Search

The CompSafeNano project, a Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) project funded under the European Union's Horizon 2020 program, aims to advance the safety and innovation potential of nanomaterials (NMs) by integrating cutting-edge nanoinformatics, computational modelling, and predictive toxicology to enable design of safer NMs at the earliest stage of materials development. The project leverages Safe-by-Design (SbD) principles to ensure the development of inherently safer NMs, enhancing both regulatory compliance and international collaboration. By building on established nanoinformatics frameworks, such as those developed in the H2020-funded projects NanoSolveIT and NanoCommons, CompSafeNano addresses critical challenges in nanosafety through development and integration of innovative methodologies, including advanced in vitro models, in silico approaches including machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive models and 1st-principles computational modelling of NMs properties, interactions and effects on living systems. Significant progress has been made in generating atomistic and quantum-mechanical descriptors for various NMs, evaluating their interactions with biological systems (from small molecules or metabolites, to proteins, cells, organisms, animals, humans and ecosystems), and in developing predictive models for NMs risk assessment. The CompSafeNano project has also focused on implementing and further standardising data reporting templates and enhancing data management practices, ensuring adherence to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. Despite challenges, such as limited regulatory acceptance of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) currently, which has implications for predictive nanosafety assessment, CompSafeNano has successfully developed tools and models that are integral to the safety evaluation of NMs, and that enable the extensive datasets on NMs safety to be utilised for the re-design of NMs that are inherently safer, including through prediction of the acquired biomolecule coronas which provide the biological or environmental identities to NMs, promoting their sustainable use in diverse applications. Future efforts will concentrate on further refining these models, expanding the NanoPharos Database, and working with regulatory stakeholders thereby fostering the widespread adoption of SbD practices across the nanotechnology sector. CompSafeNano's integrative approach, multidisciplinary collaboration and extensive stakeholder engagement, position the project as a critical driver of innovation in NMs SbD methodologies and in the development and implementation of computational nanosafety.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to provide access to quality health services to all while avoiding financial hardship. Strategies can include establishing a national health insurance scheme (NHIS). However, variations in the progress exist among countries with an NHIS. This study assesses strategies adopted in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs) with an NHIS to expand UHC. The research entailed a descriptive, qualitative review of the literature on LLMICs that have implemented an NHIS. PRISMA guidelines were used to identify studies and reports. A total of 569 texts were identified from 4 databases. A total of 78 texts were included, spanning 7 countries from Sub-Saharan Africa and 4 from Asia. The search was conducted in March 2023 and updated in April 2024. An analytical framework was used to systematically collect, analyze, and synthesize key features to review healthcare financing mechanisms and coverage dimensions. Countries generate revenue through various public and private means, including taxes, premiums, and out-of-pocket payments. Some have consolidated revenue streams into a single pool for efficiency, while others maintain separate pools. Healthcare services are procured from public and private providers, differing by country. Fee-for-service is the prevalent payment method, but capitation systems have been attempted to control expenses. Population coverage depends on whether enrollment in an NHIS is mandatory or voluntary and on its enforcement. Service provision can be comprehensive and universal or can vary with specific schemes. Mechanisms to avoid financial hardship can involve premium exemptions or subsidies. Progressing toward UHC requires addressing issues of financial sustainability, cost-containment, enrollment expansion, financial protection, and health equity. While policy options are context-specific, this review showcased experiences for other LLMICs committed to UHC with an NHIS. Recommendations on health financing include increasing the allocation of tax revenues to the insurance scheme, merging risk pools, and adopting strategic purchasing.

IntroductionThe northwest Arabian Gulf encounters significant anthropogenic pressures, including nutrient enrichment from coastal development and effluent discharge.MethodsThis study presents the first shotgun metagenomics-based characterization of microbial communities in Kuwaiti waters of the northwest Arabian Gulf, focusing on Kuwait’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Sulaibikhat Bay, a vital nursery ground for commercially important fish.ResultsAnalysis revealed significantly higher microbial diversity within the MPA compared to adjacent waters, with Rhodobacteraceae (27.8%) and Flavobacteriaceae (15.3%) being dominant. Elevated inorganic phosphorus, nitrogen, and salinity were key factors driving this diversity. Multivariate analysis highlighted phosphate as a critical component affecting the MPA microbial community structure, particularly for the families Microbacteriaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, and Rhodobacteraceae.DiscussionThis study underscores the ecological importance of MPAs and highlights the impact of nutrient enrichment and other environmental stressors on microbial diversity, emphasizing the need to reduce nutrient influx to mitigate eutrophication and enhance marine ecosystem resilience in stressed environments.

Objective: This work examined the relationship of the constructs measured by the trust scales developed by Chancey et al. (2017) and Jian et al. (2000) using a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Background: Modern theories of automation trust have been proposed based on data collected using trust scales. Chancey et al. (2017) adapted Madsen and Gregor's (2000) trust scale to align with Lee and See's (2004) human–automation trust framework. In contrast, Jian et al. (2000) developed a scale empirically with trust and distrust as factors. However, it remains unclear whether these two scales measure the same construct. Method: We analyzed data collected from previous experiments to investigate the relationship between the two trust scales using a multilevel CFA. Results: Data provided evidence that Jian et al. (2000) and Chancey et al. (2017) automation trust scales are only weakly related. Trust and distrust are found to be distinct factors in Jian et al.'s (2000) scale, whereas performance, process, and purpose are distinct factors in Chancey et al.'s (2017) trust scale. Conclusion: The analysis suggested that the two scales purporting to measure human–automation trust are only weakly related. Application: Trust researchers and automation designers may consider using Chancey et al. (2017) and Jian et al. (2000) scales to capture different characteristics of human–automation trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The northwest Arabian Gulf encounters significant anthropogenic pressures, including nutrient enrichment from coastal development and effluent discharge. Methods: This study presents the first shotgun metagenomics-based characterization of microbial communities in Kuwaiti waters of the northwest Arabian Gulf, focusing on Kuwait's first Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Sulaibikhat Bay, a vital nursery ground for commercially important fish. Results: Analysis revealed significantly higher microbial diversity within the MPA compared to adjacent waters, with Rhodobacteraceae (27.8%) and Flavobacteriaceae (15.3%) being dominant. Elevated inorganic phosphorus, nitrogen, and salinity were key factors driving this diversity. Multivariate analysis highlighted phosphate as a critical component affecting the MPA microbial community structure, particularly for the families Microbacteriaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, and Rhodobacteraceae. Discussion: This study underscores the ecological importance of MPAs and highlights the impact of nutrient enrichment and other environmental stressors on microbial diversity, emphasizing the need to reduce nutrient influx to mitigate eutrophication and enhance marine ecosystem resilience in stressed environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]