Abstract Background Suicide among male construction industry workers (CIWs) are reported to be disproportionally high compared to the working age population. However, there is minimal understanding of the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation (SI), non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and suicide attempts (SA) among male CIWs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a large sample of male CIWs in Ireland (n = 1,585). We investigated the prevalence of SI, NSSI and SA and sociodemographic, occupational, and mental health factors associated with these three outcomes. Multivariable Poisson regression was performed to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of SI (model 1 primary outcome), while multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of NSSI (model 2 primary outcome), and SA (model 3 primary outcome). Results. The lifetime prevalence rate of SI in this study was 22%, 6% for NSSI, and 6% for SA. In univariable modelling, socio-demographic and occupational factors associated with the three outcomes included younger age (SI and NSSI), not being in a relationship (SA) and working 35–44 hours per week (SI and SA). All psychological factors (past mental health difficulties, history of mental health treatment, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, suicide bereavement) were significantly associated with increased risk of the three outcomes. In fully adjusted multivariable models: (1) past mental health difficulties, higher GAD and depression levels were associated with increased IRR of suicide ideation; (2) past mental health difficulties and higher GAD levels were associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of NSSI and; (3) past mental health difficulties and higher depression levels were associated with higher ORs for SA. Conclusion. SI, NSSI and SA are significant issues for male CIWs that require specific attention. Findings highlight a need to support younger male CIWs and those bereaved by suicide. They also highlight the need for the early detection and treatment of GAD and depression in order to intervene in, and potentially prevent, suicidality among male CIWs.

ABSTRACT Objective Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are first-line therapy for stroke prevention for 1.4 million atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in the UK. However, the rates of DOAC dosing below evidence-based recommendations are estimated between 9% and 22%. This study explores specific patient and physician factors associated with prescribing inappropriate DOAC underdoses. Methods DOAC-prescribing physicians within the UK completed both a clinical vignette survey, which contained 12 hypothetical patient profiles designed to replicate DOAC prescribing scenarios, and a physician survey to capture sociodemographic, clinical experience, and prescriber-related beliefs and motivations related to DOAC prescribing. Eight patient factors based on a literature search and an expert consultation process were varied within the vignettes. Associations between the prescribers’ dosing choices and patient factors were explored via multilevel logistic regression. The analysis is focused on the most frequently selected DOACs, apixaban and rivaroxaban, both of which have different dosing guidelines. Results In all, 336 prescribers (69% male; 233/336) completed the survey, mostly general physicians (GPs) (45%) or cardiology specialists (36%) with a mean of 17.9 years’ experience. Most prescribers (73%; 244/336) inappropriately underdosed at least once; rates between GPs and specialists were nearly identical. Patient factors most strongly associated with apixaban inappropriate underdosing included a history of major bleeding and falls. For rivaroxaban, these were major bleeding and severe frailty. Only 32% (106/335) of prescribers reported DOAC dosing guidelines as the sole influence on their prescribing behaviour. Among prescribers who did not inappropriately underdose, greater prescribing confidence was aligned to increased perception of inappropriate underdose risk. Conclusions Overall, patient factors such as major bleeding and severe frailty were found to be associated with inappropriate underdosing of apixaban and rivaroxaban. Furthermore, prescribers who were more confident in DOAC prescribing, and were more worried about the risk of stroke, were significantly less likely to inappropriately underdose. These findings suggest that all prescribers, regardless of speciality, may benefit from education and training to raise awareness of the risks associated with inappropriate DOAC underdosing.

ABSTRACT The degree to which the townspeople of medieval Ireland enjoyed food security or experienced food insecurity forms the subject of this paper. Having outlined the context within which Irish medieval towns started to experience food insecurity, the paper then proceeds to examine responses to this situation. These include protection of the urban area, strategies for improved storage and transport of foodstuffs, the production of food within and immediately adjacent to urban space, the regulation of the food trades, the operation of food markets, inter-regional and international trade, and the engagement with sometimes hostile rural hinterlands.

Co-design has been cited as playing a major role in the future of effective integrated care, however, there is a lack of reporting and reflection on the methods used. Information sharing is fundamental when working in integrated care, however sharing across professions, service settings and localities can be complex. Through co-design, we seek to establish a shared understanding of information needs within a newly formed integrated care team. In doing so we aim to inform future practice in the understanding of co-design. Co-design Workshop 1 (N = 24 participants, plus 6 facilitators), collected 'Current Position' understanding of service information needs. Co-design Workshop 2 (N = 18 participants, plus 6 facilitators) sought a 'Future Position' understanding, identifying solutions and next steps for establishing information-need solutions. Reflection on the co-design process was conducted to inform future co-design practices. Identified was a wide range of future service information needs under the themes of Culture Building, Health System Needs, and Processes. We conclude with 4 key learning points on co-designing. 1. Ensure simplicity in format. 2. Interdisciplinary co-design and co-facilitation of workshops are beneficial. 3. Planning and preparation are key. 4. Co-designing can enhance communication for service improvement.

Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men aged 15-40 years. The incidence of TC is on the rise. Benign testicular disorders, such as testicular torsion and epididymitis, can lead to testicular ischemia, sepsis, and infertility if left untreated. This updated systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of studies promoting men's knowledge and awareness of testicular disorders and/or self-examination, behaviours and/or intentions to examine their testes, and help-seeking behaviours and/or intentions for testicular disorder symptoms. Methods: Academic Search Complete, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, the Cochrane Library, the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched for studies published between April 2018 and August 2023. Methodological quality was assessed and results were synthesised meta-narratively. Results: Five studies were included. The majority of the reviewed interventions were successful in increasing men's awareness of TC and self-examination, including a PowerPoint presentation, an online educational brochure, video-assisted teaching, a motivational video, and a virtual reality game. Only one study addressed help-seeking for testicular symptoms and promoted men's awareness of benign as well as malignant testicular diseases. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of evaluating innovative educational interventions aimed at younger men, whilst raising their awareness of testicular disorders and increasing their help-seeking intentions for testicular disorder symptoms. Given the lack of consensus around scheduled testicular self-examination among younger men, clinicians are encouraged to instruct men to familiarise themselves with the look and feel of their own testes and to seek timely medical attention for abnormalities. Registration: The protocol of the previous version of this review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD42018093671.

BackgroundAntibiotic use and resistance in animal production are a concern to public health, and there is an urgent need to reduce antibiotic use in farm animals. To prevent blame shifting, professionals from human medicine, animal medicine and environmental backgrounds must collaborate to tackle this issue. Veterinarians are typically responsible for overseeing and prescribing antibiotic use in animals. There are currently no available studies on the opinions of Irish farm animal veterinarians on antibiotic use, reduction opportunities and their relationships with farmers. A digital survey was developed and sent out to Irish farm animal veterinarians. This paper presents the results of a cross-sectional study of Irish farm animal veterinarians’ attitudes towards antimicrobial stewardship, their prescribing behaviours, antibiotic reduction opportunities and their attitudes for the future of antibiotic use. The veterinarian-farmer relationship is examined and potential interventions to reduce antibiotic use on farms are identified.ResultsIn total, 114 complete questionnaires were received, representing approximately 11 per cent of all farm animal veterinarians in Ireland. Respondents were aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance and recognise their role in the fight against it. They realise what actions they must take to reduce antibiotic use and identify barriers that prevent their farmer clients from implementing their advice. Many of them say that they can reduce antibiotic use on farms in the future, but some remain doubtful. There was no statistical difference between veterinarians that had less experience working than those that had more experience in their attitudes towards future reduction in antibiotic use.ConclusionMost of the respondents seek to use antibiotics as judiciously as they can. The majority agree that antibiotic overuse is the main contributor to antibiotic resistance. Possible solutions to reduce antibiotic use include the development of antibiotic treatment guidelines, assigning one unique practice to each farm and compulsory CPD (Continuous Professional Development) courses.

Winter oilseed rape (OSR) is becoming an increasingly popular crop in rotations as it provides a cash crop and reduces the incidence of take-all fungal disease (caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis) in subsequent wheat production. The exact mechanism of this inhibition of fungal pathogens is not fully understood; however, the selective recruitment of bacterial groups with the ability to suppress pathogen growth and reproduction is thought to play a role. Here we examine the effect of tillage practice on the proliferation of microbes that possess the phlD gene involved in the production of the antifungal compound 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), in the rhizospheres of both winter oilseed rape and winter wheat grown in rotation over a two-year period. The results showed that conservation strip tillage led to a significantly greater phlD gene copy number, both in the soil and in the roots, of oilseed rape and wheat crops, whereas crop rotation of oilseed rape and wheat did not increase the phlD gene copy number in winter wheat.

Developing a strong brand is critical for long-term success in today's competitive business market. This research investigates the key features and strategies involved in developing a successful brand, and how to maintain it to stay ahead. The study underlines the significance of defining brand identity, comprehending the target audience, and developing a consistent brand message. The importance of providing excellent customer experiences, harnessing social media and digital marketing, and cultivating brand advocacy are highlighted as critical in supporting brands. Looking ahead, the study recommends embracing technology and innovation, prioritising data-driven decision-making, and emphasising sustainability and social responsibility. It emphasises the importance of cultivating an innovative and agile culture, fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations.

The classical literature review-based chapter commences by unpacking reputation management in the entrepreneurial context and highlighting advantages, disadvantages, and its intrinsic link to business performance. Drawing from a diverse range of scholarly works, the chapter examines the factors influencing reputation perception, including brand management, culture, organisational strategy, ethics, and corporate governance. Special attention is given to the role of digital technologies, such as social media and online reviews, in shaping reputations and how entrepreneurs are adapting their strategies to harness the potential of these platforms effectively. The chapter also highlights that reputation management is key in ensuring profitability through long-term success, competitive advantage, positive image, and customer retention. The topic also outlines the strategies and best practices for effective reputation management, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, transparent communication, and consistent delivery of value.

Marketing has evolved over the years towards sustainability demanding a paradigm shift towards environmentally friendly marketing methods. The paradigm shifted in three phases from ecological, to environmental, and finally sustainable marketing. While green marketing is a component of the environmental phase, the literature study revealed that it is important for driving sustainable marketing. This study incorporates literature discussion methodology to unpack the two interlinking concepts. This book chapter aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the key principles, best practices, challenges, and opportunities associated with green marketing, and to inspire them to think creatively about how they can use these strategies to promote sustainability in their own businesses and communities. The study concludes that for businesses to remain profitable they need to embrace sustainable marketing that should be supported by green marketing. The relationship is illustrated by the green–sustainable framework that emanated from the literature study.