Access To Resources Research Articles

“If you have money, you can get everything you want” Arrival brokers and their commercial infrastructuring for and with migrant newcomers in Dortmund, Germany

<p>Current research underlines the important role of arrival infrastructures in urban spaces in enabling and shaping migrants’ arrival (Bovo, 2020; El-Kayed & Keskinkılıc, 2023; Felder et al., 2020; Meeus et al., 2019; Wessendorf & Gembus, 2024). These include “arrival brokers“ (Hanhörster & Wessendorf, 2020; Hans, 2023), individuals who help newcomers access resources. As yet, we have little knowledge on brokers’ informal and commercial practices in the context of arrival, especially in European cities, whereby brokers unsettle common “distinctions between ‘state’ and ‘market’, as well as ‘formal’ and ‘informal’” (Lindquist, 2012, p. 75). This article aims to contribute to our understanding of arrival brokers by shedding light on commercial brokering in an arrival area in Dortmund, Germany, looking at the relations between brokers and newcomer clients. The study is based on ethnographic research, including one year of participant observation in a broker’s shop, and interviews with both brokers and newcomers. Covering both perspectives, this article analyses how commercial brokering shapes newcomers’ access to resources. The findings offer new insights into arrival brokers’ multiple facets of in/formal and commercial infrastructuring. The article shows how brokers’ accessibility depends on spatial, social, financial and temporal factors. It is relational both within the local context of service provision and through setting the conditions governing resource access. Arrival brokers can influence newcomers’ arrival processes by enabling, channelling (and sometimes blocking) resource access while also offering opportunities for newcomers to circumvent and compensate for other – more formal – forms of support. Commercial brokering evolves as a practice between brokers and newcomers within, parallel to and beyond the support provided by more formal institutions.</p>

Population Dynamics and the Microbiome in a Wild Boreal Mammal: The Snowshoe Hare Cycle and Impacts of Diet, Season and Predation Risk.

The North American boreal forest is a massive ecosystem, and its keystone herbivore is the snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Hares are exposed to considerable environmental extremes in diet and weather, food availability, and predation risk. Gut microbiomes have been suggested to facilitate adaptive animal responses to environmental change, but severe environmental challenges to homeostasis can also disrupt host-microbiome relationships. To better understand gut microbiome contributions to animal acclimation, we studied the faecal bacterial microbiome of wild hares across two types of extreme environmental change that are integral to their natural history: (1) seasonal transitions between summer and winter, and (2) changes over the ~10 year 'boom-bust' population cycles that are characterised by shifting food resource availability and predation pressure. When compared to summer, hares in winter had lower bacterial richness and were depleted in 20 families (including Oxalobacteraceae and Christensenellaceae) but enriched for Ruminococcaceae (a family which contains plant fibre degrading bacteria) alongside nine other bacterial groups. Marked bacterial microbiome differences also occurred across phases of the population cycle. Bacterial microbiomes were lower in richness and compositionally distinct in the peak compared to the increase or decline phases of the population cycle. Direct measures of host physiology and diet quality (faecal fibre contents) most strongly supported food resource availability as a mechanism underlying phase-based differences in bacterial communities, but faecal fibre contents could not fully account for bacterial microbiome variation across phases.

Systematic review of evidence for the impact and effectiveness of the 1-3-7 strategy for malaria elimination

BackgroundThe 1-3-7 approach to eliminate malaria was first implemented in China in 2012. It has since been expanded to multiple countries, but no systematic review has examined the evidence for its use. A systematic review was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the strategy and identify key challenges and variations in its implementation across different countries.MethodsPUBMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CABS s, LILACS, Global Health, Medrxiv, Biorxiv were searched for all studies containing 1-3-7 and articles included if they contained information on 1-3-7 impact, effectiveness, challenges and/or adaptations for implementation in different countries.Results31 studies were included from China (19), Thailand (6), Myanmar (2), Tanzania (1), Cambodia (1), India (1) and Vietnam (1). During 1-3-7 implementation, malaria cases in China decreased by 99.1–99.9%, in Thailand by 66.9% during 2013–19, 65,1% in Cambodia during 2015–17 and 30.3% in India during 2015–16, with some differences in implementation. It was not possible to separate the impact of 1-3-7 from that due to other contemporaneous interventions. Implementing the 1-3-7 policy was largely effective, with reporting within 1 day in 99.8–100% of individuals in China and 36–100% in other countries, investigation within 3 days in 81.5–99.4% in China and 79.4–100% in other countries, and foci investigation within 7 days in 90.1–100% in China and 83.2–100% in other countries. Adaptations to 1-3-7 were described in 5 studies, mostly adjustment of the timing and/or definitions of each component. Key challenges identified included those related to staffing, equipment, process, and patient-provided information.ConclusionOverall, the 1-3-7 approach was effectively implemented with a concomitant decrease in cases in malaria elimination settings, however, it was not possible to quantify impact as it was not implemented in isolation. Implementing adequate measures for testing, reporting, treatment, and containment is crucial for its success, which is dependent on the availability of resources, infrastructure, staffing, and consistent compliance across regions and throughout the year. However, achieving this nationally and maintaining compliance, especially at borders with malaria-affected countries, poses significant challenges.

Evolution of population distribution and its influencing factors in the poverty-stricken mountainous region of Southwest China from 2000 to 2020

Understanding the characteristics and determinants of population distribution is essential for formulating effective policies and strategies, especially in the poverty-stricken mountainous regions. This study investigates the characteristics, evolution (2000–2020), and influencing factors of population distribution in the Liangshan Yi ethnic region, a representative poverty-stricken mountainous region in Southwest China. The results reveal that: (1) Over the past two decades, the spatial pattern of population distribution has remained stable. However, the balance of population distribution has improved, as indicated by the decreasing size of the standard deviation ellipse, reflecting a more even population spread. (2) The population distribution demonstrates significant clustering in town centers, with strong positive correlations, as reflected in Moran’s I index values of 0.732, 0.708, 0.620, 0.556, and 0.554 for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively. (3) The vertical zonation pattern and the differentiation characteristics in slope and aspect play a significant role in population distribution. Over time, these factors have played an increasingly significant role in shaping the evolution of population distribution. The interaction between natural factors and vegetation is pivotal in the spatiotemporal patterns of population distribution. These factors have directly and indirectly contributed to the persistence of poverty in these mountainous areas by limiting accessibility, resource availability, and economic opportunities. The study’s results provide valuable insights for enhancing population distribution strategies in impoverished mountainous regions and informing policy-making.

Transforming Higher Mathematics Teaching Through Computer Technology

This study investigates the impact of computer technology on higher mathematics teaching and learning, focusing on student attitudes and academic performance. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved 210 high school students and 15 mathematics teachers. Data were collected through a combination of semi-structured questionnaires, student test scores, interviews, and classroom observations. The findings indicate that the integration of computer technology leads to significant improvements in students' academic performance and fosters positive attitudes towards mathematics. Students using technological tools showed greater engagement, better understanding of complex concepts, and increased confidence in problem-solving. No significant gender differences were observed in attitudes towards technology use. However, challenges such as resource accessibility and the need for teacher training were identified. The study concludes with recommendations for effectively incorporating computer technology into higher mathematics education to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement.

Educators and students in entrepreneurship education are challenging the “think entrepreneur–think male” paradigm

PurposeThe paradigm “think entrepreneur–think male” continues to prevail in entrepreneurship education (EE). Aiming to explore how EE educators and EE students engage with this paradigm, this paper examines how students’ beliefs about entrepreneurship are shaped within the classroom.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a single case comprising 32 interviews with EE students and educators from a variety of higher education institutions in the Netherlands. Observations were conducted in a learning environment where undergraduate students from a range of EE minors (general, social and tech entrepreneurship) collaborated on projects under the guidance of entrepreneurship educators.FindingsOur findings reveal that gendered constructs are deeply embedded in EE, shaping perceptions of entrepreneurship. However, these constructs are changing and challenging the “think entrepreneur–think male”.Originality/valueThis study contributes to gender and entrepreneurship literature by challenging the existence of the prevailing paradigm “think entrepreneur–think male” in EE. We emphasise the importance of acknowledging individual entrepreneurial motivations while recognising gendered constructs in entrepreneurial support and resource access.

Using UX Testing to Optimize Discoverability of Non-traditional Resources

Objective – The accessibility of non-traditional resources presents ongoing challenges for users and librarians. This study investigates methods for optimizing metadata and the placement of search results to enhance the discoverability of these resources within library systems. Researchers conducted A/B testing to compare two features of Ex Libris Primo: the Resource Recommender and Discovery Import Profiles. The objective was to enhance user access to a broader range of informational assets beyond conventional collections. This study posed the research question: Is inclusion in the results list (Discovery Import Profiles) or are visually appealing advertisement-style cards above results (Resource Recommender) a more effective method for discovery of non-traditional library resources? Methods – Researchers identified four key resource types for testing: librarians, frequently asked questions (FAQs), databases, and research guides. An A/B test was conducted with each resource presented in the Discovery Import Profiles and Resource Recommender formats. Following the A/B test, a combined C test was conducted to validate findings. Results – The ad-style cards achieved higher engagement rates, particularly for databases and FAQs, while research guides performed better when embedded directly in search results. This study highlights the strengths and limitations of each method. Databases and FAQs benefited from the visual prominence of the ad-style cards, while research guides were more discoverable within search results. However, minimal engagement with librarians as a resource type across both methods suggests the need for improved tagging and metadata strategies. Conclusion – Findings underscore the importance of institution-specific research and localized assessments to ensure effective implementation of discovery strategies. This study provides a useful method for libraries aiming to enhance the discoverability of their non-traditional resources, ultimately improving user access and satisfaction.

Influence of Manaoag Church in Tourist Motivation towards Religious Tourism

This research delves into the aspects of Religious Tourism. In the Philippines, the abundance of religious sites and activities plays an important role in fostering pilgrimage and enhancing the significance of religious tourism. This study examines the influence of Manaoag Church on tourists’ travel motivation. The primary aim of this study is to know the influence of Manaoag Church on tourist motivation towards Religious Tourism. A descriptive research approach and quantitative method were used for this study. In addition, the researchers conducted a convenience sampling survey with a total of 400 respondents, specifically 400 tourists visiting Manaoag Church. The study adapts the theory of Icek Ajzen – Theory of Planned Behavior and John Crompton – Destination Image Theory. The TPB is utilized to explore the motivations that drive tourists to visit the Manaoag Church, focusing on how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence their intentions. Concurrently, Destination Image Theory is applied to assess how the Manaoag Church influences tourist motivations through beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Based on the results, the researchers were able to identify the motivation of the tourists to visit Manaoag Church regarding leisure, perceived benefits, perceived risks, family and peer influence, religious community influence, accessibility of religious sites, financial resources, and previous experience. It showed that the majority of the visitors were females who are 21–30 years old, who are Roman Catholic and visited the site 1-3 times per year. It was also revealed that there was no significant difference in the respondents’ assessment of the influence of Manaoag Church in the tourist motivation towards religious tourism when grouped according to frequency of visit in terms of beliefs, emotions, and behavior. In other words, whether a respondent has visited the church once, several times, or more frequently, their assessment of the church’s influence on their motivation remains consistent. This could indicate that Manaoag Church’s role in religious tourism has a universal appeal or significance, transcending the number of visits a person has made.

Digital Rural Construction and the Welfare of Disadvantaged Children: Exploring the Roles of Government and NGOs

As global sustainable development goals progress, improving the welfare of vulnerable rural populations has become a critical issue for many countries. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2022, this paper examines the impact of Digital Rural Construction (DRC) on the welfare of disadvantaged rural children. Specifically, it explores the mechanisms through which DRC enhances child welfare, focusing on information access, educational resource availability, and medical service accessibility. Additionally, the roles of government and non-governmental organizations in moderating this process are analyzed. The findings show that DRC significantly improves children’s health, education, and psychological well-being. Furthermore, interventions by governments and non-governmental organizations amplify these positive effects, with non-governmental interventions proving particularly effective. This study not only addresses a gap in the literature on the mechanisms linking DRC and child welfare but also offers valuable insights for policymakers from a sustainability perspective.

Nutrient colimitation is a quantitative, dynamic property of microbial populations

Resource availability dictates how fast and how much microbial populations grow. Quantifying the relationship between microbial growth and resource concentrations makes it possible to promote, inhibit, and predict microbial activity. Microbes require many resources, including macronutrients (e.g., carbon and nitrogen), micronutrients (e.g., metals), and complex nutrients like vitamins and amino acids. When multiple resources are scarce, as frequently occurs in nature, microbes may experience resource colimitation in which more than one resource simultaneously limits growth. Despite growing evidence for colimitation, the data are difficult to interpret and compare due to a lack of quantitative measures of colimitation and systematic tests of resource conditions. We hypothesize that microbes experience a continuum of nutrient limitation states and that nutrient colimitation is common in the laboratory and in nature. To address this, we develop a quantitative theory of resource colimitation that captures the range of possible limitation states and describes how they can change dynamically with resource conditions. We apply this approach to clonal populations of Escherichia coli to show that colimitation occurs in common laboratory conditions. We also show that growth rate and growth yield are colimited differently, reflecting the different underlying biology of these traits. Finally, we analyze environmental data to provide intuition for the continuum of limitation and colimitation conditions in nature. Altogether our results provide a quantitative framework for understanding and quantifying colimitation of microbes in biogeochemical, biotechnology, and human health contexts.

Unlocking Dairy Potential in Dry Zones: Analyzing Constraints and Opportunities in Mahaweli System H, Eppawala Block

Dairy farming is a cornerstone of agricultural livelihoods in Sri Lanka's Mahaweli System H, particularly in the Eppawala Block. This study investigates the socio-economic profiles, management practices, and challenges faced by 250 dairy farmers in this region, where crop and livestock production are vital for poverty alleviation. While Eppawala contributes about 7.1% of the national milk output, farmers encounter significant barriers such as high production costs, limited grazing lands, inconsistent water availability, and inadequate marketing infrastructure. The survey revealed that dairy farming is predominantly a supplementary income source, with only a minority earning over Rs. 50,000 monthly through entrepreneurial practices. Key constraints include escalating feed costs, poor access to quality breeding stock, and limited youth involvement. Furthermore, insufficient veterinary care, credit facilities, and milk collection networks exacerbate these challenges. Despite these issues, the findings highlight the potential for targeted interventions to unlock growth. Enhancing resource access, promoting sustainable feed and fodder practices, and strengthening capacity-building initiatives are critical steps. Strategies such as improved pasture management, incentivizing local dairy processing, and creating efficient market linkages could transform the sector. These adaptive measures, supported by robust policies, are essential to transition dairy farming from subsistence to a market-oriented industry. This study underscores the importance of addressing socio-economic and infrastructural constraints to bolster rural livelihoods, enhance national milk self-sufficiency, and harness the untapped potential of dairy farming in dry zone agriculture.

Community case study: Our Wave, an online platform to facilitate survivor disclosure of sexual assault and trauma recovery

This community case study introduces Our Wave, an online platform that provides a safe, anonymous space for survivors of sexual harm to share their stories, reflect on their healing journeys, and connect with others. Designed to empower survivors, the platform allows users to post anonymous stories or visual media, ask questions, and send messages of hope, all while prioritizing privacy and security. It also aims to create a broader impact by analyzing shared narratives to detect patterns, identify best practices for healing, and inform global approaches to SV recovery. With over 100,000 members and over 1,200 stories and forms of media shared, the platform has become a valuable resource for survivors. Using mixed-methods analysis of platform usage data and anonymous user feedback surveys (n = 288), we examined patterns of engagement and impact. Analysis revealed that 57% of story submissions included “Messages of Healing” and 52% included “Messages of Hope,” with survey responses indicating that anonymity and peer support were crucial factors in facilitating disclosure. Research shows that the social and emotional dynamics of SV disclosure, as well as the responses from others, play a crucial role in a survivor’s healing. By focusing on confidentiality, trauma-informed support, and community-building, Our Wave offers a safe space for survivors to heal, connect, and access resources to support their journey toward recovery.

Diagnostic work-up of bile duct strictures: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

1: ESGE recommends the combination of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based tissue acquisition as the preferred diagnostic approach for tissue acquisition in patients with jaundice and distal extrahepatic biliary stricture in the absence of a pancreatic mass. 2: ESGE suggests that brushing cytology should be completed along with fluoroscopy-guided biopsies, wherever technically feasible, in patients with perihilar biliary strictures. 3: ESGE suggests EUS-TA for perihilar strictures when ERCP-based modalities yield insufficient results, provided that curative resection is not feasible and/or when cross-sectional imaging has shown accessible extraluminal disease. 4: ESGE suggests using standard ERCP diagnostic modalities at index ERCP. In the case of indeterminate biliary strictures, ESGE suggests cholangioscopy-guided biopsies, in addition to standard ERCP diagnostic modalities. Additional intraductal biliary imaging modalities can be selectively used, based on clinical context, local expertise, and resource availability.

Aproximación a la capacidad instalada de equipos de tomografía computarizada en Colombia

This study takes into account the context of the growing demand for advanced medical technologies, such as computed tomography (CT), in a healthcare system facing significant challenges in terms of equity and access. The research focuses on evaluating the distribution and installed capacity of CT systems across the country, as well as analyzing the availability of human resources needed to operate them efficiently. The objective is to contribute to the knowledge of organizational and resource management issues in the health sector, particularly in relation to strategic planning and improving access to advanced diagnostics. For this purpose, a methodological approach was employed based on the analysis of data from sources such as the Registro Especial de Prestadores (REPS), the Observatorio de Talento Humano en Salud (OTHS), the Sistema de Información Hospitalaria (SIHO), and import records. The main findings reveal a notable concentration of this systems in urban areas, with a considerable lack of resources in rural areas, directly impacting the equity of access to critical diagnostic services. Additionally, it was observed that, at the national level, the ratio between radiologists and CT equipment is adequate; however, significant disparities are present in some regions where the ratio is insufficient to meet the demand, affecting the effective use of the technology. The implications of these findings underscore the need for more inclusive and equitable planning, which considers both the distribution of equipment and the training of human talent. The conclusions highlight the crucial role that innovative solutions such as teleradiology can play, allowing available resources in the more developed areas of the country to be leveraged to compensate for the lack of specialists in underserved regions, thereby contributing to greater equity in access to advanced healthcare services.

Association of Socio-Environmental Burden and Inequality With Cancer Screening and Mortality.

Social and environmental injustice may influence accessibility and utilization of health resources, affecting outcomes of patients with cancer. We sought to assess the impact of socio-environmental inequalities on cancer screening and mortality rates for breast, colon, and cervical cancer. Data on cancer screening and environmental justice index social and environmental ranking (SER) was extracted from the CDC PLACES and ATSDR, respectively. Mortality rates were extracted using CDC WONDER. Screening targets were defined by Healthy People 2030. Among census tracts, 14 659 were classified as "low," 29 534 as "moderate," and 15 474 as "high" SER (high SER denoting greater socioenvironmental injustice). Screening targets were achieved by 31.1%, 16.2%, and 88.6% of tracts for colon, breast, and cervical cancers, respectively. High SER tracts were much less likely to reach screening targets compared with low SER tracts for colon (OR: 0.06), breast (OR: 0.24), and cervical cancer (OR: 0.05) (all p < 0.001). Median mortality rates for low and high SER were 16.7, and 21.0, respectively, for colon, 13.4, 14.75, respectively, for breast, and 1.0, 1.6, respectively, for cervical cancer (all p < 0.05). Socioenvironmental disparities negatively influence cancer screening and mortality, underscoring the need to reduce environmental injustices through measures like equitable cancer screening services.

Spatio-temporal patterns and trends of streamflow in water-scarce Mediterranean basins

Abstract. The issue of water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and demographic increase, has become a growing concern in many regions throughout the world. Understanding hydrological behaviour to promote resilient and sustainable water management is paramount. Hydrological models that integrate natural processes and anthropogenic alterations of the basin's hydrology are a powerful tool to support decision-making. We developed a SWAT+ hydrological model including stakeholder expert knowledge on water management and introducing a novel calibration and validation approach suitable for heterogeneous basins in space and/or time. We also assessed spatio-temporal patterns and trends of streamflow during the first 2 decades of the 21st century in the Catalan River Basin District, in the western Mediterranean, using a wide variety of indicators to fully characterize the hydrological regime. We calibrated and validated the model using data from 50 gauging stations, verifying the usefulness of the new calibration and validation strategy. Co-development with stakeholders and the integration of expert knowledge, most notably on reservoir operations, helped improve model performance. Results revealed a generalized streamflow reduction, as well as increased dominance of streamflow flashiness and zero-flow recurrence. We also observed differences in seasonal trends, with autumn being the most affected season. These results provide insights into how climate change and anthropogenic pressures are going to keep affecting water resources availability in the future, thus raising the need for sustainable management practices in the Catalan River Basin District, as well as other regions vulnerable to water scarcity.

An Assessment of Provider Payment Mechanisms (PPMs) in Ethiopia: Implications for Redesign of PPMs and Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage

ABSTRACT Ethiopia has made great strides in improving population health but sustaining health system and population health improvements in the current fiscal environment is challenging. Provider payment, as a function of purchasing, is a tool to use limited health resources better. This study describes the design and implementation of Ethiopia’s provider payment mechanisms (PPMs) and how they influence health system objectives and contribute to universal health coverage goals. The research team adapted the framework and analytical tools of the Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage guide for assessing PPMs. Data were collected through literature review and key informant interviews with 11 purchasers and 17 health care providers. Content analysis was used to describe PPM design and implementation arrangements, and thematic analysis was used to distill effects on equity in resource distribution and access to care, efficiency, quality of care, and financial sustainability. The study revealed the PPMs had positive and negative consequences. Line-item budgets were perceived to be predictable and sustainable but had little effect on efficiency and provider performance. Fee-for-service was perceived to have negative effects on efficiency and financial sustainability but viewed positively on its ability to incentivize quality health services. Capitation and performance-based financing effects were viewed positively on equity in distribution of resources and quality respectively, but both were perceived negatively on their high administrative burden to providers. Ethiopia may consider a more nuanced approach to design blended provider payment to mitigate negative consequences while providing incentives for better quality of care and efficiency.

Enabling Sustainable Diffusion in Supply Chains Through Industry 5.0: An Impact Analysis of Key Enablers for SMEs in Emerging Economies

Industry 5.0 (I5.0) builds upon Industry 4.0 by emphasizing the role of workers in production processes and prioritizing socio-economic-environmental sustainability. It has been shown that I5.0 can enhance sustainability within supply chains (SCs). However, companies in emerging economies, especially small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to developing economies, face challenges in implementing these concepts. These SMEs are in the early stages of adopting I5.0 to foster sustainability in their SCs and require urgent identification of key I5.0 enablers. Unfortunately, the current literature lacks research on this topic specifically within the context of SMEs in emerging economies. To bridge this gap, this study identifies the enablers of I5.0 that promote sustainability diffusion in SCs, using China’s SME manufacturing sector as a case study. The integrated framework for applying multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques in this study aims to assist decision-makers in evaluating different options and making optimal choices in a systematic and structured manner when faced with complex situations. The study employs the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) to identify 15 key I5.0 enablers and categorize them into three clusters. Grey-DEMATEL is subsequently utilized to determine the causal relationships, rank the importance of the enablers, and construct an interrelationship diagram. This study found that ‘availability and functionality of resources’; ‘top management support, active participation, and effective governance’; ‘support from government, regulators, and financial resources’; and ‘introduction of safer and more efficient robotic systems for human–robot interaction and collaboration’ serve as the primary means of resolving issues. Overall, this study helps managers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in I5.0 applications to promote sustainability in the supply chain.

Sustainability and groundwater in the context of Water-Energy-Food Nexus: a review of the literature

The sustainability of groundwater is contingent upon the Water-Energy-Food Nexus. In this context, the article aimed to analyze the state of the art in this field by using the Scopus database and the following keywords: “Sustainability”, “Nexus”, and “Groundwater”. The analysis was based on articles published over the last 79 years, from 1945 to August 2024. The results indicated that the production of articles on this topic started in 2008 and increased significantly from 2015 to 2023, with the USA having the highest number of publications. The publications encompass a multitude of disciplines, including environmental sciences, energy, engineering, social sciences, agricultural and biological sciences, earth and planetary sciences, business, management and accounting, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, chemical engineering, economics, econometrics, and finance. This demonstrates that the topic is inherently multidisciplinary, a conclusion supported by the variety of keywords identified. The keyword analysis yielded three clusters. The first area of focus is the nexus between climate change, agriculture (particularly crops and irrigation), energy, and sustainable water resources management. The second area of focus addresses the interrelationship between agriculture, ecosystems, food security, and the quality and availability of water resources. Moreover, the third area is related to hydrogeology and management of underground water resources. The identified gaps in the nexus include the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the nexus as a system, the absence of policy development to analyze synergies among all factors, the need for multi-sector integration, the dearth of socioeconomic impacts, the scarcity of local and specific data availability, and limited mention of the role of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in integrated water resource management. The identified trends highlight the convergence of climate change, agriculture, and water resource management, emphasizing food security and ecosystem protection. Technologies are becoming more energy-intensive, increasing the interdependence between water and energy. Mathematical models and machine learning are employed to predict the quality and quantity of groundwater.

Bayesian hierarchical model for heterogeneity in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the African continent

HCC prevalence and etiology differ between African regions. To better understand these differences, a survey was conducted to characterize the health care practices in HCC management in Africa. Due to limited number of respondents from certain countries in Africa and due to scarce availability of resources, the traditional method of adaptive quadrature produces unstable estimates in this complex setting with sparse multinomial outcomes and with sparse clustered random effects. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to address this challenge, apply it to the sparse real data captured in the survey, and validate the proposed method through simulations on synthetic data.