Adoption Of Practices Research Articles

Long-term outcomes associated with subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background In patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) S-ICD is usually the preferred option as pacing is generally not indicated. However, limited data are available on its current practice adoption and long term follow-up. Purpose The present study was designed to examine in a multicenter, open-label, long-term study, the patient’s selection process for S-ICD implantation, the short and long term complications, the appropriate shock (AS) rates, shock efficacy and outcome. Methods Consecutive HCM patients with an S-ICD implanted between 2013 and 2021 in 3 international centers were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Baseline, procedural and follow-up data together with clinical evaluation, ECG, echocardiography, and telemetry checks of the S-ICD were regularly collected. Results Seventy patients (64% males) were enrolled, implanted at 41±15 years, 62 (89%) in primary prevention with a mean ESC SCD risk score of 4,5±1.9%: 25 (40%) at low risk, 17 (27%) at intermediate and 20 (33%) at high risk. Patients were followed-up for 5.1±2.3 years (327 person-years). Notably, 25 (36%) were followed for more than 6 years up to 10 years. Two patients (3%) received an appropriate shock on ventricular fibrillation and 17 (24%) were diagnosed with a de-novo atrial fibrillation, sub-clinical in 6 (9%). One TIA and 2 strokes were reported. Inappropriate shocks occurred in 4 patients (6%), all before Smart-Pass algorithm implementation. Eight patients experienced device related adverse events (11%). Conclusions S-ICDs in HCM patients followed for over 5 years showed to be effective in the conversion of VF in 2 ESC SCD high risk patients (3%) and useful in the detection of sub-clinical AF in 6 (9%). S-ICDs are implanted in patients with an overall low-intermediate ESC SCD risk, probably reflecting both the inclusion of additional risk markers (i.e extensive LGE, reduced EF and apical aneurism) and the physician perception of low device-related complications S-ICD is generally safe, but greater scrutiny may be required to avoid overtreatment in HCM patients with milder risk profiles.Real world use and candidacy of S-ICDAppropriate and inappropriate shocks

Global consensus statement on simulation-based practice in healthcare

Simulation plays a pivotal role in addressing universal healthcare challenges, reducing education inequities, and improving mortality, morbidity and patient experiences. It enhances healthcare processes and systems, contributing significantly to the development of a safety culture within organizations. It has proven to be cost-effective and successful in enhancing team performance, fostering workforce resilience and improving patient outcomes. Through an international collaborative effort, an iterative consultation process was conducted with 50 societies operating across 67 countries within six continents. This process revealed common healthcare challenges and simulation practices worldwide. The intended audience for this statement includes policymakers, healthcare organization leaders, health education institutions, and simulation practitioners. It aims to establish a consensus on the key priorities for the broad adoption of exemplary simulation practice that benefits patients and healthcare workforces globally. Key recommendations Advocating for the benefits that simulation provides to patients, staff and organizations is crucial, as well as promoting its adoption and integration into daily learning and practice throughout the healthcare spectrum. Low-cost, high-impact simulation methods should be leveraged to expand global accessibility and integrate into system improvement processes as well as undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. Support at institutional and governmental level is essential, necessitating a unified and concerted approach in terms of political, strategic and financial commitment. It is imperative that simulation is used appropriately, employing evidence-based quality assurance approaches that adhere to recognized standards of best practice. These standards include faculty development, evaluation, accrediting, credentialing, and certification. We must endeavor to provide equitable and sustainable access to high-quality, contextually relevant simulation-based learning opportunities, firmly upholding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. This should be complemented with a renewed emphasis on research and scholarship in this field. Call for action We urge policymakers and leaders to formally acknowledge and embrace the benefits of simulation in healthcare practice and education. This includes a commitment to sustained support and a mandate for the application of simulation within education, training, and clinical environments. We advocate for healthcare systems and education institutions to commit themselves to the goal of high-quality healthcare and improved patient outcomes. This commitment should encompass the promotion and resource support of simulation-based learning opportunities for individuals and interprofessional teams throughout all stages and levels of a caregiver’s career, in alignment with best practice standards. We call upon simulation practitioners to champion healthcare simulation as an indispensable learning tool, adhere to best practice standards, maintain a commitment to lifelong learning, and persist in their fervent advocacy for patient safety. This statement, the result of an international collaborative effort, aims to establish a consensus on the key priorities for the broad adoption of exemplary simulation practice that benefits patients and healthcare workforces globally.

Adoption of sustainable farming practices in Vietnam: A discourse of the determining factors

To delve into the intricacies of sustainable agricultural practices, our study investigates both the behavioral and non-behavioral factors influencing farmers' decision-making processes. Employing the New Ecological Model (NEP) to capture social factors, our research framework integrates insights from the sustainable livelihood framework, which delineates five crucial types of livelihood capital: (1) human capital, (2) natural capital, (3) financial capital, (4) physical capital, and (5) social capital. This comprehensive approach enables us to incorporate additional non-behavioral factors and their impacts on farmers' decisions. We underscore the pivotal role of farmers' decisions in fostering sustainable agriculture, aligning with seven of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Leveraging survey data collected from 303 Vietnamese farmers, we validate our research framework using two analytical models: Structural Equation Model (SEM) and binary logit analysis. Our findings underscore the significant influence of farmers' risk propensity and concerns regarding food safety and environmental conservation on the adoption of organic farming practices. Notably, farmers' level of knowledge emerges as a critical determinant shaping their inclination towards sustainable agriculture. The study underscores the importance of targeted educational initiatives and awareness campaigns, identifying key determinants such as proximity to green spaces and farm size in shaping farmers' choices towards sustainable practices.

Dynamics of Leaders in Indonesia's Environmental Sustainability

Leader dynamics play an important role in promoting environmental sustainability practices within organizations. Effective leaders can inspire and guide communities in preserving their environment. With strong leadership, organizations can move toward sustainability, embrace innovation, and be role models in maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. This research analyses the impact of leader dynamics on efforts to preserve a sustainable environment through their role in environment-related decision-making and how leadership styles can affect environmental conservation. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach. Data are obtained from various research results and previous research relevant to the study's content. The results found the importance of leader dynamics in encouraging environmental sustainability practices. Leadership plays an important role in encouraging environmental sustainability practices. Different leadership strategies and interventions towards environmental sustainability practices. Understanding the dynamics of leaders in promoting environmental sustainability is essential to encourage the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in Indonesia

Silo mentality in teams: emergence, repercussions and recommended options for change

PurposeThis article summarizes practitioner observations on three research questions. First, the factors that lead to the emergence and persistence of such teams. Second, the repercussions of siloed teams. And third, practical suggestions and recommendations that practitioners can employ to prevent silo formation or address existing silos. This article thus complements recent academic work that has previously explored the formation of silos.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the input of current team leads from a focus group along with their consulting experience to explore these three research questions. The team lead input and consulting expertise are integrated with academic research on silos.FindingsThe emergence and persistence of silos was mostly attributed to company characteristics (size, growth and stakeholder management) as well as communication inefficiencies (lack of role clarity and ownership within teams), which in turn were impacted by situational variables (pandemic and turnover). The authors noted the effect of team composition effects, team competition and organizational changes (rapid growth and restructuring) as potential contributors to the formation and persistence of silos. The team lead experts and our consulting experiences were congruent with the literature focused on repercussions of silos, from poor information exchanges to inefficiencies, divisions and perceived isolation of teams from the organization. Solutions focused on project organization and documentation as well as the adoption of new decision-making tools and practices, and the creation of more exchange and learning opportunities. The authors added additional options to promote more visibility, appreciation, proactive monitoring within teams and organizational identification initiatives.Originality/valueThe current article adds a pragmatic perspective to silos and how organizations can address these when they become problematic and hinder performance and collaboration.

Experimental investigation on the mechanical properties of cement mortar containing recycled tire crumbs reinforced with polypropylene, oil palm and banana fibers

The automotive industry discards a large number of end-of-life tires annually, creating a growing global environmental hazard. The incorporation of crumb rubber derived from waste tires into construction materials is considered one of several alternatives for sustainably reusing these waste materials. The addition of fibers as reinforcements would address the typical degradation caused by the crumb rubber in cement composites. Fibers sourced from plants and recycled synthetics offer a practical and eco-friendly reinforcement material that is both cost-effective and easy to procure. However, two challenges emerge from these choices. Firstly, natural fibers exhibit substantial regional variations, resulting in differences in their properties and inconsistent performance. Secondly, recycled materials also demonstrate variation due to disparities in production and manufacturing processes. As a result, incorporating these fibers into cement-based materials has produced conflicting outcomes due to these inherent variations, rendering practical application unfavorable. Therefore, this study attempts to promote the adoption of sustainable practices by addressing the lack of available performance-based data for the utilization of these fiber variants in the design of cement mixtures. The data would allow engineers to integrate these mixtures into commercial designs for practical in-situ construction. A total of 18 novel cement-based mixtures containing different types of fibers, chemical admixture, and discarded crumb waste were formulated and evaluated in fresh and hardened properties. A multifaceted approach was also undertaken to further hybridize the fibers and quantify the synergistic effects within the investigated cement matrice. The results indicate that the incorporation of polypropylene and oil palm fibers enhances compressive and tensile strength, although there is a general weakening observed in flexural strength. In the case of hybrid fibers, a successful combination of polypropylene and banana fibers is evident, showing a positive hybrid effect coefficient compared to a negative coefficient for polypropylene-oil palm fiber combinations.

Towards a causal link between food insecurity and buy-now-pay-later use by young Australians

Purpose This paper aims to understand if buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services, a digital type of credit that targets young consumers, acts as a protective or a risk factor for food insecurity among young consumers in Australia. Design/methodology/approach The study uses survey data from a representative sample of young consumers aged 18–24 from all internal states and territories in Australia. Propensity score matching is used to test two hypotheses: BNPL drives young consumers to food insecurity, and food insecurity leads young consumers to use BNPL. Findings There is evidence that BNPL use is driving young Australian consumers to experience food insecurity, but there is no evidence of food insecurity driving the use of BNPL services. Practical implications The evidence of BNPL driving young consumers to experience food insecurity calls for the adoption of practices and stronger regulation to ensure that young users from being overindebted. Originality/value Although the link with more traditional forms of credit (such as personal loans) and consumer wellbeing has been explored more broadly, this project is the first attempt to have causal evidence of the link between BNPL and food insecurity in a high-income country, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. This evidence helps to fill the gap about the protective or risky nature of this type of digital financial product, as experienced by young Australians.

Global consensus statement on simulation-based practice in healthcare

Simulation plays a pivotal role in addressing universal healthcare challenges, reducing education inequities, and improving mortality, morbidity and patient experiences. It enhances healthcare processes and systems, contributing significantly to the development of a safety culture within organizations. It has proven to be cost-effective and successful in enhancing team performance, fostering workforce resilience and improving patient outcomes.Through an international collaborative effort, an iterative consultation process was conducted with 50 societies operating across 67 countries within six continents. This process revealed common healthcare challenges and simulation practices worldwide. The intended audience for this statement includes policymakers, healthcare organization leaders, health education institutions, and simulation practitioners. It aims to establish a consensus on the key priorities for the broad adoption of exemplary simulation practice that benefits patients and healthcare workforces globally.Key recommendations Advocating for the benefits that simulation provides to patients, staff and organizations is crucial, as well as promoting its adoption and integration into daily learning and practice throughout the healthcare spectrum. Low-cost, high-impact simulation methods should be leveraged to expand global accessibility and integrate into system improvement processes as well as undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. Support at institutional and governmental level is essential, necessitating a unified and concerted approach in terms of political, strategic and financial commitment.It is imperative that simulation is used appropriately, employing evidence-based quality assurance approaches that adhere to recognized standards of best practice. These standards include faculty development, evaluation, accrediting, credentialing, and certification.We must endeavor to provide equitable and sustainable access to high-quality, contextually relevant simulation-based learning opportunities, firmly upholding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. This should be complemented with a renewed emphasis on research and scholarship in this field.Call for action We urge policymakers and leaders to formally acknowledge and embrace the benefits of simulation in healthcare practice and education. This includes a commitment to sustained support and a mandate for the application of simulation within education, training, and clinical environments.We advocate for healthcare systems and education institutions to commit themselves to the goal of high-quality healthcare and improved patient outcomes. This commitment should encompass the promotion and resource support of simulation-based learning opportunities for individuals and interprofessional teams throughout all stages and levels of a caregiver’s career, in alignment with best practice standards.We call upon simulation practitioners to champion healthcare simulation as an indispensable learning tool, adhere to best practice standards, maintain a commitment to lifelong learning, and persist in their fervent advocacy for patient safety.This statement, the result of an international collaborative effort, aims to establish a consensus on the key priorities for the broad adoption of exemplary simulation practice that benefits patients and healthcare workforces globally.

Leveraging data analytics and IoT technologies for enhancing oral health programs in schools

This paper explores the potential of leveraging data analytics and IoT technologies to enhance oral health programs in schools. By analyzing data generated from IoT devices such as smart toothbrushes and oral health trackers, schools can implement targeted interventions, promote better oral hygiene practices, and prevent dental issues among students. This comprehensive approach not only improves oral health outcomes but also contributes to overall student health and academic success. In recent years, the integration of data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has brought about significant transformations across multiple industries, with healthcare being a prominent example. Oral health, a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, stands to benefit greatly from these advancements. This paper delves into the potential of harnessing data analytics and IoT technologies to elevate oral health programs within educational institutions, particularly schools. By tapping into the wealth of data generated by IoT devices such as smart toothbrushes and oral health trackers, schools can devise targeted interventions, foster improved oral hygiene practices, and preemptively address dental issues among their students. This comprehensive approach not only yields tangible improvements in oral health outcomes but also holds the promise of enhancing overall student health and bolstering academic success. In recent years, the integration of data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has not only revolutionized various sectors but has also become a driving force in reshaping healthcare practices. Amidst these advancements, oral health, often overlooked yet crucial to overall well-being, emerges as a domain ripe for transformation. This paper embarks on an exploration of how the amalgamation of data analytics and IoT can invigorate oral health programs within educational settings, particularly schools. By delving into the vast pool of data generated by IoT devices such as smart toothbrushes and oral health trackers, schools can strategically design interventions tailored to individual needs, foster the adoption of superior oral hygiene practices, and proactively mitigate dental issues among their student body. Keywords: Data Analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), Oral Health, Schools, Dental Hygiene, Student Health, Preventive Care.

Teachers’ Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use of Technology in Primary School Classrooms in Bangladesh

The study aimed to investigate primary school teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding technology use in the classroom in five selected districts of Bangladesh. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with primary school teachers, local education officers, and PTI and URC instructors. Incorporating the theoretical lens of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study examined the perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease-of-use (PEOU) of ICT among teachers. Findings indicated that while teachers recognize the high usefulness of ICT in educational settings, they report lower ease-of-use, often attributable to factors like inadequate training, infrastructure and limited resources. Technology-based teaching and learning activities could enhance the quality of education and promote equity and inclusiveness in primary schools. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced ICT practice in government primary schools, leading to the adoption of mobile-based teaching-learning practices. The study recommends targeted interventions emphasizing comprehensive teacher training, infrastructural enhancements, and motivational strategies are crucial to bridge the policy-practice gap regarding ICT. Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research, 49 (2),109-124

Knowledge and perception of cereal farmers and extension agents on fungicide use in northern Ghana.

Agricultural pesticide use in sub-Saharan Africa has doubled over the past three decades, with a greater relative increase for fungicides. As pesticide inputs continue to rise, so does the potential for the development of resistance. Here, we report on a survey conducted to understand pesticide resistance awareness, pesticide-use knowledge and practices of growers and agricultural extension officers (AEOs) in the cereals growing-belt of northern Ghana, with emphasis on fungicides. The results may inform development of strategies for improving pesticide literacy including resistance awareness, extension services and crop protection outcomes. The survey revealed a low level of pesticide-use knowledge for AEOs and growers. This was more so for growers with low education, predominantly women. Education level (and indirectly gender) influenced perceived effectiveness of fungicides and levels of adoption of cultural and agrochemical best practices. Only 28% of growers and 11% of AEOs practiced crop and fungicide rotations, respectively. More than half (53%) of the respondents indicated that fungicides used in northern Ghana are not effective. Given the low level of pesticide literacy of AEOs and growers, training programs on best practice for the use of pesticides, with targeted initiatives for female growers, would improve crop protection outcomes and safety. The limited adoptions of crop rotation and repeated use of fungicides with the same active ingredients, along with >50% of respondents reporting 'fungicides not working' suggest the potential presence of fungicide resistance cases in growers' fields in the Northern region of Ghana. Further work is needed to determine the incidence of resistance in the region. It is recommended that a key policy priority should focus on understanding broader agrochemical-use practices, crop losses and household-level food security in the presence of resistance risks. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Global consensus statement on simulation-based practice in healthcare.

Simulation plays a pivotal role in addressing universal healthcare challenges, reducing education inequities, and improving mortality, morbidity and patient experiences. It enhances healthcare processes and systems, contributing significantly to the development of a safety culture within organizations. It has proven to be cost-effective and successful in enhancing team performance, fostering workforce resilience and improving patient outcomes.Through an international collaborative effort, an iterative consultation process was conducted with 50 societies operating across 67 countries within six continents. This process revealed common healthcare challenges and simulation practices worldwide. The intended audience for this statement includes policymakers, healthcare organization leaders, health education institutions, and simulation practitioners. It aims to establish a consensus on the key priorities for the broad adoption of exemplary simulation practice that benefits patients and healthcare workforces globally. Advocating for the benefits that simulation provides to patients, staff and organizations is crucial, as well as promoting its adoption and integration into daily learning and practice throughout the healthcare spectrum. Low-cost, high-impact simulation methods should be leveraged to expand global accessibility and integrate into system improvement processes as well as undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. Support at institutional and governmental level is essential, necessitating a unified and concerted approach in terms of political, strategic and financial commitment.It is imperative that simulation is used appropriately, employing evidence-based quality assurance approaches that adhere to recognized standards of best practice. These standards include faculty development, evaluation, accrediting, credentialing, and certification.We must endeavor to provide equitable and sustainable access to high-quality, contextually relevant simulation-based learning opportunities, firmly upholding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. This should be complemented with a renewed emphasis on research and scholarship in this field. We urge policymakers and leaders to formally acknowledge and embrace the benefits of simulation in healthcare practice and education. This includes a commitment to sustained support and a mandate for the application of simulation within education, training, and clinical environments.We advocate for healthcare systems and education institutions to commit themselves to the goal of high-quality healthcare and improved patient outcomes. This commitment should encompass the promotion and resource support of simulation-based learning opportunities for individuals and interprofessional teams throughout all stages and levels of a caregiver's career, in alignment with best practice standards.We call upon simulation practitioners to champion healthcare simulation as an indispensable learning tool, adhere to best practice standards, maintain a commitment to lifelong learning, and persist in their fervent advocacy for patient safety.This statement, the result of an international collaborative effort, aims to establish a consensus on the key priorities for the broad adoption of exemplary simulation practice that benefits patients and healthcare workforces globally.

Strategic Management Practices and Employee Performance in Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The growth and development of an organization are contingent upon the effective management of its human resources. However, the adoption of effective human resource management practices in many local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) NGOs operating in the development sector have received insufficient attention. This research aims to explore the impact of strategic management practices on employee performance within non-governmental organizations located in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives of this study are to assess the influence of communication, objective setting, strategic leadership, and training on employee performance in non-governmental organizations operating in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was guided by expectancy theory, goal setting theory, contingency theory, and human capital theory. A descriptive research design was employed. The population was five prominent NGOs in Nairobi City County, namely Oxfam International, World Vision, USAID, Mercy Corps, and Amnesty International. The study targeted 742 respondents. Stratified sampling method was used and selection of respondents done using simple random sampling method. The sample size was 260 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires. Questionnaires were piloted to 26 respondents. Validity was ensured using content validity. In addition, Cronbach's alpha test was used to test reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical and inferential statistics. The results were presented using tables and figures. The study found that communication, objective setting, strategic leadership and training had a positive significant influence on employee performance in non-governmental organizations in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study concludes that communication in the workplace is important because it boosts employee morale, engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. Training is important because it represents a good opportunity for employees to grow their knowledge base and improve their job skills to become more effective in the workplace. The study recommends that non-governmental organizations in Nairobi City County, Kenya should focus on the implementation of effective communication channels and tools by including the use of technology such as intranet platforms, project management software, and instant messaging systems. The non-governmental organizations in Nairobi City County, Kenya should ensure that goals are clearly defined, quantifiable, realistic, aligned with the overall objectives of the organization, and have a specific deadline for completion. The non-governmental organizations in Nairobi City County, Kenya should focus on building the skills and capabilities of current and future leaders through training in areas such as communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution, as well as opportunities for leaders to receive feedback and coaching on their performance. Create a culture of transparency and open communication within the organization.

Role of intrinsic motivation and government policies in adoption of sustainable agriculture practices by farmers in Maharashtra, India

Indian agriculture system is facing severe crisis due to multiple stressors, including climate change, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, poor socio-economic condition of farmers and water scarcity. Adoption of sustainable form of agriculture is one of the remedies to deal with these stressors. Despite this, adoption of Sustainable Agriculture Practices (SAPs) is quite limited among farmers, which necessitates understanding the factors driving farmers’ adoption of SAPs. So far, studies have majorly prioritized socio-economic and demographic variables and lack comprehensive understanding of institutional and behavioural factors towards adoption of SAPs by farming community. Current research aims to address the underlying gaps, by focusing on understanding the contribution of institutional, attitudinal and perceptual factors manifesting in attitude and perception. Thereby, to understand the factors driving adoption of SAPs, we conducted a field survey of 400 farmers across Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra, India. We further used structural equation modeling to model the relationship between SAPs and its driving factors i.e., intrinsic motivation and institutional factors. Findings show that perceived usefulness, easiness and compatibility are strong motivation in implementing sustainable agriculture practices by farmers. These factors need to be inculcated among farmers for improving their adoption of SAPs. The subsidy provided on seeds, fertilizers, and water leads to overutilization of these resources, which itself is an unsustainable practice. Only incentives and extension services showed a statistically significant and positive relationship with the adoption of SAPs. Findings can help policymakers in designing targeted interventions for farmers and agriculture sector in India.

What is Agile Project Management? Developing a New Definition Following a Systematic Literature Review

The concept of “Agile Project Management” has gained significant traction in various sectors, beyond its origins in software development. However, a coherent, universally accepted definition remains elusive, prompting this study to embark on a systematic exploration of agile practices and their implications in broader contexts. Employing a systematic literature review across three major academic databases on business and management studies in the past two decades, this research scrutinizes a final selection of 80 high-quality academic papers. The principal contribution of our research is the articulation of a nuanced definition of Agile Project Management, which demarcates it from traditional project management frameworks and those agile practices specific to software development. This study not only sheds light on the prevailing ambiguities in the understanding of Agile Project Management but also sets the stage for future research into the emerging organizational dynamics engendered by the adoption of agile practices.

“If I say sustainable diet”: What are French consumers’ social representations?

The adoption of sustainable diets is essential to maintain our planet’s ecosystem and the well-being of its inhabitants. Scientists characterize sustainable diets by four essential dimensions: respectful of the environment, of good nutritional quality, culturally acceptable, and economically fair. The ‘sustainable diet’ concept, however, can be challenging for consumers to understand. They might partially understand the concept or have representations of the concept that are not shared between individuals, which could result in difficulty putting the recommendations into practice. Our study investigated French consumers’ social representations of sustainable diets, aiming more particularly to show if groups with different levels of education might have different representations. A free word association task was carried out by 273 participants aged between 20 and 60 years. Our results revealed common associations among the participants, including concepts such as ecology, health, environment, and locality. Sociocultural and economic dimensions were rarely mentioned, unlike the predominant environmental dimension. Segmentation analysis by education level revealed that participants in the higher education group had more multidimensional social representations. These results show that the ‘sustainable diet’ concept is not fully shared by French consumers. Clarifying the definition should improve consumer understanding, thus promoting the adoption of sustainable diet practices by all.

Emerging Technologies in Chemical Engineering: Advancements in Process Optimization, Sustainable Practices, and Future Innovations

The abstract encapsulates the essence of the study on emerging technologies in chemical engineering, focusing on advancements in process optimization, sustainable practices, and future innovations. Within the dynamic landscape of chemical engineering, the integration of emerging technologies has reshaped industrial processes, offering new opportunities to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. This study explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies, such as computational modelling, artificial intelligence, and bioprocess engineering, in addressing pressing societal and environmental challenges while driving innovation and sustainable development. Through a comprehensive literature review and synthesis of key findings, the study highlights the pivotal role of chemical engineering in shaping the design, optimization, and implementation of industrial processes across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, energy production, pharmaceuticals, and environmental remediation. Advancements in process optimization, facilitated by the integration of computational tools and data analytics, enable engineers to systematically analyze and control chemical processes with unprecedented precision and efficiency, leading to improvements in productivity, resource utilization, and waste reduction. The adoption of sustainable practices, such as green chemistry principles, renewable energy sources, and circular economy initiatives, reflects a growing emphasis on minimizing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency throughout the product lifecycle. Concurrently, the exploration of future innovations in chemical engineering, including nanotechnologies, bioprocesses, and advanced materials, offers promising opportunities to address emerging challenges and drive positive change in the field. By synthesizing these key findings, the study provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies in chemical engineering, guiding future research, policy, and practice towards achieving sustainable and resilient industrial processes. In essence, the study contributes to advancing knowledge and understanding of the transformative potential of emerging technologies in chemical engineering and their role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for society and the planet.

Soil fertility in mixed crop-livestock farming systems of Punjab, Pakistan: The role of institutional factors and sustainable land management practices

CONTEXTSoil salinization is a significant environmental challenge prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions, causing adverse effects on crop yields and jeopardizing household food security. Previous research has examined the influence of institutional dynamics and the adoption of sustainable land management practices in bolstering agricultural output, and some have investigated the interplay among socioeconomic determinants, institutional frameworks, and the uptake of climate-resilient and sustainable methodologies, or the association between soil health and agricultural productivity. Yet, there has been a lack of studies that considered this relationship altogether and their role in enhancing soil fertility. OBJECTIVEWe investigate the relationship among socioeconomic and institutional factors, adoption of sustainable land management practices, and the resulting changes in soil fertility between 2016 and 2019 within the context of mixed crop-livestock farms in the three irrigated agroecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. A household survey was conducted in 2019 to complement soil attributes data collected by the Government of Punjab in 2016. Households that implemented sustainable land management practices between 2016 and 2019 were analysed to investigate the effect of various factors on soil fertility, including the adoption of sustainable land management practices and their influence on soil fertility dynamics. METHODSA structural equation model was employed to examine the relationship among exogenous variables, moderating variables, and endogenous variables, to explain their collective influence on soil fertility between the two periods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe key findings highlight the significant role of institutional factors, including access to formal information channels such as extension services, demonstration trials, and credit facilities, alongside secure land rights, in predicting the adoption of sustainable land management practices such as gypsum application, laser land leveling, farmyard manuring, and agroforestry. Furthermore, specific SLM practices, particularly agroforestry featuring intercropping with Acacia spp. and farmyard manure application, exhibited positive impacts on change in soil organic matter, albeit with agroforestry showing a negative influence on soil phosphorus levels. The adoption of gypsum and LLL displayed positive effects on soil phosphorus levels over time, contrasting with LLL's adverse impact on soil organic matter. SIGNIFICANCEOur findings suggest that soil fertility benefits from policies enacted through public-private partnerships that lead to improved access to sustainable land management information, reduced credit barriers, establishment of local soil testing facilities, and expedited land entitlement processes. These findings highlight the critical role of collaborative partnerships and institutional arrangements in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE OF FAMILY BUSINESSES IN EMERGING ECONOMIES

Dynamic capabilities analyze the sources and methods of better performance and wealth creation and capture by firms operating in environments of rapid technological changes. Based on this, The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between absorptive, adaptive, and innovation capabilities on financial and non-financial performance of family businesses was analyzed in the context of emerging economies, a relationship that has not been analyzed in this context. Through the application of structural equation modeling in a sample of 235 family businesses of agricultural supplies and machinery, located in the G46 and G47 categories of the International Standard Industrial Classification – ISIC, the results allowed us to identify that absorptive capability has a positive influence on financial performance, while innovation capability has a positive influence on no-financial performance. No evidence was found that other capabilities were related to the performance of the organizations analyzed. In addition, it was shown that the size of the companies does not generate any moderating effect in the relationship between these variables. This study contributes to dynamic capabilities theory by exploring how absorptive and innovative capabilities influence financial and non-financial performance in a specific and underexplored context: family businesses in emerging economies. Furthermore, the importance of developing and enhancing absorptive and innovation capabilities is highlighted. This could lead to the implementation of training programs, investment in R&D, and adoption of knowledge management practices.

A Review of Elite Athlete Evidence-Based Knowledge and Preparation for Competing in the Heat

AbstractElite athletes will compete in extreme heat more frequently as global land and sea temperatures increase, alongside more intense, frequent and longer duration heatwaves. Best practices to protect athlete health and performance during competition include heat acclimation/acclimatisation [(HA); i.e., long-term pre-competition preparation] complemented by pre-planned and practised cooling and hydration strategies (i.e., short-term interventions immediately before or during competition). This review explores elite athletes’ current behaviours and practices when preparing for competition in the heat and assesses the level of knowledge that has been exhibited by athletes and their practitioners in this space. Recommendations for future research, discussions of current best practices, and methods to improve translation of research into practice are provided. Available research focuses on small samples of elite endurance athletes during a selection of World Championship/Olympic/Paralympic events (~6% of competing athletes). While generally an increase in the adoption of evidence-based HA is seen chronologically from 2015 onwards, universal adoption is not seen. HA adoption is lowest in those who live/train in cold/temperate environments with cost and access to facilities/equipment being the most commonly reported barriers. Further research is required across the sporting landscape to fully characterise elite athlete behaviours and practices in these spaces. International federations and national governing bodies should continue their efforts to educate athletes and focus on regularly updated and reinvigorated release of evidence-based guidelines (in multiple germane languages) for competing in the heat, to increase the adoption of HA and other heat related best practice.