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Upscaled wood@MoS(2)/Fe(3)O(4) bulk catalysts for sustainable catalytic water pollutant removal
No full textAdvanced oxidation processes (AOPs) play a pivotal role in purifying contaminated water and securing drinking water safety. Transition metal-based materials are highly effective AOP catalysts, while their applications are limited by their poor stability in the oxidative environment. In this study, we developed a composite catalyst, molybdenum disulfide/ferric oxide (MoS₂/Fe₃O₄), to evaluate its catalytic performance and explore its underlying mechanisms in peroxymonosulfate activation. The powder composite was successfully loaded onto an engineered wood substrate, creating a monolith wood@MoS₂/Fe₃O₄ composite for large-scale practical applications. The engineered bulk catalyst exhibits exceptional versatility and stability in wastewater treatment, maintaining nearly 100% removal efficiency over continuous operation for 144 hours. These findings underscore the significant potential of wood-loaded nanomaterials for cost-effective wastewater treatment.Lingli Zhu, Wei Ren, Ya Liu, Zhong-Shuai Zhu, Shuang Zhong, Shaobin Wang, and Xiaoguang Dua
Global, regional, and national burden of headache disorders, 1990-2021, with forecasts to 2050: A Global Burden of Disease study 2021
No full textHeadache disorders, especially migraines and tension-type headaches (TTHs), are major global public health concerns, as shown by the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021. We provide updated global estimates of prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries and territories and forecasts through 2050. In 2021, there are 2.0 billion people with TTH and 1.2 billion with migraine. Although TTH is more prevalent, migraine causes higher disability. While crude prevalence and YLDs increased, age-standardized rates remained stable and are projected to continue this trend due to population growth. There is a disproportionately higher burden in women aged 30–44 and countries with higher Socio-demographic Index and Healthcare Access and Quality Index. Despite this, migraines remain underrecognized in health policies and funding. This study emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize headache disorders in global health agendas.GBD 2021 Headache Collaborators: Tissa Wijeratne ... Andrew T. Olagunju ... et al
Framework for the Development and Delivery of Digital Peer Support Programs: Qualitative Study on in-Person and Digital Delivery for People With Cardiovascular Disease
No full textBackground: Peer support (ie, sharing experiences and providing support with others with the same condition) improves health outcomes among people with cardiovascular disease (CVD), including self-management behaviors and self-efficacy. However, current peer support interventions are diverse, and evidence is lacking on the perceptions of benefits and the elements considered priorities by peer support attenders, especially regarding digital interventions. Objective: The study aimed to (1) describe perceived benefits and recommendations for CVD peer support programs from people attending in-person peer support, (2) identify priorities for digital peer support from consumers and clinicians testing a peer support app prototype, and (3) develop a framework to inform future peer support intervention development. Methods: A qualitative study design was used across 2 components to address the objectives. In Component 1, semistructured focus groups were conducted with attenders of established in-person CVD peer support groups to explore the perceived benefits of peer support and recommendations for future programs. In Component 2, semistructured workshops with consumers with CVD and semistructured interviews with CVD clinicians/researchers were conducted to obtain feedback and recommendations for digital peer support using an exploratory digital CVD peer support application prototype. Data were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Findings from both components were iteratively synthesized to inform the development of a digital peer support framework. Results: In Component 1, a total of 22 participants (age range 29‐84 years, 45% male) took part in focus groups. The overarching theme was that peer support provides benefits through the sharing of experiences. Five themes were refined and defined: (1) peer support provides a way of coping; (2) peers learn from each other; (3) peers understand what each other is going through; (4) the peer community uplifts mood and builds confidence; and (5) awareness, flexibility, and resources are important for engagement. In Component 2, five participants (age range 55‐74 years, 60% male) attended 2 workshops, and 8 clinicians-researchers (age range 30‐65 years, 10% male) were interviewed. Three themes were refined and defined: (1) autonomy is essential to promote engagement; (2) safeguarding is important to both users and clinicians; and (3) interfaces that are simple, easy to use, and visually attractive enable use. Priorities identified from both components included greater peer support awareness and uptake, flexibility with timing and family participation, health care professional involvement, provision of resources, autonomous features enabling choice, checklists and clinician moderation for safeguarding, and simple-to-use interfaces. Conclusions: Participants in peer support programs derive benefit from sharing their experience of living with CVD, which enables coping, learning, feeling understood, and a sense of community. Priorities were synthesized to create a framework for digital peer support development, with recommendations to focus on 6 key areas: uptake, flexibility, resources, autonomy, safeguarding, and interface.Joseph Weddell, Emily Li, Wendan Shi, Robyn Gallagher, Stephanie Ruth Partridge, Karice Hyun, Vanessa Poulsen, Christian Verdicchio, Thomas Buckley, Julie Redfer
Evaluation of six phosphorus extraction methods for compliance testing of recycled P fertilizers
No full textData source: Supplementary material, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2024.103913Phosphorus (P) recycling for fertilizer production addresses the dependency on phosphate rock and mitigates P losses to the environment. However, predicting plant-available P in recycled fertilizers is challenging due to their diverse chemical composition. This study aimed at identifying the most suitable P extraction method for fertilizer compliance testing, considering their correlation with actual fertilization efficiency, as well as their simplicity, throughput, recognition and cost. Studies on fertilizer P compliance testing often lack recommendations on minimum P extractability threshold values.
Here, thresholds are calculated based on actual fertilization efficiency of a large, chemically diverse set of recycled P fertilizers, many of which are already marketed. Thirty recycled P fertilizers were extracted with H2O, neutral ammonium citrate (NAC), electro-ultrafiltration (EUF), ferrihydrite-filled membranes (iron bag; IB), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT). The mineral replacement value (MRV) of the fertilizer set was previously evaluated in three pot experiments at a fertilization rate of 50 mg kg−1 soil. MRV correlations with the extractions methods showed similar results for all besides H2O, which cannot be a reliable indicator for P availability.
Fertilizers were classified as efficient or inefficient based on their MRV exceeding or falling below 60 % of the triple superphosphate reference value. The minimum P extractability threshold value (MPETV) for each method was based on the efficiency classification and it minimized the number of misclassified fertilizers. NAC, with a 60 % extractable minimum P threshold value, was the most adequate method for compliance testing, despite its overestimation of iron phosphate availability
Surface Topography and Ultrastructure of the Spectacular Cells in the Eyes of Land and Sea Snakes (Squamata, Reptilia): Functional Adaptations of Micro-Ornamentation
No full textAlthough the surface micro‐ornamentation of the scales within the skin of snakes has been the subject of many previous studies, there has been little work done on the spectacle, a protective (keratinised) goggle separated from the underlying cornea by a sub‐spectacular space. The surface ultrastructure of the “Oberhäutchen” of the spectacle is examined in nine species of snakes (five aquatic and four terrestrial) using light and electron microscopy, micro‐computed tomography and gel‐based profilometry. Significant topographic differences in cell size (increases of between 5.4% and 165% in the periphery), shape (central pentagonal/hexagonal to long peripheral) and density (2579–10,391 cells/mm² in the centre vs. 2315–4291 cells/mm² in the periphery) are revealed. Small indentations in the surface (micropits) and/or microholes in the cell membrane decorate the epithelial surface of all species, which also show a centre‐to‐periphery gradient in diameter (42.39–120.55 nm in the centre vs. 63.76–182.60 nm in the periphery). Microridges are found on the superficial cells of the spectacle of only one species (the terrestrial Cantil Viper, Agkistrodon bilineatus) with straight, parallel ridges in the centre (138.4 ± 28.2 nm wide) and a more complex pattern of ridges (143.1 ± 19.1 nm wide) in the periphery. The micro‐ornamentation of the spectacle in both land and sea snakes is compared with those found over the body scales and discussed with respect to a range of potential functions, while still allowing a clear optical pathway for vision.H. Barry Collin, Myoung Hoon Ha, Alizee Wagner, Megan Folwell, Nathan Dunstan, Jenna Crowe-Riddell, Shaun P. Colli
Workplace bullying and job outcomes: intersectional effects of gender and culture
No full textPurpose: This study explores the under-researched phenomenon of workplace bullying against women in male-dominated Pakistani society, highlighting its severe impacts and bridging the research gap on intersectional effects of gender and cultural dynamics in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-method research approach, we conducted two-wave surveys with 308 female workers in Pakistan's educational and health sectors. Data analysis examined relationships between workplace bullying and job outcomes like productivity and satisfaction, complemented by insights from in-depth interviews with 18 female workers. Findings The study reveals that workplace bullying significantly undermines job productivity, increases emotional exhaustion mediated by job anxiety and decreases job satisfaction among female workers. Bullying persists due to weak institutions and inadequate law enforcement, with perceived social support found to be an insignificant moderator. Practical implications The study findings underscore the economic implications of workplace bullying, as it drives female workforce attrition, hindering economic development. The study recommends conflict resolution strategies, effective HR policies, national law enforcement and supportive social networks to combat bullying and create a conducive work environment. Social implications This study aligns with the UN's SDG goals #5 (gender equality) and #8 (decent work and economic growth), addressing pertinent issues related to workplace bullying in pursuit of these global objectives. Originality/value This study represents a unique attempt to address the intersectional dynamics of gender and culture concerning workplace bullying in Pakistan.Connie Zheng, Shazia Nauman, Nida Usman Jahangi
Deep Learning-Based Detection of Aflatoxin B1 Contamination in Almonds Using Hyperspectral Imaging: A Focus on Optimized 3D Inception–ResNet Model
No full textAflatoxin B1, a toxic carcinogen frequently contaminating almonds, nuts, and food products, poses significant health risks. Therefore, a rapid and non-destructive detection method is crucial to detect aflatoxin B1-contaminated almonds to ensure food safety. This study introduces a novel deep learning approach utilizing 3D Inception-ResNet architecture with fine-tuning to classify aflatoxin B1-contaminated almonds using hyperspectral images. The proposed model achieved higher classification accuracy than traditional methods, such as support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), and decision tree (DT), for classifying aflatoxin B1 contaminated almonds. A feature selection algorithm was employed to enhance processing efficiency and reduce spectral dimensionality while maintaining high classification accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed 3D Inception-ResNet (Lightweight) model achieves superior classification performance with a 90.81% validation accuracy, an F1-score of 0.899, and an area under the curve value of 0.964, outperforming traditional machine learning approaches. The Lightweight 3D Inception-ResNet model, with 381 layers, offers a computationally efficient alternative suitable for real-time industrial applications. These research findings highlight the potential of hyperspectral imaging combined with deep learning for aflatoxin B1 detection in almonds with higher accuracy. This approach supports the development of real-time automated screening systems for food safety, reducing contamination-related risks in almonds
Contesting the framing of digital risk: An analysis of Australian children's experiences
No full textChildren’s social lives are mediated increasingly by digital tools, thereby making new modes of home-school-world relationships possible. In this context, children’s digital out-of-school social practices continue to be associated with risk. Children are construed as an “at risk” and vulnerable population by adults who frame children’s everyday digital social life with ambivalence. This framing is used to justify imposition of constraints in the present, with children’s digital engagement a key site of regulation. The study we report here problematises research that separates risk from children’s digital social participation. To challenge dominant views of children being vulnerable to risk, we use Actor Network Theory to provide a nuanced exposition of concepts of “digital risk” and agentic self, relevant to children’s digital social lives. From the findings of the present study, involving 62 10–11-year-old children in 3 Australian schools, we argue that “digital risk” framing of children’s social lives underplays children’s agency and voice in digital environments. Additionally, what is missing in the framing of digital risk is recognition that children utilise digital tools to ameliorate non-digital risk. In other words, risk is not only digital; and there is more to digital participation than risk
Antenatal Vitamin C differentially affects lung development in normally grown and growth restricted sheep
No full textBackground: Chronic hypoxemia is a common cause of fetal growth restriction and can have significant effects on the developing fetal lung. Maternal antioxidant treatment in hypoxic pregnancy protects against offspring cardiovascular dysfunction. The effects of antenatal antioxidants on lung development in the chronically hypoxic growth restricted fetus is unknown.
Methods: We investigated the effect of maternal daily Vitamin C (200 mg/kg i.v. vs. Saline) for a month in late gestation on molecular markers regulating lung maturation between normoxic normally grown and hypoxic growth-restricted fetal sheep. Chronic fetal hypoxia and fetal growth restriction were induced by exposure to maternal chronic hypoxia (10% O2 vs. Normoxia=21% O2) from 105-138 d gestation (term=145 d).
Results: The data show a differential effect of antenatal Vitamin C treatment on regulation of genes involved in surfactant maturation, sodium movement and hypoxia signaling. Limited responsiveness to antenatal Vitamin C exposure in the lung of the hypoxic fetus, compared to responsiveness to antenatal Vitamin C in the normoxic fetus, suggests a maximal upregulation of the molecular signaling pathways in response to the chronic hypoxic insult alone.
Conclusion: We provide molecular insight into the heterogeneity of antenatal Vitamin C treatment on development of the normoxic and growth restricted hypoxic fetal lung.
Impact: The effect of maternal Vitamin C on molecular markers of lung maturation between normoxic normally grown and hypoxic growth restricted fetal sheep was unknown. We show a differential effect of Vitamin C with a greater increase in molecular markers of lung maturation in normoxic compared with hypoxic fetuses.Limited responsiveness in the hypoxic fetal lung is likely due to maximal upregulation by the hypoxic insult alone, thus added exposure to Vitamin C is unable to upregulate the system further. The work highlights the need to understand differential effects of antenatal interventions in healthy and complicated pregnancy, prior to clinical translation
Thermoregulation and dehydration in children and youth exercising in extreme heat compared with adults
No full textObjective: To compare hyperthermia and physiological dehydration risk during exercise heat stress between children of different ages and adults and evaluate an existing adult sweat rate calculator in children.
Methods: 68 fit and recreationally active children aged 10–16 years (31 girls), and 24 adults aged 18–40 years (11 females) completed three separate 45 min treadmill walking/running trials at different intensities on different days at 30°C, 40% relative humidity (RH) (WARM) or 40°C, 30% RH (HOT). Exposures were randomised to elicit intensities scaled to (1) fitness, (2) mass and (3) surface area. Core (gastrointestinal (Tgi)) temperature was measured continuously and dehydration determined using body mass changes.
Results: Except for 60% V̇O2peak in WARM, in which adults exhibited a greater Tgi rise compared with 10–13 years, there was no effect of age on Tgi during exercise (p≥0.176). Physiological rates of dehydration were not affected by age in WARM (p≥0.08) or HOT (p≥0.08). Mean predicted sweat rate error was +0.08 kg/hour (95% CIs: −0.10, +0.25) across WARM and HOT, and 80.5% of variability in sweating was explained by the adult sweat rate calculator.
Conclusions: Using the most comprehensive paediatric exercise heat stress dataset from a single study to date, we show that children aged 10–16 years are at a similar risk of hyperthermia and dehydration as adults during exercise up to 40°C. This supports recent changes to paediatric sport heat policies that were based on limited data. Practitioners can potentially reduce behavioural dehydration risks from inadequate fluid consumption using an existing adult sweat rate calculator for children