and Malvaceae, and 37 host plant species, of which 29 were identified. The Asteraceae were best represented. Carduus pycnocephalus, Vulpia geniculata, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Cistus salviifolius were the most suitable for this spittlebug. Avena barbata, L. foemina, Scolymus hispanicus and S. oleraceus were dominant in the herbaceous layer. Philaenus tesselatus preferred to feed on the mid-section of the host plants. A single foam can host zero to five individuals, but foams with one or two nymphs were most frequent. Implications of our findings for the setting up of a survey program to control X. fastidiosa and its vectors in case the bacterium is introduced to Morocco are discussed.

Biased bivariate correlations in combined survey data measured with different instruments

Social scientists increasingly form composite datasets using data from different survey programs, which often use different single-question instruments to measure the same latent construct. This creates an obstacle when we want to run analyses using the combined data, since the scores measured with different instruments are not necessarily comparable. In this paper, we explore one consequence of such comparability problems. Specifically, we examine the case where instruments measuring the same construct have different item difficulties. This means if we applied the instruments to the same population, we would get different mean responses. If such mean differences are not mitigated before combining data, we introduce a mean bias into our composite data. Such mean bias has direct consequences for analyses based on the combined data. In data drawn from the same population, mean bias introduces error variance. In data drawn from different populations it would bias or even invert true population differences. However, in this paper I demonstrate that mean bias can also bias bivariate correlations if one or both variables in a composite dataset are subject to mean bias. If differences in item difficulty are not mitigated before combining data, we introduce a variant of Simpson’s paradox into our data: The bivariate correlation in each source survey might differ substantially from the correlation in the composite dataset. In a set of systematic simulations, I demonstrate this correlation bias effect and show how it changes depending on the mean biases in each variable and the strength of the underlying true correlation.

Factors influencing HIV testing uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa: a comprehensive multi-level analysis using demographic and health survey data (2015–2022)

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global health concern, causing over 35 million deaths, with 97% occurring in developing nations, particularly impacting Sub-Saharan Africa. While HIV testing is crucial for early treatment and prevention, existing research often focuses on specific groups, neglecting general adult testing rates. This study aims to identify predictors of HIV testing uptake among adults in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodData were obtained from the official Demographic and Health Survey program database, which used a multistage cluster sampling technique to collect the survey data. In this study, a weighted sample of 283,936 adults was included from thirteen Sub-Saharan African countries. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of HIV testing uptake. Akaike’s information criteria guided model selection. Adjusted odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals determined significant predictor variables.ResultAmong adults in Sub-Saharan African countries, the prevalence of HIV testing uptake was 65.01% [95% CI (64.84%, 65.17%)]. Influential factors included male sex [AOR: 0.51, 95% CI (0.49,0.53)], varying odds ratios across age groups (20–24 [AOR: 3.3, 95% CI (3.21, 3.46) ], 25–29 [AOR: 4.4, 95% CI (4.23, 4.65)], 30–34 [AOR: 4.6, 95%CI (4.40, 4.87)], 35–39 [AOR: 4.0, 95%CI (3.82, 4.24)], 40–44 [AOR: 3.7, 95%CI (3.50, 3.91)], 45–49 [AOR: 2.7, 95%CI (2.55, 2.87)], 50+ [AOR: 2.7, 95%CI (2.50, 2.92)]), marital status (married [AOR: 3.3, 95%CI (3.16, 3.46)], cohabiting [AOR: 3.1, 95% CI (2.91, 3.28)], widowed/separated/divorced [AOR: 3.4, 95%CI (3.22, 3.63)]), female household headship (AOR: 1.28, 95%CI (1.24, 1.33)), education levels (primary [AOR: 3.9, 95%CI (3.72, 4.07)], secondary [AOR: 5.4, 95%CI (5.16, 5.74)], higher [AOR: 8.0, 95%CI (7.27, 8.71)]), media exposure (AOR: 1.4, 95%CI (1.32, 1.43)), wealth index (middle [AOR: 1.20, 95%CI (1.17, 1.27)], richer [AOR: 1.50, 95%CI (1.45, 1.62)]), Having discriminatory attitudes towards PLWHIV [AOR: 0.4; 95% CI (0.33, 0.37)], had multiple sexual partners [AOR: 1.2; 95% CI (1.11, 1.28)], had comprehensive knowledge about HIV [AOR: 1.6; 95% CI (1.55, 1.67)], rural residence (AOR: 1.4, 95%CI (1.28, 1.45)), and lower community illiteracy (AOR: 1.4, 95%CI (1.31, 1.50)) significantly influenced HIV testing uptake in the region.ConclusionThis study highlights the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in HIV testing uptake among adults in Sub-Saharan Africa and progress towards the achievement of 95-95-95 targets by 2030. Thus, tailored interventions addressing key factors are crucial for enhancing testing accessibility and emphasizing awareness campaigns, easy service access, and targeted education efforts to improve early diagnosis, treatment, and HIV prevention in the region.

Discovery of an Apparent Red, High-velocity Type Ia Supernova at z = 2.9 with JWST

We present the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovery of SN 2023adsy, a transient object located in a host galaxy JADES-GS+53.13485−27.82088 with a host spectroscopic redshift of 2.903 ± 0.007. The transient was identified in deep (JWST)/NIRCam imaging from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) program. Photometric and spectroscopic follow-up with NIRCam and NIRSpec, respectively, confirm the redshift and yield UV-NIR light-curve, NIR color, and spectroscopic information all consistent with a Type Ia classification. Despite its classification as a likely SN Ia, SN 2023adsy is both fairly red (c ∼ 0.9) despite a host galaxy with low extinction and has a high Ca ii velocity (19,000 ± 2000 km s−1) compared to the general population of SNe Ia. While these characteristics are consistent with some Ca-rich SNe Ia, particularly SN 2016hnk, SN 2023adsy is intrinsically brighter than the low-z Ca-rich population. Although such an object is too red for any low-z cosmological sample, we apply a fiducial standardization approach to SN 2023adsy and find that the SN 2023adsy luminosity distance measurement is in excellent agreement (≲1σ) with ΛCDM. Therefore unlike low-z Ca-rich SNe Ia, SN 2023adsy is standardizable and gives no indication that SN Ia standardized luminosities change significantly with redshift. A larger sample of distant SNe Ia is required to determine if SN Ia population characteristics at high z truly diverge from their low-z counterparts and to confirm that standardized luminosities nevertheless remain constant with redshift.

Awareness of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as a Career Choice Among Dental Students: An Online Questionnaire Survey.

Most dental students are interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree after completing their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). Among the various specialties, oral surgery, which bridges the fields of medicine and dentistry, is the most attractive option for many young dental professionals. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing students' choices for postgraduation in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) towards this branch of dentistry. An online survey was conducted with 450 third- and final-year BDS students and interns from various dental colleges. The survey included a self-administered questionnaire designed to collect demographic information and insights into students' motivations and KAP regarding postgraduation in OMFS. The questionnaire was distributed via an internet-based survey program and shared through WhatsApp Messenger accompanied by a consent form. To determine the significance between variables, non-parametric test, such as the chi-square test, was employed. The KAP scores were calculated and represented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), and intergroup comparisons were performed using the two-way independent T-test (for two groups) and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (for three groups). The level of significance was set at P ≤0.05. The sample comprised 320 (71%) females and 130 (29%) males. A total of 285 (63.33%) respondents wanted to pursue postgraduation after BDS, whereas 130 (28.89%) did not. Long working hours, risk and liability, and lack of skills were the main reasons for not opting for postgraduation in OMFS as a career option. The primary reasons cited for choosing OMFS included better career prospects (75.08%%) and the influence of the mentor (59.65%). The main benefits of choosing postgraduation in OMFS were advanced skills (88.77%), and high earning (85.61%). The mean KAP scores were higher for government institutions in urban areas and for males. This study revealed that a substantial number of undergraduate dental students were inclined to specialize in OMFS after graduation. The combination of medicine and dentistry significantly influences the choice of OMFS as a career option.

First data on the occurrence and population dynamics of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Greece

AbstractSpodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly known as the fall armyworm, is one of the most serious pests of a wide range of plants including maize, soybean, cotton and rice. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the American continent and is considered as a quarantine pest for the European Union. Official surveys for the early detection of quarantine pests are performed annually in Greece. In the framework of that survey program, a network of pheromone traps for S. frugiperda has been established since 2019. From 2019 until 2022 no individuals of the pest were found in the traps. However, in autumn of 2023 the pest was first recorded in Greece. Male adults of the species were captured in those traps in seven regional units of south and central parts of Greece from September to December 2023. All the traps in which the pest was caught were placed in fields with Solanaceae plants, mainly tomatoes and eggplants. Moreover, larvae of the pest were also recorded in maize and tomato fields in Crete. From the collected data available it seems that the first adults caught in September most likely migrated to Greece from countries elsewhere in the region.