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Hirsch Costello posted an update 20 hours, 5 minutes ago
Tobacco consumption, or smoking, is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In order to reduce the consumption of tobacco products, it is necessary to understand the factors that drive it. However, little is known about the socioeconomic determinants of tobacco smoking in the KSA. Caspofungin This study, therefore, investigates the socioeconomic factors that influence tobacco smoking in the KSA. Using a national health survey, the study employs logistic and negative binomial regressions to examine the socioeconomic factors associated with smoking. Moreover, the inequality concentration indices (CIs) are used to assess inequalities in smoking. The results reveal that the smoking prevalence is 14.09% of the 8813 respondents considered in this study. The prevalence of smoking is higher among men (25.34%) than among women (1.91%). On the determinants of smoking, the logistic regression results show that higher income is associated with lower likelihood of smoking. Other factors significantly associated with current smoking status are marital status, gender, age, and region of residence. Similarly, gender, age and region of residence are significantly associated with smoking intensity. As regards the inequality analysis, at the national level, the results show that smoking is concentrated among those with higher socioeconomic status (income CI = 0.071, p less then 0.01; education CI = 0.095, p less then 0.01), but with significant regional variations. By gender disaggregation, the results also show that the income-based CIs are positive for both males and females, but statistically insignificant. Education-based CI is positive for males and significant (CI = 0.057, p less then 0.05), while it is negative and insignificant for females during the study period. The findings call for targeted tobacco control measures focusing on those with higher socioeconomic status, as well as factors such as age, gender, marital status and region of residence.Formal community-based youth mentoring relationships (CBM) are a popular form of intervention worldwide in which caring, non-parental adult figures are matched with at-risk children (i.e., children who experience an intense and/or chronic risk factor, or a combination of risk factors in personal, environmental and/or relational domains that prevent them from pursuing and fulfilling their potential) to promote development and health. Common models suggest that a close mentoring relationship is needed for the success of the intervention. However, it remains unclear which key relational processes and variables promote relationship quality to generate the most significant benefits. Using the PRISMA framework, 123 articles were identified as relevant for this review which explores the state of the literature on CBM relationships describing the main findings regarding the characteristics of the relationship and the mediating and moderating variables. An essential ingredient that consistently emerged for generating mentoring outcomes is characterized by feelings of support, sensitivity, and trust and accompanied by a purposeful approach to shaping the goals of the relationship. A balanced approach comprised of recreational, emotional, and catalyzing aspects has been reported as essential for mentoring success. Mentors’ positive attitudes toward underprivileged youth, maturity in terms of age and experience are essential in forging positive relationships. Mentees who have better relational histories and more positive personality traits exhibited higher relationship quality. However, data imply the possibility of addressing mentees from moderate risk status. Preliminary evidence on thriving as a mediating variable was found. Program practices, such as training, parental involvement, and matching based on perceived similarities and similar interests, emerged as important factors. Generating many research suggestions, the review identifies research questions and uncharted territories that require inquiry.The aim of this article is to present a nonconventional method for the efficient removal of lead ions from industrial wastewater. For this purpose, magnetite nanomaterial was used, which was very easily separated from the wastewater at the end of the treatment due to its magnetic properties. Currently, nanotechnology is an efficient and inexpensive manner that is being researched for wastewater treatment. Additionally, iron oxide nanoparticles are widely used to remove heavy metal ions from water due to their special properties. The experimental results detailed in this article show the influence of pH and contact time on the process of adsorption of lead ions from wastewater. The magnetite nanomaterial had its maximum efficiency of speed when the wastewater had pH 6. At a lower pH, the highest treatment efficiency was over 85%, and the required contact time has doubled. When the pH increases above 6, the precipitation process occurs. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to describe the adsorption process.Blackcurrant leaf midge (Dasineura tetensi) is a widespread pest of blackcurrant. Attacks by this pest can cause up to 60% reduction in the growth of shoots resulting in yield decreases. Our study, conducted (2012-2014) in Poland, aimed to assess the susceptibility of blackcurrant genotypes to D. tetensi, in order to select genotypes as parental lines for breeding new blackcurrant genotypes. Among tested blackcurrant genotypes, none were found to be completely resistant to this pest. The pest colonized genotypes Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, Ben Hope, Foxendown, Ben Nevis, Fariegh, Ojebyn, and Ben Tirran below the threshold level (10%). In contrast, genotypes Nr 7/15, Ben Lomond, Ben Finlay, Tisel, Polares, Polonus, Tiben, PC-110, Polben, Gofert, Ruben, and Ores suffered pest levels above the threshold. With regard to egg numbers, the fewest were recorded on genotypes Big Ben, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, and Ben Nevis, and the most on Gofert and Ores. Fewer larvae were recorded on genotypes Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, and Foxendown compared to Ben Lomond, PC-110, Gofert, Tiben, Polben, and Ores. Developing blackcurrant genotype resistance to leaf midge strongly supports the IPM strategy.