12703036 research outputs found
Sort by
Hydrocarbon generation potential and oil-bearing property of the Chang 73 sub-member shale in the Jiyuan area of the Ordos Basin: a case study of Well J119H2
No full textAbstract Although the hydrocarbon potential of the Chang 7 Member has been well documented, the oil-bearing characteristics and expulsion efficiency of the Chang 73 sub-member remain poorly constrained, highlighting the need for this investigation. Systematic analysis of the hydrocarbon generation potential, trace elements, and paleontology of the dark shale in the Chang 73 sub-member of Well J119H2 in the Jiyuan area has clarified the hydrocarbon generation potential and oil-bearing characteristics of shale in this interval. The results indicate that the total organic carbon values of the dark mud shale rang from 0.32 to 13.76% and S 1 + S 2 values are between 0.10 and 43.09 mg/g. The main types of kerogen are Type I and Type II1, consistent with high-quality lacustrine shales in the Songliao Basin that have demonstrated commercial shale oil production. The trace element indicators reflect that the black shale was mainly deposited in a warm and stratified anoxic-reducing environment, and the paleo-productivity was high during the shale sedimentation period. The residual total oil content of shale oil is calculated to be between 5.64 and 14.16 mg/g. Compared with other major continental shale oil production zones in China, the total organic carbon values and residual total oil content of the Chang 73 Member in Well J119H2 suggest favorable hydrocarbon generation potential, placing it on par with China’s most productive continental shale oil systems, including those in the Songliao and Junggar Basins. The contribution ratio of dark mudstone to shale to oil and gas resources in the study area is 1:1.8. Overall, the Chang 73 shale oil in the Jiyuan area demonstrates significant exploration potential
Beyond warnings and shelters: local institutions and trust build cyclone resilience in Bangladesh
No full textAbstract Tropical cyclones (TCs) severely threaten coastal Bangladesh, making it crucial to understand how communities respond to disaster preparedness and warning systems, as well as the effectiveness of local institutions in mitigating risks and aiding recovery. This study assessed community response and institutional effectiveness through 279 household surveys, 28 focus group discussions, and 30 key informant interviews across seven TC-affected districts in Bangladesh. Results show traditional warning systems remain most effective, but digital and mass media channels show significant spatial gaps. Equity analysis revealed substantial disparities, with male-headed and farming households having 11–13 percentage points higher warning reach than female-headed and fishing households, respectively. Evacuation rates correlated with shelter quality, while non-evacuation was driven by safety concerns, economic constraints, and false alarm fatigue. Multivariable regression confirmed shelter quality as a strong predictor of evacuation. Spatial analysis indicated significant clustering of exposure and sectoral damages. Damage was severe and uneven: crop losses reached 91% in Barguna, fishing asset losses 94% in Patuakhali, and housing damage 80% in Bhola. Unmet needs for water and livelihoods were widespread, and institutional trust varied. The findings underscore the need for integrated, context-sensitive strategies combining better infrastructure, inclusive communication, and accountable governance to strengthen resilience
Addressing quarter life crisis as a public health priority
No full textAbstract The Quarter-Life Crisis (QLC), a period of intense self-doubt, anxiety, and identity confusion during early adulthood has become a widespread phenomenon affecting mental health and well-being globally. In the Indian context, this phase is further shaped by cultural expectations, economic uncertainty, and social transitions that shape young adults’ sense of purpose and stability. Although often discussed in psychological and sociological terms, the QLC remains under-addressed in public health discourse. This perspective paper argues for the recognition of QLC as a legitimate public health issue with cross-sector implications. Economic precarity, including unstable employment, student debt, and housing insecurity, plays a critical role in exacerbating this crisis, making it not only a psychological experience but also a condition influenced by broader socioeconomic and cultural forces. Drawing on developmental psychology, sociocultural theory, and the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this paper situates the Quarter-Life Crisis within India’s evolving social landscape and examines it as a social determinant of mental health. It further highlights community-based and digital interventions, such as resilience and self-compassion apps, that can support young adults. Integrating QLC into public health frameworks particularly those focused on Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) can offer timely, systemic solutions to a rising mental health concern among India’s youth and the global young adult population
Understanding the relationship between chemosensory complaints and sleep: a cross-sectional study of adults in Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textAbstract Objectives Sleep and chemosensory function (smell and taste) both are closely tied to health and wellbeing, yet their long-term interrelationship remains underexplored. Although experimental studies have demonstrated that sleep deprivation can acutely alter chemosensory perception, it is unclear whether individuals who report ongoing smell or taste dysfunction also experience habitual disruptions to sleep. This study aimed to understand whether individuals with self-reported smell or taste complaints experience shorter and/or poorer quality sleep, independent of health and demographic factors, using a healthy adult sample. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Chemosensory complaints were measured using the NHANES smell and taste protocol, and sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Linear regression models examined associations between chemosensory complaints and sleep duration and quality, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, wellbeing, BMI, health conditions, medications, caffeine intake, and night shift work. Results Of the 769 participants who provided complete responses, 50.6% reported smell and/or taste complaints. While our models did not show that chemosensory complaints were a significant predictor for sleep duration or sleep quality after controlling for health-related variables, when chemosensory complaints were separated by modality, taste complaints were significantly associated with poorer sleep quality even after full adjustment (aMD = 0.64, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.14, p = 0.012). Conclusion Subjective taste complaints may be a useful and accessible marker of poor sleep quality. These findings highlight the need to consider chemosensory health in sleep-related research and public health initiatives
Assessment of heavy metal contamination and associated health risks in processed cowhides from Nigerian markets
No full textAbstract Background Heavy metals are well-established contributors to carcinogenesis, and chronic dietary exposure constitutes a significant, yet under-recognised route of intake in many developing regions. In Nigeria, cowhide (“ponmo”) is a widely consumed delicacy; however, its safety remains insufficiently investigated, despite potential contamination from environmental sources, animal husbandry practices, and processing methods such as singeing. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals and associated health risks in different processed cowhides sold in major markets in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods A total of 100 cowhide samples were collected and sampled from four major markets, with a total of five processing types; fresh, dried, wet, white, and fried. Heavy metal concentration was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results Zinc (Zn) recorded the highest concentration among all metals, followed by Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), and Chromium (Cr) in descending order. Dried and wet samples consistently contained higher metal concentrations than fresh, white, and fried samples, suggesting that dehydration and processing intensity contribute to metal accumulation. Additionally, the health risk assessment, based on the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI), indicated that Cu and Zn were within acceptable limits, whereas As, Cr, and Pb exceeded safety thresholds in several samples. As and Cr showed HQ values greater than 1 in dried and fried cowhides from Arigbajo and Wasinmi, indicating potential chronic toxicity with prolonged intake. The HI values ranged from 1.844 ± 1.544 in Obada-Oko to 2.618 ± 1.709 in Arigbajo, surpassing the recommended limit of 1.0, signifying possible additive effects of multiple metals. More so, the carcinogenic risk (CR) analysis further revealed that As ranged from 0.000713 ± 0.000602 in Obada-Oko − 0.000853 ± 0.000666 in Arigbajo and Cr ranged from 0.000129 ± 0.000104 in Obada-Oko − 0.000796 ± 0.001413 in Arigbajo, while Pb presented lower CR values. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) ranged from 0.000847 ± 0.000708 to 0.001654 ± 0.001436, indicating potential lifetime cancer risk from habitual consumption of contaminated cowhide. Conclusion Cowhide samples are rich in trace elements such as Cu, Zn, and Cr; however, the elevated concentrations of Pb and As, which exceed maximum permissible limits, indicate that their consumption poses potential human health risks likely linked to environmental contamination, animal rearing, and singeing practices. Therefore, routine monitoring, stricter regulatory enforcement, and adoption of safer processing and handling methods are strongly recommended to mitigate exposure risks and safeguard public health
Formula feeding practice among mothers with infants aged 0–5 months in Afghanistan: prevalence and associated factors
No full textAbstract Exclusive breastfeeding is vital for infant health, yet reliance on formula feeding is rising globally. In Afghanistan, evidence on the prevalence and determinants of formula feeding is limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of formula feeding among infants aged 0–5 months and to identify associated factors. This study utilized data from the 2022–2023 Afghanistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), including 3,873 weighted mother-infant dyads. The outcome variable in this study was any formula feeding, defined as the proportion of infants aged 0–5 months who were fed formula in the past 24 h. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with formula feeding. The prevalence of formula feeding was 9.2% (95%CI: 7.6–10.8%). The likelihood of infant formula feeding was significantly higher in infants aged 4–5 months (AOR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.01–2.53); in infants who received prelacteal feeding (AOR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.38–2.72); in infants whose mothers were aged 30–39 years (AOR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.00–2.12); in infants from the Southern East (AOR = 4.59, 95%CI: 2.40–8.76), South (AOR = 2.35, 95%CI: 1.15–4.81) and West (AOR = 3.71, 95%CI: 1.57–8.76) regions. Nearly one in ten Afghan infants under six months are formula-fed. Interventions, particularly those addressing prelacteal feeding and region-specific vulnerabilities, are needed to safeguard exclusive breastfeeding and improve infant nutrition in Afghanistan
NIR-activated phase-transition thermal-propagation nanosystem for precision photothermal eradication of malignant melanoma
No full textAbstract Multidrug resistance and the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) of malignant melanoma significantly limit the efficacy of conventional therapies. In this study, we constructed a near-infrared (NIR)-responsive thermosensitive phase-transition core–shell nanosystem (CaO-DOX-IR820@DLTP). This nanosystem uses CaO as the core, co-loading the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and the photothermal agent IR820, with a thermosensitive DLTP polymer shell as the outer layer. Characterization results show that the nanosystem has a uniform particle size, good stability, and excellent biocompatibility. Under NIR irradiation, the hyperthermia generated by IR820 induces phase transition and melting of the DLTP shell, enabling controlled release of DOX. Meanwhile, CaO reacts with water in the TME to trigger a chain exothermic reaction, enhancing photothermal therapeutic efficacy. The resulting Ca (OH)₂ effectively neutralizes lactic acid in the TME, thereby inhibiting M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and alleviating lactate-mediated immunosuppression. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental results demonstrate that the nanosystem exhibits favorable tumor cell-killing effects, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of malignant melanoma. Graphical Abstrac
A non-canonical ARMS-GABARAP interaction modulates dendritic spine formation and synaptic development
No full textAbstract ARMS (ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning) is a scaffold protein essential for neurotrophic signaling, synaptic development, and cytoskeletal remodeling. Despite its central role in neuronal function, how ARMS is regulated at the molecular level remains poorly understood. Here, we identify GABARAP, an Atg8-family autophagy adaptor, as a novel ARMS-binding protein that directly interacts with its N-terminal ankyrin repeats. We present the crystal structure of the ARMS-GABARAP complex, revealing an atypical interaction mode distinct from canonical LIR-dependent Atg8 interactions. Remarkably, ARMS specifically binds to the GABARAP subfamily of Atg8 proteins, setting it apart from the LC3 subfamily. Functional analysis demonstrates that GABARAP negatively regulates ARMS-mediated dendritic spine development and maturation in hippocampal neurons. Additionally, disrupting the ARMS-GABARAP complex using ankyrin-derived peptides alters ARMS subcellular localization, increasing its accumulation in the soma of neurons. Collectively, our findings uncover a novel ARMS-GABARAP interaction mechanism, establish the regulatory role of this complex in neuronal protein homeostasis, and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for targeting scaffold protein interactions in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
Effect of aromatic stimulation on CPAP adherence and sleep quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study
No full textAbstract Purpose Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the cornerstone of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment, considerably reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications and improving patient outcomes. However, adherence to CPAP therapy is a major challenge and poor compliance limits its efficacy. This study investigated the potential of aromatherapy, a noninvasive, cost-effective intervention, to improve CPAP adherence and enhance sleep quality in patients with OSA. Methods A prospective observational pilot study was conducted in patients with obstructive sleep apnea who demonstrated poor CPAP adherence (< 70% usage and < 4 h/night). Participants were exposed to lavender or cypress aroma oil during sleep. Pre- and post-intervention subjective sleep measures Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and objective CPAP usage metrics were collected. Normally distributed variables were analyzed using paired t-tests, and non-normally distributed variables were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A post hoc power analysis was performed based on observed effect sizes for the primary outcomes. Results Eight patients with OSA (mean age 53.5 years; 4 males, 4 females) participated in the study. Following 67 days of treatment, the median PSQI score significantly improved from 9.0 to 6.5 (p = 0.006), and the median ESS score decreased from 9.0 to 6.5 (p = 0.034). Additionally, CPAP for more than 4 h increased from 5.0% to 25.7% (p = 0.028). The median usage duration improved from 149 to 231 min (p = 0.018). No significant change in apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was observed during CPAP use, decreasing from 3.2 events/h to 1.3 events/h (p = 0.226), which is consistent with the understanding that appropriately applied CPAP maintains effective control of respiratory events. Conclusion Aromatic stimulation with essential oils shows promise in improving both CPAP adherence and sleep quality, offering a novel approach to enhance OSA treatment efficacy
RAID-Dataset: human responses to affine image distortions and Gaussian noise
No full textAbstract Image quality datasets are used to train and evaluate predictive models of subjective human perception. However, most existing datasets focus on distortions commonly found in digital media and not in natural conditions. Affine transformations are particularly relevant for study, as they are among the most commonly encountered by human observers in everyday life. This Data Descriptor presents a set of human responses to suprathreshold affine image transformations (rotation, translation, scaling) and Gaussian noise as convenient reference to compare with existing image quality datasets. The responses were measured using well-established psychophysics: the Maximum Likelihood Difference Scaling (MLDS). The set contains responses to 864 distorted images. The experiments involved 210 observers and over 40,000 image quadruple comparisons. The dataset is validated by two facts: (a) the responses reproduce classical absolute detection thresholds of the affine and Gaussian distortions, and (b) the responses to Gaussian distortion are correlated to the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) of conventional image quality databases for that distortion. Moreover, the classical Piéron’s law applies to the reaction times of the dataset, and Group-MAD adversarial stimuli reveal that MLDS perceptual scales are more accurate than the conventional MOS
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Directory of Open Access Journals? Access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard!