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The 2023 fatal dengue outbreak in Bangladesh highlights a paradigm shift of geographical distribution of cases
Get PDFIn 2023, Bangladesh experienced its largest and deadliest outbreak of the Dengue virus (DENV), reporting the highest-ever recorded annual cases and deaths. Historically, most of the cases were recorded in the capital city, Dhaka. We aimed to characterize the geographical transmission of DENV in Bangladesh. From 1 January–31 December 2023, we extracted and analyzed daily data on dengue cases and deaths from the Management Information System of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. We performed a generalized linear mixed model to identify the associations between division-wise daily dengue counts and various geographical and meteorological covariates. The number of dengue cases reported in 2023 was 1.3 times higher than the total number recorded in the past 23 years (321,179 vs. 244,246), with twice as many deaths than the total fatalities recorded over the past 23 years (1705 vs. 849). Of the 1,705 deaths in 2023, 67.4% (n = 1,015) died within one day after hospital admission. The divisions southern to Dhaka had a higher dengue incidence/1000 population (2.30 vs. 0.50, p <0.01) than the northern divisions. Festival-related travel along with meteorological factors and urbanization are likely to have contributed to the shift of dengue from Dhaka to different districts in Bangladesh
Revisiting the electrophysiological correlates of valence and expectancy in reward processing – A Multi-lab replication
Get PDFTwo event-related brain potential (ERP) components, the frontocentral feedback-related negativity (FRN) and the posterior P300, are key in feedback proc`essing. The FRN typically exhibits greater amplitude in response to negative and unexpected outcomes, whereas the P300 is generally more pronounced for positive outcomes. In an influential ERP study, Hajcak et al., (2005) manipulated outcome valence and expectancy in a guessing task. They found the FRN was larger for negative outcomes regardless of expectancy and the P300 larger for unexpected outcomes regardless of valence. These findings challenged the dominant Reinforcement Learning Theory of the ERN. We aimed to replicate these results within the #EEGManyLabs project (Pavlov et al., 2021) across thirteen labs. Our replication, including robustness tests, a PCA and Bayesian models, found that both FRN and P300 were significantly modulated by outcome valence and expectancy: FRN amplitudes (no-reward - reward) were largest for unexpected outcomes, and P300 amplitudes were largest for reward outcomes. These results were consistent across different methods and analyses. Although our findings only partially replicate the original study, they underscore the complexity of feedback processing and demonstrate how aspects of Reinforcement Learning Theory may apply to the P300 component, reinforcing the need for rigorous ERP research methodologies
Evaluating the resilience of social license to operate towards NIMBY facilities: A cloud model-based approach
No full textThis research aims to enhance the understanding of Social License to Operate (SLO) resilience in Not-In-My-Backyard (NIMBY) facilities. The dynamic nature of SLO acquisition is explored, and its implications for the relationship between industries and local communities in NIMBY contexts. Employing a systematic literature review, the study identifies indicators for SLO resilience, categorizes them through principal component analysis, and constructs an evaluation framework from diverse stakeholder perspectives. A cloud model approach is developed for SLO resilience evaluation, departing from traditional models. The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the chosen NIMBY facility. The research reveals that SLO resilience in NIMBY facilities is a complex system influenced by such factors as information disclosure, fairness, and community education. Government, community, and business resilience are essential components, with the study identifying specific indicators for each. A Quzhou case study provides valuable insights into the proposed evaluation model's practical application and validity. The findings offer actionable recommendations for stakeholders involved in NIMBY facility construction and operation. Emphasizing transparency, fairness, and strengthened legal frameworks for public participation, the study guides for improving the resilience of SLOs in the face of evolving community dynamics. It contributes to the existing literature by integrating resilience theory with the SLO concept, offering a novel perspective on social licensing in NIMBY facilities. Introducing a cloud model approach for SLO resilience evaluation adds a methodological contribution to the field. The research's value lies in its potential to guide governments and enterprises in managing NIMBY facility challenges and balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders.</p
Cross-Border Planning for Promoting Economic Development: A Case Study of Gold Coast Airport, Australia
Get PDFAirports can be pivotal drivers of regional economic development. However, Gold Coast Airport’s cross-border location, spanning two local government areas (City of Gold Coast and Tweed Shire) and two Australian states (Queensland and New South Wales), has created several governance challenges affecting regional economic sustainability. This article explores three questions: (1) What are the barriers and opportunities to promote economic development and cross-border planning around Gold Coast Airport? (2) How do cross-border governance arrangements and planning frameworks impact the airport’s economic contributions? (3) What lessons can be drawn from this case study? To address these questions, the study uses a mixed-method approach comprising key informant interviews and policy analysis. The study finds that the airport’s economic impact is largely confined to the northern (Queensland) side of the border due to insufficient cross-border cooperation and fragmented planning frameworks. The article proposes transforming the border into a catalyst for economic development through three instruments: reimagining the border as a driver of growth, establishing a cross-border ‘airport city region’ with integrated governance, and creating a Cross-Border Committee under Federal oversight to foster collaboration. These insights are also relevant to other agencies managing major infrastructure projects with cross-border implications
Information sharing for border protection – balancing legal powers against appropriate safeguards: a comparative study between Australia and the UK
No full textExploring the natural history of acute infections commonly seen in primary care: existing evidence and potential value in antibiotic stewardship
No full textStructuring risks for a comprehensive understanding of cost overruns in power plant projects
Get PDFPurpose: Power plant projects are very complex and encounter serious cost overruns worldwide. Their cost overrun risks are not independent but interrelated in many cases, having structural relationships among each other. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to establish the complex structural relationships of risks involved. Design/methodology/approach:In total, 76 published articles from the previous literature are reviewed using the content analysis method. Three risk networks in different phases of power plant projects are depicted based on literature review and case studies. The possible methods of solving these risk networks are also discussed. Findings:The study finds critical cost overrun risks and develops risk networks for the procurement, civil and mechanical works of power plant projects. It identifies potential models to assess cost overrun risks based on the developed risk networks. The literature review also revealed some research gaps in the cost overrun risk management of power plants and similar infrastructure projects. Practical implications:This study will assist project risk managers to understand the potential risks and their relationships to prevent and mitigate cost overruns for future power plant projects. It will also facilitate decision-makers developing a risk management framework and controlling projects’ cost overruns. Originality/value:The study presents conceptual risk networks in different phases of power plant projects for comprehending the root causes of cost overruns. A comparative discussion of the relevant models available in the literature is presented, where their potential applications, limitations and further improvement areas are discussed to solve the developed risk networks for modeling cost overrun risks.</p
Health Behaviours and Swimming Competency Among Bond University Medicine and Allied Health Students
Get PDFAim: To determine the physical activity, sedentary behaviour, muscle strengthening habits and swimming ability in a sample of Bond University medicine and allied health students. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Two hundred and eighty-nine first-year students from medicine and allied health programs completed an online survey in May and September 2024. Results: Students were highly active with 86% meeting or exceeding 500 metabolic equivalent of task (MET) minutes per week. 60% of students reported sitting for less than eight hours per day. Only 5% of the students were inactive and reported high sitting time (more than 8 hours per day). Fewer than half (47%) met the twice weekly muscle strengthening recommendation, with males more likely to do this than females. Students reported that they were very competent or fairly competent in their ability to swim 25 (82%), 100 (69%) and 500 (44%) metres. A high proportion of international students (39%) reported they were not at all confident in being able to swim 500 metres. Conclusion: A large proportion of Bond University students exhibit healthy physical activity behaviours that are beyond the recommended guidelines, and moderate sitting times. Half of the students surveyed do not meet the muscle strengthening recommendations. International students report the lowest levels of competency for swimming ability across all swimming distances. Key Practice Points: High activity levels and moderate sitting times mean students are likely to experience associated health benefits. Increased focus on strengthening activities especially in females and swimming coaching for international students should be prioritised
Role of Ventilation and Spatial Designs in Airborne Disease Transmission Within Residential Aged-Care Facilities
Get PDFThe global aging population, particularly those aged 60 and above, is increasingly vulnerable to communicable diseases. Building ventilation (BV) plays a key role in residential aged-care (RAC) facilities, where COVID-19 has had a significant impact. This study systematically reviews the published literature to examine the influence of BV systems (BVSs) on airborne disease (COVID-19) transmission in RACs and recommends strategies to protect vulnerable residents. Using the PRISMA framework, articles published in the last decade were sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Bibliometric analyses revealed key research clusters on risk factors, transmission, facilities and services, and gender-based and retrospective studies. Australia, the USA, Africa, and the UK have made the most scholarly contributions to this field. Three main research areas emerged: BVS functionality, ventilation’s role in COVID-19 transmission, and spatial building design for effective airflow. Findings reveal that inadequate ventilation and poor indoor air quality are major contributors to disease spread, further influenced by ventilation rate, airflow, temperature, humidity, and air distribution. A hybrid ventilation design that integrates natural and mechanical systems with technologies such as HEPA filters, UVGI, and HVAC is recommended in the current study. In addition, building form and layout should incorporate spatial, engineering, administrative, and hierarchical controls in line with sustainable ventilation design guidelines. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge on the roles of ventilation and design in infection control. It offers practical recommendations for architects, RAC managers, government agencies, and policymakers involved in designing and managing RACs to reduce the risk of communicable disease transmission.</p