Search

This study primarily investigated the variations in stable isotope ratios and elemental fingerprints in tea leaves, which are influenced by multiple factors such as tea cultivars, plant parts, geographical areas, and harvest times. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in isotope and elemental profiles among tea cultivars. By employing advanced statistical methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), we achieved 100% accuracy in classifying tea cultivars. Additionally, different parts of the tea plant and geographical areas exhibited substantial impacts on the concentrations of stable isotopes and elements. The variation in harvest times further indicated the regulation of isotope fractionation and element accumulation. The variations in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) isotopes among different tea tree parts illuminated the pathways of nutrient transport within the plant. Overall, plant parts were identified as the most crucial factor affecting tea quality, followed by geographical areas and tea cultivars. These findings provide scientific evidence for tea classification and quality control, while also enhancing the understanding of the nutritional metabolism mechanisms in tea plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research discusses the perspective of teachers and students in the eastern coastal region of Indonesia toward online learning as a means for language learning. Participants in the study included 50 teachers and 35 students from different high schools in North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study applied a semistructured interview for data collection to explore the teachers and students’ perceptions of online learning and then analyzed the data qualitatively through description. Moreover, the interview data were also transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The four data themes that this study examined were: (1) participants’ reactions to online instruction; (2) participants’ limits in online instruction; (3) participants’ approach to overcoming obstacles; and (4) participants’ utilization of technology. The findings demonstrated that, by fostering independent learning and increasing student willingness to learn, teachers and students in Indonesia's rural eastern coastline region were able to adjust to online learning concerning second language acquisition. This study addressed a concern that many participants had when learning online: the use of digital technology, which is seen as challenging to acquire and apply. In light of the geographical difficulties and facility issues associated with online learning, this study highlights the significance of having mental and emotional support from peers, parents, and teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Indigenous beef cattle engaged in bullfighting in Southern Thailand represent a distinctive and valuable breed. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, which are recognized as important pathogens, have a negative impact on the overall health and physical performance of these fighting bulls. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GI parasitic infections and identify factors associated with these infections in a fighting bull population in Southern Thailand. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples (n = 4,244) from fighting bulls were submitted to the Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre of the Teaching Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya. We examined the samples using simple flotation and centrifugal sedimentation methods. Individual animal profiles and demographic data were collected. Results: The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections was 93.2%. Nine GI parasites were identified as Paramphistome spp. [PP]. being the most prevalent (93.2%), and the highest annual prevalence occurred in 2019 (97.9%). The infection rates of various parasite species were significantly related to the years of study, geographic area, season, and age group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher on the west coast (98.6%) than on the east coast (98.0%). PP, Eurytrema spp., Strongyles spp., and Buxtonella spp. infections differed significantly among the seven provinces of Southern Thailand (p < 0.05). The prevalence of GI parasitic infections was higher during the rainy season (98.5%) than during the summer (97.7%). Bulls aged 7.0–7.9 years and 8.0–8.9 years had the highest parasite infection rate (99.2%) compared with those aged 8.0–8.9. Conclusion: GI parasitic infections continue to be a significant health concern among fighting bulls in Southern Thailand. Regular epidemiological investigations are crucial for developing effective preventive programs and control strategies and providing basic knowledge for bull farmers. Keywords: bullfighting, gastrointestinal parasites, geographical areas, prevalence, Thailand.

Background and Aim: Indigenous beef cattle engaged in bullfighting in Southern Thailand represent a distinctive and valuable breed. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, which are recognized as important pathogens, have a negative impact on the overall health and physical performance of these fighting bulls. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GI parasitic infections and identify factors associated with these infections in a fighting bull population in Southern Thailand. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples (n = 4,244) from fighting bulls were submitted to the Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre of the Teaching Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya. We examined the samples using simple flotation and centrifugal sedimentation methods. Individual animal profiles and demographic data were collected. Results: The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections was 93.2%. Nine GI parasites were identified as Paramphistome spp. [PP]. being the most prevalent (93.2%), and the highest annual prevalence occurred in 2019 (97.9%). The infection rates of various parasite species were significantly related to the years of study, geographic area, season, and age group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher on the west coast (98.6%) than on the east coast (98.0%). PP, Eurytrema spp., Strongyles spp., and Buxtonella spp. infections differed significantly among the seven provinces of Southern Thailand (p < 0.05). The prevalence of GI parasitic infections was higher during the rainy season (98.5%) than during the summer (97.7%). Bulls aged 7.0--7.9 years and 8.0--8.9 years had the highest parasite infection rate (99.2%) compared with those aged 8.0--8.9. Conclusion: GI parasitic infections continue to be a significant health concern among fighting bulls in Southern Thailand. Regular epidemiological investigations are crucial for developing effective preventive programs and control strategies and providing basic knowledge for bull farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although immunization has been proven to be cost-effective in preventing dangerous infectious diseases, its complete utilization is not optimal. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the Complete Basic Immunization (CBI) coverage among children aged 12-23 months based on differences in geographical characteristics areas, and factors influencing its utilization. This was an analytic study conducted with a quantitative method and cross-sectional approach, and was carried out in 31 districts in Central Java Province, which were categorized into coastal and mountainous areas. The target population included all children aged 12-23 months, and a sample of 685 children was selected using a purposive sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using independent t-test for numerical, and chi-square for categorical data. Based on the results, the CBI coverage did not differ between children living in coastal and mountainous areas, except for HB-0, BCG, and DPT/HB/HiB-1 immunizations which were significantly different. Furthermore, the mean score of attitudes, perceptions (about barriers, AEFI, multiple injections), information sources, motivation, and service satisfaction among children living in coastal areas were higher and proved to be significantly different from those living in mountainous areas. Access to healthcare facilities and their availability also emerged as a differentiating factor between the two areas. To improve CBI utilization, effective strategies include using appropriate communication, information, and socialization media, particularly through internet technology. These strategies should be integrated into Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) program, alongside improving access and immunization service systems.

The article considers the distribution of loans in lei in Romania by geographical areas during the period 2021, so we have made structures in territorial profile by grouping loans at county level. At the country level, the highest volume of loans is in the southern area, i.e. Muntenia, where it is normal that Bucharest county has the highest share in this region. At the level of geographical area, we observe that Brasov County dominates in the centre in terms of the volume of loans granted, in the North-West area Cluj County stands out with a share of 48.8% of the total of that area, Timis county is the county with the highest volume of loans granted in the Western area of Romania, also in the South-West Dolj county has a significant share even if it is half the value of the loans granted compared to Timis county. In the South-East area, the highest volume in that period was in Constanta County, which recorded 3 times the value of loans compared to Galati County. And finally in the Eastern area is Iasi County with a value of about 8,300 lei of loans granted in lei.

IntroductionThis study investigated the prevalence of food insecurity, and the association between socio-demographic and geographic factors and food insecurity in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe study extracted data on 5,066 persons age 15 years or older from a nationally-representative sample survey of Thai households, conducted during June-December 2021. The respondents were asked about food insecurity, socio-demographic characteristics, debt, and role of the primary household food provider. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the variables and food insecurity.ResultsOf the total sample, 28.6% had food insecurity. The highest probability of having food insecurity (p < 0.001) was observed in persons age 15–29 years, with no formal education, and in the lowest quartile of income. The highest probability of having food insecurity was found among respondents residing in the northeast, which is the poorest and with the least development status among geographic regions in Thailand. Respondents who reported having onerous personal debt and being the main household food provider were 1.4 and 2.3 times as likely to have food insecurity as those with no debt and not being the main food provider, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis suggests that government attention is required in developing policies and strategies to improve food security through addressing the socio-economic determinants, and buffer the negative impact of a national crisis on diets. Investment to improve household income and raise the educational profile of the population is needed. Addressing the regional disparities in food security requires area-specific measures which target the most vulnerable population groups.

ObjectiveTo examine the socio-economic and ethnocultural characteristics of geographical areas that may influence variation in breast cancer screening participation.MethodsIn a cross-sectional analysis breast cancer screening participation for statistical areas in Victoria, Australia (2015-2017) was linked with data from the 2016 Australian Census. We selected four commonly used area-level measures of socio-economic status from the Australian Census (i) income (ii) educational level (iii) occupational status and (iv) employment profile. To assess the ethnocultural characteristics of statistical areas we used the Census measures (i) country of birth (ii) language spoken at home (iii) fluency in English (iv) religion and (v) the proportion of immigrants in an area, together with their recency of migration.ResultsAll the selected measures were related to screening participation. There was a high degree of association both within and between socio-economic and ethnocultural characteristics of areas as they relate to screening. Ethnocultural characteristics alone accounted for most of the explained geographical disparity in screening participation.ConclusionsGeographical disparities in breast cancer screening participation may be due to ethnocultural factors that are confounded with socio-economic factors.

Fusarium Head Blight is a devastating disease of wheat caused by a complex of Fusarium species producing a wide range of mycotoxins. Fusarium species occurrence is variable in different geographical areas and subjected to a continuous evolution in their distribution. A total of 141 durum wheat field samples were collected in different regions of Italy in three years, and analyzed for Fusarium species and related mycotoxin occurrence. Mycotoxin contamination varied according to year and geographical origin. The highest mycotoxin contamination was detected in 2014. Deoxynivalenol was detected with an average of 240 µg/kg only in Central and Northern Italy; and T-2 and HT-2 toxins with an average of 150 µg/kg in Southern Italy. Approximately 80% of samples from Southern Italy in 2013/2014 showed T-2 and HT-2 levels over the EU recommended limits. Fusarium graminearum occurred mostly in Northern Italy, while F. langsethiae occurred in Southern Italy. These data showed that a real mycotoxin risk related to Fusarium exists on the whole in Italy, but varies according with geographical areas and environmental conditions. Consistent monitoring of Fusarium species and related mycotoxin distribution on a long period is worthwhile to generate more accurate knowledge on Fusarium species profile and mycotoxins associated and better establish the climatic change impact on wheat Fusarium epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed an updated meta-analysis to robustly quantify admission trends of patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) during the first wave of the pandemic and to characterize on a large basis the risk profile and early prognosis. Studies having the same observation period for the comparison between SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in 2020 versus control period in 2019 were included. Primary endpoints were the relative variation of hospital admissions, the difference of in-hospital mortality for STEMI and NSTEMI. Secondary were: mortality according to countries, income levels and data quality; cardiogenic shock, mechanical complications, door-to-balloon time, time from symptom onset to first medical contact, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and troponin. In total, 61 observational studies with 125,346 patients were included. Compared with 2019, during the pandemic for STEMI were observed: a 24% reduction of hospitalizations with an impact on early survival (OR = 1.33 in-hospital mortality); the time from symptom onset to first medical contact was 91.31 min longer, whereas door-to-balloon time was increased (+5.44 min); after STEMI, the rate of cardiogenic shock was 33% higher; LVEF at discharge was decreased (−3.46); elevated high-sensitivity troponin levels (1.52) on admission. For NSTEMI, in the COVID-19 period, we observed a 31% reduction of hospitalizations and higher in-hospital deaths (OR = 1.34). The highest mortality rates among countries were: Italy OR = 3.71 (high income), Serbia OR = 2.15 (upper middle) and Pakistan OR = 1.69 (lower middle). Later hospital presentation was associated with larger infarctions, as well as with increased cardiogenic shock and in-hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The inactive lifestyle is becoming prevalent in many developed and developing countries including Saudi Arabia. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of neighborhoods’ characteristics on physical activity (PA) levels and body mass index (BMI) in Saudi adolescents. Methods: The anthropometric measurement of 380 secondary-school (boys = 199; girls = 181) from different geographical locations such as urban, rural farm and rural desert was taken using the Seca digital scales for weight and Seca portable measure for height. The BMI was calculated using the formula kg/m2 followed by participants wearing piezoelectric, New-Lifestyles NL-2000 PA Monitor, and completing the international physical activity short form questionnaire. Results: The findings indicated, an average boys recorded 9180 steps per day compared to girls 5580 and the univariate ANOVA revealed a significant difference between genders steps per day in three geographical areas (F1,334 = 70.01, 'p' < 0.001). The BMI results demonstrated that participant from rural farm had lower BMI (mean = 21.01 kg/m2) compared to urban location (mean = 24.12 kg/m2) and rural desert youth (mean = 25.58 kg/m2) indicating significant differences in BMI status in geographical locations (F2,379 = 16.40, 'p' < 0.001). Conclusion: The inactivity and obesity prevalence are prevalent amongst demographic groups in Al-Ahsa. Therefore, future policies and interventions could target this populations especially the rural desert youth in which the health risk could be higher.

Background: The inactive lifestyle is becoming prevalent in many developed and developing countries including Saudi Arabia. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of neighborhoods' characteristics on physical activity (PA) levels and body mass index (BMI) in Saudi adolescents. Methods: The anthropometric measurement of 380 secondary-school (boys = 199; girls = 181) from different geographical locations such as urban, rural farm and rural desert was taken using the Seca digital scales for weight and Seca portable measure for height. The BMI was calculated using the formula kg/m² followed by participants wearing piezoelectric, New-Lifestyles NL-2000 PA Monitor, and completing the international physical activity short form questionnaire. Results: The findings indicated, an average boys recorded 9180 steps per day compared to girls 5580 and the univariate ANOVA revealed a significant difference between genders steps per day in three geographical areas (F1,334 = 70.01, p < 0.001). The BMI results demonstrated that participant from rural farm had lower BMI (mean = 21.01 kg/m²) compared to urban location (mean = 24.12 kg/m²) and rural desert youth (mean = 25.58 kg/m²) indicating significant differences in BMI status in geographical locations (F2,379 = 16.40, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The inactivity and obesity prevalence are prevalent amongst demographic groups in Al-Ahsa. Therefore, future policies and interventions could target this populations especially the rural desert youth in which the health risk could be higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal Architecture & Planning is the property of King Saud University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species is known for the high diversity of the loci encoding bacteriocin (plantaricin) production. The aim of this work was to study the distribution of pln genes in French and Ukrainian isolates of L. plantarum originated from fermented plant material. PCR with the primers to plnA, plnB, plnC, plnD, plnEF, plnI, plnK, plnJ, plnG, plnN, plnW genes was performed to find out the peculiarities of L. plantarum strains. French and Ukrainian isolates shared none of the identical combinations of genes from plantaricin regulon indicating the diversity of pln loci in L. plantarum of fermented plant origin from the distant geographical regions. Certain combinations of genes from plantaricin regulon could be proposed as indicators marking the geographical origin of L. plantarum strains. Among the studied isolates, some resembled the described in the literature L. plantarum strains, and others contained unique combinations of pln genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium Head Blight is a devastating disease of wheat caused by a complex of Fusarium species producing a wide range of mycotoxins. Fusarium species occurrence is variable in different geographical areas and subjected to a continuous evolution in their distribution. A total of 141 durum wheat field samples were collected in different regions of Italy in three years, and analyzed for Fusarium species and related mycotoxin occurrence. Mycotoxin contamination varied according to year and geographical origin. The highest mycotoxin contamination was detected in 2014. Deoxynivalenol was detected with an average of 240 µg/kg only in Central and Northern Italy; and T-2 and HT-2 toxins with an average of 150 µg/kg in Southern Italy. Approximately 80% of samples from Southern Italy in 2013/2014 showed T-2 and HT-2 levels over the EU recommended limits. Fusarium graminearum occurred mostly in Northern Italy, while F. langsethiae occurred in Southern Italy. These data showed that a real mycotoxin risk related to Fusarium exists on the whole in Italy, but varies according with geographical areas and environmental conditions. Consistent monitoring of Fusarium species and related mycotoxin distribution on a long period is worthwhile to generate more accurate knowledge on Fusarium species profile and mycotoxins associated and better establish the climatic change impact on wheat Fusarium epidemiology.

We performed an updated meta-analysis to robustly quantify admission trends of patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) during the first wave of the pandemic and to characterize on a large basis the risk profile and early prognosis. Studies having the same observation period for the comparison between SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in 2020 versus control period in 2019 were included. Primary endpoints were the relative variation of hospital admissions, the difference of in-hospital mortality for STEMI and NSTEMI. Secondary were: mortality according to countries, income levels and data quality; cardiogenic shock, mechanical complications, door-to-balloon time, time from symptom onset to first medical contact, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and troponin. In total, 61 observational studies with 125,346 patients were included. Compared with 2019, during the pandemic for STEMI were observed: a 24% reduction of hospitalizations with an impact on early survival (OR = 1.33 in-hospital mortality); the time from symptom onset to first medical contact was 91.31 min longer, whereas door-to-balloon time was increased (+5.44 min); after STEMI, the rate of cardiogenic shock was 33% higher; LVEF at discharge was decreased (−3.46); elevated high-sensitivity troponin levels (1.52) on admission. For NSTEMI, in the COVID-19 period, we observed a 31% reduction of hospitalizations and higher in-hospital deaths (OR = 1.34). The highest mortality rates among countries were: Italy OR = 3.71 (high income), Serbia OR = 2.15 (upper middle) and Pakistan OR = 1.69 (lower middle). Later hospital presentation was associated with larger infarctions, as well as with increased cardiogenic shock and in-hospital mortality.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the composition of MO and honey from different areas in South Sulawesi. Methods: This was a laboratory examination study. Several macro and micronutrients were measured including water, crude protein, crude lipid, Ca, Mg, Na, P, and K. Also, polyphenol and flavonoid were measured. Result: The results showed that variation of water, protein, and lipid in MO were 9.2–9.4%, 24.2–29.8%, and 8.43–9.6% respectively. Meanwhile, the variation of Ca, Mg, Na, P, K in MO were 1.63–2.2%, 0.36–0.53%, 0.18–0.43%, 012–0.22% and 0.67–0.76%, respectively. The variation of polyphenol and flavonoid of MO were 0.24–0.34% and 192–209 ppm, respectively. On the other hand, the variation of water, protein, and lipid in different types of honey were 21.1–25.4%, 1.1–1.6%, and 0.01–0.09% respectively. Meanwhile, the variation of Ca, Mg, Na, P, K in honey were 632–1040%, 216–378%, 361–555%, 20–57% and 1570–2848%, respectively. Polyphenol and flavonoids from three different kinds of honey were also varied at 0.06–011% and 14.4–35.8 ppm, respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that chemical compositions in MO from three areas were almost similar but they were varied enough in honey which was higher in Trigona sp.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers malocclusion one of the most important oral health problems, after caries and periodontal disease. Its prevalence is highly variable and is estimated to be between 39% and 93% in children and adolescents. Due to the importance of malocclusions in dentistry, the aim of our review is to assess the frequency of malocclusions among different geographical regions. A literature research was performed through the Pubmed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Open Grey and Cochrane Library databases. The “PRISMA” guidelines were used for the following review. Fourteen studies were analysed for this review. Class I was found most frequently, followed by class II and finally class III. Considering the other anomalies, crowding was one of the most frequent with a prevalence of up to 84%, followed by spacing, which reached a frequency of 60%. Prevalence of crossbite and openbite was quite variable, while the evaluation of deepbite revealed more uniform values. The prevalence varied widely for most of the types of malocclusion in relation to the different populations, which suggests a role of genetics and environmental influences, typical of each population in determining dental problems.

Introduction: To investigate the impact of a polygenic risk score for schizophrenia (PRS-SZ) and urbanicity on the risk of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) in people diagnosed with schizophrenia and to evaluate the association between PRS-SZ and TRS across levels of urbanicity.Methods: Cohort study of people born after 1981 with a first registered diagnosis of schizophrenia between 1996 and 2012 using Danish population registry data. Through linkage to genome-wide data, we calculated PRS-SZ based on a Psychiatric Genomics Consortium meta-analysis. We assessed urbanicity at birth (capital, provincial and rural areas). TRS was defined using prescription and hospital data. Performing Cox regression analysis, we calculated hazard rate ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: Among 4475 people with schizophrenia, we identified 593 (13.3%) with TRS during 17,558 person years of follow-up. The adjusted HR for TRS associated with one standard deviation (SD) increase in the PRS-SZ was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.00-1.24). The adjusted HRs for TRS across levels of urbanicity were 1.20 (95% CI: 0.98-1.47) for provincial areas and 1.19 (95% CI 0.96-1.47) for rural areas compared with the capital area. Within strata of urbanicity, the adjusted HR for TRS was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.14-1.70) in the capital area with 1 SD increase in the PRS-SZ, 0.99 (95% CI 0.84-1.17) in provincial areas, and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.86-1.25) in rural areas.Conclusion: The effect of genetic liability (i.e. PRS) on risk of TRS varied across urbanicity levels and was highest for people with schizophrenia born in the capital areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the complementary feeding practices of mothers in three geographical areas in Virac, Catanduanes. Descriptive survey method was used. Result showed that complementary foods were given after the first six months of life and commercial cereal was the first complementary food given. These two practices were mostly observed in the lowland, followed by those in the coastal and the upland areas. This indicates that the timing of giving complementary foods is compliant with recommendations and commercial cereal is preferred most in the lowland probably due to its proximity to the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European balancing markets are presently fragmented and mostly national. Integrating them on common platforms requires the ability to identify optimal balancing energy volumes to be activated and exchanged to cover imbalances across the interconnected system, but this leads to new challenges. To avoid balancing energy flows compromising operational security, capacity limitations in the transmission network should be taken into account in the optimisation. However, a zonal market structure and limited computational time inhibit using detailed models in the optimisation. This study describes and demonstrates a distributed formulation for optimisation of activation and exchange of balancing energy. Using Benders decomposition, the optimisation is separated into local activation problems that are smaller and less complex, distributing the computational effort. A single exchange problem identifies the optimal exchange volumes between geographical areas using optimality cuts obtained in the local subproblems. The proposed formulation is capable of optimising balancing decisions across a large, interconnected system, while still keeping a zonal market structure and taking detailed network constraints into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medicine has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases; however, the adverse reactions cannot be ignored. Most previous studies have ignored the relationship between the factors of geographical areas/batches and toxicity. This study used Polygonum multiflorum (PM) as an example to analyze the relationship between the geographical areas/batches and toxicity and speculated on the hepatotoxicity-inducing components in PM based on high content screening, UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS and Progenesis QI software analysis. The results of the study show that the toxicity of PM was obviously different among the different geographical areas, and the most toxic PM was from the Sichuan province. To obtain more accurate results and to reduce the false-positive rate, two methods were used to evaluate the speculative results. It was noteworthy that emodin was not the main hepatocyte toxicity constituent of PM. The analysis methods suggested that PM toxicity may be associated with tetrahydroxystilbene-O-(galloyl)-hex and emodin-O-hex-sulfate. The toxicity of these two components requires further study.

Biogenic amines (BAs), polyphenols, and aroma compounds were determined by chromatographic techniques in cocoa beans of different geographical origin, also considering the effect of roasting (95, 110, and 125 °C). In all samples, methylxantines (2.22−12.3 mg kg−1) were the most abundant followed by procyanidins (0.69−9.39 mg kg−1) and epicatechin (0.16−3.12 mg kg−1), all reduced by heat treatments. Volatile organic compounds and BAs showed variable levels and distributions. Although showing the highest BAs total content (28.8 mg kg−1), Criollo variety presented a good aroma profile, suggesting a possible processing without roasting. Heat treatments influenced the aroma compounds especially for Nicaragua sample, increasing more than two-fold desirable aldehydes and pyrazines formed during the Maillard cascade and the Strecker degradation. As the temperature increased, the concentration of BAs already present in raw samples increased as well, although never reaching hazardous levels.

Copyright of Revista Interuniversitaria de Formación del Profesorado is the property of Asociacion Universitaria de Formacion del Profesorado (AUFOP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: This study investigated the prevalence of food insecurity, and the association between socio-demographic and geographic factors and food insecurity in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: The study extracted data on 5,066 persons age 15 years or older from a nationally-representative sample survey of Thai households, conducted during June-December 2021. The respondents were asked about food insecurity, socio-demographic characteristics, debt, and role of the primary household food provider. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the variables and food insecurity., Results: Of the total sample, 28.6% had food insecurity. The highest probability of having food insecurity ( p < 0.001) was observed in persons age 15-29 years, with no formal education, and in the lowest quartile of income. The highest probability of having food insecurity was found among respondents residing in the northeast, which is the poorest and with the least development status among geographic regions in Thailand. Respondents who reported having onerous personal debt and being the main household food provider were 1.4 and 2.3 times as likely to have food insecurity as those with no debt and not being the main food provider, respectively ( p < 0.001)., Conclusion: This suggests that government attention is required in developing policies and strategies to improve food security through addressing the socio-economic determinants, and buffer the negative impact of a national crisis on diets. Investment to improve household income and raise the educational profile of the population is needed. Addressing the regional disparities in food security requires area-specific measures which target the most vulnerable population groups., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Phulkerd, Thongcharoenchupong, Chamratrithirong, Gray, Pattaravanich, Ungchusak and Saonuam.)

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by a complex etiopathogenesis encompassing both host genetic and environmental -infectious/toxic- factors responsible for altered fibrogenesis and diffuse microangiopathy. A wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes may be observed in patients' populations from different geographical areas. We investigated the prevalence of specific clinical and serological phenotypes in patients with definite SSc enrolled at tertiary referral centres in different Italian geographical macro-areas. The observed findings were compared with those reported in the world literature. The clinical features of 1538 patients (161 M, 10.5%; mean age 59.8 ± 26.9 yrs.; mean disease duration 8.9 ± 7.7 yrs) with definite SSc recruited in 38 tertiary referral centres of the SPRING (Systemic sclerosis Progression INvestiGation Group) registry promoted by Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR) were obtained and clustered according to Italian geographical macroareas. Patients living in Southern Italy were characterized by more severe clinical and/or serological SSc phenotypes compared to those in Northern and Central Italy; namely, they show increased percentages of diffuse cutaneous SSc, digital ulcers, sicca syndrome, muscle involvement, arthritis, cardiopulmonary symptoms, interstitial lung involvement at HRCT, as well increased prevalence of serum anti-Scl70 autoantibodies. In the same SSc population immunusppressive drugs were frequently employed. The review of the literature underlined the geographical heterogeneity of SSc phenotypes, even if the observed findings are scarcely comparable due to the variability of methodological approaches. The phenotypical differences among SSc patients' subgroups from Italian macro-areas might be correlated to genetic/environmental co-factors, and possibly to a not equally distributed national network of information and healthcare facilities. • Higher prevalence of severe clinical/serological SSc phenotypes in Southern, compared to other Italian macro-areas. • The updated review of the world literature supports the geographical heterogeneity of SSc phenotypes. • Possible role of genetic/environmental etiopathogenetic factors. • Possible role of not uniform network of specialized territorial referral centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of La Manzana de la discordia is the property of Universidad del Valle and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To examine the socio-economic and ethnocultural characteristics of geographical areas that may influence variation in breast cancer screening participation., Methods: In a cross-sectional analysis breast cancer screening participation for statistical areas in Victoria, Australia (2015-2017) was linked with data from the 2016 Australian Census. We selected four commonly used area-level measures of socio-economic status from the Australian Census (i) income (ii) educational level (iii) occupational status and (iv) employment profile. To assess the ethnocultural characteristics of statistical areas we used the Census measures (i) country of birth (ii) language spoken at home (iii) fluency in English (iv) religion and (v) the proportion of immigrants in an area, together with their recency of migration., Results: All the selected measures were related to screening participation. There was a high degree of association both within and between socio-economic and ethnocultural characteristics of areas as they relate to screening. Ethnocultural characteristics alone accounted for most of the explained geographical disparity in screening participation., Conclusions: Geographical disparities in breast cancer screening participation may be due to ethnocultural factors that are confounded with socio-economic factors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Stuart, Chamberlain and Milne.)

The factors that determine the composition of the essential oil are numerous and sometimes it is difficult to distinguish since many of them are interdependent. From the category of these factors we can mention seasonal variations, geographic area and growth stages. In the literature there are some data indicating changes in the chemical composition of the essential oil according to the geographical regions in which the plants grow. To highlight any changes that may occur in the chemical composition of volatile oil according to geographical areas, samples of Thymus comosus were collected from three different locations with different altitudes. The volatile oil was extracted by hydrodistillation according to European Pharmacopoeia standards. The separation and the identification of the components have been carried out using GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with massspectrometry). Our analysis led to the identification of a total of 51 chemical compounds, the largest number being found in Thymus comosus collected from Braşov (44 compounds) and the lowest number in Thymus comosus collected from Păltiniş (12 compound). In conclusion, our studies reveal the fact that geographical area and the altitude can be contributing factors of the quality and quantity of volatile oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of VertigO is the property of La Revue Electronique en Sciences de l'Environnement VertigO and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between geographical areas, personality and socio-economic status and demographical factors with job stress. Method: In a cross-sectional study, 749 military personnel were selected using two-stage cluster samplings. The measuring tools used in this study were HSE job questionnaire, Framingham personality questionnaire, socio-economic and demographic status checklist. The results were analyzed with regression and SPSS program version 16. Results: Result showed the variables sex, married status and socio-economic status did not show any difference whereas geographical areas, personality, age and education level showed significant differences. According to the results, job stress decreased with increasing education level and improving weather conditions. Also Type A personality showed more stress rather than type B. Conclusion: The results recommend the use of their personality characteristics, geographic factors, educational level and age to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations relating to public participation in physical activities in line with the quality of life in different geographical environments are important in several aspects. Depending on geographical area, the report rural - urban, it establishes a series of features that define both the terms bio-psycho-motor development and the socio-cultural and economic components of the Romanian populations. Upon entry into the European Union, the socio-economic lifestyle of young people has suffered and will suffer many changes which will have repercussions on their health and quality of life. Participation of population in a systematic, single or not, physical activity reflects the standard of living particularly in each country. The more a country is able to engage, successfully and in a perfect symbiosis with physical activity, various fields, the scientific, the statistical data concerning population health gains greater significance. Poor material bases, lack of modern sports facilities, healthy mentality of the population, the living standards, under EU countries, are a serious handicap in the way of Romania's citizen’s participation in sports activities. In Romania, due to various forms of relief, we find different living environments, according to some specific landforms. Therefore, as an adaptation response, people have shaped the living arrangements. In this way each geographical area has outlined a typical life, particularly causing a certain behavior of its inhabitants, which is mirrored and the side that takes into account physical activity. In our study we will try to show how much physical activities are mainly influenced by the quality of life in different living environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Franchisees' level of satisfaction with the opportunities and threats of franchising Franchisees often complain that franchisors do not meet their needs in general, supported by a belief that franchisees are dissatisfied with the opportunities and constraints of franchises. The objective of this article is to investigate franchisees' level of satisfaction with the opportunities and constraints of franchises, including the following franchise elements: training provided by the franchisor, the use of an established trade name, franchising as a complete business system (product), the allocation of specific geographical areas, and local and national advertising campaigns. Data were collected by means of a self-administrated questionnaire that was sent to the selected population. A census survey was conducted in association with 75 (51%) of the 145 franchisees whose postal addresses are available on the internet. Respondents were requested to arrange their level of agreement in relation to pre-stated variables on a 5-point Likert scale (ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree"). Of the 145 questionnaires that were posted to franchisees, 77 (53%) were received back. Of these 75 (51,7%) could be used while two (1,3%) were rejected because they were incomplete. The SPSS (15) statistical package was used for the processing of raw tabulated data as part of the statistical analysis process. A Cronbach-alpha coefficient of 0,785 was obtained. This indicates an expectable level of internal consistency and the reliability of the measurement instrument that was used in this study. The data represent two groups of the same franchise, namely franchisees who have functioned as franchisees for two years and less and franchisees who have functioned as franchisees for two years and longer. Consideration is given to the degree to which the two groups observe the franchise elements differently. The population of franchisees that have been franchise holders for between nil and two years as franchisees is slightly smaller than that of the franchisees who have been franchise holders for two years and longer. Franchisees are satisfied with: the margins on products as provided by franchisors, the franchisors' current promotional activities, the support received from the franchisor in the selection process of a distribution point, financial support provided by the franchisor, product and market information as provided by the franchisor, the rate of development of new products by the franchisor and the financial potential of the geographical areas allocated to their franchises. The franchisor understands the training needs of franchisees. The franchisor provides operational support by means of an operational manual. Franchisees do not operate 100% in accordance to the processes as prescribed in the franchisor's operational manual. All distribution points of the franchisor meet the same standard with regard to design and layout. The franchisor does meet the franchisees' needs with regard to products and services provided by the franchisor, including the quality of products that are available in the current product range. Franchisees join the franchise because of the brand name of the franchise and the professional services offered by the franchisor. Franchisees are satisfied with the current franchise fees. The current franchisor product range does not compare favourably with competitors' products with regard to product research, new product development, pricing strategies, packaging and product planning. The perception exists that the current franchise agreement is in favour of the franchisor only. This paper offers a new perspective on the generalisation that franchisees are not satisfied with the opportunities and constraints of franchises. The findings indicate a high level of satisfaction among franchisees with the opportunities and constraints of franchises, with the exception of identified challenges that could be developed further in order to increase franchisees' level of satisfaction - contrary to popular belief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To respond effectively and efficiently to the environmental sustainability challenge, an important role can be played by companies, through appropriate strategies and operations, such as green processes and product development. In this paper, we investigate whether the development of green products is supported by the environmental strategic approaches adopted by sustainability-driven companies, and whether there are economic sector or geographical area specificities. To this purpose, first we develop a taxonomy of environmental strategies and we define measurable proxies for both the environmental strategic approaches identified and the green product development. Then, we study a sample represented by the companies included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSWI). The methodology used is based on the content analysis of companies' websites and relevant documents, such as environmental and sustainability reports. The main result is that the levels of adoption of different environmental strategic approaches are higher for green product developers than for green product non-developers. Moreover, the most implemented strategic approaches for green product developers vary depending on the economic sector, while a more homogeneous behaviour is found from the geographical perspective. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers malocclusion one of the most important oral health problems, after caries and periodontal disease. Its prevalence is highly variable and is estimated to be between 39% and 93% in children and adolescents. Due to the importance of malocclusions in dentistry, the aim of our review is to assess the frequency of malocclusions among different geographical regions. A literature research was performed through the Pubmed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Open Grey and Cochrane Library databases. The "PRISMA" guidelines were used for the following review. Fourteen studies were analysed for this review. Class I was found most frequently, followed by class II and finally class III. Considering the other anomalies, crowding was one of the most frequent with a prevalence of up to 84%, followed by spacing, which reached a frequency of 60%. Prevalence of crossbite and openbite was quite variable, while the evaluation of deepbite revealed more uniform values. The prevalence varied widely for most of the types of malocclusion in relation to the different populations, which suggests a role of genetics and environmental influences, typical of each population in determining dental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A human biomonitoring (HBM) study on bisphenol A (BPA) in Italian children and adolescents was performed within the LIFE PERSUADED project, considering the residing areas, sex and age. The median urinary BPA level was 7.02 µg/L, with children living in the South of Italy or in urban areas having higher levels than those residing in the North or in rural areas. Children aged 4-6 years had higher BPA levels than those aged 7-10 and 11-14 years, but no differences were detected between sexes. The exposure in Italian children was higher compared to children from other countries, but lower than the HBM guidance value (135 µg/L). The estimated daily intake was 0.17 μg/kg body weight (bw) per day, about 24-fold below the temporary Tolerable Daily Intake of 4 μg/kg bw per day established by the European Food Safety Authority. However, this threshold was exceeded in 1.44% of the enrolled children, raising concern about the overall exposure of Italian young population.