Applications of mathematical modelling for assessing microplastic transport and fate in water environments: a comparative review.

Microplastics in the environment are considered complex pollutants as they are chemical and corrosive-resistant, non-biodegradable and ubiquitous. These microplastics may act as vectors for the dissemination of other pollutants and the transmission of microorganisms into the water environment. The currently available literature reviews focus on analysing the occurrence, environmental effects and methods of microplastic detection, however lacking a wide-scale systematic review and classification of the mathematical microplastic modelling applications. Thus, the current review provides a global overview of the modelling methodologies used for microplastic transport and fate in water environments. This review consolidates, classifies and analyses the methods, model inputs and results of 61 microplastic modelling studies in the last decade (2012-2022). It thoroughly discusses their strengths, weaknesses and common gaps in their modelling framework. Five main modelling types were classified as follows: hydrodynamic, process-based, statistical, mass-balance and machine learning models. Further, categorisations based on the water environments, location and published year of these applications were also adopted. It is concluded that addressed modelling types resulted in relatively reliable outcomes, yet each modelling framework has its strengths and weaknesses. However, common issues were found such as inputs being unrealistically assumed, especially biological processes, and the lack of sufficient field data for model calibration and validation. For future research, it is recommended to incorporate macroplastics' degradation rates, particles of different shapes and sizes and vertical mixing due to biofouling and turbulent conditions and also more experimental data to obtain precise model inputs and standardised sampling methods for surface and column waters.

Bringing an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination: an international consensus statement on evidence and recommendations.

People with diabetes often encounter stigma (ie, negative social judgments, stereotypes, prejudice), which can adversely affect emotional, mental, and physical health; self-care, access to optimal health care; and social and professional opportunities. To accelerate an end to diabetes stigma and discrimination, an international multidisciplinary expert panel (n=51 members, from 18 countries) conducted rapid reviews and participated in a three-round Delphi survey process. We achieved consensus on 25 statements of evidence and 24 statements of recommendations. The consensus is that diabetes stigma is driven primarily by blame, perceptions of burden or sickness, invisibility, and fear or disgust. On average, four in five adults with diabetes experience diabetes stigma and one in five experience discrimination (ie, unfair and prejudicial treatment) due to diabetes, such as in health care, education, and employment. Diabetes stigma and discrimination are harmful, unacceptable, unethical, and counterproductive. Collective leadership is needed to proactively challenge, and bring an end to, diabetes stigma and discrimination. Consequently, we achieved unanimous consensus on a pledge to end diabetes stigma and discrimination.

Current Physical Therapy Practice in the Intensive Care Unit in Saudi Arabia: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilisation of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with positive health benefits. Research literature lacks insight into the current status of ICU physical therapy (PT) practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. AIM: To determine the current standard of ICU PT practice, attitude, and barriers. METHODS: A questionnaire was e-mailed to physiotherapists (PTs) working in the hospital. The questions pertained to experience, qualification, barriers, and most frequently encountered case scenarios in the ICU. RESULTS: The response rate was 28.1% (124/442). Frequent cases referred to the PTs were traumatic paraplegia (n = 111, 89%) and stroke (n = 102, 82.3%) as compared to congestive heart failure (n = 20, 16.1%) and pulmonary infections (n = 7, 5.6%). The preferred treatment of choice among PTs was chest physiotherapy (n = 102, 82.2%) and positioning (n = 73, 58.8%), whereas functional electrical stimulation (n = 12, 9.6%) was least preferred irrespective of the condition. Perceived barriers in the ICU PT management were of low confidence in managing cases (n = 89, 71.7%) followed by inadequate training (n = 53, 42.7%), and the least quoted barrier was a communication gap between the critical care team members (n = 8, 6.4%). CONCLUSION: PTs reported significant variation in the choice of treatment for different clinical cases inside ICU. The main barriers in the ICU setting were low confidence and inadequate training.