Management Research Articles

Which is the more effective management strategy for irritability and challenging behaviour in autism, medication or psychosocial interventions?

Purpose The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the current research around the impact of management strategies on challenging behaviour in autism. Design/methodology/approach Mixed method analysis. Findings Seven studies were included for discussion. The author found significant heterogeneity in the outcome measures of all the studies and was unable to provide a meta-analysis. The results showed that psychosocial interventions offer the most promise in terms of safety and efficacy. The author was unable to explain what part of their intervention had the most significant effect. Antipsychotic interventions demonstrated the most robust methodologies and therefore, the results are more reliable. Research limitations/implications These studies provide valuable evidence for UK guidelines and suggest that lower doses of medication do not have a therapeutic effect on patients. Furthermore, these studies do not use psychosocial interventions alongside medication reduction, which may have proven valuable to help the author’s understanding of the different management strategies for treating challenging behaviour in autism. Thus, this literature review recommends further studies in the reduction of medication alongside psychosocial interventions with a larger number of participants recruited from a diverse range of backgrounds. Practical implications Gerrard et al. (2019) hope that positive behavioural support will become standard practice for specialist teams following the results of their findings and conclude that in the absence of effective management strategies, there is a greater likelihood of the re-introduction of medication. Admittedly, they do not understand what components of their intervention had the greatest significance on the results and identify this as a limitation of the study. In the single case study by Lee, Rhodes and Gerrard (2019), they claim that medication reduction and discontinuation can be successful if the rate of titration reduction is slowed down. This may offer some insight into the success of the strategy by Gerrard et al. (2019). Social implications Bishop-Fitzpatrick et al. (2013) state that the researchers in their systematic reviews used “creative techniques” to address the core deficits of autism (p. 7). It can be argued that psychosocial interventions are highly individualized, making them difficult to implement in practice and are ungeneralizable. For this purpose, the reduction of medication cannot be implemented consistently as it is not clear what strategies are effective. Originality/value This is the author’s own work, and to the best of the author’s knowledge, it does not infringe upon anyone’s copyright and that any ideas, techniques or any other material are fully acknowledged in accordance with the Harvard referencing guidelines.

Feeding ecology and diurnal activity patterns of the new populations of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in the escarpments of eastern Tigray, northern Ethiopia

Studying the behavioral ecology of primates is essential to realize their conservation and management strategies. Geladas (Theropithecus gelada) are endemic primates of the Ethiopian highlands and the last remaining member of the genus Theropithecus. We present here the first-ever study on the behavioral ecology, of the newly discovered geladas in the eastern part of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. We collected data from February to September 2020, which included both dry and wet seasons, and focused on activity patterns and feeding ecology of geladas. A band of 48 individuals was selected as a study group. Data was collected through the instantaneous scan sampling method from the focal band of geladas. Feeding accounted for 49.5% of the activity patterns, followed by moving (22.3%), resting (16%), social (10.4%), and other non-social activities (1.9%). Geladas in the present study consumed 25 plant species that belong to 12 families, more than 50% (14) being graminoids. Food items included graminoid parts (66.1%), forb parts (27.5%), tree/shrub leaves (2.4%), fruit/seeds (2.6%), flowers (0.9%), and the rest being unidentified (0.5%). Geladas are fed in large quantities on graminoid leaves, although they shifted to underground (corms, rhizomes, and roots) food items when leaves were desiccated, particularly during the dry season. The data on the diurnal activity patterns and feeding ecology of the gelada helps in developing conservation strategies and understanding habitat selection and its level of dietary specialization. The current study area is known as a new distribution of geladas in the Tigray region. Thus, this study provides data that would be crucial information for conservation practitioners at local and national levels to ensure the survival of the new and isolated population of Tigray geladas that are patchily distributed to a few escarpments of eastern Tigray, Ethiopia.

Beyond the Physical: Weight Stigma and the Bariatric Patient Journey

Background: Obesity represents a global epidemic associated with significant health risks, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Management strategies have evolved from focusing solely on weight reduction to emphasizing overall health improvements and mitigating associated risks. Methods: This narrative review analyzed the existing peer-reviewed literature across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to examine the outcomes of bariatric surgery and its interplay with weight stigma. The review incorporated data from clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, focusing on bariatric surgery and its psychological impact, as well as approaches to mitigate stigma in bariatric care. Results: Bariatric surgery has emerged as the most effective intervention for sustained weight loss and the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities. However, individuals undergoing surgery frequently encounter weight stigma, both pre- and postoperatively, which manifests through discriminatory healthcare interactions, societal biases, and internalized self-criticism. These factors contribute to anxiety, depression, diminished healthcare engagement, and weight regain, ultimately affecting the long-term surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Addressing weight stigma in bariatric care is critical to optimizing outcomes. Interventions such as preoperative counseling, postoperative psychological support, and multidisciplinary care can mitigate the psychological and societal burdens of stigma. This review explores the intricate relationships between obesity, bariatric surgery outcomes, weight stigma, and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

‘Life in a linguistic bubble’: family language policy of transnational Korean families in Chengdu, China

ABSTRACT Transnational family language policy (FLP) research has mainly focused on traditional immigrant-receiving nations, with a particular concentration in English-speaking contexts. This study investigates the FLP of Korean families in China – an emerging destination for international migration. Drawing on Spolsky’s tripartite framework, the study investigated the language practices, management strategies, and ideologies of eight Korean families whose residence in China ranged from under one year to over two decades. Data from semi-structured interviews and field notes revealed that these families operate within a distinct linguistic ‘bubble’, primarily engaging with Korean at home and English in educational settings, while minimising interaction with Chinese language environments. This linguistic isolation stems from both the families’ transnational orientation and instrumental view of language, as well as limited integration support from local communities. The findings highlight implications both for China’s emerging role as an immigrant-receiving nation and traditional immigration countries’ approaches to heritage language maintenance. The research contributes to the theoretical understanding of language dynamics in diverse global contexts and expands the scope of transnational FLP research.

Prerequisites and limitations of the use of oral anticoagulants in pregnant women in real-world clinical practice

Relevance. Anticoagulants are commonly used during pregnancy is a fairly common practice. Due to the widespread use of oral anticoagulants in real practice and the high frequency of unplanned pregnancy, physicians should assess the risks and plan pregnancy management strategies.Objective. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the legal background and evidence on the risks associated with the use of oral anticoagulants in pregnant women in real-world clinical practice.Materials and methods. An analysis of the official instructions for the use of oral anticoagulants registered in Russia, an analysis of the published literature on reproductive toxicity and the use of drugs during pregnancy, and a general comparative analysis of the predominance of individual oral anticoagulants in practical healthcare in Russia.Results. The results of the analysis revealed high variability in the restrictions on the use of oral anticoagulants during pregnancy. At the same time, the actual evidence of reproductive toxicity for drugs does not differ significantly and indicates the absence of signals of potential teratogenicity, at least based on the available number of observations. The maximum number of pregnancy observations exceeding the number of observations on warfarin use was reported for the use of rivaroxaban (505 cases in the largest analysis). The remaining representatives are described by several dozen observations. In Russia, the use of oral anticoagulants is also a prerequisite for the more likely use of rivaroxaban and apixaban in cases of unplanned pregnancy.Conclusions. In real-world clinical practice, exposure to oral anticoagulants is a prerequisite for pregnancy, which requires decision-making on strategies for pregnancy management. Instructions for the use of drugs do not contain reasonable information or formulations for decision-making based on accumulated knowledge about reproductive toxicity. Based on published data on the use of drugs in this group during pregnancy in real-world clinical practice, there is no sign of teratogenic potential for all representatives, with the exception of warfarin, whereas the largest number of observations concerns the most commonly used rivaroxaban.

Harnessing Insect Chemosensory and Mechanosensory Receptors Involved in Feeding for Precision Pest Management

Chemosensation and mechanosensation are vital to insects’ survival and behavior, shaping critical physiological processes such as feeding, metabolism, mating, and reproduction. During feeding, insects rely on diverse chemosensory and mechanosensory receptors to distinguish between nutritious and harmful substances, enabling them to select suitable food sources while avoiding toxins. These receptors are distributed across various body parts, allowing insects to detect environmental cues about food quality and adjust their behaviors accordingly. A deeper understanding of insect sensory physiology, especially during feeding, not only enhances our knowledge of insect biology but also offers significant opportunities for practical applications. This review highlights recent advancements in research on feeding-related sensory receptors, covering a wide range of insect species, from the model organism Drosophila melanogaster to agricultural and human pests. Additionally, this review examines the potential of targeting insect sensory receptors for precision pest control. Disrupting behaviors such as feeding and reproduction emerges as a promising strategy for pest management. By interfering with these essential behaviors, we can effectively control pest populations while minimizing environmental impacts and promoting ecological balance.

Cholecystogastric fistula presenting as pyloric obstruction - a Bouveret’s syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Bouveret’s syndrome is a rare (1%-4%) form of cholelithiasis characterized by gastric outlet obstruction. It presents mainly in elderly women with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. On physical examination, common findings include dehydration signs such as tachycardia, decreased urine output, abdominal discomfort, and distention. Diagnosis relies on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging, with Rigler's triad (pneumobilia, ectopic gallstone, gastric distension) being highly specific. This report aims to improve understanding of Bouveret’s syndrome and inform better management and treatment strategies. CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old male patient presented with a three-day history of nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. An upright abdominal X-ray revealed a gas shadow in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Endoscopy revealed a brown and black stone measuring approximately 3030 mm in diameter in the gastric pylorus, incompletely obstructing the gastric outlet. The diagnosis of Bouveret’s syndrome was accurately confirmed via an abdominal CT scan. Endoscopic removal of the stone was successful, owing to the stone being fragmented and extracted in pieces using a crushing basket. Three weeks later, laparoscopy was attempted but failed because of severe tissue adhesions. Consequently, the procedure was converted to a laparotomy, and fistula repair and cholecystectomy were performed. He returned to the outpatient clinic for follow-up, and no further concerns were noted. CONCLUSION This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and adaptable endoscopic and surgical approaches for effectively managing Bouveret’s syndrome.

Head and neck injuries from personal motorised vehicles in the United States

BackgroundThe use of personal electric vehicles in the United States has increased head and neck injuries. This study analyses the types, frequencies, demographics and management of these injuries across motorised...

Assessment of Air Pollution and Lagged Meteorological Effects in an Urban Residential Area of Kenitra City, Morocco

Complex mixtures of air pollutants, including ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), black carbon (BC), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), present significant health risks. To understand the factors influencing air pollution levels and their temporal variations, comprehensive high-resolution long-term air pollution data are essential. This study analyzed the characteristics, lagged meteorological effects, and temporal patterns of six air pollutant concentrations over a one-year period at an urban residential site in Kenitra, Morocco. The results reveal pronounced seasonal and diurnal variations in pollutant levels, shaped by meteorological factors, emission sources, and local geographic conditions. PM2.5, SO2, and CO concentrations peaked during winter, while NO2 and CO exhibited consistent diurnal peaks during morning and evening rush hours across all seasons, driven by traffic emissions and nocturnal pollutant accumulation. In contrast, O3 concentrations were highest during summer afternoons due to photochemical reactions fueled by strong UV radiation, while winter levels were the lowest due to reduced sunlight. Lagged meteorological effects further highlighted the complexity of air pollutant dynamics. Meteorological factors, including temperature, wind speed, humidity, and pressure, significantly influenced pollutant levels, with both immediate and lagged effects observed. Lag analyses revealed that PM2.5 and BC levels responded to wind speed, temperature, and humidity over time, highlighting the temporal dynamics of dispersion and accumulation. CO is sensitive to temperature and pressure changes, with delayed impacts, while O3 formation was primarily influenced by temperature and wind speed, reflecting complex photochemical processes. SO2 concentrations were shaped by both immediate and lagged meteorological effects, with wind direction playing a key role in pollutant transport. These findings emphasize the importance of considering both immediate and lagged meteorological effects, as well as seasonal and diurnal variations, in developing air quality management strategies.

Comparative Effects of Neem-coated Urea, Agrotain Urea and Nano Nitrogen on Nutrient Uptake of Paddy Crop

Aims: To evaluate the impact of innovative nitrogen management strategies, including neem-coated urea (NCU), nano fertilizers, and Agrotain urea, on nutrient use efficiency (NUE), NPK uptake, and rice productivity in the Southern Telangana Zone. Study Design: Randomized block design with 3 replications, including traditional and innovative nitrogen formulations combined with foliar-applied nano nitrogen sprays. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, during the Kharif season of 2021&2022. Methodology: The experiment was conducted on the JGL 24423 rice variety. Treatments included varying nitrogen rates (100%, 50%, and 33% recommended dose of nitrogen [RDN]) applied as NCU (Neem Coated Urea), Agrotain UG (urea granules), or combinations with nano nitrogen sprays. Nitrogen was applied in three splits (transplanting, tillering, and panicle initiation). Nutrient uptake (NPK) was analyzed using standard laboratory methods, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA to assess treatment effects. Results: The 100% RDN-STCR (Soil Test Crop Response)-based NCU treatment demonstrated the highest mean nitrogen uptake (66.8 kg ha⁻¹ in grain, 53.7 kg ha⁻¹ in straw), phosphorus uptake (18.7 kg ha⁻¹ in grain, 9.5 kg ha⁻¹ in straw), and potassium uptake (37.7 kg ha⁻¹ in grain, 120.9 kg ha⁻¹ in straw). Reduced nitrogen treatments with nano nitrogen sprays showed moderate nutrient uptake.The control and nano nitrogen sprays alone had the lowest uptake levels. Conclusion: Nitrogen management strategies, particularly 100% RDN-STCR-based NCU, significantly enhanced NUE, nutrient uptake, and rice productivity, demonstrating their potential for sustainable rice cultivation.

Nature Tourism and Mental Well-Being: Insights from a Controlled Context on Reducing Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Recent studies have underscored the importance of tourism in enhancing individuals’ mental well-being through engagement with nature. This article examines the impact of nature-based tourism on alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among a group of 67 university students who exhibited extremely severe levels of these disorders. Participants were assessed both before and after a nature tourism experience in the Tinajillas Río Gualaceño Protected Forest, Ecuador. Mental health changes were evaluated using the DASS-21 scale, with assessments conducted pre- and post-activity, revealing significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress levels, with large and clinically relevant effect sizes. However, a 6-month follow-up indicated that these long-term benefits diminished and no longer held clinical significance, suggesting the need for more frequent interventions to sustain positive effects. This study concludes that nature-based tourism serves as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for improving mental well-being in the short term, although its sustainability requires continuous interaction with nature. These findings provide empirical support for nature-based tourism as a mental health strategy and highlight the importance of integrating it into public health policies and tourism management strategies.

Gaussian Process Regression with a Hybrid Risk Measure for Dynamic Risk Management in the Electricity Market

In this work, we introduce an innovative approach to managing electricity costs within Germany’s evolving energy market, where dynamic tariffs are becoming increasingly normal. In line with recent German governmental policies, particularly the Energiewende (Energy Transition) and European Union directives on clean energy, this work introduces a risk management strategy based on a combination of the well-known risk measures of the Value at Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR). The goal is to optimize electricity procurement by forecasting hourly prices over a certain horizon and allocating a fixed budget using the aforementioned measures to minimize the financial risk. To generate price predictions, a Gaussian process regression model is used. The aim of this hybrid approach is to design a model that is easily understandable but allows for a comprehensive evaluation of potential financial exposure. It enables consumers to adjust their consumption patterns or market traders to invest and allows more cost-effective and risk-aware decision-making. The potential of our approach is shown in a case study based on the German market. Moreover, by discussing the political and economical implications, we show how the implementation of our method can contribute to the realization of a sustainable, flexible, and efficient energy market, as outlined in Germany’s Renewable Energy Act.

Determinants of South African Asset Market Co-Movement: Evidence from Investor Sentiment and Changing Market Conditions

The co-movement of multi-asset markets in emerging markets has become an important determinant for investors seeking diversified portfolios and enhanced portfolio returns. Despite this, studies have failed to examine the determinants of the co-movement of multi-asset markets such as investor sentiment and changing market conditions. Accordingly, this study investigates the effect of investor sentiment on the co-movement of South African multi-asset markets by introducing alternating market conditions. The Markov regime-switching autoregressive (MS-AR) model and Markov regime-switching vector autoregressive (MS-VAR) model impulse response function are used from 2007 March to January 2024. The findings indicate that investor sentiment has a time-varying and regime-specific effect on the co-movement of South African multi-asset markets. In a bull market condition, investor sentiment positively affects the equity–bond and equity–gold co-movement. In the bear market condition, investor sentiment has a negative and significant effect on the equity–bond, equity–property, bond–gold, and bond–property co-movement. Similarly, in a bull regime, the co-movement of South African multi-asset markets positively responds to sentiment shocks, although this is only observed in the short term. However, in the bear market regime, the co-movement of South African multi-asset markets responds positively and negatively to sentiment shocks, despite this being observed in the long run. These observations provide interesting insights to policymakers, investors, and fund managers for portfolio diversification and risk management strategies. That being, the current policies are not robust enough to reduce asset market integration and reduce sentiment-induced markets. Consequently, policymakers must re-examine and amend current policies according to the findings of the study. In addition, portfolio rebalancing in line with the findings of this study is essential for portfolio diversification.

An overview of evaluating the efficacy of microbial pathogens for biological control of the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) insights from laboratory and field studies

Abstract Background This overview explores the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), fungi (EPFs), bacteria (EPBs), and viruses (EPVs) as biological control strategies against the red palm weevil (RPW) (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), a significant pest of date palms in Saudi Arabia. Laboratory and field studies have evaluated the efficacy of these pathogens, which employ different infection mechanisms to manage RPW populations. The review aims to provide insights into the pathogenicity and application methods of these microbial agents, supporting the development of sustainable integrated pest management strategies for date palm cultivation. Results The results indicate that entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), fungi (EPFs), bacteria (EPBs), and viruses (EPVs) are effective microbial agents for controlling the red palm weevil (RPW), a significant pest of date palms in Saudi Arabia. Laboratory and field studies have demonstrated their efficacy, utilizing different infection mechanisms to manage RPW populations at various life stages. However, limitations exist, including a lack of comprehensive research on certain microbial pathogens and the need for further studies to optimize application methods and environmental adaptability. These gaps highlight the importance of this review in synthesizing findings and providing a solid foundation for future research on sustainable integrated pest management strategies for RPW control. Conclusion This overview underscores the potential of entomopathogenic microorganisms as effective biocontrol agents against the red palm weevil, emphasizing their role in sustainable pest management strategies. Continued research is essential to address existing gaps and optimize the application of these microbial agents in date palm cultivation.

Chemical and Physical Analysis of Different Types of Soil in India

This study examines the chemical and physical properties of soils across various regions of India, focusing on their agricultural production and environmental sustainability. Chemical testing revealed notable variations in soil pH and nutrient content. Phosphorus ran from 15 to 47 ppm; potassium from 180 to 270 ppm; nitrogen from 12 to 22 ppm; and pH from 5.4 to 6.8. Revealing the intricate interactions among several components improves correlation analysis and offers important information for the development of concentrated soil management strategies. The soil structure determines water retention capacity and nutrient availability regardless of loam, sand, or clayey. Studies of heavy metals revealed varying degrees of mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead all around India. Since it shows the changes in easily available water over time, the moisture content of the soil is vital for irrigation planning and agriculture. Emphasising the need of soil porosity (28.45% to 40.17%) and permeability (7.83 to 11.23 cm/hr) for water movement and root penetration is absolutely vital. These findings support informed decision-making in soil management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices tailored to regional soil characteristics.

First Report of Phytopythium vexans Causing Root Rot on Tulip Poplar in Tennessee and the United States

Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a member of the Magnolia family, is a large, fast-growing, long-lived, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. One-year-old tulip poplar seedlings grown under field conditions in a commercial nursery in Warren County, Tennessee, exhibited severe root rot in May 2024. Dark brown to black lesions were observed on the affected roots. Disease severity was 60% of the affected root area, and disease incidence was 45% of 300 plants. Symptomatic root tissues were surface-disinfected with 70% ethanol and washed twice with distilled water. Small sections of root tissue were placed in Petri dishes containing V8-PARPH (V8 juice agar amended with pimaricin, ampicillin, rifampicin, pentachloronitrobenzene, and hymexazol) agar and incubated at 24°C in an 8-hour photoperiod cycle. After 3 days of incubation, whitish cottony mycelia with radiate and chrysanthemum flower-like growth patterns were observed (Supplementary Fig. 1a). The hyphae were coenocytic and 5.5 μm wide. Sporangia were subglobose with papillate, filamentous to globose smooth oogonia (18.35 to 23.86 μm; n = 50), bell-shaped antheridia, and spherical zoospores that are characteristic of Phytopythium vexans (de Cock et al. 2015) (Supplementary Fig. 1b and c). Total DNA was extracted (DNeasy PowerLyzer Microbial Kit) from 7-day-old isolates FBG7781-1 and FBG7781-2 and amplified using the ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), NL1/NL4 (Baten et al. 2014), Levup/Fm85mod (Robideau et al. 2011) and Cox2F/Cox2RC4 (Hudspeth et al. 2000) primer pairs. Isolates were sequenced using for genetic markers, including the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the 28S large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal RNA, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COXII), respectively. The sequences (GenBank accession nos. PQ555199 and PQ555200 for ITS, PQ555205 and PQ555206 for LSU, PQ562067 and PQ562068 for COXI, and PQ562065 and PQ562066 for COXII) were 100% identical to the ITS, LSU, COX1, and COXII genetic markers of P. vexans isolates in GenBank (ITS: PQ050141, LSU: AB468723, COXI: GU133478, COXII: AB468910). Pathogenicity tests were performed on 1-year-old tulip poplar seedlings grown in 1-gal containers (3.8 L) to fulfill Koch’s postulates. Tulip poplar seedlings were drenched and inoculated (150 ml/plant) with a pathogen slurry (two plates of 7-day-old culture/liter) as described in Panth et al. 2021, using isolates FBG7781-1 and FBG7781-2 (five plants per isolate). Five plants were drenched with V8-PARPH agar slurry without the pathogen and served as controls. The study was conducted in a greenhouse maintained at 21 to 23°C and 70% relative humidity and watered twice daily for 2 min using an overhead irrigation system. Fifteen days after inoculation, dark brown lesions developed in the roots of all inoculated plants (Supplementary Fig. 2a). No symptoms were observed in the control plants (Supplementary Fig. 2b). Isolates resembling the morphological characteristics of P. vexans were recovered from inoculated plants using the method described above, and their identity as P. vexans was confirmed by DNA sequencing with the same four primer pairs previously described. Phytopythium vexans has been reported to cause root rot in flowering cherry, ginkgo, red maple, and redbud in Tennessee (Baysal-Gurel et al. 2021, Liyanapathiranage et al. 2023, Panth et al. 2021). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. vexans causing root rot of tulip poplar in Tennessee, the United States and worldwide. This finding is significantly important for the development of a successful disease management strategy for P. vexans in tulip poplar.

Phylogeography and genetic diversity of Ulmus elongata (Ulmaceae), a Tertiary relict tree with extremely small populations (PSESP)

BackgroundAssessing the current status and identifying the mechanisms threatening endangered plants are significant challenges and fundamental to biodiversity conservation, particularly for protecting Tertiary relict trees and plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP). Ulmus elongata (Ulmus, Ulmaceae) with high values for the ornamental application, is a Tertiary relict tree species and one of the members from PSESP in China. Currently, the wild populations of U. elongata have been threatened by excessive deforestation and urbanization, but limited knowledges of its genetic diversity seriously hinder conservation efforts. Therefore, a further study on the genetic diversity and drivers of genetic pattern in U. elongata is crucial for preserving genetic resources and can serve as a reference for other Tertiary relict plants and PSESP under climate change.ResultsHere, a total of 12 populations from 70 individuals of U. elongata were collected covering its geographical distribution in China. Utilizing chloroplast genome datasets, we found that U. elongata exhibited remarkably low nucleotide diversity and gene flow (π = 0.00013, Nm = 0.03). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation in U. elongata occurs mainly between eight clades (60.95%). The Mantel tests indicated a significant correlation between genetic differentiation and geographical distances (r = 0.3777, p < 0.05) in U. elongata populations. A notable phylogeographic structure was identified in U. elongata, comprising eight distinct haplogroups (NST = 0.917, GST = 0.876, p < 0.05), which was attributed to the global cooling in the East Asia and Quaternary climate oscillations.ConclusionsOverall, our study using Ulmus elongata as a representative supported the hypothesis that plants belonging to Tertiary relict species and PSESP simultaneously exhibits significantly lower genetic diversity compared to those are either Tertiary relict species or PSESP individually. Furthermore, the low genetic diversity and significant genetic differentiation in U. elongata populations can be primarily ascribed to a combination of factors, including habitat fragmentation resulting from human activities, populations contraction during LGM and small population sizes. This provides a crucial foundation for guiding conservation efforts and implementing management strategies for other Tertiary relict tree species and PSESP. Our findings also provide evidence for the important roles of East Asian monsoon system and climate oscillations in shaping the phylogeographic pattern in subtropical broad-leaved forests.

High Blood Pressure among Young Adults Aged 18 - 45 Years Presenting for Care to a Health Center in Karongi District in Rwanda

Hypertension is a major global health challenge, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among young adults aged 18 – 45 years in Karongi District, Rwanda, to inform effective prevention and management strategies. Hypertension prevalence serves as a critical measure of community health, with further epidemiological data needed to address treatment gaps, elevated prevalence rates, and suboptimal blood pressure control. The study also aims to promote routine blood pressure monitoring and highlight the efficacy of lifestyle interventions, including reduced salt intake, regular physical activity, weight loss, alcohol moderation, and smoking cessation, in managing hypertension. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, utilizing patient questionnaires and observation checklists at Rubengera Health Center. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 15, with logistic regression identifying factors influencing hypertension. The study found an overall hypertension prevalence of 30.3%, with 9.09% representing newly diagnosed cases, consistent with trends in African populations. Significant sociodemographic factors included older age, lower education levels, urban residence, and marital status, with higher prevalence among married and widowed individuals. Key lifestyle contributors were high saturated fat intake, low physical activity, and excessive salt consumption, while regular exercise and a balanced diet were protective factors. The study concludes that hypertension is a prevalent health issue among young adults in Karongi District, driven by both sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. It underscores the need for data-driven strategies for hypertension management and control, providing essential insights for health planners in estimating disease burden and designing targeted interventions. Recommendations include public awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and policy measures addressing unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity. Further research is encouraged to examine the impact of occupation, gender, marital transitions, and intervention efficacy in reducing hypertension prevalence. These efforts aim to mitigate the burden of hypertension in Rwanda, contributing to improved health outcomes and population well-being. Keywords: Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk factors, Lifestyle interventions, Sociodemographic factors, Management strategies

Post Farmer-herder Conflict Management and Relief Strategies of Farmers in Nigeria

Purpose: This study shed light on the self-relief strategy employed by farmers after their experience in farmer-herder conflict.Research Method: The survey was carried out among 150 farm households headed in four farming communities. Frequency and logistic regression statistics were employed to analyze data.Findings: Findings showed that farmer-herder conflict resulted in the destruction of farm crops and insufficient food for household consumption among affected rural households. Affected rural households decided to adopt coping strategies that reduce their vulnerability by tightening farm security, preventing future huge farm loss by sowing less, and completely avoiding of risk of conflict effects with no intention to continue crop farming by borrowing money and shifting to off-farm jobs. Education/literacy of the people and causes of conflict were found to be the behavioral control factors of the farmers.Practical Implication: The study provided recommendations for rural development advisors and policymakers to inform post-conflict management and relief strategies for effective coping and adaptation responses to farmer-herders conflict victims in Africa and other developing countries experiencing similar nature of conflict.Originality/ Value: The study is novel for reporting, for the first time, the post-farmer-herder conflict behavior of farmers in Nigeria

Emotions and political identity predict public acceptance of urban deer management

Addressing public preferences can enhance wildlife management effectiveness and reduce backlash. We conducted novel research on public acceptance of wildlife management by accounting for the role of underexplored drivers including emotion and political identity across an urban-to-rural gradient. Using data from a 2022 survey about white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Durham County, North Carolina, we analyzed drivers of acceptance for three management strategies: passive management, lethal management by hunting, and lethal management by professionals. Support for deer management varied across the urban-to-rural gradient, as rural residents favored hunting but were less supportive of passive management compared to urban and suburban residents. Emotions and general attitudes toward deer were the strongest predictors of management acceptance. Support for passive management was higher among residents with more positive emotions toward deer, whereas support for lethal strategies was higher among those with more negative emotions. Additionally, political identity emerged as a complex yet influential factor in shaping support for lethal management. Conservative respondents exhibited a higher acceptance of hunting, whereas liberal respondents exhibited a higher acceptance of professional sharpshooting. Collectively, our results demonstrate the ways in which emotions, politics, and other socio-demographic factors interact to influence public support for deer management across the urban–rural gradient. When direct experience with wildlife is lacking (e.g., in urban areas), emotions may act as heuristic guides that shape preferences. Managers aiming to increase deer management acceptability could integrate insights about emotional, political, and demographic drivers of public management support in communication efforts, potentially rendering urban deer management more effective.