State Of Vulnerability Research Articles

Frail Patients Undergoing Optimization Before Surgery: Preliminary Results.

It is estimated that 10% or more of patients older than 65 years are affected by frailty, a mental and physical state of vulnerability to adverse surgical outcomes. Frailty can be assessed using the Edmonton Frailty Scale: a reliable and convenient multidimensional assessment before surgery. The correlation between frailty score, presurgical optimization, and surgical outcomes was investigated in this preliminary pilot study. A retrospective study was performed on patients referred to the surgical optimization clinic and assessed for frailty from September 2020 to May 2023. Patients received presurgical optimization for reasons including diabetes, smoking cessation, prehabilitation and nutrition, and/or cardiopulmonary issues. Outcomes were evaluated whether they proceeded to surgery, were referred to the High-Risk Surgical Committee, surgical case canceled, or not scheduled. For those who proceeded to surgery, infection rates, complications, and 30-day emergency department (ED) and readmission rates were evaluated. Of 143 unique patients, 138 (men = 61, women = 77) were evaluated for this study. The average Edmonton frailty score for patients who proceeded to surgery was 7.013 (n = 78) vs 9.389 with cancelation and 9.600 for not scheduled or not optimized for surgery. Postoperative infection rates were <3%. However, 30-day ED and readmission rate was 21% (16 of 78). Patients with lower average Edmonton frailty scores were more likely to proceed to surgery, whereas those with higher average Edmonton frailty scores were more likely to have surgery canceled or delayed. Frail patients cleared for surgery were found to have a high 30-day ED and readmission rate.

Creating and Evaluating Herbal Anti-Ageing Cream Contains Pomegranate Seed Oil

 Introduction: The skin is the most important exposed a part of the body, is crucial in establishing social bonds and defending against environmental harm. In the present scenario to look attractive is a primary concern for the growing population in order to maintain social integrity and well being. However cell death is a natural process but due to highly stressful environmental conditions now a day’s skin aging is a primary concern for dermatologists. In the present research work we aim to develop a novel anti-ageing cream for the prevention and treatment of unnatural skin ageing by utilizing pomegranate seed oil.  Method: The pomegranate seed oil was purchased from Amarnath export Bangalore Karnataka. The preparation of anti-aging cream was accomplished through conventional method by taking pomegranate seed oil as an oily phase and stearic acid as an emulsifying agent. The formulation was optimized by varying the concentration of aqueous and oily phase.  Result and Discussion: The pH of the developed cream was found to be 7.2 ± 1.2 and viscosity was found to be 5639±2.51cps. Furthermore the spreadibility of the developed cream was found to be 26.6 ±0.2 gm*cm/sec. The developed formulation showed no skin irritation or erythema and also it was easily washable from skin. The stability study of the formulation was studied for 3 month at room temperature (25oC) which suggests high stability as no indication of cracking, phase separation or any other visual change was observed. Furthermore the developed formulation was analyzed through in vivo animal model(Albino wistar rat) which suggest high biocompatibility and potential in the management of skin ageing.  Conclusion: In conclusion we have developed a novel pomegranate seed oil based anti-aging cream for the prevention and treatment of unnatural skin ageing caused by the vulnerable environmental conditions. The developed formulation was analyzed through extensive in vitro and in vivo characterization which proves the potential of the developed cream in the management of unnatural skin ageing.

Screening and validation of reference genes in Dracaena cochinchinensis using quantitative real-time PCR

Dragon's blood, the red resin derived from the wounded Dracaena, is a precious traditional medicine used by different culture. Dracaena cochinchinensis is one of the main species of Dracaena, and is the endangered medicinal plants in China. The vulnerable status severely limits the medicinal value and wide application of dragon’s blood. Therefore, it’s essential to analyze the mechanisms that form dragon’s blood in order to increase artificial production. To clarify the mechanisms forming dragon’s blood, understanding gene expression in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is the foundation. However, reference genes of D. cochinchinensis haven’t been analyzed. In this study, expression profiles of seven commonly used housekeeping genes (Actin, α-EF, UBC, β-tubulin, 18S, GAPDH, His) were evaluated by using quantitative real-time PCR combined with the algorithms geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. On the basis of overall stability ranking, the best reference genes were the combinations β-tubulin +UBC for wounded stems and α-EF +18S + Actin for different organs. Reliability of the recommended reference genes was validated by normalizing relative expression of two key enzyme genes PAL1 and CHI1 in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The results provide a foundation to study gene expression in future research on D. cochinchinensis or other Dracaena.

Preventing smoking initiation in adolescents living in vulnerable socioeconomic conditions: Study protocol of the KickAsh!-intervention.

Adolescents living in vulnerable socioeconomic conditions are confronted with tobacco-related health disparities. As school-based interventions appear to be less effective among these youngsters, other approaches are necessary. One promising avenue is youth social work settings that offer sport and recreational activities (SR-settings). SR-settings have been examined as a levering context for health promotion, but evidence regarding smoking prevention is currently lacking. This study describes the protocol of a non-randomised cluster controlled trial evaluating a smoking prevention intervention for adolescents. At least 24 SR-settings are needed for the intervention and control group. A mixed-method design will be used. Quantitative measures will be used to assess effectiveness, involving validated questionnaires on smoking initiation behaviour and influencing factors (i.e. attitude, self-efficacy, social influence and risk perception). In addition, feasibility will be assessed with regard to intervention fidelity, dose and reach. Data will be collected at baseline, three and nine months following the intervention. To gain deeper understanding on the impact and underlying processes of the intervention, we will conduct qualitative interviews with users (adolescents) and implementers (youth workers within the SR-settings) of the intervention. Conducting this trial will offer novel insights into the effectiveness of a smoking prevention intervention designed for adolescents living in vulnerable socioeconomic conditions. A mixed-method design will enable to measure impact, implementation and underlying processes of the intervention. Overall, this design will enhance our understanding on the suitability of SR-settings as contexts for smoking prevention initiatives targeting hard-to-reach youth. This trial is registered on Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05920772.

A framework for automating environmental vulnerability analysis of network services

The primary objective of this paper is to introduce a comprehensive framework designed to automate the assessment of environmental vulnerability status of communication protocols and networked services, within operational contexts. The proposed algorithm leverages the Common Vulnerability Scoring System version 3 (CVSS 3) metrics in conjunction with network security data. The initial step involves the establishment of a network security ontology, which serves to model the environmental attributes associated with the current security posture of communication protocol channels available within an infrastructure. The process commences with the identification and enumeration of all active communication services through a combination of diverse information gathering tools. Subsequently, active network services undergo assessment using a blend of passive scanning and active security analysis tools, which produce the environmental security score. This score can be integrated into vulnerability scoring systems such as CVSS, facilitating the fine-tuning of base CVSS scores, as well as vulnerability mitigation in real-world environments. To validate the proposed framework, we conducted testing across various networks and communication protocols within a controlled environment, thereby offering tangible illustrations for widely-utilized communication protocols.

How consumers' economic and psychological vulnerabilities impact their consumption regulation during crisis

AbstractThis paper focuses on the economic and psychological vulnerabilities that are intensified due to the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on individuals' health, education and living standards. The deteriorating mental and financial conditions of individuals, called psychological and economic vulnerability, have made an impact on consumers' consumption patterns and habits. This study has proposed that when consumer vulnerabilities increase, consumers will be more likely to express prosocial behaviours and assume higher social capital change that may influence their consumption regulations. The findings are based on a panel survey of 786 individuals via CATI in two waves of data collection in Türkiye (Wave I: 20 July–10 August 2020; Wave II: 20 November–10 December 2020). In Wave I, it is found that when individuals face economic and psychological vulnerability, their tendency to show prosocial behaviour is negatively affected. In Wave II, when the COVID‐19 cases peaked, while economic vulnerability still leads to lower prosocial behaviour, psychological vulnerability gets reversed and results in higher prosocial behaviour. Interestingly, in both waves, when consumers perceive positive social capital change due to increased prosocial behaviour, they are less likely to show consumption regulation.

Urban flood vulnerability Knowledge-Graph based on remote sensing and textual bimodal data fusion

Flood disasters inflict extensive, serious damage on cities and society, significantly constraining urban construction and development. There is an urgent demand to reduce urban flood vulnerability, to explore the evolution mechanism of urban flood vulnerability, and to guide the construction and improvement of urban flood control resilience. An objective and accurate knowledge graph of urban flood vulnerability intuitively, quantitatively, and conveniently expresses the logical relationship between vulnerability indexes. This provides a theoretical and data-based foundation for enhancing urban flood resistance and improving the safety of urban flood control and drainage systems. To address this issue, first, the fusion extraction of text and remote sensing dual-mode data is achieved through technical means such as neural networks. Second, by using multiclass natural language processing (NLP) models, we create an objective index system for urban flood vulnerability that avoids subjective human influence. Finally, we construct an objective weight model group, calculate weights, and then, we establish a vulnerability knowledge graph. The results indicate that (1) by utilizing multidimensional remote sensing images and by adopting the robotic satellite (RoboSat) semantic segmentation model, we achieve high-precision extraction of the remote sensing parameters, such as those for urban roads, terrain, and buildings. Thus, we successfully transform remote sensing data into text data (accuracy is approximately 1 m). (2) We have confirmed the effectiveness of the subjective–objective combined weight method. (3) We introduce a novel approach to create an urban flood vulnerability index system based on bimodal objective data fusion. (4) Utilizing the flood vulnerability knowledge graph, we assess vulnerability levels within the primary urban areas of Zhengzhou City, and we propose governance strategies tailored to the current vulnerability status of each district.

Support of Cancer Patients at the Stage of Early Rehabilitation: Possibilities of Postural Correction and Art Therapy Techniques

Introduction. Early rehabilitation of cancer patients after surgery plays an important role in their recovery and return to normal functioning. One of the tasks of this stage of treatment is to restore physical activity of the body, in particular, through postural correction. The medical aspects of this process are well described in the literature, however, the psychological aspects of the postural correction process are not sufficiently covered. Even fewer studies are devoted to restoring the psychological state of cancer patients. Purpose. Analysis of the possibilities of postural correction of cancer patients and the possibility of using art therapy techniques to normalize the psychological state during early rehabilitation.Theoretical justification. One of the key elements of postural correction is the restoration of the ability to maintain balance. For this purpose, special devices are used – stabilometric platforms. Another important element is the restoration of voluntary movements. For a more effective recovery, it is worth teaching patients the psychological adjustment to exercise movements. When the patient plans a movement, he forms a mental construct “task to be completed”, which promotes more precise movements. Restoration of their stable psychological state of cancer patients is possible, in particular, through art therapy techniques. One of the techniques, coloring mandalas, involves both hemispheres of the patients’ brains, triggering cognitive processes through the activation of fine motor skills. This provides a natural therapeutic process: the brain works initially on simple tasks and gradually moves on to more complex ones. The details of the mandala drawing are thought out in such a way that in the process of working on it, the patient focuses on his inner state – thoughts and feelings.Discussion. The importance of an integrated approach to the rehabilitation of cancer patients is increasingly emphasized in scientific papers. During the early rehabilitation period, the patient is in the most vulnerable state, both physically and psychologically. The use of psychological techniques can ensure that the patient can restore a more holistic image of himself both physically and internally.

Effectual Insights Of Microcredit Services To Rural Livelihood: A Southern Punjab Perspective

Uncertain economic situation of developing countries like Pakistan is posing threat to marginalized societies and lives in rural areas. Microcredit is considered as most efficient tool in mitigating the vulnerable condition i.e. either due natural calamities or economic policies. This study was fact finder is checking the impact and highlighting the problems associated with microfinancing. For the purpose cross-sectional study was carried out in three randomly selected districts of Punjab province. From each district 200 beneficiaries of microfinancing were selected using lists provided by the regional offices of MFIs. Data obtained through interview schedule from sample of 600 was analyzed using SPSS. Results revealed that respondents received microcredit both for social as well as agricultural purposes. Results showed that percentage share of farm income have been increased after receiving of microcredit. There is a relatively lower impact of microcredit on some indicators such as access to education and health facilities, contribution to family income, and household income level. For tackling the problems like in-time disbursement and repayment, monitoring, business advisory to front man and regular meetings with borrowers can make difference. However, introducing reward system for repayment can be effective.

Always and forever: Materializing an environmental public in Bristol Bay, Alaska

In this article, we examine how residents of the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska, an area known for its vibrant salmon fishery, have mobilized to oppose the longstanding threat of large-scale mining in the Bay's headwaters. Drawing on ethnographic research in the region, we show how organizers and activists working to defeat the proposed Pebble Mine respond to unceasing if often unpredictable pressures that arrive in a distinctively erratic, fast-yet-slow fashion. Our analysis explores the implications of this condition for everyday efforts to bring together and maintain what we conceptualize as an environmental public: a community whose composition speaks to certain spatial, temporal, and material features associated with natural resources as well as to the bureaucratic demands of the resource-regulating, extraction-oriented state. By joining scholarship on resource temporalities with that on material publics, we add to studies of action in the face of extractivism in highlighting the tremendous behind-the-scenes labor and dexterity required to sustain an environmental public through the vicissitudes of a drawn-out struggle, requirements that in this case give rise to an always-and-forever political subjectivity primed for perpetual vigilance. While we focus on the specificities of the Pebble fight, we argue that this subjectivity and its burdens are central to a growing number of environmental contests today, as conditions of vulnerability are broadened at the same time that responsibility for confronting them proves unevenly distributed.

Mental health status according to the dual-factor model in Swedish adolescents: A cross sectional study highlighting associations with stress, resilience, social status and gender.

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to I) investigate the dual-factor model of mental health by forming and describing four participant groups and II) examine associations between mental health status and background factors, school-related factors, stress, and resilience among adolescents in a community population in Sweden. Data were collected through a survey completed by 2,208 students in lower and upper secondary school on the Swedish island of Gotland. After missing data were removed, a total of 1,833 participants were included in the study. The survey included the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) for the assessment of mental well-being and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for the assessment of mental health problems. These two measures were combined into a dual-factor model, forming four mental health status subgroups: Vulnerable (47.5%), Complete mental health (36.2%), Troubled (13.9%), and Symptomatic but content (2.5%). Associations between these groups were explored regarding background factors, school-related factors, stress, and resilience through chi-squared tests and logistic regressions. Girls (OR: 1.88) and participants with high stress levels (OR: 2.23) had elevated odds for Vulnerable mental health status, whereas higher resilience (OR: 0.87) and subjective social status in school (OR: 0.76) were factors associated with reduced odds for this mental health status classification. Female gender (OR: 5.02) was also associated with Troubled mental health status. Similarly, a high level of stress (ORs: 4.08 and 11.36) was associated with Symptomatic but content and Troubled mental health status, and participants with higher levels of resilience had decreased odds for being classified into these groups (ORs: 0.88 and 0.81). The findings highlight the importance of interventions to increase resilience, reduce stress, and address stereotypic gender norms as well as social status hierarchies to support adolescents' mental health.

Comprehensive analysis of vulnerability status and associated affect factors among prehospital emergency patients: a single-center descriptive cross-sectional study.

Prehospital emergency care is a critical but often understudied aspect of healthcare. Patient vulnerability in this setting can significantly impact outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the vulnerability status and to determine associated affect factors among prehospital emergency patients in China. In this cross-sectional study conducted in China, from April 2023 to July 2023, we assessed the vulnerability of prehospital emergency patients using the Safety in Prehospital Emergency Care Index (SPECI) scale. We conducted a detailed questionnaire-based survey to gather demographic and disease-related information. We employed the SPECI scale, consisting of two subscales, to evaluate patient vulnerability. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression, were used to identify factors associated with vulnerability. The study included a total of 973 prehospital emergency patients, with a response rate of 81.9%. These patients exhibited a low-to-moderate level of vulnerability, with an average SPECI score of 14.46 out of 40. Vulnerability was significantly associated with age (particularly those aged 60 and above), disease severity (severe conditions increased vulnerability), disease type (circulatory diseases correlated with higher vulnerability), alterations in consciousness, and chronic diseases. Unexpectedly, digestive system diseases were negatively correlated with vulnerability. Addressing patient vulnerability in prehospital care is essential. Tailored interventions, EMS provider training, and interdisciplinary collaboration can mitigate vulnerability, especially in older patients and those with severe conditions.

Identifikasi Keanekaragaman Jenis Burung di Kawasan Kampus UIN Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris Samarinda Kalimantan Timur

The State Islamic University of Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris (UINSI) Samarinda is a state Islamic campus in East Kalimantan that has good vegetation conditions so there are various types of birds in the area. This research aims to know the different kinds of bird that exist in the region of UINSI Samarinda Campus so as to be a first step towards conservation efforts. The method used in this study is Point Count by observing birds at a specified location. The bird identification was done with the help of MacKinnon's books. The data obtained was analyzed by the diversity index (H’), the relative abundance index (IKR), the redness index (E), the richness index of the species and its conservation status. The results of the study obtained 16 species of birds that are known to have one species endemic to Kalimantan, namely Lonchura fuscans. The analysis of the bird's H’ value of 2.19, the highest IKR is Passer montanus of 25.89%, the E value of 0.76, and the species richness index of 3.22. In addition, the conservation status of the birds found is 14 species of birds with Least Concern status (LC), one Vulnerable status (VU) and one Endangered status. (EN).

An application of adjusted livelihood vulnerability index to assess vulnerability to climate change in the char areas of Assam, India

In this paper, socio-ethnographic and Livelihood Vulnerability Index methods have been used as qualitative and quantitative methods respectively to measure vulnerability due to climate change. Three hundred and ninety four (394) numbers of households of Char inhabitants across the Brahmaputra Basin of Assam, India were interviewed during the period of May 2022 to September 2022. Access to food and housing were found to be the main drivers of vulnerability in almost all the Char areas. The study reveals that though ethnically a section of people is seen to be resilient in terms of flood; different geographical factors overpower such advantage, increasing the vulnerability of those households. Different factors affected the vulnerability status of the Char dwellers differently across the different locations. Additionally, apart from the different factors of vulnerability considered in the model used, the study also revealed that flood, erosion and geographical character of Char areas contributed to the creation of the differences in the degree of vulnerability. The results revealed that there is a need for different treatment for vulnerability reduction for Char dwellers in different locations and for which, the sub-indicators of vulnerability used in the study are needed to be studied carefully. Suggestions were also made on the scope for further study on this aspect.

Marginalization of Women in Marriage: A Study of Shashi Deshpande’s The Dark Holds No Terrors and That Long Silence

Marginalization in society is not confined to limitations of opportunities to grow independently and lack means of endurance. It refers to the creation of an environment in which the individual is made to feel pride even in slavery. Marginalization in the case of women is more pronounced as it is not limited to any caste, creed or religion. It is a universal phenomenon and marriage as an institution is one of the basic foundations on which the marginalization of women is culturally strengthened. Marriages are a pivotal part of every society. By conforming to the institution of marriage, two distinct minds take oaths to stick by each other’s side lifelong. But in reality, the institution of marriage replicates the other side of patriarchal domination which contributes to the peripheral status of women. They are subjected to inevitable suppression, subjugation, and oppression in the environs of the marital frame regardless of the renunciation and forsaking of individuality by the woman for the sake of family. They are the victim of sheer oppression and violence due to their vulnerable status from time immemorial. In this paper, an attempt has been made to bring forth the hardships of marital life and how it assists in the marginalization of women with reference to the works of Shashi Deshpande. Her works of fiction, The Dark Holds No Terrors (1980) and That Long Silence (1988) aptly elucidate the issues of marital discord and disharmonious conjugal relationships which career-oriented women experience in their day-to-day existence. Women helplessly oscillate between traditional codes and modern aspirations, bearing the pangs of dead desires and unexpressed thoughts in public as well as domestic spheres. Characterization of women like Sarita and Jaya delineate the marginalization of women in a poignant and powerful manner.

State-level differentials in COVID-19 fatality: exploring age and sex disparities in Malaysia’s pandemic experience

IssueCOVID-19 has resulted in mortality worldwide and exposed vulnerabilities in public health systems. Although countries have since transitioned to the endemic phase, it is nonetheless important to identify inequities within populations to improve public health strategies in light of another health crisis.PurposeThis study aims to offer deeper insights into the sex and age differentials in COVID-19 fatality across different states in Malaysia, from the pandemic’s start to the country’s transition to the endemic phase.MethodologyAnalyses utilized data on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Malaysia from January 2020 until April 2022. Case fatality rate (CFR) was computed for each state based on sex and age groups, for four periods (January–December 2020, January–June 2021, July–December 2021, and January–April 2022). Principal component analysis (PCA) uncovered patterns in the data and produced a multivariate visualization of the COVID-19 fatality within Malaysia.FindingsFindings revealed heterogeneity in fatality and identified several vulnerable states, notably in the northern region (Kelantan, Perlis) and on the East Coast (Sabah, Sarawak). A sex disparity was apparent in Kelantan as the CFR among older females was higher than their male counterparts. Sabah exhibited relatively higher CFR among the child population from 2020 to 2021.ImplicationThe findings deepened our understanding of COVID-19 fatality complexity, providing recommendations for Malaysia’s government in preparing for future health crises. Malaysia’s case study offers lessons on the need to address regional disparities and implement targeted strategies to protect vulnerable subgroups.

A perinatal social nutrition approach to improve breastfeeding in a culturally diverse group of low-income women.

Alima, Perinatal Social Nutrition Centre, is an established community organization that adopts a perinatal social nutrition approach to provide multidimensional support to women living in vulnerable conditions, particularly those with a precarious migratory status. This study aims to (i) determine which maternal characteristics, pregnancy-related variables, and structural features of the Alima intervention are associated with breastfeeding; and (ii) examine whether the association between attending breastfeeding workshops and breastfeeding characteristics differ according to maternal factors. The Alima digital database was used to analyze data from women who received the perinatal intervention between 2013 and 2020. Infant feeding data were retrieved at 2 weeks postpartum (T0, n=2925), 2 months postpartum (T2, n=1475), and 4 months postpartum (T4, n=890). Logistic regressions were used to estimate the odds of overall and exclusive breastfeeding depending on sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy-related variables, and features of the intervention. The prevalence of overall and exclusive breastfeeding was, respectively, 96.1% and 60.7% at T0; 93.0% and 58.5% at T2; 83.0% and 48.4% at T4. Higher education, previous breastfeeding experience, and recent immigration were associated with a higher likelihood of breastfeeding at each time point. Breastfeeding workshop attendance was associated with a greater likelihood of overall and exclusive breastfeeding at T2 and T4, with a stronger effect among women aged 35 or less, those with lower education, and those with excessive gestational weight gain. In conclusion, the Alima intervention is associated with positive breastfeeding outcomes, especially among vulnerable women living with precarious migratory status in Canada.

Establishment and Characterization of a Primary Fibroblast Cell Culture from the Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis).

The vulnerable status of the Amazon manatee, Trichechus inunguis, indicates the need to seek measures to guarantee its conservation. In this context, the cultivation of cells in vitro is a strategy that should at least guarantee the preservation of their genetic material. Thus, we established for the first time a primary culture of Amazonian manatee fibroblasts (TINsf) from a skin biopsy of a young male. Karyotypic analysis of the 3rd, 7th, and 12th passages confirmed the taxonomic identity of the species T. inunguis (2n = 56/NF = 92) and indicated that this culture presents genomic stability. Gene and protein expression of vimentin at the 13th passage show the predominant presence of fibroblasts in TINsf. To test the cell line's responsiveness to materials and demonstrate a possible application of this culture, it was exposed to andiroba seed oil (ASO), and its viability and proliferative capacity were evaluated. ASO demonstrated toxic effects at the highest concentrations and longest exposure times tested, reproducing results observed in human cultures, indicating the applicability of TINsf in toxicological and biotechnological studies. After cryopreservation, the TINsf line maintained its proliferative potential, indicating the establishment of a new culture available for future studies.

Developing a Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) for Risk Mapping

community, in Jilotepec, State of Mexico, with risk mapping purposes. Design/Methodology/Approach: A Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was developed based on sociodemographic indicators, housing characteristics, and the conditions of the production systems. The information sources for the SVI indicators were obtained from official Basic Geostatistical Area (AGEB) censuses and from an online survey carried out in the community under study. The SVI was cross-referenced with data from four previously published natural hazard studies for risk mapping purposes. Results: The methodological proposal uses equal weight index statistical techniques to develop the SVI. Using online surveys is a clearly viable option for research studies that require to obtain more detailed data on housing characteristics, as well as the population’s perception of certain changes in precipitation and temperature patterns that are happening in their community and the measures, they take to face these natural phenomena. Study Limitations/Implications: Online surveys are relatively recent, which implies the need to design and implement validation and sampling mechanisms for the results. Findings/Conclusions: Risk mapping enabled the territorial visualization and identification of the communal vulnerability conditions, which facilitates a conceptual approach to the social reality of the population and will allow the formulation of potential future scenarios of climate change and the implementation of public policies.

The shifting impact and response to COVID-19 in Florida.

The first cases of COVID-19 in Florida were diagnosed on March 1, 2020. Three years later, more than 7.3 million people have had COVID-19 in Florida, and more than 93,000 individuals have died from this illness. When considering the impact of COVID-19 on Florida, several key factors need to be considered, including that Florida was one of the most medically vulnerable states due to a substantial proportion of older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions. Florida also has a centralized Department of Health and Division of Emergency Management structure that facilitated response activities. Looking at the impact of COVID-19 on Florida, two distinct phases need to be considered: the pre-Delta variant phase from March 2020 to July 2021 and the Delta variant and beyond phase that began July 2021 and still continues. During the 16-month first phase, about 38,000 people died. Yet, 24,000 people died during the 5-months of the Delta variant wave from July to November 2021. During the Omicron waves that followed Delta, an additional 31,000 people died. Florida thus went from ranking 26th in death per capita in the United States at the end of the first phase to 10th a few months into the Delta wave and now ranks 8th. Why did these phases differ so dramatically in terms of mortality? During the first phase of the pandemic, adherence to established nonpharmacological and older adult protection measures was recommended. When COVID-19 vaccines became available in December 2020, there was an aggressive campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccination, and public acceptance was high. The second phase followed political opposition to CDC and public health expert guidelines, the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment and misinformation, and falling vaccination rates. These factors contributed to considerable population vulnerability to severe disease when the Delta variant hit. As the former State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health of Florida from June 2019 to September 2021, this report provides perspective on the shifting impact and response to COVID-19 in Florida, which is the third most populous state in the United States. This perspective shows the clear consequences of shifting from standard public health practices and vaccine promotion to attacks on public health and vaccines.