Access To Resources Research Articles

Performance analysis of a photovoltaic component integrated into a hybrid power plant in Southeast Mauritania

This study investigated the performance of photovoltaic components of the 1.3MW KIFFA hybrid power plant in Mauritania. Data from the plant's monitoring system (January-December 2021) was used to assess various performance metrics. The analysis revealed a high daily reference yield (5.60 h/d), indicating good solar resource availability. However, final and array yields (4.78 h/d and 4.86 h/d, respectively) suggested potential for improvement. System component efficiencies were within acceptable ranges, with particularly high inverter efficiency (98.31%). Array capture losses were moderate (0.74 h/d), and system losses were minimal (0.08 h/d). The annual performance ratio (86.33%) and capacity factor (19.91%) indicated good overall plant performance. These findings were then compared with data from similar installations in various climate zones to understand the impact of climatic variations on photovoltaic performance. Compared to installations in temperate zones with lower irradiation levels, the KIFFA plant's reference yield was significantly higher. However, the final and array yields were closer due to potentially higher operating temperatures in Mauritania affecting module efficiency. Interestingly, comparisons with installations in other desert regions with similarly high irradiation levels revealed lower performance, particularly in terms of final yield, (4.71 h/d) in Algéria (Adrar) and (4.10 h/d) in Oman (Muscat). This suggests that climatic factors beyond just sunlight availability, such as dust accumulation, may have played a significant role in their performance compared to the KIFFA plant.

Nature vs. nurture: Drivers of site productivity in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forests in the southeastern US

Forest productivity is one of the most important aspects of forest management, landscape planning, and climate change assessment. However, although there are multiple elements known to affect productivity, most of them rely on the “nature” of the edaphic, climatic, and geographic conditions, and only some specific aspects can be modified through forest management or “nurture”. Through evaluation of site resource availability and an understanding of the main drivers of productivity, management can present solutions to overcome site resource limitations to productivity. Therefore, understanding the implications of a specific management regime requires understanding what drives productivity across large spatial extents and among different management regimes. In this study, we used data from over 1 million hectares of industrial forestland, covering over 6000 different soils and several management regimes of Pinus taeda L. plantations, as well as plot-based data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, facilitating a comparison of planted and natural Pinus taeda stands. Combined with US Geological Survey LiDAR data, we computed site index and generated wall-to-wall productivity maps for planted Pinus taeda stands in the southeastern US, as well as point-based site index estimates for the FIA dataset. We modeled site index using a random forest algorithm considering edaphic, geologic, and physiographic province information based on the Forest Productivity Cooperative “SPOT” system, and also included climate and management history data. Our model predicted site index with an R2 of 0.701 and RMSE of 1.41 m on the industrial data and R2 of 0.417 and RMSE of 1.84 m for the FIA data. We found that year of establishment of the forest, physiographic province, and geology, were the most important drivers of site index. The soil classification modifier indicating root restrictions were the most important soil-specific variable. Additionally, we found an average increase in site index of 3.05 m since the 1950s for all FIA data, and an average increase of 4.73 m for all industrial data since the 1970s. For the latest period analyzed (2000–2012), average site index in planted FIA plots was 1.2 m higher than naturally regenerated FIA plots, and site index in all industrial forestland had a site index almost 3 m greater than planted FIA plots. Overall, we believe this work sets the foundation for better understanding of forest productivity and highlights the importance of intensive silviculture to improve productivity, and as an additional tool to achieve the economic, environmental, and social objectives.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Pros, Cons, and Future Expectations

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a globally accessible resource for organizing and processing information, improving efficiency, and increasing effectiveness. In healthcare, AI has shown the potential to identify health risks at early stages and enhance current treatment processes. As AI becomes more widely integrated, it is essential to consider the benefits and risks associated with this largely unproven technology to create an environment where patients and providers universally and equitably experience its advantages.

Nurses’ experiences in neonatal sepsis prevention and management: a qualitative cross-sectional study at selected hospitals in a metropolitan area

BackgroundNeonatal sepsis represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among infants in healthcare settings. This study explored nurses’ experiences in preventing and managing neonatal sepsis in the Tamale metropolis.MethodsAn exploratory, descriptive qualitative cross-sectional study design was used, and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The sample size was determined at the point of data saturation of fifteen participants. Thematic analysis was employed to identify codes, subthemes, and themes within the interview transcripts.ResultsThree major challenges nurses face in preventing and managing neonatal sepsis, including (1) the absence of a protocol for handling newborns upon admission, (2) an excessive workload that made it difficult for staff to follow infection prevention protocols, and (3) inadequate, obsolete and/or lack of equipment that caused devices to be overused. The nurses also identified critical psychological and emotional difficulties they encounter as a result of working within such a stressful environment. Other activities nurses conducted were handwashing before and after every procedure, infection prevention, and separating the babies in the incubator. In managing babies with neonatal sepsis, nurses provided daily treatment, hygiene care, and supported activities of living. The nurses also assert that the availability of resources, appropriate staff, and critical skills are important for preventing and managing neonatal sepsis.ConclusionThe lack of basic working consumables like gloves, syringes, and needles, inadequate staff, and lack of defined protocol of care were identified as critical challenges that hamper the care provided in neonatal care units. Hospital authorities must focus attention on addressing the critical challenges faced by neonatal care units. Also, measures should be instituted to address the emotional and psychological concerns associated with nursing care. Future research must consider the level of influence of each of the challenges enumerated on nurses’ overall health.

Il palmeto di AlDiriyah come esempio di vivibilità nei paesaggi delle aree desertiche

The adaptation of oasis cultural landscapes to the environment relies on the availability of water resources. It is a dynamic process to which the different populations that have inhabited our planet have been able to adapt, developing technologies and forms suitable for inhabiting harsh places, and creating sustainable settlements.Oasis ecosystems, part of the wider palm’s distribution range, are exemplary representations of these processes, and the palm grove is the paradigm of sustainability in the desert.This paper explores a hypothesis for the reconstruction of a fragment of the cultural landscape of the Al-Diriyah oasis, Saudi Arabia, today part of the urban area of Riyadh, where the design of the palm grove aims to become a driver of virtuous processes of recovery of the metropolitan ecosystem, and reference for other cities in the Arabian Peninsula connected in the territorial network of the Saudi Park, which connects sites with different degrees of wilderness and anthropization, enhancing and restoring the agricultural systems of the palm groves.

Stakeholder perspectives on supplemental milk for infants under six months with growth faltering

Abstract Background Growth faltering is a significant public health issue among infants aged <6 months (m). Supplemental milk is commonly used for infants with growth faltering, with variations in type and duration. We synthesized qualitative evidence on stakeholder perspectives about equity, feasibility, and acceptability of the type and duration of supplemental milk for infants aged <6m with growth faltering. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search of six electronic databases in addition to manual searches to identify all qualitative studies published during January 2000-June 2022. Identified articles were screened in two stages against an inclusion criteria with titles and abstract screened first followed by full-text screening. Included studies were quality appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. The primary outcome was equity, feasibility, and acceptability of various supplemental milk for infants <6mwith growth faltering. Results Eighteen studies, reporting perspectives of mothers, fathers, grandmothers and healthcare providers were included. Studies were conducted in North America (9), Africa (5) and Asia (3) and South Australia (1). Donor human milk (DHM) (13) and infant formula(9) were the main supplementary milk reported followed by cow/goat milk (2). Key sub-themes derived were: education/awareness, socio-economic status (SES), race and religion, practicality, availability of resources, sustainability, cost, affective attitude, perceived effectiveness and ethicality. Maternal/caregiver SES was a key sub-theme across all three supplemental milk feeds, acting either as a barrier or facilitator for uptake. Conclusions DHM and infant formula were the most commonly reported supplemental feed for infants aged <6m with growth faltering. Maternal/care giver factors were perceived as key to ensure equity, feasibility, and acceptability with respect to type and duration of supplemental milk for infants aged <6m with growth faltering. Key messages • Stakeholders perceived donor human milk and infant formula as main supplemental milk for infants aged <6 months with growth faltering. • Maternal/care giver factors are key to ensure equity, feasibility, and acceptability of supplemental milk for infants aged <6 months with growth faltering.

Exploring the Social Media Practices of Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGO): A Qualitative Approach

This study aims to enhance the understanding of how Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) use social media to engage their audiences in the causes they advocate. By incorporating elements from the Uses and Gratification theory and other sources, the researchers conducted one-on-one interviews with 20 ENGOs. Data were analysed through textual analysis using NVIVO software. The results indicate that ENGOs leverage social media, particularly Facebook, to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity, with positive impacts on fundraising and lobbying, depending on resource availability. However, limited budgets and corporate governance issues pose challenges to social media use. This study provides managerial recommendations for developing more engaging and effective communication strategies on social media, as well as further exploration of environmental communication trends.

Optimizing in-situ upgrading of heavy crude oil via catalytic aquathermolysis using a novel graphene oxide-copper zinc ferrite nanocomposite as a catalyst

Unconventional resources, such as heavy oil, are increasingly being explored and exploited due to the declining availability of conventional petroleum resources. Heavy crude oil poses challenges in production, transportation, and refining, due to its high viscosity, low API gravity, and elevated sulfur and metal content. Improving the quality of heavy oil can be achieved through the application of steam injection, which lowers the oil’s viscosity and enhances its flow. However, steam injection alone falls short of meeting the growing demand for higher-quality petroleum products. Catalytic upgrading is therefore being investigated as a viable solution to improve heavy oil quality. This study experimentally investigates the application of two novel catalysts, namely copper-substituted zinc ferrite (ZCFO) synthesized via the sol–gel combustion method and a graphene oxide-based nanocomposite (GO-ZCFO) with different ratios, for catalyzing aquathermolysis reactions in the steam injection process, with the aim of enhancing the in-situ upgrading of heavy oil. These catalysts underwent characterization using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Their catalytic performance was assessed utilizing a high-pressure/high-temperature reactor (300 ml), with a comprehensive analysis of the changes in the physical and chemical properties of the heavy oil before and after upgrading. This analysis included measurements of sulfur content, SARA fractions, viscosity, API gravity, and Gas Chromatography (GC) of saturated hydrocarbons and evolved gases. All upgrading experiments, including both catalytic and non-catalytic aquathermolysis processes, were conducted under a reaction time of 6 h, a reaction temperature of 320 °C, and high pressure (86–112 bar). The results indicated that the introduction of the proposed catalysts as additives into the upgrading system resulted in a significant reduction in sulfur content. This, in turn, led to a decrease in resin and asphaltene content, an increase in the content of saturated hydrocarbon, particularly low-molecular-weight alkanes, and ultimately, a reduction in viscosity along with higher API gravity of the crude oil. GO-ZCFO with a weight ratio (50:50) exhibited the best catalytic performance. The heavy crude oil, upgraded with this 50:50 ratio, exhibited significant enhancements, including a 29.26% reduction in sulfur content, a 21.27% decrease in resin content, a 37.60% decrease in asphaltene content, a 46.92% increase in saturated hydrocarbon content, a 66.48% reduction in viscosity, and a 25.49% increase in API gravity. In comparison, the oil upgraded through non-catalytic aquathermolysis showed only marginal improvements, with slight reductions in sulfur content by 5.41%, resin content by 3.60%, asphaltene content by 11.36%, viscosity by 17.89%, and inconsiderable increases in saturated hydrocarbon content by 9.9% and API gravity by 3.02%. The GO-ZCFO, with its high catalytic activity, stands as a promising catalyst that contributes to improving the in-situ upgrading and thermal conversion of heavy crude oil.

Needs Assessment for Primary Care for Best Practice Implementation: The CIRCE Joint Action

Abstract Introduction CIRCE is a Joint Action (JA) supporting the transfer of six best practices (BPs) to new primary care settings in Europe. High-quality needs assessment can set the foundation for strong planning and implementation of the CIRCE-JA best practices in these new primary care settings. Methods A needs assessment tool was developed based on the TO-REACH knowledge transfer framework and learnings from a scoping review of international knowledge transfer frameworks. The needs assessment provides structured tool for local sites to self-assess the alignment of the BP with local priorities, readiness of the local site to successfully implement the BP, the availability of necessary leadership, resources and partnerships, and an examination of barriers to local BP implementation and mitigation strategies. Results Twenty-six CIRCE-JA teams completed the needs assessments. Local teams identified the CIRCE-JA BPs were value-adding and aligned with local priorities. Cross-cutting barriers were identified which were common among the six CIRCE-JA best practices across five thematic areas: (1) provider level, (2) intervention level, (3) health system/policy level, (4) partnership and physical resources and (5) information technology. The needs assessment supported primary care sites with a structured approach to planning for transfer of BPs to their local setting that is based on established international best practices and knowledge transfer frameworks including early identification of barriers and mitigating strategies. Conclusions The needs assessment has supported teams with conducting a self-assessment and informing initial planning for adoption of the BP in their local primary care practice. Given the importance of the local needs assessment to high quality implementation of BP the CIRCE-JA experience with local needs assessment may provide learnings for future BP transfer initiatives. Key messages • Local needs assessment supports the transfer of best practices to primary care settings, which is a critical component of service transformation during the post-COVID-19 period. • For successful transfer of best practices in primary care, it is vital to give to examine such as provider capacity, available human resources, health policy, and information technology.

Rural Alabamians' Unmet Medical Needs: Rethinking the Roles of Online Health Information-Seeking Behaviors.

Unmet medical needs in rural areas are of grave concern in the U.S. With the advent of digital technologies, the Internet has become a critical means for accessing essential health information. However, racial/ethnic minority rural communities experiencing scarcity in healthcare services and access to the Internet are underrepresented in digital health studies. This study examined the association between online health information-seeking behaviors and unmet medical needs in a sample of African/Black American adults living in a rural region of the U.S. Among a sample of 191 adults, we used descriptive analyses to document the level of unmet medical needs and online health information-seeking behaviors of this population and conducted logistic regressions to test the association between online health information-seeking behaviors and unmet medical needs. Most participants were older than 50years old (60.2%), female (68.1%), unemployed (57.6%), and had an annual income of less than $25,000 (60.2%). About 20% of participants experienced unmet medical needs. The mean score of online health information-seeking behaviors was 2.37 (range 0-12). Increasing online health information-seeking behaviors was associated with 5.95 increased odds of experiencing unmet medical needs (OR = 5.95, 95% CI 1.27-27.77). The finding highlights that it is necessary to develop targeted programs aimed at populations with high unmet medical needs, focusing on providing accessible health information and resources. Further research is warranted to investigate the motivations to engage in online health information-seeking behaviors to inform structural and workforce interventions to address unmet medical needs in this under-resourced region.

Cross-sectional survey of health literacy among high school students in Armenia

Abstract Background We assessed the level of health literacy (HL) and explored its predictors among 15-17 years old adolescents in Armenia. Methods We conducted a survey among adolescents in public and private schools in the capital Yerevan and an adjacent province in 2023. The instrument included items on HL, general interest in health and socio-demographics. Ten questions measuring HL with four answer options were summed into the HL score (0-30). Multivariable regression model explored the independent associations of socio-demographic factors and interest in health issues with the HL. Results Overall, 366 students completed the survey. About 64% were females. The majority were interested in health issues (80.7%). Most participants felt they, in general, received sufficient health information (75.1%), could follow physician’s instructions (80.1%), were confident in advising family or friends on health improvements (70.5%), could easily give examples of health-promoting actions (76.8%), and explain their choices for health (77.6%). Additionally, 82.2% could judge the environmental impact of their actions, 82.0% could find understandable health information when needed, and 85.3% could assess how their behavior affects their health. Fewer respondents were confident in figuring out if the health information is correct (68.2%) or identifying correct health information when faced with conflicting data (67.1%). The average HL score was 17.41 (SD = 4.47), with a 58.0% percent score. In the regression analysis, being from private school vs. public and being interested in health vs. not were significant predictors of higher HL. Conclusions Despite having moderate HL level, a significant portion of Armenian adolescents lacked confidence in discerning correct health information. Interventions should prioritize enhancing HL, emphasizing critical evaluation skills and providing accessible and reliable health information resources tailored to adolescents, particularly in public schools. Key messages • The health literacy among Armenian adolescents was moderate with many lacking confidence in identifying correct health information and differentiating when faced with conflicting data. • Attending a private school and having an interest in health were significant predictors for higher health literacy, emphasizing the need for targeted health and policy interventions.

A non-isolated converter of switching current stress in DC-DC converter for integrating PV and battery storage system

ABSTRACT High-gain DC-DC converters have seen significant adoption in renewable energy systems like Photovoltaic (PV), Fuel Cells (FC), and other systems. However, their effectiveness is increasingly tied to the availability of renewable resources. As Renewable Energy Sources (RES) typically generate electricity at low voltage levels, integrating high-gain DC-DC converters with RES is crucial for optimal performance. This paper introduces an innovative DC-DC converter design that achieves high gain and is specifically able to integrate smoothly with RES like PV systems and battery storage. The innovation of the proposed converter lies in its integration of conventional boost and buck-boost converters, enabling a high voltage gain while minimizing output voltage ripple and reducing switch current stress. Additionally, its unidirectional power transfer port allows efficient energy flow from solar PV or battery sources to the load, making it highly adaptable for managing fluctuating energy sources, a feature that distinguishes it from current modern converters. Its design simplifies architecture by combining traditional converter types, reducing the number of components, which leads to cost savings, lower weight, and improved reliability. Additionally, the design minimizes output voltage ripple and reduces switching current stress, enhancing the converter’s durability under variable operating conditions. The converter’s performance is evaluated through simulation and experimental studies, demonstrating a 96.3% efficiency and 5.5 times of voltage gain. The converter’s feasibility and effectiveness are validated under dynamic scenarios with varying solar irradiation, making it an ideal solution for clean energy generation systems, including hybrid energy generation setups. The proposed converter topology offers an auspicious solution for high-gain DC-DC conversion in renewable energy systems.

Dragonfly: A Master of Migration

Insect migration is vital for ecosystems, with trillions of individuals redistributing biomass and nutrients annually. Dragonflies, particularly Pantala flavescens are notable migratory insects capable of traveling over 6,000 kilometres across generations. Their migrations are influenced by resource availability, breeding needs, environmental conditions, and competition avoidance. This behaviour includes both seasonal movements and sporadic flights triggered by temperature and wind cues. Despite their well-known life cycle from aquatic nymphs to aerial adults, many aspects of their migration remain under-researched. Dragonflies exhibit diverse flight mechanisms, employing four distinct modes: counter-stroking for hovering, phased-stroking for cruising synchronized stroking for acceleration, and gliding for energy conservation. Migratory species show specific wing adaptations for improved endurance, such as elongated forewings and larger hindwings, along with sensory enhancements like enlarged thoracic setae. Specialized flight muscles allow for independent wing control, essential for complex movements. Additionally, physiological adaptations like fat accumulation and rapid development support their migratory behaviour. Recent studies also highlight nocturnal migrations, revealing unique flight patterns and adaptations. Together, these traits underscore the evolutionary success of dragonflies in diverse ecosystems.

Care navigation platform fills gap in MH service, resource access

A navigation platform, launched Oct. 22, aims to help individuals find the right support for mental health, substance use and relationship challenges, whether it be therapists, psychiatrists, support groups or self‐help resources. The platform supports behavioral health providers and other care platforms in expanding their reach by helping individuals with new clients and patients, officials stated.

Composition Determination of Heterometallic Trinuclear Clusters via Anomalous X-ray and Neutron Diffraction.

Anomalous X-ray diffraction (AXD) and neutron diffraction can be used to crystallographically distinguish between metals of similar electron density. Despite the use of AXD for structural characterization in mixed metal clusters, there are no benchmark studies evaluating the accuracy of AXD toward assessing elemental occupancy in molecules with comparisons with what is determined via neutron diffraction. We collected resonant diffraction data on several homo and heterometallic clusters and refined their anomalous scattering components to determine metal site occupancies. Theoretical resonant scattering terms for Fe0, Co0, and Zn0 were compared against experimental values, revealing theoretical values are ill-suited to serve as references for occupancy determination. The cluster featuring distinct cation and anion metal compositions [CoCp2*][(tbsL)Fe3(μ3-NAr)] was used to assess the accuracy of different f' references for occupancy determination (f'theoretical ± 15-17%; f'experimental ± 10%). This methodology was applied toward calculating the occupancy of three different clusters: (tbsL)Fe2Zn(py) (6), (tbsL)Fe2Zn(μ3-NAr)(py) (7), and [CoCp*2][(tbsL)Fe2Zn(μ3-NAr)] (8). The first two clusters maintain 100% Fe/Zn site isolation, whereas 8 showed metal mixing within the sites. The large crystal size of 8 enabled collection of neutron diffraction data which was compared against the results found with AXD. The ability of AXD to replicate the metal occupancies as determined by neutron diffraction supports the AXD occupancy methodology developed herein. Furthermore, the advantages innate to AXD (e.g., smaller crystal sizes, shorter collection times, and greater availability of synchrotron resources) versus neutron diffraction further support the need for its development as a standard technique.

Factors influencing antenatal care attendance in the eight contact era policy: a case of selected maternal health service facilities in Blantyre, Malawi

BackgroundMaternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and Malawi remains high. Effective antenatal care (ANC) services can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. However, attendance to ANC clinics and the quality of services provided remain a challenge. Malawi adopted the 2016 WHO antenatal care model and there is a need to assess factors that influence antenatal care attendance. The main objective of this study was to assess factors influencing attendance in the era of the eight ANC contact policy in Blantyre.MethodsThis was an exploratory qualitative design in which 28 respondents participated using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for the data collection process. The study sites included two healthcare facilities, namely Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Bangwe Health Centre, and a rural community (William Village Bangwe Rural) in Blantyre district. The 28 study participants included 11 ANC attendees, which comprised seven women in their final trimester and four postpartum women who attended ANC during their pregnancy, five midwives running the ANC clinics, and 12 non-users of ANC. The recordings were transcribed verbatim. The data were organized using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft word and analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsThe factors promoting ANC attendance in the context of the eight ANC contact policy include; motivation from health workers, family, and spouses and the women’s perceptions of ANC particularly the role it plays in preventing, detecting, and treating illness, but also preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. On the other hand, the hindering factors to ANC attendance included lack of knowledge of the new ANC visit guidelines, financial constraints, quality of health services provided, attitude of healthcare workers, inadequate availability and training of healthcare workers, perceived poor quality of ANC services and personal beliefs.ConclusionIt is essential to provide comprehensive training to healthcare workers in the antenatal department regarding the new WHO ANC recommendations. This will help improve the quality of services at the antenatal clinics, including ensuring the availability of all necessary resources to encourage attendance. Additionally, promoting comprehensive spousal support, encouraging participation in activities, and adequately planning scheduled visits can help overcome financial barriers and further support antenatal attendance.

Healthcare Provider Narratives of the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant and Parenting Youth in Canada: A Qualitative Study

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant challenges for healthcare providers working with pregnant and parenting youth. However, the impacts of the pandemic on this population and healthcare services from the perspective of healthcare providers are not well documented in Canada. We examined the narratives and experiences of healthcare providers regarding these impacts and explored the challenges to service provision. Using a qualitative interpretative description (ID) approach, we recruited 25 health and service providers from Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia for individual qualitative interviews. Our analysis resulted in three themes: complexities of health service provision during COVID-19, healthcare providers’ accounts of impacts on pregnant and parenting youth, and leveraging challenges into opportunities for service provision. Participants described the influence of pandemic policies and distancing measures on accessibility of health services, availability of healthcare resources and personnel, and well-being of their clients. They also reported increased mental health issues, isolation, and exacerbation of inequities within this population. Providers highlighted the role of telemedicine in ensuring some degree of continuity of care. Additionally, they commented on service adaptations to address the evolving needs of their clients. Our findings underline the need for a resilient and adaptable healthcare system that can better support the needs of vulnerable populations during crises.

Gastrointestinal morphology is an effective functional dietary proxy that predicts small mammal community structure.

The availability and quality of food resources can alter the intensity of competition and predation pressure within communities. Understanding species capacity to respond to global change-driven shifts in resource distribution is therefore crucial for biodiversity conservation. Small mammal communities are often structured by competition for food resources, but understanding and monitoring these processes are currently hindered by lack of functional dietary trait information in these hard-to-sample systems. In this study, we collected a comprehensive suite of gastrointestinal (GI) measurements from 26 small mammal species (including some never reported), compared them with more traditional craniodental traits in predicting dietary guild, and used them in a novel way to understand how diet structures 22 small mammal communities across the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. As predicted, we found GI traits to be effective dietary trait proxies; they were equally or more accurate than craniodental proportions in predicting the dietary guild of individual species. Furthermore, at the community level, we found that both the mean and functional dispersion of GI length were positively correlated with latitude and measures of temperature seasonality. Our results indicate that small mammal communities in more seasonal environments are filtered to include species with longer GI tracts (on average) as well as those that can partition food resources more finely, as expected based on the lower productivity of these regions. Conversely, communities in less seasonal environments display functional redundancy from the addition of species with short to intermediate GI lengths. Proportions of the GI tract represent novel dietary traits that can illuminate community assembly processes across regional environmental gradients and in the face of changing timing and availability of resources.

Relationships between abiotic factors, foliage chemistry and herbivory in a tropical montane ecosystem.

Herbivore-plant interactions are fundamental processes shaping ecosystems, yet their study is challenged by their complex connections within broader ecosystem processes, requiring a nuanced understanding of ecosystem dynamics. This study investigated the relationship between nutrient availability and insect herbivory in the Australian Wet Tropics. Our objectives were threefold. Firstly, to understand what factors influence nutrient availability for plants and herbivores across the landscape; secondly, to investigate how trees of different species respond to nutrient availability; and thirdly, to unravel how the relationships between resources and plant chemistry affect herbivory. We established a network of 25 study sites covering important abiotic gradients, including temperature, precipitation, and geology. Employing a hierarchical modelling approach, we assessed the influence of climate and geology on resource availability for plants, primarily in the form of soil nutrients. Then, we explored the influence of the above factors on the interaction between herbivory and foliage chemistry across three widespread rainforest tree species, comparing how these relationships emerged across genera. Our findings suggest an overarching influence of climate and geology over soil chemistry, foliar nitrogen, and insect herbivory, both directly and indirectly. However, individual constituents of soil fertility showed equivocal influences on spatial patterns of foliage chemistry once site geological origin was accounted for, suggesting a questionable relationship between individualsoil nutrients and foliar composition. We have demonstrated that herbivore-plant interactions are complex dynamics regulated by an intricate web of relationships spanning different biogeochemical processes. While our results provide some support to the notion that herbivory is affected by resource availability, different species growing under the same conditions can show differing responses to the same resources, highlighting the importance of identifying specific limiting factors rather than simpler proxies of resource availability.

Subject Advisors’ Understanding of their Curriculum Leadership Roles for Mathematics Improvement in South African Schools

The study aimed to investigate the curriculum leadership role of Mathematics subject advisors in enhancing Mathematics education in South Africa. Using a case study design, seven Mathematics subject advisors and ten Mathematics educators were sampled from all seven districts of the Free State province. Data collection methods included in-depth semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. Data analysis followed Tesch’s (1990) eight-step coding technique. The field study revealed that Mathematics subject advisors’ leadership roles encompassed providing support and guidance to educators, conducting educator appraisals, monitoring and overseeing educators’ and learners’ workbooks, mentoring, and professional development. They also handled administrative tasks findings like resource provision and paperwork using monitoring tools. While all subject advisors aimed to improve Mathematics achievement, their approaches varied. Some reviewed past strategies while others adapted based on resource availability. Individual educational philosophies also influenced their strategies. Moreover, subject advisors operate within a network that includes principals, educators, learners, and the broader context. Effective curriculum leadership depends on these interactions. Interestingly, none of the subject advisors claimed comprehensive knowledge of their subject area. Some lacked specialization in Mathematics or related fields in which they were operating. Many expressed a need for training, particularly in managing and supporting progressed learners. These findings suggest the need for a standardized model to guide leadership training for Mathematics subject advisors. Such a model could enhance curriculum leadership, thereby improving teaching practices and student performance. Future research could use these insights to develop this model. Keywords: Curriculum Leadership, Subject Advisors, Mathematics, Curriculum, Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), Cognitive Theory