Alternative Management Research Articles

Synthesising a network of evidence on a seabird bycatch mitigation measure

AbstractRobust estimates of the relative efficacies of alternative management interventions are essential for developing evidence‐informed fisheries bycatch policy. Bycatch is a major threat to the conservation of albatrosses and other pelagic seabirds. Branchline weighting is one approach prescribed by regional fisheries management organisations and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels to reduce seabird bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries. We used a Bayesian multilevel network meta‐regression modelling approach to conduct the first synthesis of available evidence to assess the relative efficacies at mitigating seabird bycatch of alternative pelagic longline weighting designs. Unlike conventional pairwise meta‐analysis, network meta‐analysis enables the simultaneous comparison of multiple interventions within a coherent modelling framework. There was a > 97% probability that all weighting designs significantly reduced seabird bycatch compared to a reference design with no weight within 5 m of the hook. Nonetheless, some weighting designs were significantly more effective at reducing seabird bycatch than others—for instance, the 2 designs with weights >60 g and >1 m from the hook performed the best with >93% probability that those 2 designs performed significantly better than 2 more commonly used designs with less weight but attached closer to the hook. These two best performing designs reduced seabird bycatch by ca 89% relative to the reference design. These relative efficacies and rankings, when combined with other performance criteria such as costs to commercial viability and crew safety, support robust evaluations of alternative bycatch management strategies.

Can IFRS adoption mitigate earnings management in an emerging market?

Research on the impact of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) mandate on the quality of financial reporting produced mixed findings. Several researchers showed that the IFRS mandate depresses earnings management since it improves comparability, and the principle-based approach offers limited alternatives for managers in reporting. Others have shown that it provides flexibility for managers in institutionally and legally weak countries. We examine whether the IFRS mandate depresses earnings management practices in South Africa. Using a sample of 206 firms listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) from 2000 to 2010, our findings show that the IFRS mandate significantly reduces earnings management. Our findings contribute to the ongoing discussion about whether high-quality standards effectively mitigate earnings management practices and protect stakeholder rights in developing countries.

Environmental awareness and sustainable behavior of respondents in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland: A qualitative focus group study

The diverse European landscape of climate consciousness is shaped by political values, financial constraints, and country-specific point of view. The aim of the study was to unravel age-specific ecological awareness, forms of engagement, and perceptions, contributing to a nuanced understanding of climate dynamics.Selected regions: Germany (Rheinisches Revier), the Netherlands (Amsterdam Metropolitan Area), and Poland (Upper Silesia/Metropolis GZM) present different states regarding recycling/Circular Economy principles, and different environments.The research design incorporates an inductive qualitative approach to investigate environmental awareness and attitudes toward ecologically friendly behaviors. Six FGIs (Focus Group Interviews) were conducted across three European regions, involving participants from diverse age groups (20–39 years and 40–60 years) in each region.The study shows that ecological awareness varies between countries and generations, reflecting distinctive environmental strategies shaped by cultural and developmental factors. Participants in each region and age group exhibit diverse levels of engagement in sustainable activities, and highlight issues such as the need for tailored strategies, concerns related to eco-labelling, greenwashing, and inadequate waste treatment, as well as information gaps.These variations in pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors across age groups and regions underscore the need for tailored strategies and regional policies. Transparency in waste management, eco-labelling, and sustainable transportation alternatives should be prioritized. Educational initiatives addressing information gaps, especially regarding lifestyle choices, are crucial. Collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches are essential for fostering positive change and a sustainable future across the European Union. Transparent communication, regulatory measures, and accessible eco-friendly options encourage widespread adoption of pro-environmental behaviors.

The Effects of Bacillus subtilis Expressing a Plant Elicitor Peptide on Nematode Infection on Soybean.

There is a pressing need to develop alternative management strategies for the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines), the most costly pathogen to soybeans. Plant elicitor peptides (PEPs), which are produced by plants in response to stress and stimulate broad-spectrum disease resistance, were previously shown to reduce soybean cyst nematode infection on soybeans when applied as a seed treatment. Here, we introduce an alternative method to deliver PEPs to soybean using a common plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, Bacillus subtilis, as a bacterial expression system. Similar to the empty vector control, B. subtilis engineered to express a PEP from soybean (GmPEP3) was able to colonize soybean roots and persisted on roots more than a month after treatment. Compared with water or the empty vector control, plants that received a seed treatment with B. subtilis expressing GmPEP3 (B.+GmPEP3) were significantly taller early in vegetative growth (V1 stage) and had lower chlorophyll content in the reproductive stage (R3/R4); these results suggest that GmPEP3 may hasten growth and subsequent senescence. When plants were inoculated with soybean cyst nematode at the V1 stage, those pretreated with B.+GmPEP3 supported significantly fewer nematode eggs at the reproductive stage (R3/R4) than plants treated with water or the empty vector. The effects of B.+GmPEP3 on nematode infection and plant growth appeared to be due primarily to the peptide itself because no significant differences were observed between plants treated with water or with B. subtilis expressing the empty vector. These results indicate the ability of B. subtilis to deliver defense activators for nematode management on soybean.

CHALLENGES AND RISKS OF IMPLEMENTING THE RUSSIAN «SMART POWER» AND TOOLS FOR OVERCOMING THEM

Alternative management methods, such as smart power or the potential of digital technologies, are not fully used by the Russian Federation. Many areas of this work, such as, for example, interaction with compatriots living abroad, remain uncovered. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current state of the state’s work with Russian compatriots living abroad through the prism of smart power. Based on the results of the analysis, weak positions in the work of Russian government bodies with compatriots living abroad were identified, and ways to solve the problem using existing digital capabilities were proposed.

The Value of Information is Context Dependent: A Demonstration of Decision Tools to Address Multispecies River Temperature Management Under Uncertainty

Trade‐offs among objectives in natural resource management can be exacerbated in altered ecosystems and when there is uncertainty in predicted management outcomes. Multi‐criteria decision analysis and value of information (VOI) are underutilized decision tools that can assist fisheries managers in handling trade‐offs and evaluating the importance of uncertainty. We demonstrate the use of these tools using a case study in the Sacramento River, California, USA, where two imperiled species with different temperature requirements, winter‐run Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and Green Sturgeon Acipenser medirostris, spawn and rear in the artificially cold Shasta Dam tailwater. A temperature‐control device installed on Shasta Dam maintains cool water for Chinook Salmon; however, uncertainties exist related to the effects of temperatures on the spawning and rearing of both species. We consider four alternative hypotheses in models of early life‐stage dynamics to evaluate the effects of alternative temperature management strategies on Chinook Salmon and Green Sturgeon management objectives. We used VOI to quantify the increase in management performance that can be expected by resolving hypothesis‐based uncertainties as a function of the weight assigned to species‐specific objectives. We found the decision was hindered by uncertainty; the best performing alternative depends on which hypothesis is true, with warmer or cooler alternative management strategies recommended when weights favor Green Sturgeon or Chinook Salmon objectives, respectively. The value of reducing uncertainty was highest when Green Sturgeon was slightly favored, highlighting the interaction between scientific uncertainty and decision makers' values. Our demonstration features multi‐criteria decision analysis and VOI as transparent, deliberative tools that can assist fisheries managers in confronting value conflicts, prioritizing resolution of uncertainty, and optimally managing aquatic ecosystems.

Abstract B031: Alternate pain management strategies: targeting pancreatic cancer-related pain with Flavonoid

Abstract Purpose For up to 90% of cancer patients, pain is a substantial symptom, contributing to morbidity and, possibly, mortality. In this study we sought to test the hypothesis that a flavonoid, derived from Cannabis, and previously shown to suppress cancer cell growth in vitro and tumor progression in mice in vivo, could also reduce the pain caused by pancreatic tumors in vivo. Methods A subcutaneous tumor in the dorsum of C57BL/6 mouse was generated by sub- dermal injection of KPC mouse pancreatic cancer cell line (ATCC). All the mice were video recorded to observe and analyze their spontaneous pain-related behaviors, including facial washing, dorsal hunching, dorsal skin twitch, licking of dorsal skin and overall locomotion around the cage. Two five minute recording sessions were analyzed by a blinded observer during times before the cancer cell injection (Baseline), after tumor growth, to about 8mm diameter (30d and 37d post-injection) and just before and then 24h after intra-tumor injection of the flavonoid ( Group A: FBL-03G, 1 nmole in 100µL) or Vehicle(100µL; Group B). Pain-related behavioral changes were averaged from the two recording sessions and analyzed from Baseline, just before FBL-03G and 24h after and compared between test compound-and vehicle injected groups (n=7 in each), using non-parametric statistics. Results Facial washing (events/5min) was: reduced to 87% of Baseline in tumor-bearing mice, then increased by 150% at 24h post-injection in Group A (FBL-03G); reduced to 65% of Baseline in tumor-bearing mice of Group B, then reduced a further 9% by Vehicle. Dorsal hunching, which events occur only after tumor growth (Baseline =0), was reduced at 24h by 62% in Group A but increased by 75% in Group B. Dorsal twitch, also absent before tumor growth, was reduced by 64% in Group A, but increased by 19% in Group B. Dorsal skin licking was reduced from Baseline by 33% in tumor-bearing mice of Group A, then increased by 76% after FBL-03g injection whereas licking, reduced by 22% by tumors in Group B and then by an additional 4% by vehicle (Group B). Tumors reduced locomotion by 58% in Group A, which was reversed by 32% after FBL-03g (Group A); vehicle injection resulted in a 38% reduction in locomotion (Group B). Thus, in 4 of the 5 pain-related behaviors from tumors quantitated symptoms were reversed by FBL-03G and oppositely affected, or not at all, by Vehicle. Conclusions These results indicate a substantial relief of spontaneous pain-related pain in this mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Such an acute effect occurs much more rapidly than the previously published in vitro suppression of KPC cell growth (assayed after 9-12d of treatment) or the reduction of tumor size (1-7 weeks) in vivo and suggest that the anti-hyperalgesic affect is due to mechanisms that do not involve reduction in tumor mass. The findings, using a single dose and a small number of mice, appear promising for further studies that examine a range of doses or FBL-03G and its actions in intra-pancreatic tumors. Citation Format: Sayeda Yasmin-Karim, Suheera Haq, Mike Makrigiorgos, Gary Strichartz, Geraud Richards, Natasha Rayman. Alternate pain management strategies: targeting pancreatic cancer-related pain with Flavonoid [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B031.

PSIV-26 Extent of use of supplemental feeding in beef cattle operations across the Southeast: A report of the regional survey

Abstract With input costs on the rise, researchers and producers, alike, are seeking alternative management strategies for profitable and sustainable beef production. Studies suggest that supplemental feed provided to grazing cattle may be used to offset some of the cost. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the extent of supplemental feeding programs in the southeastern US and which feeds may be used in these programs. Thus, the objective of this study was to better understand supplemental feeding practices and choices among beef producers in the southeastern US. To address this objective, a 24-question survey was distributed through Extension and commodity organizations to beef producers across the Southeast. This survey received 118 complete responses. The majority of respondents operated cow-calf production systems (65.6%) on either tall fescue or bermudagrass pastures (32.7 and 28.0%, respectively). Approximately 88% of these producers employed some type of supplemental feeding strategy, but there is no clear decision on whether commodity or byproduct feedstuffs were preferred. The leading commodity used was corn (61.4%), while common byproducts included whole cottonseed, corn gluten feed, and soybean hulls (17.1, 16.6, and 14.4%, respectively). At the end of the survey, the participants were asked to submit a sample of their byproduct supplements to have a nutritive analysis completed to better understand what nutritional components the products they are feeding contain and how they may vary from place to place. Some of the products that were sent in include whole cottonseed, cotton byproduct, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, chicken litter, and others. The nutritional test being run on these samples included crude protein and fiber analysis. The crude protein of the samples received ranged from 13.3% to 30.3% with an average of 21.5%. The fiber profile received ranged from 45.5% to 76.3% with an average of 59.9%. With the information recorded from these tests, recommendations can be provided on different feeding methods in both commercial settings as well as research settings.

From computational prediction to experimental validation: Hesperidin's anti-Urolithiatic activity in sodium oxalate-induced urolithiasis models in fruit flies and mice

Kidney stones have been a long-standing health issue, contributing to renal failure, especially in co-morbid patients. There is an increasing interest in exploring natural compounds with anti-urolithiatic properties. Our study utilized in-silico techniques followed by in vivo experiments to evaluate the anti-urolithiatic potential of selected phytoconstituents. Molecular docking studies were conducted on 11 different targets, including inhibitors of kidney stone formation, antioxidant enzymes, and biomarkers of kidney injury, to explore the potential of anti-urolithiatic effects of 38 phytoconstituents from medicinal plants possessing diuretic activity. Further, the anti-urolithiatic activity of the phytoconstituent was evaluated using a sodium oxalate-induced urolithiatic fruit fly and mouse model. Hesperidin emerged as a promising candidate, exhibiting binding interactions with a specific set of 11 target proteins involved in crystal formation with minimal free energy. Hesperidin demonstrated promising anti-urolithiatic potential in mitigating urolithiasis as evidenced by reduced crystal covered area of Malpighian tubules of fruit fly and reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and serum sodium, potassium levels in mice. Moreover, it increased urine volume, preventing crystal deposition, and reduced urine urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels, enhancing urine flow and preventing crystal accumulation. Histopathological analysis further supported its efficacy by showing minimal crystal deposition and reduced kidney damage. Hesperidin exhibited superior effectiveness in reducing various serum and urine parameters, making it promising alternatives for urolithiasis management warranting further investigation to determine its safety and optimal dosages in human.

Mitogenomic profiling and gut microbial analysis of the newly identified polystyrene-consuming lesser mealworm in Kenya

Plastic waste has recently become a major global environmental concern and one of the biggest challenges has been seeking for alternative management options. Several studies have revealed the potential of several coleopteran species to degrade plastics, and this is the first research paper on plastic-degradation potential by lesser mealworms from Africa. This study evaluated the whole mitogenomic profile of the lesser mealworm to further identify the insect. The ability of the mealworm to consume Polystyrene (PS) was also evaluated alongside its associated gut microbiota diversity. Our results showed a complete circular mitochondrial genome which clustered closely to the Alphitobius genus but also suggested that our insect might be a new subspecies which require further identification. During the PS feeding trials, overall survival rates of the larvae decreased when fed a sole PS diet while PS intake was observed to increase over a 30-day period. The predominant bacteria observed in larvae fed PS diets were Kluyvera, Lactococcus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Enterococcus, while Stenotrophomonas dominated the control diet. These findings demonstrated that the newly identified lesser mealworm can survive on a PS diet and has a consortium of important bacteria strongly associated with PS degradation. This work provides a better understanding of bioremediation applications, paving the way for further research into the metabolic pathways of plastic-degrading microbes and bringing hope to solving plastic waste pollution while providing high-value insect protein towards a circular economy.

Eriophyid mites in fruit crops: Biology, ecology, molecular aspects, and innovative control strategies

Eriophyid mites, minute arachnids within the family Eriophyidae, pose significant threats to fruit crops globally, leading to substantial economic losses in agriculture. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the intricate biology, ecology, molecular aspects, and innovative control strategies of these pervasive pests. Eriophyid mites exhibit a complex life cycle and reproductive strategy, with their habitat preferences and distribution heavily influenced by environmental factors and host-plant interactions. Advances in molecular biology have provided more profound insights into their genetics and interactions at the molecular level, revealing crucial information for developing targeted pest management strategies. Control strategies for eriophyid mites encompass chemical methods, such as applying acaricides and understanding resistance mechanisms, as well as biological control using natural predators and parasitoids. Cultural and physical control methods, including crop rotation and mechanical removal, play vital roles in integrated pest management (IPM). Emerging approaches like RNA interference (RNAi) and semiochemical-based controls offer promising alternatives for sustainable pest management. This review underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to effectively manage eriophyid mite infestations, integrating traditional and novel strategies. Future research should focus on overcoming current challenges, enhancing the efficacy of control methods, and further exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying mite-plant interactions

Cost-efficiency analysis of multiple ecosystem services across forest management regimes

Forest management is at the crossroads of economic, environmental, and social goals, often requiring strategic trade-offs. As global demands surge, it's vital to employ management strategies fostering multifunctional landscapes, enabling ecosystem integrity while procuring resources. Historically, the boreal forest in Fennoscandia has been intensively managed for timber, causing environmental shifts and conflicts with biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation policies. Application of current management practices while increasing harvests are a threat to both biodiversity and carbon stocks. To explore this issue, we quantify the cost-efficiency of two forest management regimes: rotation forestry (RF) and continuous cover forestry (CCF), considering specific forest attributes like soil type (mineral and peat soils), site type (fertility classes) and tree stand age, which have been underexplored in previous research. We simulated 45,559 forest stands for 100 years in Northern boreal forests of Finland. We proposed two straightforward cost-efficiency indices (CEI) to evaluate the performance of these management regimes, specifically focusing on their impact on economic output, biodiversity conservation (measured as a biodiversity index for six forest vertebrates, including five bird species and one mammal) and carbon stock. Our findings suggest that continuous cover forestry holds the potential to deliver more cost-efficient ecosystem services and maintain greater biodiversity compared to rotation forestry approaches. Continuous cover forestry, however, is not optimal for all at management units, which calls for alternative management options depending on the stand characteristics. The cost-efficiency indices performance of rotation forestry and continuous cover forestry depend on the characteristics of the initial stand which is largely determined by the previous management of the stand. Our results contribute to guiding forest management towards enhanced sustainability and ecological balance. The great variation in stand characteristics suggest a need for diverse management strategies to create multifunctional landscapes. Our proposed cost-efficiency indices could serve as practical tools for decision-making.

STRATEGI DAUR ULANG SAMPAH PLASTIK MENJADI PAVINGBLOK DENGAN TEKNOLOGI TEPAT GUNA: STUDI KASUS DI [DESA SUCI

The problem of waste management in Terumbu Village, Suci Village, Kasemen District, has become a significant issue with the accumulation of untreated waste and an inadequate burning system. Lack of public awareness and education regarding the negative impacts of waste has the potential to cause various health problems. This research proposes an appropriate technological solution in the form of making paving blocks from plastic waste as a more effective and sustainable waste management alternative. This technology aims to convert plastic waste that has been piling up into paving blocks, which not only helps reduce the volume of waste but also improves the quality of local infrastructure. This study involves analysis of the manufacturing process, environmental benefits, and implementation of technology in Suci Village, with the hope that it can become a model for other areas with similar problems.

The cage as an educational and therapeutic tool for dogs: Results of a dog’s owners questionnaire survey

IntroductionThe primary motivation for dog ownership is companionship, significantly enhancing the quality of life for both dogs and their owners. However, behavioral problems can strain this bond, leading many owners to resort to caging as a management strategy. This study aims to examine the frequency of cage use for educational and behavioral reasons, assess its efficacy in modifying behaviors, and explore potential welfare implications. Materials and methodsA 41-question survey was disseminated via social networks from January to June 2021, collecting data on various aspects related to dogs, including caging history, duration, type of cage, outcomes for training purposes, behavioral modification plans, and welfare impact. The survey, available in French, English, and Hebrew, gathered responses from 1305 dog owners across 23 countries. ResultsThe study found that 25.4 % of respondents used cages for their dogs. Neutered female dogs were more likely to be caged than their counterparts. The majority of caged dogs were puppies aged 6 months or younger, typically caged for training purposes. According to owners report, training goals were more easily achieved than behavioral goals, with dogs caged for behavioral conditions exhibiting more signs of distress. DiscussionThe findings highlight the prevalent use of caging for various purposes. If the study outcomes show an overall low level of discomfort for caged dogs, they also emphasize that signs of distress significantly increase when the cage is used for managing behavioral issues. The study underscores the need for enhanced education for veterinarians and trainers to reduce unnecessary caging and promote alternative management strategies. Future research should incorporate objective measures of behavior and welfare, explore the efficacy of alternative strategies, and investigate cultural factors influencing caging practices. ConclusionCrating can serve educational purposes with minimal welfare impact when used appropriately. However, it is ineffective and potentially detrimental when used for behavioral therapy in dogs with behavioral disorders. Owners should seek professional guidance and closely monitor their dogs for signs of distress when using crates. Using a crate as a personal and protected space can be beneficial if the dog retains control over its use.

Delayed sustained lung inflation for preterm neonates in neonatal intensive care unit: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionSustained lung inflation (SLI) right after birth to decrease the use of mechanical ventilation of preterm infants is controversial because of potential harm. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of delayed SLI in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodsPreterm neonates requiring continuous positive airway pressure after birth were eligible for enrollment. In the experimental group, SLI with 20 cm H2O for 15 s was conducted by experienced staff in the NICU between 30 min and 24 h after birth.ResultsA total of 45 neonates were enrolled into this study, including 24 in the experimental group and 21 in the control group. There was no significant difference in the birth condition between the experimental and control groups, including gestational age (p = 0.151), birth weight (p = 0.692), and Apgar score at 1 min (p = 0.410) and 5 min (p = 0.518). The results showed the duration of respiratory support was shorter in the experimental group than the control group (p = 0.044). In addition, there was no significant difference in the other outcomes, such as pneumothorax, patent ductus arteriosus, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.ConclusionOur findings indicate that sustained inflation conducted by experienced staff in the NICU is safe. The data suggest that SLI conducted by experienced staff in the NICU after stabilization could serve as an alternative management for preterm infants with respiratory distress. However, the reduction in use of respiratory support should be interpreted cautiously as a result of limited sample size.Trial registrationUniversity hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000052797 (retrospectively registered).

Impact of crop management practices on maize yield: Insights from farming in tropical regions and predictive modeling using machine learning

Understanding the influence of crop management practices on maize yield is crucial amidst the changing environmental conditions. Smallholder farming in tropical regions has long puzzled decision-makers in terms of maize management. Balancing alternative management practices, environmental factors, and economic outcomes is essential. In this study, we examine the relationships between maize yield and various factors including climate variables, soil quality parameters, cultivars, tillage practices, and fertilizer usage in Chiapas, Mexico. Pearson's correlation coefficient and T-test were employed to determine the statistical significance of the correlations. Our findings reveal strong positive associations between maize yields and factors such as planting, cultivar, vapor pressure, temperature, solar radiations and fertilizer inputs for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in lower elevation farms. Conversely, there is a negative correlation with elevation, slope, and system. Extensive data analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of different crop management practices on yield, utilizing both data visualization and analytics. Additionally, maize yield prediction was performed using six hybrid machine learning (ML) models, employing Grid Search and Random Search optimization techniques. Based on evaluation, Grid Search-based XGBoost exhibited the most accurate prediction results. Furthermore, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) was employed to assess the individual impact of each input parameter on the ML model output.

Negative impact of online gambling problematic in disabled and non-disabled university students: exploring the risk profile.

The rise of online gambling has brought about significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on university students. This issue becomes even more complex when considering students with disabilities. This research examines the gambling profile and beliefs of university students based on whether they have a disability. In turn, it seeks to identify if there is a typology of at-risk gamblers according to the disability variable. Finally, it aims to find out the prevalence of gambling among students depending on whether they have a disability and the typology of at-risk gambler. A total of 704 university students (135 with disabilities and 569 without disabilities) completed the NODS Belief Questionnaire to assess problems associated with gambling and to generate a typological grouping of risk gamblers, as well as a questionnaire designed specifically for the gambler profile. It was found that a small percentage of participants engage in gambling on a daily basis, with a higher frequency among students with disabilities. In addition, it was observed that the behavior and concern about financial expenditure on gambling interferes with their daily activities and is a cause for concern, with higher risk being observed to a greater extent in students with disabilities. These data suggest the importance for universities and relevant authorities to address these problems comprehensively, providing adequate resources for students with disabilities and promoting a culture of wellbeing that discourages problematic gambling activities and encourages healthy alternatives for entertainment and stress management.

Mengatasi Limbah Plastik: Peran Edukasi dan Ecobrick di Desa Penjalin

Plastic waste is one of the largest environmental issues globally, including in Penjalin Village. This study explores the role of environmental education and the use of ecobricks as innovative solutions to tackle plastic waste in rural communities. The research employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and participatory observation, to analyze the impact of education on community awareness regarding plastic waste management. The findings indicate that effective education can enhance residents’ understanding and participation in utilizing ecobricks as an alternative waste management approach. Additionally, ecobricks have proven to be a sustainable method, reducing the volume of plastic waste while providing additional benefits such as increased creativity and community self-reliance. Thus, the combination of environmental education and ecobrick implementation can serve as an effective model for addressing plastic waste problems in other villages across Indonesia.

Intraoperative Endobronchial Intubation After Successful Submental Intubation

In complex maxillofacial fractures in which orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation are otherwise contraindicated, alternatives for airway management include tracheostomy and submental intubation (SMI). In this case, SMI was used successfully, although it did result in accidental endobronchial intubation intraoperatively that was quickly recognized and managed appropriately. SMI can be a useful method for securing a patient’s airway, but like all surgical approaches, it does carry the potential for complications. We report a case involving the use of SMI during which an unintended endobronchial intubation occurred.

Assessing and enhancing sustainable rice straw management for environmental conservation in Yen Thanh District, Nghe An Province, Vietnam

This study assessed the current management of rice straw in Yen Thanh District, Nghe An Province, and propose solutions for sustainable agricultural development. A survey was conducted with 120 households in four communes to determine straw use and management practices. The findings revealed six common methods of using and managing rice straw in Yen Thanh District: open burning, burying, mushroom plantation, using it for husbandry feeding, selling, and giving it to others. These practices vary based on the crop season. Open burning is the most prevalent practice, accounting for 98.15% and 89.52% during the winter-spring and summer-autumn harvests, respectively. A crucial step in establishing a pollution control and management database is a comprehensive inventory of emissions. Consequently, authorities and environmental scientists are currently focusing on the emission inventory, particularly emissions resulting from open-burning rice straws. The estimated total amount of rice straw produced annually is 159,732 tons, with 151,384 tons being directly burned in the fields. This burning releases significant emissions, including 1,005.18 tons of PM2.5, 1,102.08 tons of PM10, 21.80 tons of SO2, 142,543.18 tons of CO2, and more, negatively impacting the environment, human health, and agriculture. Additionally, it was observed that most farmers are inclined to continue burning rice straw out of habit in the upcoming years. The study suggests promoting alternative straw management practices such as mushroom cultivation, biochar production, and organic fertilizer production to reduce burning and its associated negative consequences. This information would be invaluable for managers to effectively plan for the future management of rice straw