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Background: In a lottery with a progressive jackpot, the rollover effect refers to an increase in revenue or engagement with an accumulating jackpot size. Using an ecological dataset of lottery ticket sales aggregated by postcode, we test two corollaries of the rollover effect. First, how does the rollover effect change in neighborhoods with higher or lower socioeconomic status? Second, how do fluctuations on a progressive-prize lottery affect the consumption of fixed-prize lottery tickets in the same neighborhoods, in line with economic notions of 'substitution' versus 'complementarity'? Methods: We used time-series data on ticket sales from 2012-2015 from 3 progressive-prize lotteries (Lotto 649, Lotto Max, and Lottario) in Toronto, Canada, aggregated for 95 forward-sortation area (FSA) postcodes. Regression models controlled for other cyclical fluctuations including day of week, month of year, and common paydays. Results: Jackpot size positively predicted lottery ticket sales in all models, with a large effect size. There was a significant interaction between jackpot size and neighborhood SES, such that lottery sales in higher SES neighborhoods were more sensitive to jackpot size, although the effect sizes were negligible. Sales of fixed-prize lotteries were positively related to sales of progressive-prize lotteries, supporting complementarity. We observed a significant interaction between SES and progressive-prize sales, in which fixed-prize sales were more affected by progressive-prize sales in higher SES neighborhoods. Conclusion: Both the effect of larger jackpots on ticket sales, and the effects of progressive-prize sales on a second lottery type, are attenuated within more disadvantaged (i.e. lower SES) neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review comprehensively covers the development of viable unmanned underwater vehicles based on their technical capabilities, in particular those designed to conduct research exploration in underwater ecosystems and address environmental issues through analysis of coral reef vulnerability. The most important elements to be obtained are in situ data samples for analysis and characterization, supported by molecular biomarkers and marine ecology indicators. The following aspects are considered in this study: first, the geographic distribution of coral reefs for the study of marine ecology and molecular biological approaches for the detection of biomarkers to evaluate the vulnerability of coral reefs are detailed; then, the technologies currently available for the study of coral reefs are briefly described, ranging from large-scale capture to local-scale capture directly in the study region, taking advantage of remote sensing systems assisted by aerial technologies, marine vehicles, and artificial intelligence for the mapping, monitoring, and management of coral reefs as well as the characterization of their vulnerability; following this, existing marine vehicle technologies are generally explained, including a categorical description and an updated and highlighted list of innovative and robust marine vehicles that have been used in coral reef applications; the technical capabilities of such vehicle throughout the missions they have been subjected to are presented based on bibliographic references; finally, this review promotes multidisciplinary work to integrate the developments in the associated knowledge areas in order to obtain synergies in the face of challenges related to the massive scale of coral reef degradation worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background and Aims This study investigates the global impact of ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on dementia incidence, addressing its controversial association with dementia risk. UVR, through both vitamin D‐dependent and independent mechanisms, influences physiological processes essential for brain health, such as reducing neuroinflammation, improving sleep regulation, and enhancing neuroplasticity. This study aims to clarify the relationship between UVR and dementia incidence and evaluate its role in public health strategies for dementia prevention. Methods An ecological analysis across 204 countries was conducted using country‐specific data on UVR levels and dementia incidence rates. Bivariate analysis, partial correlation, and multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the relationship between UVR and dementia incidence. Confounding factors, including aging, economic affluence, genetic predisposition, and urbanization, were controlled to ensure robust results. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore differences across income classifications, regional groupings, and developmental statuses, based on World Bank and United Nations criteria. Results A significant inverse correlation between UVR and dementia incidence was identified (r = −0.764, p

Through a thematic analysis of firsthand posts from 258 abuse survivors in online forums from 2016 to 2023, this research examines the barriers that Chinese children encounter when disclosing sexual abuse. The anonymous narratives shed light on the motives behind survivors' reluctance to reveal abuse, the outcomes following disclosure, and the wider implications for survivors and their families under culture. The findings underscore the need for early intervention upon disclosure, aiming to safeguard children from further harm and foster the development of an effective child protection framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the burden and causes of disease in Mexican women in 1990 and 2019, based on the data disaggregation by age groups and states. Also, to evaluate the relationship of years of healthy life lost with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and with the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index. This was an ecological descriptive study. Based on the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study study, the age-standardized and age-specific rates for mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were reported. At the national level, the all-cause age-standardized rates for Mexican women decreased in mortality −28.8%; YLLs -39.8%; YLDs −1.3%; and DALYs −26.2%. For 2019, the indicators analyzed had the worst performances in Chiapas and Chihuahua, while women in Sinaloa had the lowest age-standardized rates. In 1990, it is worth noting that there was a remarkable presence of CDs, mainly in YLLs. In all age groups, diabetes mellitus was the leading cause of DALYs in Mexico's 32 states, followed by CKD (in 24 states), and ischemic heart disease (in 18 states). In both 1990 and 2019, a negative and statistically significant correlation between DALYs and the HAQ Index was evident. The correlation between DALYs and the SDI was only significant in 1990. In the last 30 years, the burden of disease on Mexican women has undergone substantial changes that reflect progress in the improvement of their health conditions. However, the current scenario is complex because the convergence of communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and injuries is evident, which implies important challenges that must be addressed as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review comprehensively covers the development of viable unmanned underwater vehicles based on their technical capabilities, in particular those designed to conduct research exploration in underwater ecosystems and address environmental issues through analysis of coral reef vulnerability. The most important elements to be obtained are in situ data samples for analysis and characterization, supported by molecular biomarkers and marine ecology indicators. The following aspects are considered in this study: first, the geographic distribution of coral reefs for the study of marine ecology and molecular biological approaches for the detection of biomarkers to evaluate the vulnerability of coral reefs are detailed; then, the technologies currently available for the study of coral reefs are briefly described, ranging from large-scale capture to local-scale capture directly in the study region, taking advantage of remote sensing systems assisted by aerial technologies, marine vehicles, and artificial intelligence for the mapping, monitoring, and management of coral reefs as well as the characterization of their vulnerability; following this, existing marine vehicle technologies are generally explained, including a categorical description and an updated and highlighted list of innovative and robust marine vehicles that have been used in coral reef applications; the technical capabilities of such vehicle throughout the missions they have been subjected to are presented based on bibliographic references; finally, this review promotes multidisciplinary work to integrate the developments in the associated knowledge areas in order to obtain synergies in the face of challenges related to the massive scale of coral reef degradation worldwide.

The fourth joint inter‐agency report on integrated analysis of antimicrobial consumption (AMC) and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria from humans and food‐producing animals (JIACRA) addressed data obtained by the Agencies' EU‐wide surveillance networks for 2019–2021. The analysis also sought to identify whether significant trends in AMR and AMC were concomitant over 2014–2021. AMC in both human and animal sectors, expressed in mg/kg of estimated biomass, was compared at country and European level. In 2021, the total AMC was assessed at 125.0 mg/kg of biomass for humans (28 EU/EEA countries, range 44.3–160.1) and 92.6 mg/kg of biomass for food‐producing animals (29 EU/EEA countries, range 2.5–296.5). Between 2014 and 2021, total AMC in food‐producing animals decreased by 44%, while in humans, it remained relatively stable. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to study associations between AMC and AMR for selected combinations of bacteria and antimicrobials. Positive associations between consumption of certain antimicrobials and resistance to those substances in bacteria from both humans and food‐producing animals were observed. For certain combinations of bacteria and antimicrobials, AMR in bacteria from humans was associated with AMR in bacteria from food‐producing animals which, in turn, was related to AMC in animals. The relative strength of these associations differed markedly between antimicrobial class, microorganism and sector. For certain antimicrobials, statistically significant decreasing trends in AMC and AMR were concomitant for food‐producing animals and humans in several countries over 2014‐2021. Similarly, a proportion of countries that significantly reduced total AMC also registered increasing susceptibility to antimicrobials in indicator E. coli from food‐producing animals and E. coli originating from human invasive infections (i.e., exhibited 'complete susceptibility' or 'zero resistance' to a harmonised set of antimicrobials). Overall, the findings suggest that measures implemented to reduce AMC in food‐producing animals and in humans have been effective in many countries. Nevertheless, these measures need to be reinforced so that reductions in AMC are retained and further continued, where necessary. This also highlights the importance of measures that promote human and animal health, such as vaccination and better hygiene, thereby reducing the need for use of antimicrobials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zooplankton, integral to aquatic ecosystems, face diverse environmental influences. To comprehend their dynamics, critical for ecological insights and fisheries management, traditional morphological analysis proves laborious. Recent advances include automated systems like ZooScan and DNA metabarcoding. This study examines two methods on the same samples to identify similarities and dependencies between them, potentially reducing the required workload and enhancing the quality of the results. Ten Lake Starnberg vertical tows in September 2021 provided zooplankton samples preserved in ethanol. Subsamples underwent ZooScan morphological identification and subsequent DNA metabarcoding. High concordance between ZooScan counts and DNA reads (86.8%) was observed, while biomass calculations from body length (major axis) and equivalent spherical diameter (ESD) showed slightly lower agreement (78.1% and 79.6%, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation between counts and DNA reads (r2 = 0.59). This study underscores the complementary strengths and limitations of ZooScan and DNA metabarcoding for zooplankton analysis. ZooScan aids biomass estimation and morphological differentiation, whereas DNA metabarcoding offers superior taxonomic resolution and low-abundance taxon detection. Combining both methods on the same sample enhances understanding and facilitates future advanced analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on COVID-19 infection and hospitalisation at the population-level, and to assess the indirect effects of vaccination in the province of Quebec, Canada. We performed a time-stratified, neighborhood-level ecologic study. The exposure was neighborhood-level vaccination (primary series) coverage; outcomes were COVID-19 infection and hospitalisation rates. We used robust Poisson regression to estimate weekly relative rates of infection and hospitalisation versus vaccination. Higher vaccination coverage was associated with lower COVID-19 infection rates from July 18-December 4 for the year 2021 (Delta period) (RR≈0.46 [0.39; 0.54] – 0.94 [0.83; 1.05], 85–100% vs. 60–74% coverage). From December 5-December 25, this association reversed (RR≈1.28 [1.16; 1.41] – 1.41 [1.31; 1.52]), possibly due to the Omicron variant, social behaviors and accumulation of susceptibles in more vaccinated neighborhoods. Vaccine impact against hospitalisation was maintained throughout (RR≈0.43 [0.29; 0.65] – 0.88 [0.64; 1.22]). Vaccination provided substantial indirect protection (RR≈0.43 [0.34; 0.54] – 0.81 [0.65; 1.03]). This study confirmed the protective impact of vaccination against severe disease regardless of variant, at the population level. Ecological analyses are a valuable strategy to evaluate vaccination programs. Population-level effects can have substantial effects and should be accounted for in public health and vaccination program planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific community has entered an era of big data. However, with big data comes big responsibilities, and best practices for how data are contributed to databases have not kept pace with the collection, aggregation, and analysis of big data. Here, we rigorously assess the quantity of data for specific leaf area (SLA) available within the largest and most frequently used global plant trait database, the TRY Plant Trait Database, exploring how much of the data were applicable (i.e., original, representative, logical, and comparable) and traceable (i.e., published, cited, and consistent). Over three‐quarters of the SLA data in TRY either lacked applicability or traceability, leaving only 22.9% of the original data usable compared with the 64.9% typically deemed usable by standard data cleaning protocols. The remaining usable data differed markedly from the original for many species, which led to altered interpretation of ecological analyses. Though the data we consider here make up only 4.5% of SLA data within TRY, similar issues of applicability and traceability likely apply to SLA data for other species as well as other commonly measured, uploaded, and downloaded plant traits. We end with suggested steps forward for global ecological databases, including suggestions for both uploaders to and curators of databases with the hope that, through addressing the issues raised here, we can increase data quality and integrity within the ecological community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: The objective of this paper is to analyse the socio-demographic and spatial patterns associated with bowel cancer screening in Australia. Despite the importance of screening in reducing mortality via early intervention, it remains the case that overall screening rates are uneven between different socio-demographic groups and geographic regions. Notwithstanding this, there is limited knowledge in Australia regarding the interplay between socio-demographics and geography in relation to bowel cancer screening. Thus, this paper explores the socio-demographic and spatial patterns of screening participation across Australian regions to better inform public health policy and programs. Study design: This is a nationwide ecological study based on aggregate spatial data. Methods: An ecological study is conducted using bowel cancer screening rates and selected socio-demographic data measured at the Statistical Area 3 level. Geographically weighted regression software is used to conduct global and spatial regression analysis. Results: The global regression results show that higher rates of screening participation were associated with employment/education disengagement and volunteering while in contrast, lower rates of participation were associated with higher rates of indigenous populations, people with chronic health conditions, and people with poor English skills. Considering the spatial analysis, the analysis shows that once the spatial non-stationarity in the data is considered the influence of the variables shown to be significant in the global model, has significant spatial variability. Conclusion: From a public health perspective, addressing shortfalls in bowel cancer screening participation is an important priority. In order to understand differences in participation rates it is important to consider both socio-demographic factors as well as the geographic or spatial distribution of these factors.

Increasing evidence suggests that conditions with decreased morning and increased evening light exposure, including shift work, daylight-saving time, and eveningness, are associated with elevated mortality and suicide risk. Given that the alignment between the astronomical, biological, and social time varies across a time zone, with later-shifted daylight exposure in the western partition, we hypothesized that western time zone partitions would have higher suicide rates than eastern partitions. United States (U.S.) county-level suicide and demographic data, from 2010 to 2018, were obtained from a Centers for Disease Control database. Using longitude and latitude, counties were sorted into the western, middle, or eastern partition of their respective time zones, as well as the northern and southern halves of the U.S. Linear regressions were used to estimate the associations between suicide rates and time zone partitions, adjusting for gender, race, ethnicity, age group, and unemployment rates. Data were available for 2872 counties. Across the U.S., western partitions had statistically significantly higher rates of suicide compared to eastern partitions and averaged up to two additional yearly deaths per 100,000 people (p <.001). Ecological design and limited adjustment for socioeconomic factors. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the relationship between longitude-based time zone partitions and suicide. The results were consistent with the hypothesized elevated suicide rates in the western partitions, and concordant with previous reports on cancer mortality and transportation fatalities. The next step is to retest the hypothesis with individual-level data, accounting for latitude, photoperiodic changes, daylight-saving time, geoclimatic variables, physical and mental health indicators, as well as socioeconomic adversity and protection. • Social-solar time alignment varies within each time-zone, based on longitude. • Cancer mortality and fatal traffic accidents are higher in west vs. east time zone partitions. • We therefore set out to compare suicide mortality across time zone partitions. • In the U.S., suicide rates were higher in west vs. east time zone partitions. • Misalignments between circadian, light-dark, sleep-wake, and rest-activity rhythms are modifiable suicide risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a one-dimensional and semi-empirical model of a high-temperature PEM fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) to determine the performance characteristics through energy, exergy, and ecological analysis. The proposed model is compared with different experimental studies and supported by a few statistical approaches to prove its accuracy. As a result, the minimum and maximum R2 values are determined to be 99.67% and 99.97%, respectively. In addition, the performance of the fuel cell is investigated under varying leakage current densities and doping levels. Accordingly, increasing the leak current density decreases the power density, net output voltage, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency by 5.77%, 5.88%, 5.44%, and 5.48%, respectively, whereas increasing the doping level boosts these parameters by 23.07%, 11.76%, 30.25%, and 32.52%, respectively. In addition, increasing the leak density decreases all ecological functions. In contrast, raising the doping level increases the ecological parameters considerably and reduces the improvement potential. • A novel one-dimensional and semi-empirical model of the HT-PEMFC was adopted. • The proposed model was compared and verified with different experimental studies. • Performance assessment was conducted via energy, exergy, and ecological analyses. • Increasing the doping level from 6.2% to 30% enhances exergy efficiency by 32.52%. • The doping level is more effective on the performance than the leak current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving species delimitation and knowledge on species complexes is crucial for many areas of study in Biology, especially conservation. Integrative taxonomy contributes to this topic by using different approaches to better delineate taxonomic boundaries. Metternichia (Solanaceae), historically a monospecific genus, has a geographic range that comprises contrasting environments. Metternichia principis was described as having two varieties: the typical variety, found in the humid forests of eastern Brazil (Atlantic Forest region), and M. principis var. macrocalyx, which presents a larger calyx and inhabits mostly semi-arid areas (Caatinga region). In this study, we tested the validity of such groups by integrating environmental, phenological, morphometric, and palynological data; applying uni- and multivariate tests; and evaluating the conservation status of each taxon. Our results support the recognition of two morphological groups within Metternichia, largely in agreement with the original circumscription of the varieties. Multivariate analyses clearly indicate different ecological niches, with each taxon inhabiting environments with distinct mean annual precipitation and temperature. Phenological data show some differences between the varieties regarding months with the highest number of flowering and fruiting records. In general, M. principis var. macrocalyx presents larger flower and pollen characters, and smaller fruit characters compared to the typical variety. Based on these findings, we elevate the variety to the status of species, as the new combination Metternichia macrocalyx. Following IUCN guidelines, both taxa are here preliminarily considered endangered (EN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined how longitudinal changes and intercommunity differences in food insecurity rates were associated with child maltreatment report (CMR) rates at the zip code level. We assessed these associations overall, by urbanicity and within subgroups of age and maltreatment type. We used Illinois statewide zip code-level data from 2011 to 2018. We measured CMR rates based on Illinois child protective services records and food insecurity rates from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap. We used linear spatial-temporal autoregressive models with controls for various socioeconomic, demographic, care burden, and instability conditions of communities. Both longitudinal changes and intercommunity differences in food insecurity rates were significantly associated with increased CMR rates overall and within all subgroups. These associations were significant among all large urban, small urban, and rural areas, while longitudinal changes in food insecurity rates had significantly stronger associations among small urban and rural areas than among large urban areas. Communities experiencing higher food insecurity had higher CMR rates. Increases in food insecurity over time were also associated with increases in CMR rates. These associations were reproduced within subgroups of child age, maltreatment type, and urbanicity. Attention and collaborative efforts are warranted for high food-insecure communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have identified a relationship between air pollution and depression, particularly in relation to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure. However, the strength of this association appears to be moderated by variables such as age, gender, genetic vulnerability, physical activity, and climatic conditions, and has not been assessed at a cross-national level to date. Moreover, certain studies in this field have yielded negative results, and there are discrepancies between the results obtained in high-income countries and those from low- and middle-income countries. The current study examines cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the incidence of depression in each country, based on Global Burden of Disease Study data, and the average national level of PM2.5 based on the World Health Organization's database, over the past decade (2010–2019). The observed associations were adjusted for age, gender, level of physical activity, income, education, population density, climate, and type of depression. It was observed that while PM2.5 levels showed significant cross-sectional associations with the incidence of depression, longitudinal analyses were not suggestive of a direct causal relationship. These findings are discussed in the light of recent contradictory results in this field, and the need to consider the intermediate roles of a number of individual and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The key microbes within the anammox system were identified. • Interaction relationships among key microbes in the anammox system were revealed. • Changes in interactions between key microbes under adverse conditions were analyzed. • Candidatus_Kuenenia is more adaptable and resilient to different environments. • Contribute to the development of more efficient anammox systems. The stability of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) performance is inseparably linked to the dynamic equilibrium of microbial interactions. However, understanding of the key microbes within anammox systems remains limited. Through the analysis of 186 16S rRNA datasets combined with various ecological analysis methods, this study identified key microbes in the anammox process. Interactions between Candidatus_Kuenenia and other key microbes are the most significant with greater tolerance to differing water quality, while Candidatus_Jettenia have higher habitat specificity. Under adverse conditions, anammox bacteria can reduce the impact of unfavorable environments by enhancing interactions with certain microbes. This study comprehensively reviews the main functions of key microbes in the anammox system and their interactions, and summarizes several common interaction mechanisms, providing new insights for understanding the startup and stable operation of the anammox process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen as an environmentally friendly energy carrier has received special attention to solving uncertainty about the presence of renewable energy and its dependence on time and weather conditions. This material can be prepared from different sources and in various ways. In previous studies, fossil fuels have been used in hydrogen production, but due to several limitations, especially the limitation of the access to this material in the not-too-distant future and the great problem of greenhouse gas emissions during hydrogen production methods. New methods based on renewable and green energy sources as energy drivers of hydrogen production have been considered. In these methods, water or biomass materials are used as the raw material for hydrogen production. In this article, after a brief review of different hydrogen production methods concerning the required raw material, these methods are examined and ranked from different aspects of economic, social, environmental, and energy and exergy analysis sustainability. In the following, the current position of hydrogen production is discussed. Finally, according to the introduced methods, their advantages, and disadvantages, solar electrolysis as a method of hydrogen production on a small scale and hydrogen production by thermochemical method on a large scale are introduced as the preferred methods.

Introduction : Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects 1 in 3 women and poses a major human rights threat and public health burden, yet there is great variation in risk globally. Whilst individual risk factors are well-studied, less research has focussed on the structural and contextual drivers of IPV and how these co-occur to create contexts of high risk. Methods : We compiled IPV drivers from freely-accessible global country-level data sources and combined gender inequality, natural disasters, conflict, colonialism, socioeconomic development and inequality, homicide and social discrimination in a latent class analysis, and identified underlying 'risk contexts' based on fit statistics and theoretical plausibility (N=5,732 country-years; 190 countries). We used multinomial regression to compare risk contexts according to: proportion of population with disability, HIV/AIDS, refugee status, and mental health disorders; proportion of men with drug use disorders; men's alcohol consumption; and population median age (N=1,654-5,725 country-years). Finally, we compared prevalence of physical and/or sexual IPV experienced by women in the past 12 months across risk contexts (N=3,175 country-years). Results : Three distinct risk contexts were identified: 1) non-patriarchal egalitarian, low rates of homicide; 2) patriarchal post-colonial, high rates of homicide; 3) patriarchal post-colonial conflict and disaster-affected. Compared to non-patriarchal egalitarian contexts, patriarchal post-colonial contexts had a younger age distribution and a higher prevalence of drug use disorders, but a lower prevalence of mental health disorders and a smaller refugee population. IPV risk was highest in the two patriarchal post-colonial contexts and associated with country income classification. Conclusions : Whilst our findings support the importance of gender norms in shaping women's risk of experiencing IPV, they also point towards an association with a history of colonialism. To effectively address IPV for women in high prevalence contexts, structural interventions and policies are needed that address not only gender norms, but also broader structural inequalities arising from colonialism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current literature suggests that food insecurity increases child maltreatment risk. Yet, existing evidence is limited to individual-level associations among low-income, high-risk populations based on local, mostly urban data. This study aims to generalize prior findings to community-level associations in general populations, using national data including all urban-rural areas. We examined, for the first time, if food insecurity rates increase child maltreatment report (CMR) rates at the county level after controlling for potential confounders. We examined both within-community longitudinal changes (i.e., within-effects) and inter-community differences (i.e., between-effects) of food insecurity rates and their associations with CMR rates. We also examined differences by age, sex, race/ethnicity, maltreatment type, and urbanicity. We constructed longitudinal county-level data by linking multiple national databases, including all substantiated and unsubstantiated CMR records, the Map the Meal Gap's community food insecurity estimates, and Census data. The data covered over 96% of U.S. counties from 2009 to 2018. For analysis, we used within-between random effects models. Regarding between-effects, we found that in inter-community comparisons, higher food insecurity rates were significantly associated with increased CMR rates. This association was consistent by age, sex, maltreatment type, and urbanicity. For within-effects, we found that the association between longitudinal changes of food insecurity rates and CMR rates significantly differed by urbanicity. Specifically, longitudinal increases of food insecurity rates significantly increased CMR rates among large urban counties, but not among small urban and rural counties. Study findings highlight the importance of conducting further research to better understand the mechanisms through which food insecurity impact child maltreatment at both individual and community levels. Our community-level findings from general populations especially have significant implications for community-based programs and large-scale policies to achieve population-level impact on child well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work consists of analyzing the Barn Swallows nest's soil (Hirundo Rustica) which was nested in the northeastern Algeria, particularly in the Mila region (Beinen), the Guelma region (Town-Center and Bouchegouf) and, the Oum El Bouaghi region (Ain el Baida). This species of birds uses different materials to build their nests, whose main component is the existing meadow soil. This study is contributes to knowing the bird strategy on nest building and materials chosen in it. From there, we have done weight chemical analysis according to the Vatan model; the results obtained are represented in the Czerminski diagram; for the organic matter quantification, we have used Walkley and Blacket method, and ecological analysis was according to ANOVA model. The weight chemical analysis results showed us loamy sandstone or marly sandstone soil type on the Northside of the study area (Mila region) and marly sandstone, sandy-marly loams, marl, and marly-sandy limestones on the Southside of the study area (Guelma and Oum El Baouaghi region), the organic matter analysis results showed non-aggressive soils and the ecological analyzes revealed a significant difference between the nest's compositions of each region except for the loam which has an F = 1.4857 and P = 0.2681. So, the Barn Swallows have a very precise strategy in choosing construction materials for their nests. For that, we recommend to characterize those construction materials by other studies (plasticity, mechanical resistance, mineralogy etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the digital environment, defined as a space with no anchors (Menduni 2014), the spatial dimension may have a significant role, mostly in relation to the Internet or digital studies. Social Media Geographic Information (Campagna et al. 2016), even if limited, can be highly useful to overcome some limitations of social media analysis and user generated content. With the objective to report the potential and limits of this approach, in this article a case study will be presented on the individual perception related to COVID-19 in Italy. Starting from the analysis of ecological data and the social media data, we reproduce three measures by exploring three different elements that could be anchored to a geographical dimension: the storytelling of COVID (COVID-Issues), the spread of infection (COVID-Spread), and the distribution of measures (COVIDMeasures) to understand the regional trends of the second wave of the pandemic emergence that represent the timespan of this contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious intestinal disease (IID) studies conducted at different levels of the surveillance pyramid have found heterogeneity in the association of socioeconomic deprivation with illness. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between socioeconomic deprivation and incidence of IID by certain gastrointestinal pathogens reported to UKHSA. Data were extracted from 2015 to 2018 for Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, Giardia species, and norovirus. Rates were calculated per 100,000 person-years by the index of multiple deprivation quintile, and an ecological analysis was conducted using univariant and multvariable regression models for each pathogen. Incidence of Campylobacter, and Giardia species decreased with increasing deprivation. Conversely, the incidence of norovirus, non-typhoidal Salmonella , Salmonella typhi /paratyphi , Shigella species increased with increasing deprivation. Multivariable analysis results showed that higher deprivation was significantly associated with higher odds of higher number of cases for Shigella flexneri , norovirus and S. typhi /paratyphi. Infections most associated with deprivation were those transmitted by person-to-person spread, and least associated were those transmitted by zoonotic contamination of the environment. Person-to-person transmission can be contained by implementing policies targeting over-crowding and poor hygiene. This approach is likely to be the most effective solution for the reduction of IID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Although it is reported in numerous interventional and observational studies, that a low-fat diet is an effective method to combat overweight and obesity, the relationship at the global population level is not well established. This study aimed to quantify the associations between worldwide per capita fat supply and prevalence of overweight and obesity and further classify this association based on per capita Gross National Income (GNI). Methods A total of 93 countries from four GNI groups were selected. Country-specific overweight and obesity prevalence data were retrieved from the most recent WHO Global Health Observatory database. Per capita supply of fat and calories were obtained from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization database; FAOSTAT, Food Balance Sheet for years 2014–2016. The categorizations of countries were done based on GNI based classification by the World Bank. Results Among the selected countries, the overweight prevalence ranged from 3.9% (India) to 78.8% (Kiribati), while obesity prevalence ranged from 3.6% (Bangladesh) to 46.0% (Kiribati). The highest and the lowest per capita fat supply from total calorie supply were documented in Australia (41.2%) and Madagascar (10.5%) respectively. A significant strong positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of overweight (r = 0.64, p

IntroductionBreastfeeding is a natural and universal practice across countries and cultures. It is estimated that several thousand lives could be saved per year if optimal breastfeeding practices were adopted across countries. In addition, breastfeeding has numerous health, emotional and developmental benefits for both the mother and her infant. Despite widespread awareness of these benefits, rates of breastfeeding initiation and maintenance remain suboptimal, both in high- and in low- and middle-income countries. Unfavorable breastfeeding outcomes are related to several factors, including variations in cultural values and the occurrence of common mental disorders in women during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. However, the relative contributions of culture and mental health to variations in national breastfeeding rates have not been examined to date.MethodsIn the current study, recent United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) data on lifetime breastfeeding rates is analyzed in two stages, to first explore and then confirm the impact of cultural values and maternal mental health status at a cross-national level.ResultsIt was found that the estimated prevalence of both depression and anxiety disorders in women of childbearing age was negatively correlated with breastfeeding rates. Significant associations were also observed for the cultural dimensions of individualism-collectivism and masculinity-femininity. The association between anxiety disorders and breastfeeding outcomes remained significant in multivariate analysis incorporating demographic and health variables that could exert a confounding effect.DiscussionThese results suggest that both cultural values and the assessment and treatment of maternal mental illness should be components of any programme aimed at communicating the benefits of breastfeeding or at improving breastfeeding outcomes. The inclusion of these components could help promote the values of cultural sensitivity, inclusiveness and equity in breastfeeding from a global perspective.

The plant community of Dagestan pine forests, comprising 590 vascular plants species, was examined based on materials from field studies performed from 2012 to 2019. Taxonomic, biomorphological, florocoenotic, and geographical characteristics of the plant community showed its boreal and Mediterranean nature. Mesotrophic and eutrophic plants predominated in terms of soil fertility and mesophytes and mesoxerophytes, in terms of soil water availability. Species of different altitudinal belts, including forest, meadow, and mountain-steppe belts, were observed in the plant community of pine forests. The plant community included 22 species listed in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Dagestan, 82 relict species, and 76 endemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We examined how longitudinal changes and inter-community differences of food insecurity rates were associated with child maltreatment report (CMR) rates at the zip code level. We assessed these associations overall, by urbanicity, and within subgroups of age, sex, and maltreatment type.Methods: We used Illinois statewide zip code-level data from 2011 to 2018. We measured CMR rates based on Illinois child protective services records and food insecurity rates from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap. We conducted spatial linear modeling to account for spatial dependence with controls for various socioeconomic, demographic, care burden, and instability conditions of communities.Results: Both longitudinal changes and inter-community differences of food insecurity rates were significantly associated with increased CMR rates overall and within all subgroups. These associations were significant among all large urban, small urban, and rural areas, while longitudinal changes of food insecurity rates had significantly stronger associations among small urban areas compared with other areas.Conclusions: Communities experiencing higher food insecurity had higher CMR rates. Increases in food insecurity over time were associated with increases in CMR rates. These associations were reproduced within subgroups of child age, sex, maltreatment type, and urbanicity. Attention and collaborative efforts are warranted for high food insecure communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe tourism industry with a multidimensional nature, in addition to meeting the needs of tourists, causes major changes in the host community system. Therefore, the government is trying to provide the opportunity to benefit from the positive aspects of this industry by providing and valuing tourist attractions in areas with potential.Order and security are the main prerequisites for the development of tourism. In this context, ecological analysis of order and security can provide a general framework based on the capabilities and limitations available for rural tourism planning. Ecological analysis of order and security is one of the best practices and frameworks for better understanding of areas and planning for order and security in tourism; Because ecology is formed from the combination of natural and human factors, and if a plan is based on different canons, many of the problems in the field of order and security are also addressed.The purpose of this research is ecological analysis of order and security in rural tourism in Isfahan province.MethodologyThe research method is descriptive-analytical in nature and based on field data. The data of this study are qualitative and collected through interviews. The method of data analysis is qualitative content analysis. The statistical population of the study consisted of experts related to tourism and rural development, which was 15 people according to the theoretical saturation stage and repetitive results. In fact, the snowball method was used to select the sample and due to the fact that the results of the interviews were close to each other and reached the repetition stage, so it was not necessary to continue interviewing more people. After collecting the interviews, coding and data analysis began. In order to analyze the data, the data were coded according to the collected findings. Then they were organized and the final results were obtained.Discussion and ResultsAccording to the ecological framework, which is based on natural and human factors and the relationship between the two, the study area was divided into three classes. Mountainous area, dry plain and arid-desert. The analysis of various experts on order and security in rural tourism in the mountainous region is included in 11 cases. In interviews with experts, these 11 factors in the field of order and security and its maintenance in the direction of rural development and ultimately rural tourism is considered effective, which is the reason for not using new methods in irrigation to reduce water issues as the most important factor. Experts' analysis of order and security in rural tourism in the dry plain area has been summarized in 12 cases. Accordingly, one of the most important factors that play a role as a threat to order and security in the villages of this area is the lack of proper management methods in the field of water resources. The issue of water in the villages of the province is becoming a problem, and in some cases, it has led to many security issues, and on the other hand, it has overshadowed the order and security of many villages. According to them, the lack of employment and economic activity in the villages of the desert area is one of the most important factors.Qualitative content analysis is based on the opinions of 15 experts related to rural development and tourism issues. The results were presented in two sections: natural and human factors. According to experts, the natural factors influencing the management of order and security of rural tourism can be summarized in ten key concepts. One of the most important of these concepts is water management. Also, in terms of human factors influencing the order and security of rural tourism in Isfahan province, diversification of the rural economy is one of the first key concepts inferred from interviews with experts.ConclusionThe results showed that water management, drought management, development of natural tourism attraction, strengthening of desert tourism are from the most influential natural factors and diversification into rural economies, population stabilization and reduction of migration, strengthening of facilities, improving access roads and reducing unemployment the most important human factors Influencing the order and security of rural tourism. The eastern part of the province, which is mostly plain and desert, has more restrictions on the order and security of rural tourism. The most important requirements of security and order in rural tourism can be mentioned to remove blind spots desert, the development of clean energy, division of the province to tourism areas, population stabilization, Local community participation, the management of water resources and etc.In general, considering the natural and human structures of Isfahan province and in more detail its rural settlements, the model of order and security in rural development and tourism is defined and framed accordingly. In fact, the management challenges of rural tourism order and security in the province are not only due to human issues, but are mostly rooted in natural issues and lack of proper management in this area. Geographical algebra of the environment can be the best description in this field and this issue can not be ignored in the province, especially in the east. Based on this concept and in line with it, the model of order and security in rural tourism should be defined. In fact, the management and model that is implemented in the villages of the mountainous area can not be applied in the desert area; Because, first of all, the type of crimes and security problems are different in these two areas. Secondly, its natural and human structures are very different. Based on the prevailing natural and human structures and according to different ecosystems, the pattern of order and security of rural tourism should be redefined.Keywords: Ecological Analysis, Order and Security, Rural Tourism, Isfahan Province.

Background: Natural hazards have become more frequent and more severe as a result of climate change. Their increasing impact has a negative effect on people's health, including mental health. The aim of this ecological study is to investigate the association between exposure to disasters triggered by natural hazards and higher sexual risk-taking behavior as measured by one of its consequences, increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence, at the country-level, worldwide. Methods: All data were extracted from publicly available sources. Crude and adjusted linear regression models were built to explore the association between the proportion of people affected by natural hazards and HIV incidence. Multivariable models included socio-demographic variables (literacy, income and age), and therapy coverage and the healthcare access and quality index. Results: In the crude regression model, the total number of people affected by natural hazards over a 5 year time period is positively associated with HIV incidence. For every 10 new people per 100,000/year affected by natural hazards, the HIV incidence in the country was 1.5 higher per 1,000 uninfected. However, when adjusting for socio-demographic variables, the association is lost. In the fully adjusted multivariable model, only antiretroviral therapy coverage and health care access and quality were significantly positively and negatively associated with HIV incidence. No interaction was found by income groups, world regions or categories of high and low HIV prevalence. Conclusion: No association between exposure to natural hazards and increased sexual risk-taking behavior at country level worldwide was detected after accounting for socio-demographic variables. Nonetheless, countries with a higher proportion of the population affected by disasters triggered by natural hazards were also those witnessing a higher incidence rate of HIV, possibly through the mediating effect of disrupted health system coverage, highlighting the coexistence of different vulnerabilities for public health.

In this study, an energy, exergy and ecological analysis and multiobjective optimization of the Scimitar engine with fixed core nozzle outlet geometry are carried out at hypersonic cruise conditions. A single-objective optimization is performed first, which revealed that overall efficiency and coefficient of ecological performance are maximized with different optimum nozzle outlet areas, and it propounded the need for a multiobjective optimization. The single objective optimization also showed that decreasing the hydrogen fuel mass flow rate and cruise altitude together with increasing the air mass flow rate and cruise speed improve the performance of the engine. Then, the multiobjective optimization is performed with the utopia point method. It is concluded that for fuel and air mass flow rates of 3.99 kg/s and 178.6 kg/s, respectively, and cruise speed and altitude of Ma = 5.2 and 22 km, respectively, the optimum core nozzle outlet area is 4.00 m2, when equal weight factors are used for overall efficiency and coefficient of ecological performance. A comparison with the base scenario results showed that the overall efficiency has increased from 55.1% to 57.3%, and the engine size is reduced from 5.38 m2 to 4.00 m2 with the multiobjective optimization. [Display omitted] • Impact of fixed nozzle outlet area on performance of hydrogen-fueled Scimitar engine is investigated. • Overall and exergy-based ecological performance are maximized with different nozzle areas. • Multiobjective optimization is performed with utopia point method. • A nozzle outlet area of approximately 4 m2 optimizes the performance of the engine. • Comparison with base scenario shows an increase of 2.2% in overall efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of ceramic waste being generated is increasing day by day, and ceramic waste management is one of the most challenging issues for many industries. The present study evaluates various properties of geopolymer concrete incorporating ceramic tile waste as partial substitute of fly ash, with the aim to contribute towards sustainable waste management. For observing the influence of ceramic tile waste on fresh and mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete, tests like compaction factor, compressive strength, flexural strength and static modulus of elasticity were performed. Durability tests including water absorption, water permeability, ultrasonic pulse velocity and carbonation depth were also carried out. Impact energy was evaluated using drop weight test. Mechanical and durability tests were supplemented by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, ecological analysis was carried out to assess embodied energy and embodied carbon dioxide. Test outcomes revealed that at 5% substitution of fly ash by ceramic tile waste, a reduction of about 4.86% in compressive strength and a reduction of about 0.95% in flexural strength were registered in comparison to reference geopolymer concrete samples. Based on the fresh and hardened state properties, 5% ceramic tile waste can be utilized in production of geopolymer concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The prevalence of chronic constipation is increased in females and with age or environmental (low temperature), racial, socioeconomic, and habitual risk factors. The impact of low outside temperature on constipation drug use remains unclear. Here, we investigated risk factors for constipation drug use by evaluating data from the Japanese National Database. Methods This ecological study used the 2016 open Japanese National Database of health insurance claims (prescriptions) to acquire the number of health insurance prescription claims in all 47 prefectures for drugs to relieve constipation, antihypertensives, vasodilators, as well as medical check-ups and questionnaire responses. Internet survey on room temperatures in 2010 were also used. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between the number of population-based prescriptions for each item were calculated and multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) was performed. Results Prescriptions for magnesium laxatives significantly correlated with aging (r = 0.58), vasodilators (r = 0.53), being female (r = 0.43), antihypertensives (r = 0.39), and inversely with eating ≤2 h before bedtime (r = − 0.37), total crime rate (r = − 0.33), insomnia (r = − 0.33), and population density (r = − 0.31). Stimulant laxatives (sennoside and picosulfate) were significantly correlated with antihypertensives (r = 0.79), aging (r = 0.69), vasodilators (r = 0.67), and being female (r = 0.56), and were inversely associated with average outside temperature (r = − 0.62), total crime rate (r = − 0.52), average income (r = − 0.51), and 30-min of vigorous exercise (r = − 0.44). Fecal interventions were significantly correlated with aging (r = 0.55) and female (r = 0.59), and inversely correlated with population density (r = − 0.41) and total crime rate (r = − 0.38). MLR analysis identified aging as the only significant risk factor for magnesium laxative use (partial slope [β] = 1241.0). Female sex and antihypertensives were independent risk factors for stimulant laxative prescriptions (β = 44,547.0 and 0.2) and average outside temperature and 30-min of vigorous exercise were independent preventive factors (β = − 616.8 and − 219.1). Conclusion We identified associations of magnesium laxatives with aging, stimulant laxatives with female sex, antihypertensives, low outside temperature and less 30 min of vigorous exercise.

Background: - Forests are important for planetary and human health, but deforestation is increasing. Poor mental health is increasingly affecting the world's population. This study aims to investigate the association between forestry area, deforestation and mental health, at country level, worldwide. Methods: - Forestry area in each country was sampled in 2016 and 2006; the country prevalence of mental health disorders or substance abuse was sampled in 2006 and 2016; and the relative disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2010 and 2016. Crude and multivariate linear regression analyses were run, adjusting for peace index, wealth and inequalities, and urbanization at country level. A sensitivity analysis including sanitation and food security was run. Interaction with country gross domestic product per capita was assessed. Results: - Based on data for 230 countries, country forestry area is negatively associated with the prevalence of mental health disorders in 2016 (β -0.02 (195% C.I. -0.04/-0.01). This association was maintained in sensitivity analyses, and found mainly in lower- and upper-middle income countries. Change in forestry area is not associated with mental health prevalence nor estimated DALYs due to mental health. Conclusion: - This is the first study showing that forestry area at country level is associated with a lower prevalence of mental health disorders. If these results are replicated at individual level, this would suggest that public health implications should play a strong role in weighting ecological decisions, such as optimising forestry area coverage.

This study aims to reveal the relationship between the COVID-19 mortality indicators and socioeconomic status (SES) and air pollution. In this ecological study, the focus was put on the relationship between COVID-19 mortality and both air quality and socioeconomic status at the district level in Istanbul. The mortality variables of the study are the excess deaths due to the pandemic, the proportion of deaths due to the pandemic among all deaths, COVID-19 mortality rate (per 100,000), and the proportion of COVID-19 deaths among older people (above the age of 65). The daily air quality measurements of PM10, SO2, NO2, and NOx of the pre-pandemic term were included in the research to avoid bias due to decreasing traffic burden during the pandemic. Partial correlation was applied to analyze the relationship between air quality and mortality measures by controlling socioeconomic status, the percentage of the older population, and household size. Every 20% deterioration in the SES stratum has contributed to a 4% increase in excess mortality at the district level. The elderly population ratio of over 10% in the districts was found to increase the COVID-19 deaths in the total population by 35% and the deaths in the population over 65 years old by 3%. Average household size was correlated with COVID-19 deaths in the population over 65. A moderate correlation was found between the COVID-19 mortality rate per 100,000 population and PM10, SO2, and NO2 (r = 0.413, 0.421, and 0.431, respectively). Mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Istanbul is related to an interaction of socioeconomic characteristics and air pollution as an environmental issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although it is reported in numerous interventional and observational studies, that a low-fat diet is an effective method to combat overweight and obesity, the relationship at the global population level is not well established. This study aimed to quantify the associations between worldwide per capita fat supply and prevalence of overweight and obesity and further classify this association based on per capita Gross National Income (GNI). Methods: A total of 93 countries from four GNI groups were selected. Country-specific overweight and obesity prevalence data were retrieved from the most recent WHO Global Health Observatory database. Per capita supply of fat and calories were obtained from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization database; FAOSTAT, Food Balance Sheet for years 2014–2016. The categorizations of countries were done based on GNI based classification by the World Bank. Results: Among the selected countries, the overweight prevalence ranged from 3.9% (India) to 78.8% (Kiribati), while obesity prevalence ranged from 3.6% (Bangladesh) to 46.0% (Kiribati). The highest and the lowest per capita fat supply from total calorie supply were documented in Australia (41.2%) and Madagascar (10.5%) respectively. A significant strong positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of overweight (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and obesity (r = 0.59, p < 0.001) with per capita fat supply. The lower ends of both trend lines were densely populated by the low- and lower-middle-income countries and the upper ends of both lines were greatly populated by the high-income countries. Conclusions: Per capita fat supply per country is significantly associated with both prevalence of overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: About 4 billion cases of toddler diarrhea occur worldwide each year. As many as 70% of toddler deaths in the world were caused by diarrheal infections. This study was intended to analyze the relationship of health services factors on the prevalence of diarrhea of infants in Indonesia. Methods: Ecological analysis was conducted using secondary data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia report in 2018. All provinces were taken as samples. Apart from prevalence of children under five with diarrhea, 4 other variables analyzed as independent variables were, the availability of health workers, the coverage of diarrhea services and the coverage of oralit services to the patients, the coverage of zinc services to the patients, and the poverty factors in each provinces. Data were analyzed using cross-tabulation and spearman test. Results: The results show from 34 provinces, the highest prevalence of toddlers is in the Papua Province. The results showed that the higher the percentage of poor people in the province, the higher the prevalence of diarrhea in toddlers (r=0.363). While the low availability of health resources, coverage of oralit use, and coverage of zinc use in patients were mostly occurring in provinces that had a high prevalence of toddler diarrhea. This means that there was an inverse relationship between the availability of health resources (r=-0.430), the coverage of oralit use (r=-0.149) and the coverage of zinc use in patients (r=-0.013) with the prevalence of diarrhea in toddlers. Conclusion: It was concluded that according to bivariate analysis on the prevalence of diarrhea of toddlers showed that increasing availability of health resources in the provinces can help to reduce the prevalence of toddlers by assuming other variables remain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The government encourages maternity care in health facilities to reduce maternal mortality. The study aims to analyze the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare facilities' choice for maternity care in Indonesia. The study used secondary data from the official report of the Indonesia Ministry of Health. The study takes all provinces as samples. Moreover, the study used the proportion of maternity care in health facilities as a dependent variable. On the other hand, the research analyzed four other variables as independent variables: percentage of the poor population, percentage of the population having health insurance, literacy percentage of population >15 years, and the unemployment rate for population >15 years. The study analyzed the data using a scatter plot. The study results show the lower the poor population in the province, the higher the proportion of maternity care in health facilities in that province. The higher the percentage of the population having health insurance in an area, the higher the proportion of maternity care in health facilities in that area. Meanwhile, the higher the literacy percentage of population >15 years in a province, the higher the proportion of maternity care in health facilities in that province. Moreover, the higher the unemployment rate for population >15 years in a province, the higher the proportion of maternity care in health facilities in that province. The study concluded that the four independent variables analyzed ecologically were associated with maternity care in health facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Geographic measurement of diets is generally not available at areas smaller than a national or provincial (state) scale, as existing nutrition surveys cannot achieve sample sizes needed for an acceptable statistical precision for small geographic units such as city subdivisions.Design: Using geocoded Nielsen grocery transaction data collected from supermarket, supercentre and pharmacy chains combined with a gravity model that transforms store-level sales into area-level purchasing, we developed small-area public health indicators of food purchasing for neighbourhood districts. We generated the area-level indicators measuring per-resident purchasing quantity for soda, diet soda, flavoured (sugar-added) yogurt and plain yogurt purchasing. We then provided an illustrative public health application of these indicators as covariates for an ecological spatial regression model to estimate spatially correlated small-area risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) obtained from the public health administrative data.Setting: Greater Montreal, Canada in 2012.Participants: Neighbourhood districts (n 193).Results: The indicator of flavoured yogurt had a positive association with neighbourhood-level risk of T2D (1·08, 95 % credible interval (CI) 1·02, 1·14), while that of plain yogurt had a negative association (0·93, 95 % CI 0·89, 0·96). The indicator of soda had an inconclusive association, and that of diet soda was excluded due to collinearity with soda. The addition of the indicators also improved model fit of the T2D spatial regression (Watanabe-Akaike information criterion = 1765 with the indicators, 1772 without).Conclusion: Store-level grocery sales data can be used to reveal micro-scale geographic disparities and trends of food selections that would be masked by traditional survey-based estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data in the world states that 462 million are underweight, 47 million children under the age of 5 are wasting, 14.3 million are very thin, and 144 million are stunting. Previous study reports about 45% of child deaths <5 years are related to malnutrition--the study aim to analyzing the relationship between poverty and nutritional status of the toddler in Indonesia ecologically. The study used secondary data from the official report of the Indonesia Ministry of Health. The study takes all provinces as samples. Moreover, the study used the percentage of poor people as an independent variable. On the other hand, the researchers analyzed three other variables as dependent variables: the proportion of underweight toddlers, the proportion of stunting toddlers, and the proportion of wasting toddlers. The study examined the data using a scatter plot to determine the relationship. The results show that the greater the percentage of an underweight toddler in a country, the higher the proportion of underweight toddler in that region. Meanwhile, the more significant the proportion of the deprived population in an area, the more considerable proportion of stunting in that area. Moreover, the higher the poor people in the province, the higher the proportion of wasting in that province. The study concluded that poverty has a relationship with nutrition status of the toddler in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis is a direct infectious disease caused by TB germs (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis). Indonesia is ranked third in the world, with the largest incidence of tuberculosis after China and India, with 845,000 cases or 315/100,000 in 2019. The study was intended to analyze the coverage of treatment of all cases, the percentage of poor people by province and the ratio of public health centre per sub-district in the province to the success of tuberculosis treatment in all provinces in Indonesia in 2019. Methods: The ecological approach is carried out using secondary data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in the form of Health Profile of the Republic of Indonesia in 2019 and Data and Information: Health Profile of Indonesia in 2019. Data from 34 provinces in Indonesia related to the success rate of TB treatment, the coverage of treatment of all TB cases, the percentage of poor people by province and the ratio of public health centre per sub-district in the province using cross tabulation. Results: The results showed that the success rate of TB treatment in Indonesia in 2019 was in the moderate category in line with the coverage of all TB cases, the percentage of poor people by province and the ratio of puclic health centre per sub-district in the province which is also in the moderate category. Conclusion: Efforts to monitor and record cases and treatment of TB patients need to be improved to improve TB treatment coverage. Improving the economy of the community and equalizing the availability of public health centre are also very important to improve the success of TB treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In the Netherlands as well as in other countries citizens take initiatives to provide or maintain services in the area of care and welfare. Citizens’ initiatives (CI’s) are organisations some of which have a formal structure while others are informally connected groups of citizens, that are established by a group of citizens with the aim to increase the health and welfare within their local community and that are not focused on making a profit. Although CI’s have been around since at least the 1970’s little research has been done on the phenomenon, with most of it consisting of case studies or qualitative exploratory research. To fill part of this gap in knowledge, we have studied the geographical variation in the presence of CI’s in the Netherlands and tried to explain this variation. Methods Data on the presence of CI’s were obtained by combining two existing inventories. We did an ecological regression analysis to test hypotheses about the relationship between the presence of CI’s and the existence of a care vacuum, the capacity for self-organisation and models of action in local communities. Results We counted 452 CI’s in care and welfare in the Netherlands in January 2016. Our results show a spatial concentration of care initiatives in urban areas in the Randstad cities in the west of the country and in rural areas in the south-east. The presence of CI’s is only weakly associated with a care vacuum, but is related to indicators for the capacity of concerted action and models of action. Conclusion There are by now a considerable number of CI’s in the area of care and welfare in the Netherlands. Apparently, citizens take collective initiatives to provide services that are not, or no longer, available to the local community. The initiatives are concentrated in certain parts of the country. However, our theoretical model to explain this geographical pattern is only partially confirmed.

Abstract The third joint inter‐agency report on integrated analysis of antimicrobial consumption (AMC) and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria from humans and food‐producing animals (JIACRA) addressed data obtained by the Agencies' EU‐wide surveillance networks for 2016–2018. AMC in both sectors, expressed in mg/kg of estimated biomass, was compared at country and European level. Substantial variations in AMC between countries were observed in human and food animal sectors. In each year over the period 2016–2018, overall AMC was lower in food‐producing animals (for example in 2017, 108.3 mg/kg, range 3.1–423.1) than in humans (for example in 2017, 130.0 mg/kg; range 52.8–212.6). This is the first time this situation has been reported since JIACRA analyses were initiated on 2011 data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to study associations between AMC and AMR for selected combinations of bacteria and antimicrobials. In both food‐producing animals and humans, associations were generally observed between the consumption of an antimicrobial class and bacterial resistance to the antimicrobials in this class in the same population. The multivariate analysis proved to be a useful approach for assessing the statistical significance and relative strength of associations between the occurrence of AMR in bacteria from humans, AMR in bacteria from food‐producing animals and AMC in both food‐producing animals and humans. For certain combinations of bacteria and antimicrobials, resistance in bacteria from humans was associated with resistance in bacteria from food‐producing animals which, in turn, was related to antimicrobial consumption in animals. The analyses showed that the relative strength of these associations differed markedly depending on antimicrobial class, microorganism and sector. Overall, the findings suggest that further interventions to reduce AMC will have a beneficial impact on AMR, which underlines the need to promote prudent use of antimicrobial agents in conjunction with infection control, prevention of infection and other relevant measures in both humans and foodproducing animals. The high levels of AMC and AMR still being reported in animals and humans from several countries show that these interventions should be reinforced.

The investigation of the perception of affordances in sport has evolved by considering an ecological analysis of the game, thus seeking to understand how athletes collect information from the environment to increase the chances of making appropriate decisions concerning the constraints of the game. Perception of affordances involves an interaction of intentions, perceptions, and actions in specific contexts. During a volleyball match, the setters must have the perception of affordances quickly, depending on the situational constraints involving the position of the central attackers and blockers. Thus, this study aimed to identify whether the distance between the setter and the central attacker and between the setter and the opposing central blocker is a constraint to identify affordances and consequent distribution patterns for high-level setters. For this purpose, 93 side-out actions were selected under optimal setting conditions, which allowed an organized attack with all attack options from the two final matches of the Men's World Club Championship 2015 and 2016. One-way ANOVAs were performed to identify differences in the distances of the x and y axes in meters. These distances were analyzed according to the setting zone, set outcome, and different blocks of scores during the sets. No significant differences were found between the distances of the central blocker and the central attacker concerning the setter according to setting zones, the outcome of the sets, and scoring blocks throughout sets. Therefore, the constraints of the game revealed high variability and unpredictable behaviors in the setters' actions, preventing the identification of setting distribution patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indonesian government is encouraging childbirth in healthcare to reduce maternal mortality in Indonesia, which is still high. This study aims to conduct an ecological analysis related to the factors that affect Indonesia’s healthcare childbirth. The research conducted the ecological analysis using secondary data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia report in 2018. The study takes all provinces as samples. Apart from the proportion of healthcare childbirth, four other variables analyzed as independent variables were the proportion of antenatal care 1st visit, the proportion of antenatal care 4th visit, the ratio of health center per district, and the hospital per 100,000 population ratio. Data were analyzed using a scatter plot. The study results found a tendency for the proportion of healthcare childbirth to be lower in the eastern than other Indonesia regions. The study also found that the higher the antenatal care 1st visit in a province, the higher the proportion of healthcare childbirth in that province. Meanwhile, the higher the antenatal care 4th visit in a region, the higher the proportion of healthcare childbirth in that region. The higher the ratio of health centers per district in a province, the higher the proportion of healthcare childbirth in that province. Moreover, the higher ratio of health centers per district in an area, the higher the proportion of healthcare childbirth in that area. The study concluded that four independent variables were analyzed ecologically related to healthcare childbirthin Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]