Transition Period Research Articles

Implementing a resident-led transition-specific bootcamp curriculum during pediatric residency training: Our 3-year experience

ABSTRACT Objectives Postgraduate programs that use ‘bootcamps’ to help trainees transition into new clinical roles usually solely target entry to residency, failing to address other critical transition periods. We developed, implemented, and evaluated a resident-led transition-specific bootcamp curriculum in our Pediatrics program and described our first 3 years of experience. Methods Our bootcamp curriculum was developed around Kern’s framework. A needs assessment identified key transition periods (Incoming Resident [IR]; Night Float [NF]; Ward Senior [WS]). Teaching content and methods were informed by Residents-As-Teacher principles. Program evaluation included surveys exploring trainees’ satisfaction, and perceived knowledge and self-efficacy before and after bootcamp participation. For the IR bootcamp, knowledge and behaviour were objectively assessed through written examinations and Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). Results Twenty-seven pediatric residents participated in the IR bootcamp, 26 in the NF bootcamp, and 25 in the WS bootcamp. Trainees’ baseline self-reported knowledge and confidence around clinical skills taught showed an improving trend post-bootcamp in all transition periods. Strengths identified included the level-appropriate teaching content and residents’ engagement as teachers. Conclusions Bootcamps can help residents adapt to new roles and should target all key transitions within the training continuum. Capitalizing on resident leadership for bootcamp curriculum development and implementation is instrumental to its success.

Significant shift of footprint patterns and pollutant source contributions: insights from observations at Shanghuang observatory, East China

Abstract As two of the most important products of the combustion process, carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are commonly used as tracers for combustion source assignment. Their relationship will help to better understand the regional carbon cycle and assess climate forcing effects. In this study, mixing ratios of CO2 and CO were continuously measured using a Picarro gas concentration analyzer at the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Eco-Environmental Shanghuang Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ABLECAS) throughout 2022–2023. The variability of the mixing ratio of CO to CO2 (ΔCO/ΔCO2) in a 1 h time interval was calculated based on linear slope analysis after background values were determined and subtracted. The results showed that the mixing ratio of CO had a clear seasonal variability with a moderate increase in the spring (249.1 ± 59.6 part per billion (ppb)) and winter (257.8 ± 90.3 ppb), mostly due to more frequent transport from north of the Yangtze River. ΔCO/ΔCO2 at the ABLECAS varied with air mass origin, with a linear slope 0%–1% on a 1 h basis. Relatively high ΔCO/ΔCO2 values for an air mass from the north in the winter indicate that the emission sources had lower combustion efficiency. In summer, the ΔCO/ΔCO2 ratio mostly reflected the background conditions for air masses from marine areas. The potential source regions and contribution assignments were evaluatedat the ABLECAS according to source–receptor relationship analysis using the FLEXPART model with CO as a pollutant tracer from 2015 to 2023. We found that the footprint of an air mass had a clear transition period between 2018 and 2019, and a synoptic anomaly, related to Arctic Oscillation strength and west Pacific subtropical high position, plays a key role in influencing the pollutant transport patterns. This study provides a scientific basis for the formulation of air quality regulation policy, and helps to implement the national carbon neutralization strategy.

Insights into the synergistic effects of tectonics and climate from the formation and evolution of the Hongwen allochthonous deposit, southwestern China

Abstract The formation and evolution of large-scale deposits generated by mass movement are often closely related to tectonic and climatic conditions. Investigating deposits under the influence of complex geological conditions can aid in reconstructing paleoenvironmental characteristics and fluvial geomorphic evolution. The First Bend of the Yangtze River (FBYR), located in the Jinsha River basin in southwest China, represents a significant section characterized by abundant allochthonous deposits. We conducted a detailed investigation of the Hongwen allochthonous deposit (HAD) and the river sediments in the First Bend. Through terrain interpretation, dating, and paleoenvironmental analysis, the HAD was determined to be a complex deposit with multiple sources and stages (46.4–33.5 ka), formed under the combined influence of tectonic activity and climate. Three mass-movement events occurred during the interglacial stage of the last glacial period or its transitional period, coinciding with the rapid uplift stage of the Tibetan Plateau since the late Pleistocene. Prominent features of this period include significant rainfall and tectonic activities. By dating fluvial sediments and examining the evolution of the HAD, we revealed a river incision rate of 2.30 mm/yr for the Jinsha River, providing a basis for analyzing periodic river cutting and the development pattern of surface processes.

Identification of sensitive periods of weight status transition over the lifespan in Chinese population

BackgroundThe prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) is increasing in both children and adults worldwide. However, it is unclear whether vulnerabilities to maintenance and transition of weight status vary throughout the lifespan.ObjectiveWe aimed to characterize dynamic transitions of weight statuses across different life stages and to identify the sensitive periods for maintenance, onset, and resolution of obesity.MethodsThis longitudinal study included a total of 23,179 participants aged 6–80 years with 95,994 BMI measurements from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1989–2015. To examine the heterogeneity in transitions of weight statuses across different life stages, we divided participants into 8 sub-cohorts based on baseline ages by 10-year intervals, i.e., 6–10 years, 11–20 years, 21–30 years, 31–40 years, 41–50 years, 51–60 years, 61–70 years, and 71–80 years. We estimated the probabilities of transitioning between weight statuses at a given follow-up year by baseline age using generalized linear mixed-effects models.ResultsThe predicted prevalence of obesity decreased from 6 years, bottomed at around 20 years, increased thereafter, peaked at around 55 years, and then decreased gradually. In general, participants with underweight had lower probabilities of maintaining the same status compared to those with normal weight, overweight, or obesity for all age groups. For 10-year follow-up, individuals aged 21–30 years had the highest probabilities of transitioning from normal weight to obesity and transitioning from overweight to obesity compared to those in other age groups. Individuals aged 6–20 years had the highest probabilities of transitioning from obesity to normal weight and transitioning from overweight to normal weight. Individuals in all adult age groups had higher probabilities of maintaining obesity status than children and adolescents.ConclusionsYoung adulthood is the most sensitive period for obesity onset, whereas childhood and adolescence are the most sensitive periods for obesity resolution. The findings suggest the heterogeneity of susceptibilities to weight status transitions across different life stages and highlight the importance of the development of age-appropriate approaches for the prevention and intervention of obesity.

Exploring Differing Perspectives on Sustainability and Corresponding Strategies in German Automotive Companies

In addition to acute crises dominating the societal discourse, such as the global consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world continues to face the ongoing challenge of limiting climate change and achieving a sustainable transformation. Yet, in public discourse, the widely used terms “sustainability” and “transformation” are not clearly defined, and the understanding varies greatly depending on the industry and the stakeholders considered. One important transformation arena lies within the German automotive industry, as it is one of the country’s biggest industrial sectors by revenue and the number of employees. In addition, the German automotive industry is currently going through a transition period due to the switch to electric drivetrains as the main propulsion technology opposed to combustion engines. Therefore, the following paper identifies the differing understandings of sustainability and according actions in the German automotive industry. Moreover, possible conflicts and prioritizations along the economic, ecological, and social dimensions of sustainability are presented based on an expert interview study. To do so, a structuring qualitative content analysis in combination with a descriptive approach was used focusing on the differing perspectives on sustainability of both the interviewees and their companies. The gathered data then allows to compare the aggregated individual and corporate sustainability perspectives in the German automotive industry, as well as comparing the sustainability perspectives of the interviewees and their respective companies case by case. The results suggest that there is a considerable discrepancy between individual and corporate understandings of sustainability. These differences can mainly be attributed to the companies’ economically driven views in contrast to the individuals’, mostly ecologically driven sustainability perspective. Moreover, several barriers and conflicts, rooted in the prioritization of economic gains, can be traced back to conflicts in the supplier pyramid. The identification of common transformation goals and measures among companies is necessary to enable a collaborative, sustainable transformation in the German automotive industry, which benefits all societal stakeholders in or attached to this sector.

Assessing climatic change impacts on mangrove structural dynamics on the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf

Abstract. Monitoring long-term trends in structural changes within mangrove ecosystems is essential for understanding their response to climate change and devising effective adaptation strategies in coastal regions. This study examines changes in mangrove patchiness within the Hara Biosphere Reserve (HBR) along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf (PG) over a 31-year period (1986-2017), focusing on variations in rainfall patterns and drought occurrences. Employing a 35-year time series of monthly Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) values alongside satellite imagery analysis, trends in both the number of patches (NP) and the Largest Patch Index (LPI) were assessed at the mangrove stand level. The analysis reveals a significant correlation between structural changes in mangroves and drought events. Pre-1998, characterized by wetter conditions, witnessed a decrease in both NP and LPI, indicating patch expansion and habitat extension. Conversely, post-1998, during drought periods, both indices increased, indicating habitat degradation due to heightened drought intensity. Pre-1998 structural changes in the HBR signify habitat expansion, with increased patch extent and core areas reflecting enhanced structural integrity. However, post-1998, a concerning trend of habitat degradation emerged, with increased NP and LPI attributed to intensified droughts. These findings highlight a transitional period marked by favourable conditions for mangrove growth followed by habitat degradation linked to increased drought intensity. This underscores the vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems to climate change impacts, particularly exacerbated droughts, necessitating urgent efforts for conservation and management to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services in coastal regions.

The rise of Chinese animation: policy evolution and industry development since the 1990s

ABSTRACT This paper examines the evolution of China’s animation industry policies from 1990 to the present and their substantial impact on industry development. The study identifies four main stages: the exploratory phase in the 1990s, the boom period from 2000 to 2011, the transition period from 2012 to 2016, and the rational phase from 2017 onwards. Each stage had distinct policy focuses, collectively driving a shift in Chinese animation from simple quantity growth to a more sustainable, quality-oriented development. Various supportive measures, including market access management, fiscal and tax incentives, and industry fund support, provided critical market space and financial resources, fostering technological innovation, talent cultivation, and broadening international collaborations. Despite notable achievements, the industry still grapples with challenges like an incomplete industrial chain, dependence on government support, and gaps in original content creation. This paper provides essential references for optimizing future policies, offering valuable insights for the animation industry’s development in other countries as well.

Wheat growth stage identification method based on multimodal data

Accurate identification of crop growth stages is a crucial basis for implementing effective cultivation management. With the development of deep learning techniques in image understanding, research on intelligent real-time recognition of crop growth stages based on RGB images has garnered significant attention. However, the small differences and high similarity in crop morphological characteristics during the transition between adjacent growth stages pose challenges for accurate identification. To address this issue, this study proposes a multi-scale convolutional neural network model, termed MultiScalNet-Wheat (MSN-W), which enhances the algorithm's ability to learn complex features by utilizing multi-scale convolution and attention mechanisms. This model extracts key information from redundant data to identify winter wheat growth stages in complex field environments. Experimental results show that the MSN-W model achieves a recognition accuracy of 97.6 %, outperforming typical convolutional neural network models such as VGG19, ResNet50, MobileNetV3, and DenseNet. To further address the difficulty in recognizing growth stages during transition periods, where canopy morphological features are highly similar and show small differences, this paper introduces an innovative approach by incorporating sequential environmental data related to wheat growth stages. By extracting these features and performing multi-modal collaborative inference, a multi-modal feature-based wheat growth stage recognition model, termed MultiModalNet-Wheat (MMN-W), is constructed on the basis of the MSN-W model. Experimental results indicate that the MMN-W model achieves a recognition accuracy of 98.5 %, improving by 0.9 % over the MSN-W model. Both the MSN-W and MMN-W models provide accurate methods for observing wheat growth stages, thereby supporting the scientific management of winter wheat at different growth stages.

THE EFFECT OF PARENTS’ ROLE AND SCHOOL CLIMATE ON ACADEMIC STRESS OF MADRASAH ALIYAH’S STUDENTS IN RURAL AND URBAN AREA

Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood and is characterized by a storm-and-stress period influenced by conflict and mood swings, making adolescents vulnerable to stress. One form of stress commonly experienced by adolescents is academic stress. This study aims to analyze the effect of adolescent characteristics, family characteristics, parents' roles, and school climate on the academic stress of Madrasah Aliyah students in rural and urban areas. This research was conducted in five schools representing each sub-district: MA Mathlaul Anwar Barengkok, MA Mathlaul Anwar Cidokom, MA Al-Mukhlisin Ciseeng, MAN 1 Kota Bogor, and MAN 2 Kota Bogor. This study involved 180 students (86 rural and 94 urban students) selected using a purposive sampling. Data analysis included correlation tests, regression tests, and independent t-tests. The study showed that adolescent girls had higher academic stress than boys. The dimensions of support and pressure significantly positively affected academic stress. However, the frequency and school climate dimensions were not found to influence academic stress in this study. Keywords: academic stress, parent’s role, pressure, school climate, support

The Association between Home Health Nursing and 30-Day Hospital Readmission after Tracheostomy in Children: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study.

To identify the association between home health nursing (HHN) and hospital readmissions for patients discharged after tracheostomy placement, we conducted a single-center prospective cohort study of children ages 0 to 21 years who underwent tracheostomy placement at Children's Hospital Los Angeles between 12/2016 and 2/2023 and were discharged to home. We collected demographic, clinical, and discharge variables for the index hospitalization to test the association between our primary exposure, HHN after discharge, and 30-day same-hospital all-cause, adjusting for potential confounders. Our population of 130 children was primarily male, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and on public insurance. The majority of patients (57%) received HHN on discharge and the 30-day readmission rate was 14.6%. On multivariable analysis, HHN was not associated with readmission for children discharged on home mechanical ventilation [HMV; adjusted OR (aOR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.30-4.02)] but was associated with lower odds of all-cause 30-day readmission in children discharged without HMV (aOR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.81). Our findings support consideration for HHN as a hospital-to-home bridge for children after tracheostomy placement to decrease hospital readmissions and support parents and caregivers during this transition period.

Investigating Fuel Reduction Methods Through Propeller Optimization on Coastal Ro-Ro Liner Vessels

In light of efforts to reduce GHG emissions, liner ship operators in coastal navigation are undertaking numerous activities to contribute to the reduction of fossil fuel consumption during the transitional period toward environmentally friendly propulsion systems without compromising their regular operations. Regular ship overhauls, which include removing fouling from the underwater part of the hull and optimizing propellers, also contribute to this goal and are the focus of this research. The ship propeller, as a key component of the propulsion system, plays a significant role in ensuring reliable, safe, and economical navigation. Proper selection and regular maintenance of the propeller are essential for achieving optimal performance. This paper presents the optimization of a fixed-pitch propeller according to the ISO 484/2 standard to Class I using Metrascan 3D technology. This technology enables a detailed analysis of the propeller geometry, identification of irregularities, correction, and adjustment to achieve better hydrodynamic characteristics. The pitch corrections of the propeller resulted in improved overall vessel performance and fuel consumption, as demonstrated by comparing the consumption before and after the optimization.

Factors affecting the different growth rates of PM2.5：Evidence from composition variation, formation mechanisms, and importance analysis of water-soluble inorganic ions with case study in northern China

PM2.5 affects air quality, therefore, understanding the mechanism of PM2.5 growth is essential to figure out mitigation measures. Hourly real-time concentrations of water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs), including anions and cations, in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were measured in Baoji, northwest China. During the winter monitoring period, the concentrations of PM2.5 and most WSIIs exhibited similar trends. Mass proportions of SNA [i.e., sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+)] in PM2.5 gradually increased with air deterioration, while equivalent ratios of anions to cations also increased. The heterogeneous aqueous reactions and/or gas-phase homogeneous reactions promoted the formation of secondary inorganics, especially during the haze events. Rapid transformations of primary gaseous precursors to secondary pollutants could lead to the substantial formation of SO42- and NO3-. In terms of particle growth rate, the mass proportions of SNA in PM2.5 decreased from General Growth (GG) to Explosive Growth (EG) events. Furthermore, the particle growth rates did not coincide with the pollution levels, while it occurred most frequently during the Transition Period, instead of the Polluted Period. The diurnal variation of SNA at different PM2.5 growth rates has been discussed. The results of the Random Forest (RF) model showed that RH was an important factor for EG of PM2.5, while low RH was a reliable reason for the relatively low mass proportion of SNA. The results of this study could advance our understanding of particle growth and provide scientific evidence to support the establishment of unique air quality control measures under different pollution scenarios in Fenwei Plain, China.

The mid-Cretaceous Hohonu Batholith (South Island, New Zealand): Identifying magmatic sources and processes during onset of crustal extension

The Hohonu Batholith is an aggregation of mostly mid-Cretaceous granitoid plutons on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand emplaced during a transitional period between subduction-related compression and continental lithospheric extension. This study reports an integrated dataset, comprising in-situ UPb, O and Hf isotope compositions and REE, Ti and other trace and major elements (ZrHf, ThU) for zircons extracted from four representative plutons within the batholith. Our results provide detailed insight into the protracted thermal, chronological and geochemical histories. LA-ICPMS UPb zircon ages indicate a primary episode of magma genesis and emplacement from 107 to 113 Ma, confirming published SIMS dating. However, a younger previously unrecognized age population of ~91–96 Ma is identified, primarily (although not exclusively) in zircon rims. This younger age event coincides with the timing of protracted lithospheric extension and crustal thinning of the Zealandia continent. The cryptic younger zircon ages suggest that Hohonu granitoids experienced a partial thermal overprint (accompanied by Pb loss) mostly recorded in rims. Differences in bulk rock geochemistry between plutons are inferred to reflect variable conditions of partial melting controlled by source mineralogy and H2O content. Isotope and trace element compositions, along with Ti-thermometry, measured on the same micro-volume of CL-imaged zircons, are used to test if source characteristics were imparted from melt to minerals in zircon-saturated silicic systems. Similarities are revealed in the zircon record of the selected plutonic rocks, confirming their broadly consanguineous relationship and the fundamental role of open-system behaviour, involving hybridization or assimilation between mantle-derived (or juvenile mafic) and a crustal-derived components, as previously inferred from whole rock NdSr isotope systematics. However, intra-sample decoupling of zircon OHf isotope systematics may also be linked to residual source component unmixing. This possibility, in addition to mafic recharge, may have obscured melt source compositional characteristics, and hence zircon REE appear as unsuitable fingerprints of source(s) and conditions of partial melting in this granitoid system. Simple compositional and thermal magma evolution trends appear punctuated by episodes of mafic recharge, presumably during lithospheric thinning.

Identifying momentary suicidal ideation using machine learning in patients at high-risk for suicide.

Strategies to detect the presence of suicidal ideation (SI) or characteristics of ideation that indicate marked suicide risk are critically needed to guide interventions and improve care during care transition periods. Some studies indicate that machine learning can be applied to momentary data to improve classification of SI. This study examined whether the classification accuracy of these models varies as a function of type of training data or characteristics of ideation. A total of 257 psychiatric inpatients completed a 3-week battery of ecological momentary assessment and measures of suicide risk factors. The accuracy of machine learning models in classifying the presence, duration, or intensity of ideation was compared across models trained on baseline and/or momentary suicide risk data. Relative feature importance metrics were examined to identify the risk factors that were most important for outcome classification. Models including both baseline and momentary features outperformed models with only one feature type, providing important information in both correctly classifying and differentiating individual characteristics of SI. Models classifying SI presence, duration, and intensity performed similarly. Results of this study may not generalize beyond a high-risk, psychiatric inpatient sample, and additional work is needed to examine temporal ordering of the relationships identified. Our results support using machine learning approaches for accurate identification of SI characteristics and underscore the importance of understanding the factors that differentiate and drive different characteristics of SI. Expansion of this work can support use of these models to guide intervention strategies.

Evaluation of thiol/disulphide and oxidant-antioxidant status of dairy cows in periparturient and post-partum period.

Thiol/disulphide homeostasis (TDH) has a critical role in many cellular activities such as antioxidant protection. Alterations of oxidative stress in the transition period play an important role in development of some diseases and disorders in dairy cows. The purpose of this study is to assess the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), total thiol, native thiol, disulphide and lipid profile in Simmental and Montofon dairy cows (aged 2-3) before and after calving. Blood samples were collected 233-280 days of pregnancy and the 30 days of post-partum. Serum total thiol, native thiol and disulphide levels were determined as well as TAS, TOS and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) levels were measured using colorimetric assays. Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were measured with an automatic analyser. Total thiol (p=0.038) and disulphide (p=0.015) levels were higher after calving compare to pregnancy in Montofon. TAS was found lower (p<0.001), and OSI was higher in both breeds (Montofon p=0.012, Simmental p=0.028) after calving than in pregnancy. When compared between pregnancy and after calving levels in the same breed, HDL was found to be higher after calving (p<0.001) and TG was lower after calving (p=0.020) in Montofon. PON (p=0.090), HDL (p<0.001) and cholesterol levels were found higher (p<0.001) and TG level was lower (p<0.001) after calving in Simmental. According to our results, we observed different responses between two breeds before and after calving. There are few studies about TDH in animal research, and this is the first study in the literature that evaluates the TDH along with oxidative stress and lipid profiles in dairy cows in the periparturient and post-partum period.

What can be done to ease the transition to becoming a new paediatric registrar?

BackgroundThe transition period of becoming a new paediatric registrar has limited study. Consequently, the learning needs of such trainees are unclear including educational interventions that may improve the process. This qualitative study examined the negative and positive experiences of transitioning paediatric trainees to identify learning needs and subsequently derive educational interventions that are perceived to ease transition.MethodsThis was a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews with Wales deanery paediatric speciality trainees 3 and 4 (ST3 and ST4) undergoing transition to registrar. Participants were asked to recall one positive and one negative experience during transition using the critical incident technique (CIT). Transcribed responses were coded and thematically analysed and categorised into higher and lower order themes.ResultsSix paediatric trainees were interviewed for the study. A total of eighteen codes relating to learning needs were identified and dichotomised into two higher order themes; clinical skills, and leadership and management skills, with further exploration into lower order themes. Clinical skills included child protection procedures, difficult communication with relatives, emergencies, childhood death, difficult procedures, tertiary level neonatal care, managing family anxiety and expectations, dealing with uncertainty and running clinics. Leadership and management skills involved clinical decision making by new registrars, leading ward rounds, managing workload, leading a team and supervising junior colleagues. For educational interventions, sixty-seven initial codes were recorded and combined to form thirty-two lower order themes under six higher order themes. This outlined six educational interventions perceived to ease the transition to the registrar grade including; acting up whilst a senior house officer, seniors providing feedback, seniors providing support, staff providing support, trainee familiarisation with the new registrar placement and trainees maximising SHO learning opportunities.ConclusionsThis study provided a grounding upon which further research can be based, by identifying learning needs within the themes of clinical skills and leadership and management skills, as well as providing further descriptions of perceived beneficial educational interventions that ease transition to paediatric registrar. Furthermore, this study proposes evidence-based recommendations involving five key stakeholders to improve the experience of transition for future trainees. These stakeholders include; trainees, seniors, educators, nursing staff and rota coordinators.

Exploring the Life Experiences of Living with Cardiac Arrhythmia Developed During Pregnancy

Background: Approximately half of all women develop palpitations during pregnancy, with a quarter experiencing arrhythmias. While most presentations are benign, some cases can result in sudden cardiac death or serious symptom development. Considering such clinical presentation, healthcare providers must acquire knowledge in this area to provide comprehensive prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care. However, no study could be located that focused on women’s life experiences of such complications during or in the post-pregnancy period. Objectives: The study aims to share the results of a study that explored the life experience of one woman who developed non-sustained ventricular tachycardia during her third pregnancy that lasted into the postpartum period. Methods: Using narrative inquiry self-study methodology, a woman’s experiences were explored to uncover the challenges she faced in coping with such complications during a period of transition for herself and her family. This methodology allowed for an in-depth understanding of how these complications could affect all aspects of her life. Results: Four narrative threads were produced: (1) diagnostic challenges and delayed recognition; (2) impact on maternal identity and family dynamics; (3) navigating healthcare systems and treatment decisions; and (4) long-term adaptation and resilience. Conclusions: The intention was to add to this topic area to ensure future researchers, current and future healthcare providers, and patients have literature they can refer to when studying, providing care for, or experiencing similar health complications. Acquiring this knowledge can aid healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate care is provided, risks are minimized, and their recovery is well supported.

Characterisation of proteomic alterations in worker bees in response to amitraz treatment during summer to winter transition in Apis mellifera colonies

The application of treatments to reduce/control the number of Varroa destructor mites within Apis mellifera colonies is a common apicultural practice. The effectiveness of the treatments in reducing Varroa mites from colonies has been extensively studied, however, the effects of these treatments on the bees within the colonies are poorly characterised. This work utilised label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to investigate how the presence of the anti-Varroa treatment amitraz, affected worker bees. Samples of A. mellifera were isolated from colonies one week before amitraz treatment (T0) and 1, 3, 6 and 8 weeks post-treatment application. The trial was conducted during the transition period from short-lived summer workers to long-lived winter workers. The results highlight two large proteomic shifts; a decrease in the abundance of cuticular proteins and an increase in ribosomal protein abundance in Weeks 3, 6, and 8. The changes in the protein abundance in Week 8 may not be a response to amitraz exposure alone but may also be attributed to a potential change in the population of short-lived to long-lived winter bees. The work provides insight into the effect of amitraz on the honey bee proteome during the transition period from summer to winter colony and how it may contribute to inducing a stress response in individual bees.

Caught in Transition: Dynamics of Waithood Among Chinese and Japanese Youth

This paper investigates the dynamics of waithood among Chinese and Japanese youth, focusing on the unique aspects experienced in each country. Waithood, a period of prolonged transition into adulthood due to delayed milestones like stable employment and marriage, is increasingly prevalent due to high unemployment rates and evolving job markets. This paper presents the mental and social strain those experiencing waithood must endure, and examines government efforts to address these issues, comparing and contrasting the strategies implemented in China and Japan. Despite various initiatives, the findings suggest that current measures are insufficient to fully alleviate the challenges faced by young people. The paper argues for more comprehensive policies that address the root causes of waithood, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to support youth in achieving independence. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of youth transitions in East Asia and underscores the urgency for effective interventions.

Evaluating Policy Shifts on Perceived Greenspace Quality: Applying Regression Discontinuity During the COVID-19 Reopening Period

Abstract: Urban greenspaces have been essential in supporting residents’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly under strict lockdown measures. However, the impact of changing containment policies on residents’ perceived greenspace quality remains insufficiently explored. This study utilized online survey data collected between 11 October and 29 December 2022, in Shanghai, coinciding with the major policy shift on 5 December 2022. A probability proportionate to size sampling was adopted to survey residents aged 18 and above who had lived in the city for at least six months, yielding a total of 577 valid responses. We assessed residents’ perceived greenspace quality using 20 park- and community-level variables, focusing on both overall quality and specific features of greenspaces. A regression discontinuity design (RDD) was applied to evaluate how the lifting of the COVID-19 policies influenced residents’ perceptions of parks and community greenspaces. Our RDD estimation indicates no statistically significant change in residents’ overall perceived quality of parks after the policy shift, except for increased satisfaction with specific features such as plant diversity, maintenance, seating areas, trails, and large open spaces. In contrast, residents who responded after the policy shift reported a significantly higher perceived quality of community greenspaces compared to those who completed the survey before the shift (0.609 score difference, p &lt; 0.01), with notable increases in satisfaction regarding plant diversity, maintenance, and seating areas. Perception of plant quantity remained unchanged in both types of greenspaces. Residents expressed greater satisfaction with sports facilities in parks, while community greenspaces were preferred for their water features and esthetic qualities. By adopting an RDD with a unique dataset, this study contributes empirical evidence to the current ongoing debate on the role of urban greenspace during the later stages of COVID-19. Specifically, it examines how changes in public health policy and the resulting increase in mobility might affect residents’ perceived greenspace quality. The findings can assist decision-makers and urban planners in developing more adaptive strategies to address the diverse needs of residents for greenspaces during the transitional period of a public health crisis.