Month: August 2024

Time-series analysis of remotely sensed biophysical parameters and their effects on land surface temperature (LST): a case study of Aligarh region, India

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Abstract

The temporal behaviors of land surface temperature (LST) coupled with its associated parameters play a crucial role in determining the microclimate at the city scale. The increasing pattern of LST and consequent changes in biophysical parameters (parameters specify the amalgamation of living system with their physical characteristics including vegetation, water, built-up, bareness and drought parameters) at monthly, seasonal and annual time spans and from regional to global scale need to be comprehensively evaluated. The present study deals with LST estimation along with other spectral indices including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Bareness Index (NDBaI), and Normalized Multi-band Drought Index (NMDI) using Landsat series datasets from 1991 to 2022 of Aligarh city, Uttar Pradesh, India. The spatial pattern of LST indicates that the areas having water bodies and dense vegetation are colder such as the Aligarh Muslim University Campus and the catchment of Ganga canal areas, whereas the areas of high urbanization and bare grounds reflect high LST trends. Study finds a positive correlation of LST with NDBI (R2-0.56), NDBaI (R2-0.22) and NDWI (R2-0.22), whereas a negative correlation with NDVI (R2-0.35), MNDWI (R2-0.36) and NMDI (R2-0.41). Land use land cover (LULC)-based change detection in land cover classes was found consistent with the obtained results for spectral indices and LST patterns in the study area. Finally, the cross-validation using Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalysis-based products of earth skin temperature and rainfall showed a good fit between observed and reanalysis products.

Maxillofacial fractures among non-indigenous ethnic groups in the Irish national maxillofacial unit: a review

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Abstract

Background

This study investigates maxillofacial fractures in non-indigenous ethnic groups who were reviewed in the national maxillofacial unit in Ireland. The aim of this study was to highlight any potential trends in presentation of facial fractures in non-indigenous groups in comparison to previous reports which have included all ethnicities. This unique study is based on the fact that Ireland has only recently transformed into a diverse, multi-cultural country. This is unlike countries such as the UK and USA which have a long history of multicultural integration.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study evaluated the trauma database of 4761 patients with 5038 fractures who attended the national maxillofacial unit over a 5-year period from 2015 to 2019. Parameters included age, gender, mechanism of injury, fracture sustained, time of the day, day of the week, month of injury, and the referral source were obtained from patient records.

Results

The study identified 456 patients who did not identify as being born in Ireland, with 384 males and 72 females. The most common fracture seen was of the zygomatic bone, and the most common mechanism of injury was alleged assault for this cohort. Most injuries occurred in late afternoon with Friday being the most common day of the week.

Conclusion

This study shows how maxillofacial units need to adapt to the changing trends in Irish demographics with increased demand for resources such as translation services. A further study could evaluate the rapidly changing demographic with mass migration of people currently seeking refuge in Western Europe.

Indigenous-led designation and management of culturally significant species

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Abstract

Indigenous peoples globally are actively seeking better recognition of plants and animals that are of cultural significance, which encompass both species and ecological communities. Acknowledgement and collaborative management of culturally significant entities in biodiversity conservation improves environmental outcomes as well as the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. The global diversity and complexity of Indigenous knowledge, values and obligations make achieving a universal approach to designating culturally significant entities highly unlikely. Instead, empowering local Indigenous-led governance structures with methods to identify place-based culturally significant entities will yield culturally supported results. Here we used a structured decision-making framework with objectives and biocultural measures developed by Indigenous experts, with the aim of prioritizing place-based culturally significant entities for collaborative management approaches on Bundjalung Country in coastal eastern Australia. We found some congruence and some important differences between culturally significant entities priorities and management compared with the colonial focus of threatened species management underpinned by current laws and policies. We provide reproduceable methods and a demonstration of successful local culturally significant entities designation and prioritization in an Australian context that highlights opportunities for Indigenous leadership, supported by governments in the designation and management of culturally significant entities.

Ethnic identification of children of new immigrants in Taiwan: the roles of the immediate environment and government policy

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Abstract

In this study, I explore the ethnic identification, which is an important indicator of the assimilation of the immigrant second generation, of adult children of new immigrants in Taiwan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and an online survey. Findings reveal that daily experiences in the immediate environment in which ethnic identity has played a trivial role have contributed to the majority of the participants’ strong identification with the larger society and weak identification with their immigrant heritage. For the dual-heritage identifiers, they have often constructed their identification with their immigrant heritage through transnational social connections and relevant courses in college. Government policy has also played a role by creating a friendlier environment in which the participants feel safe to claim a Taiwanese identity and switch between different identity labels in different situations and encouraging higher education institutions to offer relevant programs and courses that have provided opportunities for children of new immigrants to interact with the culture and language of their new immigrant parents’ country of origin, which has helped them strengthen their identification with their immigrant heritage. Both a nonthreatening environment in general and the government’s focus on new immigrants and their children in recent years have resulted in the participants’ positive attitudes toward their immigrant heritage.

Limited Awareness of Long COVID Despite Common Experience of Symptoms Among African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Indigenous Adults in Arizona

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Abstract

Objectives

Communities of color might disproportionately experience long-term consequences of COVID-19, known as Long COVID. We sought to understand the awareness of and experiences with Long COVID among African American/Black (AA/B), Hispanic/Latino (H/L), and Indigenous (Native) adults (18 + years of age) in Arizona who previously tested positive for COVID-19.

Methods

Between December 2022 and April 2023, the Arizona Community Engagement Alliance (AZCEAL) conducted 12 focus groups and surveys with 65 AA/B, H/L and Native community members. Data from focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emerging issues. Survey data provided demographic information about participants and quantitative assessments of Long COVID experiences were used to augment focus group data.

Results

Study participants across all three racial/ethnic groups had limited to no awareness of the term Long COVID, yet many described experiencing or witnessing friends and family endure physical symptoms consistent with Long COVID (e.g., brain fog, loss of memory, fatigue) as well as associated mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, worry, post-traumatic stress disorder). Participants identified a need for Long COVID mental health and other health resources, as well as increased access to Long COVID information.

Conclusion

To prevent Long COVID health inequities among AA/B, H/L, and Native adults living in AZ, health-related organizations and providers should increase access to culturally relevant, community-based Long COVID–specific information, mental health services, and other health resources aimed at serving these populations.

Deconstructing the anthropocentrism versus ecocentrism binary through Māori oral fire traditions

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Abstract

At the heart of sustainability is the relationship between humans and the planet. The binary of anthropocentric or ecocentric worldviews appears to be powerful in defining this relationship. Sustainability requires nuanced approaches which go beyond simple binaries, and therefore a dialectic approach which works to synthesise the binaries may be helpful. This paper draws on Māori cultural understandings of fire to trouble the ecocentric versus anthropocentric binary. Māori oral traditions of fire identify the connections between people and the planet and see people as part of fire and fire as part of people. By exploring Māori oral traditions, it is possible to see fire as more than purely an element that contributes to environmental problems and reveals the pedagogical potential of campfires to reignite the relationship between humans and the planet.

Between the Lines: Integrating the Science of Reading and the Science of Behavior to Improve Reading Outcomes for Australian Children

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Abstract

Many Australian students fail to meet an acceptable standard of reading proficiency. This can negatively impact their academic progress, social, and emotional well-being, and increase their risk of developing challenging behaviors. These risks and challenges have been found to compound over the lifetime of the learner. Unfortunately, the proportion of Australian students who fail to meet reading proficiency standards increases as they move through their years of schooling, and reading difficulties disproportionately affect historically marginalized groups. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of instructional approaches used within the Australian education system, particularly in reading, and prompted discussions of reform. The purpose of this review paper was to examine the contributions of the science of reading and science of behavior to our collective knowledge regarding reading development and effective reading instruction, and how this knowledge is currently being used in the Australian context. We provide a discussion on the current state of reading instruction and achievement in Australia by considering national trends, inequities, and systemic challenges. Implications and recommendations to address inequities in reading outcomes, using both the science of reading and science of behavior, are discussed.

Use of the CONSIDER statement by eye health researchers when conducting and reporting research involving Indigenous peoples: an online survey

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Abstract

Background

Indigenous peoples experience worse eye health compared to non-Indigenous peoples. Service providers and researchers must avoid perpetuating this inequity. To help achieve this, researchers can use the CONSolIDated critERia for strengthening the reporting of health research involving Indigenous peoples (CONSIDER) statement. This study aimed to identify the degree to which the CONSIDER statement has been used by eye health researchers when conducting and reporting research with an Indigenous component, and how they perceive its relevance in their future research.

Methods

We used purposive sampling to recruit eye health researchers from any country who have undertaken research with an Indigenous component. The online survey collected quantitative and qualitative data and was analysed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis. Responses were gathered on a four-point Likert scale (1 to 4), with four being the most positive statement.

Results

Thirty-nine eye health researchers from nine countries completed the survey (Aotearoa New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, Peru); almost two-thirds (n = 24) undertake epidemiological research. On average, participants disclosed only ‘sometimes’ previously reporting CONSIDER items (2.26 ± 1.14), but they thought the items were relevant to eye health research and were motivated to use these guidelines in their future research. Some participants requested clarity about how CONSIDER aligned with existing guidelines, and when and how to apply the statement. Others shared rich experiences of the benefits to their research of Indigenous leadership and collaboration.

Conclusions

The CONSIDER statement is perceived as a valuable tool by these eye health researchers, and there are opportunities to maximise uptake and use, including increasing awareness of the statement, clarity about when it applies, and availability of institutional-level support.

Cognitive and affective perspective taking amongst adolescent offenders with variants of callous–unemotional traits

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Abstract

Evidence suggests that associations between antisocial behaviour, callous–unemotional (CU) traits and cognitive empathy (e.g. perspective taking) vary depending on more fine-grained dimensions of these constructs. This study examined associations between adolescent antisocial behaviour and individual differences in cognitive and affective perspective taking ability. Based on current theory regarding distinct variants of CU traits, we further tested whether the correlates of CU traits differed amongst youth with high versus low levels of anxiety. Participants were 130 male adolescents (81 youth offenders; 49 non-offenders) aged 13–20 years, of predominantly Caucasian and Aboriginal Australian ethnicity. Perspective taking skills were indexed using performance-based testing, and self-report data was collected on CU traits and anxiety in a cross-sectional design. Offender status was associated with poorer cognitive and affective perspective taking. In addition, associations between CU traits and perspective taking skills were moderated by anxiety. Specifically, CU traits were associated with poorer skills for second-order cognitive perspective taking amongst high-anxiety youth, whereas CU traits were associated with better cognitive and affective perspective taking skills amongst low-anxiety youth. More fine-grained assessment of such factors stands to enhance understanding of, and effective intervention for, antisocial youth.

Ecological sensitivity and its driving factors in the area along the Sichuan–Tibet Railway

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Abstract

Understanding spatial and temporal characteristics and driving factors of ecological sensitivity are an essential prerequisite for effectively managing environmental changes and steering the rational use of land resources. This study employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Coefficient of Variation methods to calculate the weights of ten indicators from 2000 to 2018. Then, spatiotemporal change patterns of ecological sensitivity along the Sichuan–Tibet Railway were analyzed. At the same time, four individual parameters, including soil erosion, land use status, topographic factors, and climate conditions, were evaluated to create a multi-perspective understanding of the entire ecological sensitivity. The key factors affecting ecological sensitivity were explored through a geographic detector model. The results indicate that the ecological sensitivity along the Sichuan–Tibet Railway is predominantly high or moderate, with higher sensitivity observed in the western regions and lower sensitivity in the eastern regions. From 2000 to 2018, the ecological environment showed a trend of deterioration, and the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the four parameters are closely related to the extensive ecological sensitivity. Based on the GeoDetector results, the spatial distribution of ecological sensitivity is mainly related to digital elevation model, precipitation, and air temperature. The interaction between different factors can enhance the effect on ecological sensitivity. The interaction between precipitation and Vegetation Coverage (FVC) has the largest effect.