Advances In Knowledge Research Articles

A multi-dimensional framework of dynamic capabilities in emerging economies’ multinationals: a systematic review of the literature

PurposeThe growth and significance of emerging economies’ multinationals (EEMs) in the global economy have transformed the business landscape. This study constructs a conceptual framework that displays and links the prerequisites of the formation, composition and development stages of dynamic capabilities (DCs) that lead to competitive advantages in EEMs.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines (excluding meta-analysis) to present a systematic review of 111 empirical and conceptual academic articles published in the past 24 years in the A+, A and B tier categories in scientific journal indexes.FindingsThe findings illustrate the DCs of EEMs in terms of four components: prerequisites for formation, composition, development process and outcomes. Among these, the compositions of DCs contain four types: management capabilities of available and desired resources, agile organizational capabilities, fast-learning modes and predictive capabilities. The authors also explain the developmental stages of DCs in EEMs, which is seen as a continuous process of anticipating change, consisting of high sensitivity to opportunities, advanced knowledge absorption, resource optimization and adjustment. Additional analysis also reveals the challenges in researching and measuring DCs.Originality/valueThis study provides a highly synthesized multi-dimensional framework of EEMs’ DCs, which fills the research gap and contributes to the enrichment of extant theories. The results can guide most EEMs, particularly those in the manufacturing, IT and service industries, in cultivating entrepreneurship and creating a more efficient operational team to achieve competitiveness.

A Systematic Review of Aquatic Organism Antimicrobial Peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), sourced from various organisms, including aquatic life, are promising alternatives to combat antibiotic resistance. Their investigation is essential amid global antibiotic resistance concerns. The invaluable impact of antibiotics on human health, having saved numerous lives, is currently at risk. The growing global incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a serious challenge to their ability to effectively treat various illnesses. This situation demands immediate attention and the exploration of alternative medical solutions. One of the most promising alternatives to antibiotics is antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which can treat bacterial infections, particularly those brought by multi-drug-resistant pathogens. With a particular focus on their antimicrobial properties, this systematic review aims to evaluate and classify recent AMPs isolated from aquatic organisms. This review advances knowledge of these aquatic life-derived AMPs’ potential as alternatives to conventional antibiotics by examining their unique antibacterial characteristics and modes of action. A systematic review of articles published in English between 2014 and 2024 was carried out in the Science Direct, PubMed NCBI and Google Scholar databases using keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 33 potential AMPs isolated from aquatic organisms had been reported, and 21 of the AMPs were reported to have functional antimicrobial activities. Continuous research and study of natural substances, particularly AMPs, remain critical in pursuing alternatives to conventional antibiotics for effective treatments in combating antibiotic resistance. Therefore, ongoing research holds significant importance in identifying and harnessing the potential of AMPs for future medical applications.

Movement behavior of satellite-tagged leatherback turtles from Panama in response to chlorophyll, primary productivity, temperature, and eddy kinetic energy

Leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea are globally endangered. This study tracked 30 individuals from the North Atlantic population tagged on the Caribbean Panama rookery (San San Pond Sak protected area, Bocas del Toro) over a period of 3 yr. We used satellite telemetry to investigate the probability that turtles switched between migration and foraging behavioral states as a function of environmental variables. We mapped the extensive migratory routes of these turtles and analyzed these using data derived from remote sensing, including chlorophyll, productivity, and sea surface temperature (SST), to assess how these influence their migratory and foraging behaviors. We also considered oceanographic processes, i.e. mesoscale eddies coinciding with the turtles’ migration paths, to understand their behavioral responses. Our observations revealed that while some turtles undertook extensive migrations to high-use areas in the Northeast and Northwest Atlantic, the majority remained within the boundaries of the Gulf of Mexico. The study effectively differentiated migration and feeding behavior, noting a clear positive relationship between feeding activities and chlorophyll concentration, while productivity played only a marginal role, and no influence was found for SST and mesoscale eddies. This study advances knowledge of North Atlantic leatherback turtle migrations, underscoring the importance of integrated, multidisciplinary marine conservation efforts. Understanding the impact of climate warming on migration paths and food source availability necessitates a holistic approach encompassing changes in physical oceanography, nutrient dynamics, and interactions from plankton to higher trophic levels. Additionally, as leatherback turtles traverse various international territories, the research emphasizes the need for collaborative data collection for their effective protection.

Investigation of heat generation and radiation effects on boundary layer flow of Prandtl liquid with Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion models

In this analysis, a bidirectional stretched sheet is used to produce a 3D\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal{D}$$\\end{document} flow of Prandtl liquid with improve mass diffusion and heat conduction models. This study advances knowledge of magnetohydrodynamics, radiation impacts, and heat production in fluid dynamics and transport processes. The Prandtl fluid model is critical for modeling non-Newtonian fluids, capturing its viscoelastic features, and allowing for precise simulation in industrial applications. It gives a mathematical foundation for analyzing complex fluid behaviors, which is necessary for optimizing operations utilizing such fluids. It uses the boundary layer method to simplify the fundamental equations and Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion models. The optimal homotopy analysis method is used to solve nonlinear ODEs caused by non-dimensional similarity variables. This investigation undertakes the calculation of drag coefficient for surfaces mass transfer rates and heat transfer rates proximate to the solid boundary. Furthermore, it conducts a comprehensive analysis of the influences exerted by various parameters on concentration and temperature profiles employing graphical representations for a rigorous examination. The Prandtl fluid model describes the viscoelastic characteristics of non-Newtonian fluids through constitutive equations, dimensional evaluation, and numerical simulations, which are frequently validated by experiments. The results show that changes in thermal and concentration relaxation parameters are accompanied by a decline in temperature. Temperature field rises as the thermal radiation parameter and heat generation increases. The work's novelty consists in its advanced modeling of Prandtl non-Newtonian fluids via Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion models, which incorporate magnetohydrodynamics and radiation effects and use optimal homotopy analysis for accurate parametric analyses of heat and mass transfer.

Stabilization of Tetragonal Phase in Hafnium Zirconium Oxide by Cation Doping for High-K Dielectric Insulators.

As electronic circuit integration intensifies, there is a rising demand for dielectric insulators that provide both superior insulation and high dielectric constants. This study focuses on developing high-k dielectric insulators by controlling the phase of the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) film with additional doping, utilizing yttrium (Y), tantalum (Ta), gallium (Ga), silicon (Si), and aluminum (Al) as dopants. Doping changes the ratio of tetragonal to monoclinic phases in doped HZO films, and Y-doped HZO (Y:HZO) films specifically exhibit a high tetragonal phase ratio and a dielectric constant of 40.9, indicating superior insulating properties compared to undoped HZO films. To clarify the fundamental mechanism driving the enhancement in dielectric properties, we have carried out various analyses combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Through the optimization of the post-deposition annealing (PDA) process and the heterojunction structure with Al2O3, an Al2O3/Y:HZO heterojunction with a high dielectric constant and even lower leakage current compared to a single layer was developed. The thin-film transistor (TFT) with the Au/Ti/amorphous InGaZnO4 (a-IGZO)/Al2O3/YHZO/TiN heterojunction structure exhibits low subthreshold swing (SS) values within a narrow gate-source voltage (Vsg) range. This study advances knowledge on how the controlled-phase doped HZO films affect the dielectric constant and leakage current and will contribute to semiconductor technology advancements by overcoming the limitations of conventional high-k dielectric insulators.

Installation of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for children. The tactics of a nurse

The article is based on the data and experience of the Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, obtained during endoscopic practice. Currently, the number of pediatric patients requiring installation of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is significantly increasing, due to the increase in treatment regimens and the expansion of the range of indications for its installation. PEG combines endoscopic and surgical stages. The nurse must know the difference and differences of each stage, as well as have all the basic and advanced knowledge about all indications, contraindications and any complications during and after surgery. Compliance by the nurse with all the rules of asepsis and antisepsis, knowledge of SANPIN, is the foundation of her professionalism. Interest in the process will undoubtedly influence the quality of medical care provided. The nurse must study and know all the instruments, consumables and additional materials for performing endoscopic surgery. Her clear actions and orientation in what is happening guarantees the speed and success of the manipulation. The purpose of this work will be to emphasize the importance of professional development for nurses. To achieve the goal, we use all facets of a nurse’s work: knowledge of the concept of «sterility», orientation in all stages of manipulation from preparing the room to its complete routine cleaning after the intervention, all theoretical knowledge about the reasons for installing a gastrostomy tube and free orientation in any types of complications, etc. All of the above guarantees that the operating room endoscopic nurse is interested in the process, which will undoubtedly affect the quality and convenience of the doctor’s work, and subsequently the patient’s quality of life. The main goal of the entire operating team is to improve the patient’s quality of life. Understanding the meaning of all surgical endoscopic interventions obliges the nurse to constantly improve their skills and engage in self-education.

Balancing Honest Assessment and Compassion for Learners Experiencing Burnout: A Workshop and Feedback Tool for Clinical Teachers.

Burnout in medical trainees challenges their work effectiveness and impedes their ability to learn. Teachers in the clinical learning environment (CLE) are well situated to identify burnout and are often responsible for learner assessment. We developed a workshop to improve clinical teachers' identification and understanding of learner burnout while empowering them to provide constructive feedback and support. Building on best-practice feedback techniques and utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) as a framework, we designed the GetINBurnOUT method to provide feedback and support for learners experiencing burnout. Applying Kern's six-step approach to curriculum development, we created and implemented a workshop for clinical teachers centered on advanced burnout knowledge, application of the MBI to the CLE, and use of the GetINBurnOUT feedback method. Kolb's experiential learning theory informed workshop activities such as group discussion, case practice, and self-reflection. Participants completed surveys immediately after the workshop to assess planned behavior. We delivered the workshop eight times at local, regional, and national faculty development programs/conferences to over 188 participants. Participants rated the workshop favorably, with average scores of 4.5-4.8 out of 5 across all domains and program objectives; all participants planned to make a change to their practice. Positive comments emphasized the topic's importance and the GetINBurnOUT tool's practicality. This workshop can enhance clinical teachers' understanding of burnout and provide them with the tools to address it in the CLE. The GetINBurnOUT method offers a practical approach for providing honest assessments while supporting learners in the CLE.

Service life prediction model for biogenic acid corrosion: Advancement of life factor method for concrete sewer design

Current service life prediction models for concrete sewer design, including the widely used Life Factor Method (LFM), do not efficiently incorporate certain key corrosion contributing factors, such as material selection, concrete mix design, and sewer environment. This paper describes an advancement of the LFM model to cover these factors, broaden its usage, and improve concrete sewer design and applications. By integrating the first principles of the original LFM model, advanced knowledge from the literature, and results from field performance studies of various sewer concretes, a practical and relatively simple LFM model was advanced. With concrete mix design, oxide composition of all concrete ingredients, and sewer environmental and hydraulic conditions, the so-called ‘advanced LFM model’ could predict the corrosion rate of various concrete mixes. The model emphasised the influence of various modern binders, including calcium aluminate and calcium sulpho-aluminate cements, and various aggregate types including siliceous, calcareous, and alumina-based aggregates, when subjected to different sewer environments.

Advancing a tourist perspective in inclusive place branding: anticipated constraints of domestic tourists with foreign backgrounds

ABSTRACT Research on inclusive place branding has primarily focused on residents, while tourists are yet to be addressed, except in representation studies. Inclusion is, however, more than a matter of representation. It must also consider the needs of the tourists. This study explores people with foreign backgrounds’ anticipated constraints to domestic tourism. This article advances knowledge of inclusive place branding in multicultural societies by introducing the constraint-negotiation model to analyse the anticipated constraints. The data includes online focus groups with 30 participants living in Sweden. The findings identify constraints on individual, interpersonal, and system levels. These include language skills, knowledge of the domestic destination and personal habits, lack of domestic network, strong network in another country, and beliefs about place brand communication. The study creates new knowledge of inclusive place branding by enhancing an understanding of constraints to inclusive tourism from a tourist perspective, and the anticipations of people with a foreign background. The findings suggest that understanding and addressing people’s experiences and needs are significant, and inclusion in a multicultural society is a multifaceted and ongoing process. Furthermore, the findings suggest that it is crucial to incorporate non-included groups in the process of producing place brand communication.

Loneliness in sport: A systematic mixed studies review

ABSTRACT Loneliness is an established risk factor for mental and physical health problems. Individuals involved in sport face many unique stressors, some of which could exacerbate the risk of loneliness. To bring clarity to published evidence in this area, inform future research, and develop applied recommendations to prevent and reduce loneliness in the sport community, we sought to systematically review, synthesise, and appraise research on loneliness in sport. Following electronic database and manual searches to identify literature on loneliness in the sport community up to August 2024, we included and thematically synthesised data from 194 studies (N = 88,516). Social loneliness was the most common conceptualisation of loneliness within the literature. We identified socio-cultural, institutional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal risk factors associated with loneliness. There was less evidence for protective factors, but the available evidence was categorised into interpersonal and intrapersonal factors. Finally, there was substantial evidence concerning adverse consequences associated with loneliness in sport, including: impaired mental health and well-being; adverse social outcomes; negative cognitive, affective, and motivational outcomes; and maladaptive behavioural outcomes. Overall, this review advances knowledge by synthesising, for the first time, evidence on loneliness in sport and offers theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions that extend understanding of loneliness.

Advancing knowledge about criminal justice and mental health

Advancing knowledge about criminal justice and mental health Researchers with expertise in criminal law, philosophy, psychiatry and psychology are combining their knowledge to explore how mental disorders are approached within criminal law and contribute to better legal and forensic practices. Current criminal justice systems are based on the premise that human beings are responsible agents that can be held accountable for their actions. However, most criminal justice systems have legal doctrines recognising that there are exceptions when an individual should not be considered criminally accountable. A ubiquitous practice is that children under the minimum age of criminal responsibility are not subject to punishment. Similarly, most countries limit criminal responsibility for offenders with mental disorders and disabilities. However, the question of who should be held criminally accountable and who should not is highly controversial, and a subject of debate. The same applies to what role psychological and psychiatric experts should have in criminal proceedings.

Ethnicity Detection with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN): Bangladesh Perspectives

Ethnicity detection, or the automatic determination of people's ethnic backgrounds using visual data, has become important in a number of disciplines, including social sciences, demographics, and computer vision. With a focus on Bangladesh's complex cultural landscape, we describe in this paper a novel method for ethnicity detection using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). We gathered a dataset of photographs depicting members of the three main ethnic groups living in the Chittagong hill neighborhood: Chakma, Marma, and Tripura. Utilizing the DenseNet121 model's robust feature extraction skills, we customized the architecture to meet the needs of our particular ethnicity detection application. A wide range of performance indicators were used to train and assess our unique CNN model. The outcomes illustrate accurate ethnicity detection technology's potential for identifying and resolving social inequities while showcasing a promising level of accuracy. To address possible biases in the model's prediction, ethical considerations are also covered. Overall, this work advances knowledge of Bangladesh's ethnic variety and demonstrates the potential of CNNs for ethnicity detection. The results provide up new avenues for investigation and applications that advance a more diverse and inclusive society.

The use of digital tools in forest tourism and recreation - Experiences from Warsaw agglomeration in Poland

Tourism and recreation in forest areas around large urban agglomerations are becoming increasingly important and pose major management challenges in terms of sustainability, environmental impact and balancing the needs of visitors with conservation efforts. Digital tools are critical to the planning and management of suburban forests as they improve data collection, enable efficient resource allocation and enhance the visitor experience through better navigation and information dissemination. The aim of our work was to find out whether people visiting urban and suburban forests in Warsaw consciously plan their visits to forest areas, what ICT tools they use during and after a forest visit, and whether they share their experiences related to forest recreation on social media after the visit. The research focused on urban and suburban forests in the Warsaw metropolitan area, Poland. Data on visitors’ characteristics, recreation habits and digital skills were collected in an online panel survey in November 2023 (n = 1413). The results showed that respondents most frequently visited forest areas around Warsaw 2–3 times a month and several times a year. The vast majority of respondents planned their visits directly on the day of the trip (34.96 %) and used their own knowledge and experience when planning their trip to the forest. More than half of respondents (69 %) stated that they use various types of digital tools when visiting forest areas, most commonly smartphones with GPS functionality. Most respondents stated that they had advanced (43.38 %) or at least advanced (32.06 %) knowledge of using digital tools. 39.49 % of respondents stated that they do not use the internet to share information about their forest visits. The research results presented in the sentence indicate the complexity of using digital tools in the management of outdoor recreation and tourism. On the one hand, our research clearly shows that digital tools are an integral part of modern outdoor recreation and tourism management and provide valuable insights, on the other hand, most respondents planned their visits directly on the day of departure, relying mainly on their own knowledge and experience, rather than on digital tools. This knowledge can be used to develop forest management strategies, environmental education, monitoring tourist flows and promoting responsible recreation worldwide. Further research is needed to analyse the use of digital tools in digital forest recreation.

Developing an initial explanatory theory for Partnering for Change using realist evaluation.

Partnering for Change (P4C) is an innovative practice model for school-based occupational therapy developed in Canada and informed by a program of research spanning nearly two decades. National and international interest in P4C necessitated development of an explanatory theory to guide implementation in varied contexts. The purpose of this study is to document the process of theory development and to provide an overview of the initial P4C explanatory theory. Realist evaluation was used to construct an initial explanatory theory of P4C drawing on P4C developers' conceptualisations of the model, document analysis, and analysis of transcripts from interviews and focus groups. No consumers were involved in the study design or analysis. Four sets of premises expressed as context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) comprise the initial explanatory theory of P4C. An abstracted summary of these four sets along with contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes central to the P4C initial explanatory theory is presented. An exemplar CMOC is shared to illustrate how theoretical premises are developed and expressed using realist evaluation. This study advances knowledge regarding the hypothesised core elements of P4C and provides an example of using realist evaluation to advance knowledge in occupational therapy. Preliminary implications for clinical practice are discussed. Partnering for Change (P4C) is a way of providing occupational therapy services in schools that helps all children to learn and participate successfully. P4C was created in Ontario, Canada, and has been researched for almost 20 years. People in different parts of Canada and other countries are interested in trying P4C. As the researchers who created P4C, we think there is a need to explain how it works so it can be used in different places. This study explains how we created a theory to describe P4C. To develop this theory, we used a method called realist evaluation that would help us explain how, why, and in what situations P4C works best. To do this, we analysed documents and transcripts of interviews and focus groups. Our findings are organised into four main ideas, each explained in terms of contexts (the situations), mechanisms (how and why P4C works), and outcomes (the impacts of P4C). One detailed example is given to show how these ideas were formed and work together. In conclusion, our study helps us understand the key parts of P4C and shows how realist evaluation can be used to improve knowledge in occupational therapy. The study also suggests some early ideas on how P4C can be used in practice.

The effects of a flipped classroom approach on older adult students’ performance in digital photography

ABSTRACT The trend of population aging is accelerating globally, which is resulting in increased attention on the educational needs of older adults. Given the cognitive changes associated with aging, there is a pressing need for innovative teaching strategies that cater to their unique requirements. Although the flipped classroom model has shown positive effects on student engagement and learning outcomes across diverse educational contexts, its efficacy in the context of older adult education remains to be empirically validated. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the flipped classroom approach in digital photography courses designed for older adult students (OAS). The research involved 25 OAS at a third-age university located in western China. This study used a quasi-experimental research design. The experimental group (N = 12) received instruction using a flipped classroom approach, while the control group (N = 13) received traditional lecture-based instruction. Data were collected and analyzed to compare student engagement, in-class observations, out-of-class communications, digital photography assignments, and after-class interviews between the two study groups. The findings indicated that the level of behavioral engagement differed significantly between the experimental and control groups. The observations revealed differences in note-taking methods and out-of-class communications between the two groups. The results further suggest that the flipped classroom approach enhances the learning achievements of advanced photography skills and knowledge. The challenges faced by students in the experimental group are also discussed. The findings of this research will facilitate the application of the flipped classroom model in third-age education.

Workplace Inclusion Through Social Partnerships: A Relational Perspective

In a world with high demand for sustainable business practices, this paper investigates how workplace inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities can be accomplished through social partnerships. Drawing on social exchange theory and based on an explorative ethnographic case study of a partnership constellation aiming for workplace inclusion of an intellectually disabled workforce, the study explores how relational practices in social partnerships contribute to workplace inclusion of young people with intellectual disabilities. The study consists of two sub-studies focusing first on identification of the overall goals of the partnership collaboration in regard to workplace inclusion and, second, an investigation of how the goals are accomplished in the here and now of partnership collaboration. The findings are summarized in a conceptual framework that advocates a relational perspective on workplace inclusion and highlights relational practices between partnership participants as important drivers for workplace inclusion. The study advances knowledge on workplace inclusion by offering insights into how relational practices in social partnerships inform workplace inclusion. Furthermore, the findings help the individual social partnership partners effectively manage workplace inclusion by acknowledging relationship processes as fundamental elements of organizing for an inclusive workplace.

How combined pairwise and higher-order interactions shape transient dynamics.

Understanding how species interactions shape biodiversity is a core challenge in ecology. While much focus has been on long-term stability, there is rising interest in transient dynamics-the short-lived periods when ecosystems respond to disturbances and adjust toward stability. These transitions are crucial for predicting ecosystem reactions and guiding effective conservation. Our study introduces a model that uses convex combinations to blend pairwise and higher-order interactions (HOIs), offering a more realistic view of natural ecosystems. We find that pairwise interactions slow the journey to stability, while HOIs speed it up. Employing global stability analysis and numerical simulations, we establish that as the proportion of HOIs increases, mean transient times exhibit a significant reduction, thereby underscoring the essential role of HOIs in enhancing biodiversity stabilization. Our results reveal a robust correlation between the most negative real part of the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix associated with the linearized system at the coexistence equilibrium and the mean transient times. This indicates that a more negative leading eigenvalue correlates with accelerated convergence to stable coexistence abundances. This insight is vital for comprehending ecosystem resilience and recovery, emphasizing the key role of HOIs in promoting stabilization. Amid growing interest in transient dynamics and its implications for biodiversity and ecological stability, our study enhances the understanding of how species interactions affect both transient and long-term ecosystem behavior. By addressing a critical gap in ecological theory and offering a practical framework for ecosystem management, our work advances knowledge of transient dynamics, ultimately informing effective conservation strategies.

Shadow Representation: Making Claims to Represent Better Than the Official Representative

ABSTRACT This article advances knowledge on the diverse ways contemporary political representation is being performed. It identifies a particular kind of claim-making, shadow representation, whereby an individual or group makes claims to represent better than the officially authorised spokesperson or group. Shadow representation is enacted outside or alongside authorised spaces of representation by diverse actors such as civil society groups, lobbyists, political challengers, and former incumbents. The article conceptualises shadow representation in broad terms, and then examines its enactment in the electoral realm. The empirical analysis centres on two Australian cases in which defeated electoral candidates continue to make representative claims post-election. In both instances the shadow representatives construct a neglected constituency, and make claims to rectify representative deficiencies in the elected official. Their claim-making occurs between elections, and draws legitimacy from their strong community and voter support – two features that set them apart from the traditional political challenger focused on ousting an incumbent in an election. The article reflects on the democratic implications of shadow representation in electoral democracy: it potentially boosts the public scrutiny and accountability of elected officials, but it can also be used to destabilise the legitimacy of electoral procedures and their outcomes.

Investigation of Microplastic Contamination in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Fish: A Comparative Study of Various Freshwater Species

The aqueous environment has been reported to be seriously threatened by the pollution of microplastics (MPs), which has been confirmed in numerous studies affecting various aquatic habitats. Despite this, few investigations exist on MP contamination in fish of specific regions. Thus, the current study aims to determine MP concentrations in the fish species of the Chhota Nagpur zone of eastern India. From August to September 2023, fish samples were collected from 10 km distance between two locations of Subarnarekha and Kharkai river banks through fishermen. Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tract of 45 fish of 8 species out of 48 samples. Of these species, six species were secondary consumers, while the remaining two were primary consumers. The average amount of microplastics consumed by each fish (n = 48) was 3.0 ± 1.8. A total of 144 microplastics were found in collected samples of fish species. Among the analyzed sample of MPs, 69.4% were fibers, films were (22.3%), and (8.3%) were fragments. The least contaminated species was T. ilisha (0.8 ± 0.7 particles/ind.), while L. rohita had the highest microplastic contamination (4.5 ± 1.7 particles/ind.). The present study found a negative correlation of - 0.83 between MP consumption and the mean body weight of fish. Similarly, a negative correlation of - 0.5 was found between the length of fish and MP intake. Polyamide (nylon), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene polymers were found. The size of MPs ranged from 45-355 μm and mainly were fibers. They were also predominantly blue and black. Polyamide and polyvinyl chloride were the common MP types in every specimen. The possible sources of MPs were fishing nets, ropes, and packaging material. This investigation points to MP contamination in aquatic ecosystems and particular species. It provides advanced knowledge of MP pollution, sources, and effects on regional ecosystems and public health.

Going Against the Flow: Impacts of Effective Streaming on Older Adults on the Acute Floor

Abstract Background The development of a dedicated Age-related acute medical unit, with a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in Gerontology, targeting older adults with complex health states/Geriatric syndromes presenting to unscheduled care, commenced in Q4 of 2022. Methods An age attuned 4-cubical Age-Related Assessment Unit (ARAU) was created and co-located with the Acute Medical Unit (AMU). The RANP in Gerontology for ARAU operated under the guidance of the AMU consultants, providing comprehensive geriatric assessment to older medical patients presenting to unscheduled care. Results With the establishment of ARAU, the commencement of the RANP in Gerontology, and the additional focus on streaming and management of acute medical gerontological presentations through the ARAU, there has been a 63% increase in patients aged 75+ treated via the AMU in 2023 (378 patients aged 75+ -2022 vs 618 Patients aged 75+ - 2023). A key area of focus in this patient population group, Patient Experience Times (PET) in decision to admit vs discharge within a 6 hour time frame, showed marked improvement (25% increase 2022 vs 2023 in PET targets met), highlighting the impact of a dedicated age attuned assessment space and RANP in gerontology on the acute floor. Conclusion The RANP in ARAU provides advanced specialist geriatric nursing skills and knowledge to positively impact on 75+ flow and PETs while addressing the medical, psychosocial and functional needs of older adults who present to unscheduled care.