Mapping Tool Research Articles

First Extragalactic Detection of Thermal Hydroxyl (OH) 18 cm Emission in M31 Reveals Abundant CO-faint Molecular Gas

The most abundant interstellar molecule, molecular hydrogen (H2), is practically invisible in cold molecular clouds. Astronomers typically use carbon monoxide (CO) to trace the bulk distribution and mass of H2 in our galaxy and many others. CO observations alone fail to trace a significant component of molecular gas known as “CO-dark” molecular gas, which can be probed with molecules such as OH and CH. We present an extremely sensitive pilot search for the 18 cm hydroxyl (OH) lines in the Andromeda galaxy (M31) with the 100 m Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope. We successfully detected the 1665 and 1667 MHz OH lines in faint emission. The 1665/1667 MHz line ratio displays the characteristic 5:9 ratio predicted under conditions of local thermodynamic equilibrium. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of nonmaser 18 cm OH emission in another galaxy. We compare our OH and H i observations with archival CO (1–0) observations. Our OH detection position overlaps with the previously discovered Arp Outer Arm in CO. Our best estimates show that the amount of H2 traced by OH is 100%–140% higher than the amount traced by CO in this sight line. The amount of dark molecular gas implied by dust data supports this conclusion. We conclude that the 18 cm OH lines hold promise as a valuable tool for mapping of the “CO-dark” and “CO-faint” molecular gas phase in nearby galaxies, especially with upcoming multibeam, phased-array feed receivers on radio telescopes, which will allow for drastically improved mapping speeds of faint signals.

Designing PEDOT: PSS/Si hybrid solar cells via numerical simulation: optimum selection of the absorber and hole transport layer thickness and defect density

Numerical investigation of PEDOT: PSS/Si heterostructures was carried out using solar cell capacitance simulation (SCAPS 1D) in which experimentally observed absorbance of PEDOT: PSS was incorporated. The defect density of PEDOT: PSS, the defect density of n-Si, and the donor doping density of n-type silicon wafer were investigated based on the optimized absorption coefficient of n-type silicon wafer. The optimized value of PEDOT: PSS thickness, doping density, and the defect density of both PEDOT: PSS and n-Si were determined. The contour colour mapping tool was used to predict the efficiency region of the heterojunction solar cell. 21.2% efficient PEDOT: PSS/n-Si hybrid solar cells resulted after optimizing the parameters.

Structural variants in linkage disequilibrium with GWAS-significant SNPs

With the recent expansion of structural variant identification in the human genome, understanding the role of these impactful variants in disease architecture is critically important. Currently, a large proportion of genome-wide-significant genome-wide association study (GWAS) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are functionally unresolved, raising the possibility that some of these SNPs are associated with disease through linkage disequilibrium with causal structural variants. Hence, understanding the linkage disequilibrium between newly discovered structural variants and statistically significant SNPs may provide a resource for further investigation into disease-associated regions in the genome. Here we present a resource cataloging structural variant-significant SNP pairs in high linkage disequilibrium. The database is composed of (i) SNPs that have exhibited genome-wide significant association with traits, primarily disease phenotypes, (ii) newly released structural variants (SVs), and (iii) linkage disequilibrium values calculated from unphased data. All data files including those detailing SV and GWAS SNP associations and results of GWAS-SNP-SV pairs are available at the SV-SNP LD Database and can be accessed at ‵https://github.com/hliang-SchrodiLab/SV_SNPs. Our analysis results represent a useful fine mapping tool for interrogating SVs in linkage disequilibrium with disease-associated SNPs. We anticipate that this resource may play an important role in subsequent studies which investigate incorporating disease causing SVs into disease risk prediction models.

Identification of reentry vulnerable targets during substrate mapping for ablation in scar related VT: the "visual" reentry vulnerability index

Abstract Introduction Conduction abnormalities including zones of deceleration (DZ) & late activation are functionally important targets for ablation in scar-related ventricular tachycardias (VT). Repolarisation heterogeneities are equally important but are not routinely assessed. Visualisation of a combination of both conduction & repolarisation metrics whilst in sinus in the form of a re-entry vulnerability index (RVI) may enable more precise identification of critical ablation targets. Rationale: To test accuracy of a novel functional substrate mapping strategy combining conduction & repolarisation metrics to "visually" estimate reentry vulnerability sites (RVIv) during scar related VT ablation without the need for offline processing required for "computational" RVI. Methods VT cases using a multipolar grid-catheter for contact mapping were reviewed. DZ &areas of late activation were tagged on omnipolar LAT substrate maps. The corresponding unipolar repolarisation maps depicting local repolarisation time (LRT) based on the Wyatt method (WOI over T-Wave annotating to +dV/dt, UEGM-Filter 0.05-100Hz) were then displayed side-by-side with the LAT map. Timing reference was set to onset of surface QRS. Colour scale of LRT maps was set to start at or ahead of the timing of latest LAT. "Visual RVI" zones were identified if the tagged zone of late activation was overlapping and/or directly adjacent to an area of "early" repolarisation (defined as before or within 100ms of latest LAT point) based on colour. In visually identified RVI areas, temporal (timing difference in ms) & spatial relationship (distance in mm) of EGMs with earliest RT (RTe) to EGM with latest AT (ATL) separated by max. 20mm were measured & RVI calculated (RTe subtracted by ATL). Number of RVIv zones per map, RVI metrics & distance from closest RVI to VT Exit site (defined per activation±entrainment or pace mapping) were assessed. The lower/negative the numeric RVI, the higher the vulnerability for reentry. Results 20 patients with scar-related reentry VT were included (90% male, 63.8±11.6 years, LVEF 36±16%, 60% ischemic/40% non-ischemic). LAT & LRT map point counts were 4835±2625 and 3596±2805. In 17 (85%) patients at least 1 RVIv zone was identified, with on avg. 3.3±1.7 RVIv zones/patient. Manual RVIs were calculated to 10.4±78.9ms ( "most vulnerable" RVI was -227ms) with on avg. 9.5±5.3mm distance between RTe & ATL. All maps with no RVIv zone on the mapped surface were of non-ischemic etiology. The shortest distance of RVIs to functionally critical sites during VT was 8.9±7.4mm (range 0-33mm). Conclusion Visual reentry vulnerability estimation based on a combination of established conduction and novel repolarisation maps is feasible & may help to identify functionally critical zones during substrate mapping. Future efforts should include dedicated automated repolarisation mapping tools to facilitate integration of repolarisation dynamics in functional VT substrate mapping workflows.Figure 1Example Visual RVI Mapping

Anatomic-guided ablation of the right ganglionated plexi validated by the automatic fractionation map

Abstract Background and aim Cardiac autonomic modulation through endocardial ablation of atrial ganglionated plexi (GP) is an alternative strategy in selected patients with severe vagal induced bradyarrhythmias. A strictly anatomical approach targeting the right GPs has demonstrated good success rates but is an empirical approach and has yet to be validated. The presence of fractionated electrograms has been associated with the areas of GPs and can be automatically mapped (fractionation map). The aim of this study was to compare the empirical ablated area, to the automatically assessed area of GPs based on the presence of fractionated electrograms (FEs). Methods We studied eight consecutive patients referred for parasympathetic modulation. A high-density map of the left and right atria (LA, RA) in sinus rhythm was performed. The settings for the automatic map were as follows: bipolar high pass filter of 500 Hz, a fractionation threshold of 4, and a width of 5 ms. The ablation was empirically performed by an operator blinded to the results of the fractionation map, as per site protocol. The ablation was aimed at the anatomic locations of the right GPs in the LA and RA. At the anterior and inferior aspect of the right superior pulmonary vein and inferior aspect of the right inferior pulmonary vein on the LA, and posterior RA opposite to the LA RF applications and around the coronary sinus ostium on the RA (Figure). Before ablation, 2 mg of atropine was administered in bolus, and the increase in heart rate was registered and repeated at the end of the procedure. After the operator completed the ablation, access to the fractionation map was available, and additional radiofrequency (RF) applications were applied as needed (Figure). The number of additional RF applications to cover all the areas with FEs was assessed. Success was defined as an absence of response to atropine after the procedure. Results Three patients underwent autonomic system modulation only, and five underwent additional pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The mean age was 66 (50-77) years, five males. The median mapping time of the LA and RA was 11 (17-7) and 14 (9-18) min. All patients underwent successful parasympathetic modulation. The initial median (Q1-Q3) increase in heart rate with atropine was 34 (23-39)% versus 0 (0-2)% after ablation, p=0.012. The differences between empiric and FEs map-guided ablation are depicted in the Table. The additional number of points was low. However, a median of 9 (5-15) additional points were added. Conclusions A purely anatomic-guided procedure directed only at the atrial right GPs is usually enough as a therapeutic approach for cardiac autonomic modulation, however, the fractionation map tool helped validate the method and ensure success at the first pass.

Significance of Coherent Mapping in unveiling slow conduction zones of ventricular tachycardia substrate in ischemic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Introduction Ventricular tachycardia (VT) presents a formidable challenge, particularly in cases with extensive myocardial scar tissue, complicating critical ablation site identification. Prolonged interventions not only extend procedural durations but also heighten the risk of complications. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of coherent mapping techniques in precisely locating regions of slow conduction within scar tissue and explored potential correlations with electrophysiological markers in scar-related VT. Methods Seventeen patients (mean age: 61.6 ± 9.2 years, mean EF: 28 ± 9%) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and frequent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks underwent high-density (>2000 points) left ventricular (LV) substrate mapping (15 endo, 2 epicardial) during sinus or right ventricular (RV) pacing and ablation. Coherent mapping tool was utilized for the identification of slow conduction, demonstrated by vector thickening. Bipolar low voltage areas (LVAs) below 0.5 mV were defined as dense scar, and bipolar voltage between 0.5 and 1.5 mV was defined as the border zone (Figure, panel A). Late potentials (LPs) and local abnormal ventricular activities (LAVA) were manually identified and tagged. Isochronal late activation mapping (ILAM) was also performed to elucidate the functional properties of the substrate (Figure, Panel B). Results LPs and LAVA were identified in all cases, with a mean number of LPs being 10.0 ± 7.1. Of these, 14/17 cases had LPs located in dense scar, while 4/17 cases had LPs in the border zone. The mean area of LAVA was 9.9 ± 7.7 mm², located in dense scar in 6/17 cases and in the border zone in 15/17 cases. Average deceleration zones (DZ, >3 isochrones in 1 cm radius) identified by ILAM was 2 ± 1. Coherent mapping consistently identified slow conduction zones adjacent to LVA in all cases, with these coherent map-based slow conduction zones (CM-SCZ) located in dense scar in 3/17 cases and in the border zone in 14/17 cases. The distance of CM-SCZ to LPs was 12.6 ± 13.9 mm (in 4 cases, LPs were recorded on the spot), and the distance to LAVAs was 18.8 ± 13.7 mm (in 2 cases, LAVAs were recorded on the spot). CM-SCZ was colocalized with DZ in 14/17 of the patients. Ablation lesions covered CM-SCZ in 10/17 cases. Over a mean follow-up duration of 11 ± 6.5 months, 4 patients experienced VT recurrence, with 3 having no ablation lesions covering CM-SCZ, and 2 patients died due to pump failure. Conclusion This study underscores the significance of coherent mapping in refining the understanding of VT substrate in ICM. Identifying and ablating CM-SCZ during substrate-based mapping may provide a potential additional benefit for VT ablation. Nevertheless, larger studies are needed to clarify the prognostic significance and validate the clinical benefits of this approach.Figure 1

Barriers to help-seeking for postpartum depression mapped onto the socio-ecological model and recommendations to address barriers

Postpartum depression affects nearly a quarter of women up to a year after childbirth. Although it is treatable, significant barriers to help-seeking prevent women from being treated. This paper assesses key literature on the barriers for help-seeking among women with postpartum depression. The barriers identified have been mapped onto the socio-ecological model in addition to potential recommendations that professionals can use to address barriers on individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and societal levels. The recommendations provided are meant to serve as leverage points for professionals in efforts to create appropriate support and interventions. As such, this paper serves as a mapping tool for healthcare and public health professionals to assess obstacles to women's help-seeking and to guide multi-pronged interventions on various levels of the socio-ecological model that may increase help-seeking among women with postpartum depression. Holistically and comprehensively providing support to women will require significant effort throughout all sectors of society as opposed to isolated, siloed interventions.

Seismic moment tensor solutions and geophysical settings in the Philippine Sea basin mapped by GMT

The study is focused on mapping geophysical settings on the margins of the Philippine Sea Plate (PSP). Active volcanism and seismic situation along the margins of the Philippine Sea Basin (PSB) shows earthquake events demonstrating high seismicity of the region caused by tectonic plate subduction. The aim was to perform cartographic mapping of the earthquake events using Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) modules, to analyze seismic situation through visualization of the geophysical datasets. The data was processed by GMT using multi-source data: GEBCO, CMT and ISC seismic data. Technically, a set of GMT modules was used ('psmeca', 'psvelo', 'grdtrack', 'grdimage') for data modelling and mapping. An application of GMT functionality is presented by selected code snippets with selected code snippets for 'psmeca' and 'psvelo', 'img2grd', 'img2grd' modules. Current paper presents a report on the cartographic techniques applied for geophysical mapping. Centroid moment tensor solutions are visualized for shallow depth earthquakes of Mw <10 along the PSB margins from 1976 to 2010. Earthquakes along the tectonic plate subduction zone are shown by GMT. Data from Global Centroid-Moment-Tensor (CMT) Project. Presented and explained GMT code snippets contribute to the development of methods in geological mapping using GMT scripting toolset, for visualizing focal mechanisms.

MANGLEE: A Tool for Mapping and Monitoring MANgrove Ecosystem on Google Earth Engine—A Case Study in Ecuador

Mangroves, integral to ecological balance and socioeconomic well-being, are facing a concerning decline worldwide. Remote sensing is essential for monitoring their evolution, yet its effectiveness is hindered in developing countries by economic and technical constraints. In addressing this issue, this paper introduces MANGLEE (Mangrove Mapping and Monitoring Tool in Google Earth Engine), an accessible, adaptable, and multipurpose tool designed to address the challenges associated with sustainable mangrove management. Leveraging remote sensing data, machine learning techniques (Random Forest), and change detection methods, MANGLEE consists of three independent modules. The first module acquires, processes, and calculates indices of optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, enhancing tracking capabilities in the presence of atmospheric interferences. The second module employs Random Forest to classify mangrove and non-mangrove areas, providing accurate binary maps. The third module identifies changes between two-time mangrove maps, categorizing alterations as losses or gains. To validate MANGLEE’s effectiveness, we conducted a case study in the mangroves of Guayas, Ecuador, a region historically threatened by shrimp farming. Utilizing data from 2018 to 2022, our findings reveal a significant loss of over 2900 hectares, with 46% occurring in legally protected areas. This loss corresponds to the rapid expansion of Ecuador’s shrimp industry, confirming the tool’s efficacy in monitoring mangroves despite cloud cover challenges. MANGLEE demonstrates its potential as a valuable tool for mangrove monitoring, offering insights essential for conservation, management plans, and decision-making processes. Remarkably, it facilitates equal access and the optimal utilization of resources, contributing significantly to the preservation of coastal ecosystems.

Automated Mapping Tool from Moise+ to Colored Petri Nets

The demand for systems incorporating artificial intelligence, such as multi-agent systems, is continually increasing. Simultaneously, there is a growing need for developing tools to support this field, ensuring better fault tolerance within projects. This is particularly crucial given that these systems possess characteristics that render them non-deterministic, thereby amplifying the challenge of conducting tests. To address this challenge, a mapping tool has been developed. This tool automatically generates a graphical model, facilitating the identification of test paths for a given multi-agent system. It operates by taking an XML file from Moise+, an organizational model for multi-agent systems, and translates it into a colored Petri net. The resulting mapping serves as a foundation for generating test cases essential for validating the Moise+ model, guiding system testing. Automation streamlines the process, enhancing speed, and eliminating the potential for human error.

Semi-automated approach towards efficient HD Maps generation and verification with Lanelet2 formats

Abstract. HD Maps (High-Definition Maps) serve as crucial resources for the domain of autonomous vehicle. Because HD Maps can provide detailed and accurate road information, the generation of HD Maps has been a labour-intensive and high cost. This research presents an innovative and semi-automated approach for efficient HD Maps generation by using assure mapping tool with deep learning techniques and mobile laser scanned point cloud geometry. The proposed method starts with data collection from various sources such as images, LiDAR point clouds, and integrated INS/GNSS trajectory data. These data are labelled by using a pre-trained model. After finishing post-labelling, these data are subjected to deep learning training by using VoxelNet and Yolact++ framework and leading to the generation of an AI model. The tool effectively recognizes and categorizes features such as road surface markings, traffic signs, and traffic lights, which can be further expanded as per requirements. Finally, the output format can be converted to OpenDRIVE, Lanelet2, and other else. Hence, the extracted lane lines can compare to the manual mapping data for verifying the accuracy. This study demonstrates that the proposed approach can be instrumental in streamlining the HD Maps generation procedure, reducing manual labour, and enhancing efficiency. The assure mapping tool proves to be an effective instrument, particularly when powered by deep learning algorithms and point cloud geometries, in the creation of reliable, comprehensive, and application-ready HD Maps.

PRISMA Hyperspectral Satellite Imagery Application to Local Climate Zones Mapping

Abstract. The urban heat island effect exacerbates the vulnerability of cities to climate change, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban planning driven by data evidence. In the last decade, the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) model emerged as a key tool for categorizing urban landscapes, aiding in the development of urban temperature mitigation strategies. In this work, the contribution of hyperspectral satellite imagery to LCZ mapping, leveraging the Italian Space Agency (ASI)’s PRISMA satellite, is investigated. Mapping performances are compared with traditional multispectral-based LCZ mapping using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. The Random Forest algorithm is utilized for LCZ classification, with evaluation conducted through spectral separability analysis and accuracy assessment between PRISMA and Sentinel-2 derived LCZ maps as well as with the benchmark LCZ Generator mapping tool. An initial experiment on the effect of PRISMA image pan-sharpening on LCZ spectral separability is also presented. Results obtained for Milan (Northern Italy) demonstrate the potential of hyperspectral imagery in enhancing LCZ identification compared to multispectral data, with promising improvements in LCZ maps overall accuracy. Finally, air temperature patterns within each LCZ class are explored, qualitatively confirming the influence of urban morphology on thermal comfort.

The Primary Care and Environmental Health e-Learning Course to Integrate Environmental Health in General Practice: Before-and-After Feasibility Study.

Environmental and behavioral factors are responsible for 12.6 million deaths annually and contribute to 25% of deaths and chronic diseases worldwide. Through the One Health initiative, the World Health Organization and other international health organizations plan to improve these indicators to create healthier environments by 2030. To meet this challenge, training primary care professionals should be the priority of national policies. General practitioners (GPs) are ready to become involved but need in-depth training to gain and apply environmental health (EH) knowledge to their practice. In response, we designed the Primary Care Environment and Health (PCEH) online course in partnership with the Occitanie Regional Health Agency in France. This course was used to train GP residents from the Montpelier-Nimes Faculty of Medicine in EH knowledge. The course was organized in 2 successive parts: (1) an asynchronous e-learning modular course focusing on EH knowledge and tools and (2) 1 day of face-to-face sessions. This study assessed the impact of the e-learning component of the PCEH course on participants' satisfaction, knowledge, and behavior changes toward EH. This was a pilot before-and-after study. Four modules were available in the 6-hour e-learning course: introduction to EH, population-based approach (mapping tools and resources), clinical cases, and communication tools. From August to September 2021, we recruited first-year GP residents from the University of Montpellier (N=130). Participants' satisfaction, knowledge improvements for 19 EH risks, procedure to report EH risks to health authorities online, and behavior change (to consider the possible effects of the environment on their own and their patients' health) were assessed using self-reported questionnaires on a Likert scale (1-5). Paired Student t tests and the McNemar χ2 test were used to compare quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively, before and after the course. A total of 74 GP residents completed the e-learning and answered the pre- and posttest questionnaires. The mean satisfaction score was 4.0 (SD 0.9) out of 5. Knowledge scores of EH risks increased significantly after the e-learning course, with a mean difference of 30% (P<.001) for all items. Behavioral scores improved significantly by 18% for the participant's health and by 26% for patients' health (P<.001). These improvements did not vary significantly according to participant characteristics (eg, sex, children, place of work). The e-learning course improved knowledge and behavior related to EH. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of the PCEH course on clinical practice and potential benefits for patients. This course was designed to serve as a knowledge base that could be reused each year with a view toward sustainability. This course will integrate new modules and will be adapted to the evolution of EH status indicators and target population needs.

Allele-level visualization of transcription and chromatin by high-throughput imaging

The spatial arrangement of the genome within the nucleus is a pivotal aspect of cellular organization and function with implications for gene expression and regulation. While all genome organization features, such as loops, domains, and radial positioning, are nonrandom, they are characterized by a high degree of single-cell variability. Imaging approaches are ideally suited to visualize, measure, and study single-cell heterogeneity in genome organization. Here, we describe two methods for the detection of DNA and RNA of individual gene alleles by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in a high-throughput format. We have optimized combined DNA/RNA FISH approaches either using simultaneous or sequential detection of DNA and nascent RNA. These optimized DNA and RNA FISH protocols were implemented in a 384-well plate format alongside automated image and data analysis and enable accurate detection of individual gene alleles and their gene expression status across a large cell population. We successfully visualized MYC and EGFR DNA and nascent RNA with allele-level resolution in multiple cell types, and we determined the radial position of active and inactive MYC and EGFR alleles. These optimized DNA/RNA detection approaches are versatile and sensitive tools for mapping of chromatin features and gene activity at the single-allele level and at high throughput.

Delineation of a conceptual groundwater flow model of the Kandi basin in Benin (West Africa): Insights from isotopes, piezometric and hydrological investigations

Study regionThe hydrogeological Kandi basin, the Benin’s sector of the transboundary Iullumeden basin, located in northern Benin, West Africa Study focusIn many parts of the world, groundwater resources constitute the main, if not the only, source of potable water available to address a growing demand for numerous uses. And yet, a basic understanding of the hydrogeology of many critical groundwater systems is lacking in many instances. Only when severe groundwater depletion or serious groundwater quality issues arise is the attention paid to the lack of specific groundwater studies. This study targets the Kandi basin, a ∼8700 km2 hydrogeological basin located in northern Benin, which is the primary source of potable water for its inhabitants, but its hydrogeological functioning remains unclear. We conducted isotopic and hydrogeological investigations in this basin from 2013 to 2019 to characterize groundwater recharge processes and delineate flow patterns. The resulting hydrological and geochemical data have been integrated and interpreted using tools including mapping tools. New hydrological insights for the regionThis study has identified the preferential groundwater recharge areas and characterized the main groundwater flow paths. Predominant areas of groundwater dischage into surface water, regardless of the seasons, were detected and areas where the surface-groundwater interflows are season-dependent were discriminated. The main findings presented in this paper are expected to provide a baseline for further in-depth hydrogeological investigations, namely groundwater flow modeling that will help understand the impacts of various groundwater withdrawals and climate changes on the groundwater resources availability of this basin.

Preparation of a thematic map of agroecological crops using Google Earth

In a context where agroecology has become an increasingly relevant alternative to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, this project seeks to provide an efficient tool for mapping and visualizing agroecological crops in a specific geographic area, allowing farmers, researchers, and planners to evaluate and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This project will describe the methodology used for creating the thematic map, which will include data collection on agroecological crops through surveys and records, as well as the processing and analysis of this information within the Google Earth environment. The accuracy and reliability of the mapping technology used will be evaluated, ensuring that the results are dependable and precise. The obtained results will provide a clear and accessible visual representation of the spatial distribution of agroecological crops, thereby facilitating informed decision-making for agricultural planning and the promotion of sustainable practices. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the promotion and practical application of agroecology by providing a useful and easily accessible tool for mapping agroecological crops in a specific geographic area. The hope is to foster interest in sustainable agriculture and encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices in the agricultural sector, thus contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future in agriculture.

Developing a typology of interventions to support doctors’ mental health and wellbeing

BackgroundThe problem of mental ill-health in doctors is complex, accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and impacts on healthcare provision and broader organisational performance. There are many interventions to address the problem but currently no systematic way to categorise them, which makes it hard to describe and compare interventions. As a result, implementation tends to be unfocussed and fall short of the standards developed for implementing complex healthcare interventions. This study aims to develop: 1) a conceptual typology of workplace mental health and wellbeing interventions and 2) a mapping tool to apply the typology within research and practice.MethodsTypology development was based on iterative cycles of analysis of published and in-practice interventions, incorporation of relevant theories and frameworks, and team and stakeholder group discussions.ResultsThe newly developed typology and mapping tool enable interventions to be conceptualised and/or mapped into different categories, for example whether they are designed to be largely preventative (by either improving the workplace or increasing personal resources) or to resolve problems after they have arisen. Interventions may be mapped across more than one category to reflect the nuance and complexity in many mental health and wellbeing interventions. Mapping of interventions indicated that most publications have not clarified their underlying assumptions about what causes outcomes or the theoretical basis for the intervention.ConclusionThe conceptual typology and mapping tool aims to raise the quality of future research and promote clear thinking about the nature and purpose of interventions, In doing so it aims to support future research and practice in planning interventions to improve the mental health and wellbeing of doctors.

Geographic Information System Mapping Tool for Rainwater Harvesting in the United States

Geographic Information System Mapping Tool for Rainwater Harvesting in the United States

Evaluating an Undergraduate Human Physiology Curriculum Using the Physiology Professional Skills Curriculum Mapping Tool (PS-MAP): A Case Report

Introduction: The Physiology Majors Interest Group (P-MIG) recently proposed recommendations for professional skills development at the undergraduate level across four domains: (1) critical thinking, (2) communicating effectively, (3) behaving in a socially and scientifically responsible manner, and (4) demonstrating laboratory proficiency. Subsequently, the Physiology Professional Skills Curriculum Mapping Tool (PS-MAP) was developed as a freely available, customizable Qualtrics-based survey instrument for programs to assess the extent to which professional skills from each of the four domains are incorporated across the curriculum. Faculty who teach core and elective courses in a large undergraduate Human Physiology degree program completed the PS-MAP during the Fall 2023 semester. Methods: PS-MAP survey responses were exported into Excel then sorted according to core or elective course designation. Experiential and applied learning courses such as internships, laboratory research for course credit, and independent study projects were excluded from analysis due to variations in individualized experiences. Next, a table was generated to summarize professional skill inclusion by course (taught and/or assessed) and target level of proficiency: skills were (1) introduced (presented and practiced for the first time), (2) reviewed (reinforced after prior introduction), or (3) advanced (demonstrated a high level of proficiency). The overall percentage of courses that teach or assess each professional skill was calculated. The intended level of proficiency per course was also evaluated. Results: Data were reported for 21 out of 24 core and elective courses. The two professional skills reported as most frequently taught or assessed in major coursework were: (1) critical thinking: develop arguments, hypotheses and/or conclusions using critical analysis of the scientific evidence (81% of courses) and (2) critical thinking: apply, analyze, and/or integrate information to generate evidence-based solutions to physiological problems (81% of courses). Laboratory proficiency and communicating physiology orally and in writing were domains reported as taught or assessed in fewer than half of major courses. Discussion: The PS-MAP was a relatively easy-to-implement tool to map professional skills development across an undergraduate Human Physiology curriculum. The main outcome was a visual representation (i.e., table) depicting patterns of professional skills incorporation across core and elective courses. This table will be shared with faculty to guide subsequent curriculum discussions. Proposed areas for future curricular exploration include (1) formally embedding specific professional skills development within program learning goals, (2) strategically and intentionally aligning coursework (course activities and assessments) with program learning goals to scaffold professional skills development across the curriculum, and (3) reviewing course-level learning goals for internships, undergraduate research, and independent study projects to emphasize laboratory proficiencies and oral and written communication skills. No funding sources to report. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Mapping and vulnerability assessment in urban slums of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts of Uttarakhand: A Cross-sectional Survey

Background: With increasing urbanization, number of urban slums is also rising. The health facilities and indicators in urban slums are poor as compared to other urban population. The present study presents an analysis of the health problems, utilization of health services and vulnerability of urban slums. Aims &amp; Objectives: To map the slums in urban areas and assess the vulnerability of households. Methodology: The study was conducted in all urban slums of five cities of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts namely Haldwani, Ramnagar, Rudrapur, Jaspur and Kashipur. Group discussions involving community members, ward surveys by ASHA workers and household level vulnerability assessment were done using standard format according to “Guidelines and Tools for Vulnerability Mapping and Assessment of Urban Health, 2017”. Results: Most urban slum dwellers are daily wage laborers with major population suffering mainly from diabetes, hypertension, respiratory infection. Lack of drugs and diagnostic facilities are the major concerns. Infrastructure needs strengthening in most of the slums. Around three fourth of population belonged to vulnerable group with remaining in highly vulnerable group. Conclusion: There are social problems in urban slums like illiteracy, lack of awareness, unemployment which worsen the health problems. So, a holistic approach is needed for the solution.