Influential Article Review - How International Labor Organization Enables Food Sourcing on Board Liner Ships

This paper examines supply chain. We present insights from a highly influential paper. Here are the highlights from this paper: Food is important for liner shipping companies (LSCs) in their efforts to support daily lives and fulfil seafarer demand. Food issues are addressed in the International Labour Organization’s (ILO’s) Food and Catering (Ships’ Crews) Convention 1946 (No. 68), amended 2006. Moreover, the enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Regulations and Code appears to have ensured that seafarers have hygienic conditions and that good quality food and drinking water are provided. The MLC aims to meet all current standards of international maritime labour conventions and recommendations, and comply with the fundamental principles found in other international labour conventions. Yet despite these efforts, food issues require greater attention, as maintaining the food supply chain is a dynamic and difficult task. To identify strategies for improving the procurement of food for ships, this paper illustrates how to facilitate the food supply for shipping lines and further evaluate the associated supply chain. Advanced technology, comprehensive procurement procedures, qualified personnel, extensive outbound logistics (i.e., distribution) networks and sound training programmes on food quality and safety are critical elements in the food supply chain, and will enhance the quality of food for seafarers. For our overseas readers, we then present the insights from this paper in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German

Three- versus four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for the reversal of warfarin-induced bleeding

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 3-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (3F-PCC) compared to 4-factor PCC (4F-PCC) in warfarin-associated bleeding. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, cohort study analyzed data from patients admitted between May 2011 and October 2014 who received PCC for warfarin-associated bleeding. The primary outcome was the rate of international normalized ratio (INR) normalization, defined as an INR ≤1.3, after administration of 3F-PCC compared to 4F-PCC. Other variables of interest included the incidence of additional reversal agents, new thromboembolic events, and mortality. Results: A total of 134 patients were included in the analysis. The average dose of PCC administered was 24.6 ± 9.3 units/kg versus 36.3 ± 12.8 units/kg in the 3F-PCC and 4F-PCC groups, respectively, P < 0.001. Baseline INR in the 3F-PCC and 4F-PCC groups was 3.61 ± 2.3 and 6.87 ± 2.3, respectively P < 0.001. 4F-PCC had a higher rate of INR normalization at first INR check post-PCC administration compared to 3F-PCC (84.2% vs. 51.9%, P = 0.0001). Thromboembolic events, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality were similar among both groups. Conclusion: The use of 4F-PCC leads to a more significant reduction in INR compared to 3F-PCC though no difference in mortality or length of stay was observed. Thromboembolism rates were similar among both groups

Recognising the Suzuki groups in their natural representations

Under the assumption of a certain conjecture, for which there exists strong experimental evidence, we produce an efficient algorithm for constructive membership testing in the Suzuki groups Sz(q), where q = 2^{2m + 1} for some m > 0, in their natural representations of degree 4. It is a Las Vegas algorithm with running time O{log(q)} field operations, and a preprocessing step with running time O{log(q) loglog(q)} field operations. The latter step needs an oracle for the discrete logarithm problem in GF(q). We also produce a recognition algorithm for Sz(q) = . This is a Las Vegas algorithm with running time O{|X|^2} field operations. Finally, we give a Las Vegas algorithm that, given ^h = Sz(q) for some h in GL(4, q), finds some g such that ^g = Sz(q). The running time is O{log(q) loglog(q) + |X|} field operations. Implementations of the algorithms are available for the computer system MAGMA

Patterns of Lakeshore Usage Around Lake Bemidji

ABSTRACT - The eutrophication of lakes has been the subject of much discussion in scientific journals and the popular press .. Usually the e.utrophication process is accelerated by human activities. This study evaluates the extent of lakeshore development and recreational use of Lake Bemidji in north central Minnesota and examines the willingness of lakeshore residents to be assessed for corrective measures to halt deterioration of this valuable recreational lake. The shoreline of Lake Bemidji is highly developed, and the high density human habitation represents a potential source of nutrients from percolation through the sand and gravel soils which surround the lake. Residents around Lake Bemidji believe that growth of algae and aquatic vascular plants is not now severe and that it does not affect their use of the lake for recreational purposes. Although seventy-five percent of the residents favor regulation of lakeshore use and development, only 37 percent indicate willingness to be assessed for construction of a sewer line surrounding the lake

The Relationship Between the Design of the Built Environment and the Ability to Egress of Individuals with Disabilities

Recent catastrophic events have brought into focus the importance of planning for the evacuation needs of all persons, regardless of their diverse physical and mental abilities. While these efforts are primarily concerned with the activities before and after a crisis, there is also a renewed interest in evaluating how effectively the built environment accommodates the needs of all individuals during a crisis. This discussion focuses on the current body of knowledge concerning the relationship between the design of the built environment, the collective egress behavior of complex decentralized groups of individuals, and the ability of individuals with disabilities to effectively egress from the built environment during emergency events

Cost-effectiveness of asthma control: an economic appraisal of the GOAL study

&lt;i&gt;Background&lt;/i&gt;: The Gaining Optimal Asthma ControL (GOAL) study has shown the superiority of a combination of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate (SFC) compared with fluticasone propionate alone (FP) in terms of improving guideline defined asthma control. &lt;i&gt;Methods&lt;/i&gt;: Clinical and economic data were taken from the GOAL study, supplemented with data on health related quality of life, in order to estimate the cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) results for each of three strata (previously corticosteroid-free, low- and moderate-dose corticosteroid users). A series of statistical models of trial outcomes was used to construct cost effectiveness estimates across the strata of the multinational GOAL study including adjustment to the UK experience. Uncertainty was handled using the non-parametric bootstrap. Cost-effectiveness was compared with other treatments for chronic conditions. &lt;i&gt;Result&lt;/i&gt;: Salmeterol/fluticasone propionate improved the proportion of patients achieving totally and well-controlled weeks resulting in a similar QALY gain across the three strata of GOAL. Additional costs of treatment were greatest in stratum 1 and least in stratum 3, with some of the costs offset by reduced health care resource use. Cost-effectiveness by stratum was £7600 (95% CI: £4800–10 700) per QALY gained for stratum 3; £11 000 (£8600–14 600) per QALY gained for stratum 2; and £13 700 (£11 000–18 300) per QALY gained for stratum 1. &lt;i&gt;Conclusion&lt;/i&gt;: The GOAL study previously demonstrated the improvement in total control associated with the use of SFC compared with FP alone. This study suggests that this improvement in control is associated with cost-per-QALY figures that compare favourably with other uses of scarce health care resources

Spatial analysis of plague in California: niche modeling predictions of the current distribution and potential response to climate change

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Plague, caused by the bacterium <it>Yersinia pestis</it>, is a public and wildlife health concern in California and the western United States. This study explores the spatial characteristics of positive plague samples in California and tests Maxent, a machine-learning method that can be used to develop niche-based models from presence-only data, for mapping the potential distribution of plague foci. Maxent models were constructed using geocoded seroprevalence data from surveillance of California ground squirrels (<it>Spermophilus beecheyi</it>) as case points and Worldclim bioclimatic data as predictor variables, and compared and validated using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) statistics. Additionally, model results were compared to locations of positive and negative coyote (<it>Canis latrans</it>) samples, in order to determine the correlation between Maxent model predictions and areas of plague risk as determined via wild carnivore surveillance.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Models of plague activity in California ground squirrels, based on recent climate conditions, accurately identified case locations (AUC of 0.913 to 0.948) and were significantly correlated with coyote samples. The final models were used to identify potential plague risk areas based on an ensemble of six future climate scenarios. These models suggest that by 2050, climate conditions may reduce plague risk in the southern parts of California and increase risk along the northern coast and Sierras.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Because different modeling approaches can yield substantially different results, care should be taken when interpreting future model predictions. Nonetheless, niche modeling can be a useful tool for exploring and mapping the potential response of plague activity to climate change. The final models in this study were used to identify potential plague risk areas based on an ensemble of six future climate scenarios, which can help public managers decide where to allocate surveillance resources. In addition, Maxent model results were significantly correlated with coyote samples, indicating that carnivore surveillance programs will continue to be important for tracking the response of plague to future climate conditions.</p

Mpox vaccine coverage and factors associated with any, partial and full vaccination among Australian gay and bisexual men from national behavioural surveillance

Background We examined characteristics associated with mpox vaccine uptake among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), the primary target group for Australian vaccination programs following the mid-2022 global outbreak. Methods Vaccine uptake was assessed using national, repeated behavioural surveillance data of GBMSM (2022–23). Logistic regression examined: (1) no vaccination vs. partial/full vaccination, and (2) partial vs. full vaccination. Results Among 8,161 participants (83.9% gay, 94.7% cisgender male) who reported casual sex and no mpox diagnosis, 55.6% were unvaccinated, 13.5% received one mpox vaccine dose, and 30.9% two doses. Any vaccination was associated with: being >30 years old (aOR=1.25, 95%CI=1.10–1.43), living in suburbs with an estimated >5% gay male residents (aOR=1.41, 95%CI=1.24–1.60), being university-educated (aOR=1.25, 95%CI=1.11–1.42), greater social engagement with gay men (aOR=1.56, 95%CI=1.37–1.78), greater mpox knowledge (aOR=13.95, 95%CI=8.22–23.68), being a PrEP user vs. a HIV-negative non-user (aOR=3.28, 95%CI=2.85–3.76), testing for HIV in the last year vs. not (aOR=2.41, 95%CI=2.04–2.84), having >10 recent sexual partners (aOR=1.52, 95%CI=1.31–1.79), and meeting sex partners overseas (aOR=1.52, 95%CI=1.32–1.76). Bisexual participants were less likely to be vaccinated than gay men (aOR=0.72, 95%CI=0.59–0.89). Compared to partially-vaccinated participants, fully-vaccinated GBMSM were more likely to be: >30 years old (aOR=1.63, 95%CI=1.36–1.94), university-educated (aOR=1.24, 95%CI=1.04–1.47), PrEP users or people living with HIV vs. non-PrEP-users (aOR=1.42, 95%CI=1.17–1.73 and aOR=1.62, 95%CI=1.16–2.26, respectively), and tested for HIV in the last year (aOR=1.73, 95%CI=1.31–2.28). Fully-vaccinated participants were less likely to be born in Asia or Central/South America than Australia (aOR=0.62, 95%CI=0.48–0.81 and aOR=0.56, 95%CI=0.39–0.82, respectively). Conclusion Socially-connected GBMSM at potential risk of mpox were more likely to be vaccinated. 30% of participants did not complete the vaccine schedule. Encouraging younger, overseas-born Asian and Latinx GBMSM to complete the vaccine schedule could help prevent future outbreaks

A grounded theory of psychological resilience in Olympic champions

Objective: Although it is well-established that the ability to manage stress is a prerequisite of sporting excellence, the construct of psychological resilience has yet to be systematically examined in athletic performers. The study reported here sought to explore and explain the relationship between psychological resilience and optimal sport performance. Design and Method: Twelve Olympic champions (8 men and 4 women) from a range of sports were interviewed regarding their experiences of withstanding pressure during their sporting careers. A grounded theory approach was employed throughout the data collection and analysis, and interview transcripts were analyzed using open, axial and selective coding. Methodological rigor was established by incorporating various verification strategies into the research process, and the resultant grounded theory was also judged using the quality criteria of fit, work, relevance, and modifiability. Results and Conclusions: Results indicate that numerous psychological factors (relating to a positive personality, motivation, confidence, focus, and perceived social support) protect the world’s best athletes from the potential negative effect of stressors by influencing their challenge appraisal and meta-cognitions. These processes promote facilitative responses that precede optimal sport performance. The emergent theory provides sport psychologists, coaches and national sport organizations with an understanding of the role of resilience in athletes’ lives and the attainment of optimal sport performance

Trends in illicit drug use and their association with HIV transmission risks from behavioural surveillance of Australian gay and bisexual men

Introduction. Investigating drug trends among Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) is crucial for understanding levels of use and the potential for harm, including HIV transmission risk. Method. Using repeated, national, cross‐sectional survey data collected between 2012 and 2021 (69,567 surveys), trends of recent (previous 6 months) and frequent (weekly) drug use were analysed, using logistic regression models. The last round of data from each jurisdiction (6709 surveys) was used to compare GBM who reported no use, infrequent (less than weekly) use and frequent (at least weekly) use of party drugs to investigate the association between party drug use and HIV transmission risk, using multinomial logistic regression models. Results. There was a significant upward trend in any recent drug use (from 58.4% in 2012 to 64.1% in 2021; p<0.001). Frequent party drug use remained a minority practice over the period (consistently less than 3%). In cross‐sectional analysis, frequent party drug users were more likely to report behaviours with HIV transmission risks, such as condomless anal intercourse without biomedical prevention strategies (30.0% vs. 13.1%; adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.24–3.47), weekly group sex (16.3% vs. 0.6%; aRRR, 12.36; 95% CI, 5.75–26.56) and more than 20 recent sexual partners (42.5% vs. 5.0%; aRRR, 21.44; 95% CI, 5.82–78.89), compared with GBM who did not use party drugs. Discussion and Conclusion. Our findings suggest that the frequent use of party drugs remains a marker of HIV transmission risk among Australian GBM, despite the increased adoption of biomedical HIV prevention strategies over the past few years