Recent publications
With the increasing height and rotor diameter of wind turbines, bat activity monitoring within the risk area becomes more challenging. This study investigates the impact of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) on bat activity and explores acoustic bat detection via UAS as a new data collection method in the vicinity of wind turbines. We tested two types of UAS, a multicopter and a Lighter Than Air (LTA) UAS, to understand how they may affect acoustically recorded and analyzed bat activity level for three echolocation groups: Pipistrelloid, Myotini, and Nyctaloid. We hypothesized (i) that the LTA UAS will not affect bat activity levels while a multicopter, due to higher noise emission, might have a negative impact. Our results support this hypothesis, because multicopter flights have a highly significant negative impact on bat activity levels with a medium effect size, particularly for the Myotini (P < 0.001, dm = 0.54) and Nyctaloid group (P < 0.001, dn = 0.55) and a small effect size for the Pipistrelloid group (P < 0.001, dp = 0.36). In contrast, the LTA UAS had no significant effect on bat activity for each echolocation group (P > 0.05 for each group), suggesting its suitability for non-intrusive acoustic monitoring. Furthermore, we hypothesized (ii) that larger UAS propellers prevent the deterrent effect on bats. However, despite the use of larger propellers for the multicopter UAS compared to previous studies, we observed a deterrence effect for all echolocation groups. Additionally, we hypothesized that (iii) any initial deterrence or attraction effect might decrease over time. Our results did not support this hypothesis because we did not observe any habituation of bats to UAS within the 15-minute flight period. Our study highlights the potential of UAS for bat monitoring but underscores the critical importance of selecting appropriate UAS types and operating noise levels for successful surveillance efforts.
Introduction
Psychosocial distress and mental health problems are common in patients before and after solid organ transplantation and can negatively affect morbidity, mortality, and adherence. Even though regular screening is recommended to identify patients with high levels of distress, the implementation in routine care has been insufficient so far.
Methods
Two newly developed problem lists for patients before and after transplantations were pilot implemented for 8 weeks at the Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE) to identify factors facilitating and impeding their implementation.
Results
Health care professionals evaluated its appropriateness, feasibility, and the cooperation with the psychologists before (HCPs: n = 23) and after (HCPs: n = 19) the implementation. Four psychologists assessed the appropriateness and feasibility by answering to open-ended and close-ended questions. Additionally, patients before (n = 8) and after (n = 100) transplantation filled out the screening and rated its acceptance. Only the data of the patients after transplantation were analyzed due to the small sample size of patients before transplantation. HCPs and psychologists rated the screenings as very appropriate [HCPs: M = 3.84 (SD = 0.77) to M = 4.32 (SD = 0.58)]. It was also highly accepted among patients [M = 4.23 (SD = 0.85) to M = 4.68 (SD = 0.65)]. Contentment with the psychological support and understanding of the mental health problems among HCPs increased significantly from before to after the implementation (U = 107.50, p < 0.05, r = 0.33; U = 107.00, p < 0.05, r = 0.34). The feasibility of the problem list post-Tx in routine care, however, was seen as challenging [HCPs: M = 3.11 (SD = 1.05) to M = 3.47 (SD = 1.07)].
Discussion
The distress screening was accepted and improved the cooperation between different professions. Barriers to implementation can be lack of staff and resources. Future studies should assess the adoption and sustainability of the screening in routine care.
Kritischer Überblick und Diskussion der in der ICD-11 eingeführten Neuerungen in der diagnostischen Klassifikation der paraphilen Störungen.
The use of rare earth elements has increased in recent years, leading to a rise in environmental concentrations. Despite the growth in number of studies regarding toxicity, knowledge gaps remain. For Daphnia magna, standardized test methods involve exposure periods of either 48 h or 21 days to assess toxicological effects. In this study, the exposure period was adjusted to 7 days to evaluate sublethal endpoints not measurable in 48-h tests. Additionally, this approach enabled us to obtain results within a shorter time frame than that required for 21-day tests. This study focused on the individual toxicity of lanthanum (La) and gadolinium (Gd) to Daphnia magna. We assessed mortality, feeding rate, somatic growth, and maturity under static conditions, modifying the media by adding MOPS buffer to maintain an initial pH of 6.8 and providing Raphidocelis subcapitata as a daily food source. Results showed that the solubility of La decreased considerably, with the highest recovery rate dropping from 133.33% at the start to 32.73% by the end of the 7-day exposure period. In contrast, Gd solubility remained stable, with a recovery rate of 86.88% at the start and 81.30% at the end of the test. Daily lethal concentrations (LCx) were calculated, revealing LC10 values on the first day, LC20 on the second day, and LC50 by the third day for La and the second day for Gd. By the test’s end, the LC10, LC20, and LC50 values were 30.40, 78.96, and 403.67 µg L⁻¹ for La, and 10.67, 33.73, and 241.28 µg L⁻¹ for Gd. For the sublethal endpoints, maturity was the most sensitive endpoint with the EC20 and EC10 corresponding to 0.79 and 0.26 µg L⁻¹ for La and 0.39 and 0.14 µg L⁻¹ for Gd. Gd had a higher toxicity in all endpoints assessed. While a thorough comparison to existing literature remains challenging due to variations in endpoints assessed, the methodology employed in this study yielded a range of informative results. This approach provides a useful range-finding test for Daphnia magna toxicity assessments, particularly for preliminary screening, and may complement standardized methodologies.
New, asymmetric quinizarin‐Au(I)‐NHC complexes were designed, isolated, and fully characterised including by single crystal X‐ray crystallography. Cytotoxicity studies showed effective growth inhibition in HeLa cervical cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 2.4 μM to 5.3 μM. The successful cellular uptake was evidenced by X‐ray fluorescence imaging on cryo‐preserved whole HeLa cells and the sub‐cellular localisation was monitored by live‐cell fluorescence microscopy. Notably, complex 2 b showed circumvention of acquired anthracycline resistance in K562 leukaemia cells as well as synergistic activity with doxorubicin against both wild‐type and anthracycline‐resistant Nalm‐6 leukaemia cells. Interestingly, sub‐cellular localisation towards mitochondria proved to be more important than the compounds’ overall cytotoxicity for potent antiproliferative activity and to achieve effective resistance circumvention.
There has been a steep increase in investment in more affordable approaches to desalinated seawater using renewable energy sources. This paper proposes desalinating seawater with a pump and a motor-generator installed inside wind turbine nacelles, to desalinate seawater with reverse osmosis membranes without electricity. The technology was named Wind Desalination and Power (WDP), as the wind turbine can pump seawater and generate electricity. This study presents a comprehensive analysis and rationale behind the design, estimates its economic viability, and assesses the global potential of the proposed technology. Results demonstrate that the cost for seawater desalination with WDP is 0.64 USD/m³, which is 20% cheaper than conventional wind desalination. The paper shows that WDP has the potential to enhance water resilience in arid regions while at the same time contributing to grid stability and renewable energy integration.
Physical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) are crucial factors jointly affecting young adults’ physical and mental health. However, the psychosocial interactive mechanisms of these behaviors remain understudied. Using a two-wave prospective design over two months, this study investigated the psychological mechanisms underlying multiple health behavior change (MHBC) through a novel two-layer social-cognitive framework, the Compensatory Carry-Over Action Model (CCAM), among 322 Chinese college students (19.47 ± 0.99 years; 55.6% female). Structural equation modeling with path analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.8 for data analysis. Results indicated an acceptable model fit for the hypothesized model, with χ² = 120.845, df = 41, χ²/df = 2.947, CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.901, RMSEA = 0.078 [90% CI = 0.062 to 0.094], and SRMR = 0.079. The model explained 54.9% and 50.0% of the variance in PA and FVC, respectively. In the first layer, focusing on the individual behavior change process, both volitional self-efficacy and planning were identified as significant mediators in the intention-behavior relationship for PA and FVC (indirect effects = 0.03 to 0.14, all p < .01). In the second layer, targeting the interaction between the two behaviors, the mediating role of compensatory cognition (e.g., PA/FVC can compensate for FVC/PA) in the relationship between intention and behavior was not supported (all p > .05). However, volitional self-efficacy and planning played a significant mediating role in the interaction between PA/FVC intention and FVC/PA behavior (indirect effects = 0.01 to 0.04, all p < .05). Future interventions aiming at promoting MHBC should address compensatory cognition and the carry-over effects between diverse behaviors.
Background
Regular training for mass casualty incidents at physical simulation events is vital for emergency services. The preparation and execution of these simulations consume huge amounts of time, personnel, and money. It is therefore important to gather as much information as possible from each simulation while minimizing any influence on the participants, so as to keep the simulation as realistic as possible. In this paper, an analysis of GPS-based remote motion measurements of participants in a mass casualty incident simulation is presented. A combination of different evaluation methods is used to analyze the data. This could reduce the potential bias of the measurement methods.
Methods
Movement patterns of participants of mass casualty incident simulations, measured by GPS loggers, were analyzed. The timeline of the simulation was segmented into event sections, based on movement patterns of participants entering or leaving defined areas. Movement patterns of participants working closely together were correlated to analyze their cooperation. Written logs created by observers on the ground were used to reconstruct the events of the simulation, to provide a comparative reference to validate the motion analysis.
Results
Recorded motion patterns of the participants were found to be qualitatively related to observer logs and triage allocations, allowing a partial reconstruction of the behavior of the participants during the simulation. By analyzing the times the simulation patients left the site of events some possible misjudgments in the triage decisions were indicated.
Conclusions
Analysis of movement patterns from GPS loggers and comparison with observations made on the ground showed that accurate information about the events during the simulation can be automatically delivered. Although the records of observers on the ground are vital to assess details, delegation of the automated analysis of individual and group motion could perhaps allow observers to concentrate on more specific tasks. The partially automated motion analysis methods presented should simplify the process of analyzing mass casualty incident simulations.
This final chapter makes some considerations on the connections between planetary health and climate change.
Anthropogenic climate change is causing a progressive increase in temperature, which is associated with serious consequences for human health. One of these impacts is an increased occurrence and intensity of extreme weather events. To illustrate this in more detail, the topic of this chapter has been limited to one extreme weather event, describing the health impacts of hurricanes at the physical, psychological, social levels and their impact with each other, as well as addressing vulnerable groups. Subsequently, challenges and proposed solutions are derived from the results to show which deficits there were in the protection and care of human health during and after hurricanes among those affected and how human health could be better protected in the event of further occurrences of this extreme weather event. Finally, a conclusion is provided.
Human-induced alterations to the Earth’s climate, primarily through the release of greenhouse gases, have far-reaching implications for ecosystems and both human and non-human health. However, treating climate change exclusively as an external force continues to limit human potential to effectively address it. This introductory chapter to the book “Planetary Health and Climate Change” explores concepts aimed at bridging the chasm created by this separation, while addressing the socio-ecological hurdles humanity currently face. Despite these efforts, there remains a lack of imagination, a vital aspect to envisioning alternative scenarios and solutions. Among these complexities, the concept of planetary health emerges as a holistic framework that goes beyond conventional public health paradigms. This chapter also delves into the idea of convergence, i.e., a combination of perspectives, disciplines, and approaches to navigate through complex socioecological challenges. It highlights the importance of moving beyond binary thinking and embracing varied worldviews to tackle compounded crises. Through convergence with the lens of planetary health, we can redefine health, prioritize cooperation over competition, and empower ourselves to address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Experimental rat models of stroke and hemorrhage are important tools to investigate cerebrovascular disease pathophysiology mechanisms, yet how significant patterns of functional impairment induced in various models of stroke are related to changes in connectivity at the level of neuronal populations and mesoscopic parcellations of rat brains remain unresolved. To address this gap in knowledge, we employed two middle cerebral artery occlusion models and one intracerebral hemorrhage model with variant extent and location of neuronal dysfunction. Motor and spatial memory function was assessed and the level of hippocampal activation via Fos immunohistochemistry. Contribution of connectivity change to functional impairment was analyzed for connection similarities, graph distances and spatial distances as well as the importance of regions in terms of network architecture based on the neuroVIISAS rat connectome. We found that functional impairment correlated with not only the extent but also the locations of the injury among the models. In addition, via coactivation analysis in dynamic rat brain models, we found that lesioned regions led to stronger coactivations with motor function and spatial learning regions than with other unaffected regions of the connectome. Dynamic modeling with the weighted bilateral connectome detected changes in signal propagation in the remote hippocampus in all 3 stroke types, predicting the extent of hippocampal hypoactivation and impairment in spatial learning and memory function. Our study provides a comprehensive analytical framework in predictive identification of remote regions not directly altered by stroke events and their functional implication.
Introduction
Health literacy is considered a determinant of several health-related behaviors and outcomes. Health literacy can be seen as a particularly relevant resource for health maintenance and promotion for young adults at the beginning of their challenging vocational training in nursing. However, the underlying mechanisms and the roles of other influencing factors such as self-efficacy remain unclear and need to be understood to successfully tailor interventions.
Methods
This cross-sectional study aims to examine the relationships between health literacy, self-efficacy, health behavior and health status among 556 German trainees and students in nursing. Data were collected using paper-pencil and online questionnaires between January and June 2021. Mediation models were assessed, consisting of the direct pathways between health literacy and health status; health literacy and health behavior; and indirect pathways via self-efficacy.
Results
The findings showed that health literacy positively affected self-rated health status (ß = 0.05, t = 4.35, p < 0.001) and psychological well-being (ß = 0.28, t = 3.34, p < 0.001). The effect of health literacy on psychological well-being was fully mediated through self-efficacy (Z = 265 4.91, p < 0.001) while the effect of health literacy on self-rated health status was partially mediated through self-efficacy (Z = 5.06, p < 0.001). In this cohort, there was no significant association between either health literacy or self-efficacy and health behavior.
Conclusion
Self-efficacy should be taken into account when investigating health literacy and its possible relationships with health-related outcomes. Furthermore, it should be considered as an objective for health literacy interventions as well as health promotion measures for nursing students and trainees.
Communities living within Africa's river basins remain vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. This study aimed to explore the various local knowledge (LK)-based climate change adaptation strategies used by the vhaVenda and baTonga communities, residing in the Limpopo and Zambezi river basins (LRB and ZRB, respectively) in Southern Africa. The study’s novelty lies in its assessment of the LK embedded within these indigenous peoples. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 35 community members (60% women), with the findings further complemented by a review and analysis of existing literature. The study revealed that 96% of participants were already familiar with the concept of climate change. Additionally, the findings show that communities in both the LRB and ZRB continue to rely on biotic and abiotic indicators to predict weather, while social networks play a crucial role in coping with periodic shocks such as drought-induced food shortages. The vhaVenda and baTonga communities have demonstrated remarkable innovation in developing techniques that support livelihoods in the challenging environments of the LRB and ZRB. Furthermore, both communities displayed a profound understanding of their local ecosystems, enabling them to create adaptation strategies tailored to their specific geographical and environmental conditions, underscoring the value of these approaches. This study has important implications for climate change adaptation policies in low-resource regions, including Zimbabwe, as it highlights that these communities are already equipped with effective strategies for adapting and surviving in harsh climates.
Although not typically within their primary duties, training, or educational background, police frequently encounter individuals with mental disorders or severe mental crises. These encounters are often characterized by uncertainty among police officers in assessing individuals' behavior and potential danger, and they do not always proceed free of conflict. Consequently, people with mental illnesses are more frequently subjected to police coercive measures or even police violence. Given the limited research on the perspectives of individuals with mental illnesses in police interactions, this study aimed to explore the subjective perceptions of people with mental illness (PMI) regarding conflictual encounters with police and to analyze de-escalating and escalating police behavior from their perspective. Another aim was to receive recommendations from the participants on how police should behave in such situations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 PMI who had resisted police actions or attacked police officers during encounters. Findings revealed a lack of understanding among participants regarding police actions and a feeling of being overwhelmed by the use of force. A calm and empathetic initial approach, coupled with clear communication and explanation, was identified as critical for de-escalation. Results underscore the importance of perceived procedural justice in reducing resistance among PMI. Enhancing police training with a focus on mental health awareness, communication skills, and empathy could potentially improve interactions and outcomes between police and PMI.
The metal Gadolinium (Gd) is a member of the lanthanide (Ln) group and is recognized as an emerging pollutant due to its widespread application in modern technology. Its acute toxicity depends on its free ion concentrations (Gd3 +), which is directly related to chemical speciation. The Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) is a valuable tool for risk assessment which predicts the metal bioavailability and toxicity to specific organisms. However, studies developing BLM for any Ln species are rare. Consequently, this study aimed to develop a kinetic BLM to predict the acute toxicity of Gd to the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna. A series of 48-hour toxicity tests were conducted using different major cation concentrations, in order to estimate their affinity constants for the biotic ligand (BL). The model was then validated, first in the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM), and then with water samples collected from lakes, rivers, and estuaries in France and Germany. The outcome revealed that three major cations (potassium, magnesium, and calcium) act as strong competitors. The model was successfully validated in the presence of organic matter and in the majority of surface freshwater samples (9 out of 13 samples). In this case, the predicted survival had a strong fit with the observed data. However, this was reduced when applying the model to samples of elevated electroconductivity and a pH below 6.8, when survival was consistently overestimated, potentially a multistressor effect. The kinetic BLM predicted 48 h measured EC50 ranging from 4 to 30 mg L−1 which agreed with the data from the literature. The model could also predict chronic effect of Gd by estimating the no-effect concentration (NEC) under prolonged exposure time ranging from 0.1 to 1 mg L−1.
Zusammenfassung
Dieses Positionspapier des Fachbereichs Digital Public Health der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Public Health e. V. definiert Digital Public Health (DiPH) und beschreibt deren Ziele sowie Potenziale. Ferner geht es auf die derzeitige Situation und Herausforderungen sowie Handlungsbedarfe in Deutschland ein. Der Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei auf der Darstellung der flächendeckenden Förderung der (digitalen) Gesundheitskompetenz, der Anwendung von DiPH in der Prävention, Gesundheitsförderung und Versorgung, dem Einsatz innovativer, präventiver Strategien zur Vorbeugung nichtübertragbarer Krankheiten und der Lehre von DiPH innerhalb von Public-Health-Studiengängen. Zudem werden notwendige Maßnahmen und Forderungen zur Stärkung von DiPH in Deutschland resümiert.
Vor 10 Jahren trat die Maritime-Medizin-Verordnung (MariMedV) in Kraft. Das Bundesverkehrsministerium stellte damit die maritime Medizin in Deutschland neu auf. Die Regelungen haben sich in der Praxis bewährt.
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Hamburg, Germany
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Prof. Dr. Micha Teuscher
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