Initial Evidence Research Articles

Assessing the availability of legal support through the ‘Help with family Mediation’ legal aid scheme

ABSTRACT The accessibility of legal support for private family matters has been devastated by decades of reform. At the time of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, legal advice supposedly remained available to support those in family mediation via the ‘Help with Family Mediation’ scheme. However, initial evidence suggests that lawyers rarely engage in the scheme because of a lack of financial incentives. Statistics on Help with Family Mediation are released every financial quarter, but have not been properly scrutinised in academic commentary or public policy. This article outlines findings from the first quantitative study on Help with Family Mediation. The study confirms that the scheme remains largely unavailable and has declined in use since 2016. It reveals that the scheme has dealt with a higher proportion of finance-related disputes over time, with more cases also resulting in a financial benefit. Statistical analysis then confirms a relationship between the type of dispute and whether an agreement is reached in mediation. The article concludes by highlighting the implications of these findings beyond their relevance to lawyers. Altogether, the study demonstrates a need for further research on family justice professionals, as well as family justice data, more widely.

Participant completion of longitudinal assessments in an online cognitive aging registry: The role of medical conditions.

This study aimed to understand whether older adults' longitudinal completion of assessments in an online Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD)-related registry is influenced by self-reported medical conditions. Brain Health Registry (BHR) is an online cognitive aging and ADRD-related research registry that includes longitudinal health and cognitive assessments. Using logistic regressions, we examined associations between longitudinal registry completion outcomes and self-reported (1) number of medical conditions and (2) eight defined medical condition groups (cardiovascular, metabolic, immune system, ADRD, current psychiatric, substance use/abuse, acquired, other specified conditions) in adults aged 55+ (N = 23,888). Longitudinal registry completion outcomes were assessed by the completion of the BHR initial questionnaire (first questionnaire participants see at each visit) at least twice and completion of a cognitive assessment (Cogstate Brief Battery) at least twice. Models included ethnocultural identity, education, age, and subjective memory concern as covariates. We found that the likelihood of longitudinally completing the initial questionnaire was negatively associated with reporting a diagnosis of ADRD and current psychiatric conditions but was positively associated with reporting substance use/abuse and acquired medical conditions. The likelihood of longitudinally completing the cognitive assessment task was negatively associated with number of reported medical conditions, as well as with reporting cardiovascular conditions, ADRD, and current psychiatric conditions. Previously identified associations between ethnocultural identity and longitudinal assessment completion in BHR remained after accounting for the presence of medical conditions. This post hoc analysis provides novel, initial evidence that older adults' completion of longitudinal assessments in an online registry is associated with the number and types of participant-reported medical conditions. Our findings can inform future efforts to make online studies with longitudinal health and cognitive assessments more usable for older adults with medical conditions. The results need to be interpreted with caution due to selection biases, and the under-inclusion of minoritized communities.

Puff alert: addiction to nicotine products among young people

Consumption of e-cigarettes (particularly the famous "puffs") and other nicotine products has risen sharply among Swiss teenagers, and now exceeds consumption of traditional cigarettes. Yet these products are harmful to health. Nicotine is highly addictive for young people, and e-cigarette use causes significant respiratory morbidity for both active and passive users. We are just measuring the extent of the toxic effects of these products, given their recent appearance on the market, but the initial scientific evidence is extremely worrisome and calls for a rapid response. Prevention among young people is crucial, and better legislation is urgently needed.

Remedial Teachers’ Needs for Developing New Basic Numeracy Teaching Aids: A Needs Analysis

Appropriate teaching aids can assist remedial pupils in mastering basic numeracy skills effectively. However, issues persist of remedial pupils struggling to grasp basic numeracy skills, potentially due to the lack of suitable teaching aids tailored for Malaysia’s Special Remedial Programme. Thus, this quantitative study aimed to identify remedial teachers' needs for developing new basic numeracy teaching aids in the Special Remedial Programme. This study adapted McKillip's Discrepancy Model to guide the needs analysis. A quantitative survey methodology was used with 143 remedial teachers respondents in Melaka state, Malaysia. A validated questionnaire measured the levels and discrepancies in remedial teachers’ utilisation, perceptions, constraints, and skills regarding proposed basic numeracy teaching aids by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Findings showed moderate utilisation, high positive perception, moderate constraints, and high skills levels in using existing basic numeracy teaching aids. Discrepancies were identified in each construct, indicating the need for improvements tailored for better remedial learning. The results suggest modifying and developing new basic numeracy teaching aids that meet remedial pupils’ learning characteristics, fostering their creative thinking, facilitating self-directed learning activities, improving time efficiency in teaching and learning mathematics, providing various customisable teaching aid templates that are easy to reproduce with affordable everyday materials, and developing user-friendly technology teaching aids. Addressing these needs can enhance remedial teaching practices and pupils’ numeracy achievement. This study provides an important initial evidence base for designing and developing appropriate basic numeracy teaching aids based on remedial teachers’ current needs.

Initial validation of wearable sensors to measure social engagement of young children

Early childhood is a critical time for the development of social skills. However, some children struggle to develop social competence due to a variety of factors. Although supporting social development is an instructional goal for many early childhood educators it can be difficult to measure these skills objectively in order to inform instruction. This manuscript provides results from a two-phase validation of a new, unobtrusive, wearable sensor technology designed to objectively measure social engagement among young children in educational settings. As a first step to validation we focus on the constructs of proximity and frontal orientation, key indicators of early social engagement. We validate these modalities by comparing sensor data to video coded data for social engagement between child-child and teacher-child dyads. Results provide initial evidence that the wearable sensor technology can accurately measure social engagement for children and their teachers in early childhood settings. Limitations as well as future adjustments and validations to the sensor technology are discussed. We also discuss practical applications and future research directions.

Supplemental Material for Initial Evidence of the Acute Effect of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Use on Energy Intake

Supplemental Material for Initial Evidence of the Acute Effect of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Use on Energy Intake

Investigating the Impact of a Motor Program on Preschoolers With Disabilities

A semistructured preschool motor program was developed in response to the paucity of evidence-based motor programs for preschoolers with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to examine the impact of the CHildren in Action: Motor Program for PreschoolerS (CHAMPPS), a 21-week intervention that includes 42 Universal Design for Learning–embedded lessons with suggestions for supporting school readiness skills. Eight intervention and 8 control classrooms across 2 states participated in the RCT. Data on 51 children with disabilities provide initial evidence on how CHAMPPS positively impacted children's active engagement, motor, and social development. The promising results include gains in motor skills, sustained physical activity levels during motor play, increased on-task behavior, and high feasibility and usability ratings by teachers. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Correlation of genome methylation of fig tree accessions with natural nematode and rust incidence.

Commercial fig tree cultivation in Brazil involves a single cultivar, 'Roxo-de-Valinhos'. The use of a single cultivar results in serious diseases and related problems. The aim of this study was to characterize fig accessions by analyzing the natural root-knot nematode and leaf rust incidence in relation to the epigenomic profile of the plant, since epigenetic variations affect plant-pathogen interactions. All plants were attacked by nematodes, indicating susceptibility; Meloidogyne incognita was the root-knot nematode species involved. Joint analysis of data showed that methylation and leaf rust incidence were correlated when observed in the same phenological phase, presenting initial evidence of the same factorial pressure loads in genotypes, suggesting similar behavior within these genotypes.

Asymmetric edge supercurrents in MoTe2 Josephson junctions.

To investigate the higher order topology in MoTe2, the supercurrent interference phenomena in Nb/MoTe2/Nb planar Josephson junctions have been systematically studied. By analyzing the obtained interference pattern of the critical supercurrents and performing a comparative study of the edge-touched and untouched junctions, it's found that the supercurrent is dominated by the edges, rather than the bulk or surfaces of MoTe2. An asymmetric Josephson effect with a field-tunable sign is also observed, indicating the nontrivial origin of the edge states. These results not only provide initial evidence for the hinge states in the higher order topological insulator MoTe2, but also demonstrate the potential applications of MoTe2-based Josephson junctions in rectifying the supercurrent.

Randomized controlled trial to study the safety and efficacy of probiotics supplementation in addition to the standard treatment in novel coronavirus (SARS‑CoV‑2) positive patients

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection spread at a catastrophic rate, rapidly becoming a pandemic. Apart from the symptoms related to viral infection, a few patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. There was initial evidence of intestinal microbial dysbiosis in COVID-19 cases, and a few international studies showed the benefits of probiotics in reducing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and favorably altering the course of COVID-19 disease. Aims and Objectives: This study was planned to investigate if probiotics show any beneficial effects on COVID-19 disease in Indian patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, open-label study was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplements added to the existing standard treatment in patients with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2 and compared them with the control group. Ninety patients were included in this study and were observed on day 1, day 3, day 5, day 10, day 14, and day of discharge for progression or recovery. Patients were monitored for symptom progression, the need for oxygen therapy, ventilation needs, etc. Results: There was no significant difference in the parameters at baseline in either of the groups. Cough was significantly less in group A (the standard control group) compared to group B (the probiotic group) only on day 5. No significant difference in the number of patients with coughs was seen on the other days. Other important parameters were not significantly different on any day of observation. Conclusion: The study results do not support the use of probiotics for the treatment of GI symptoms related to COVID19 and do not alter the course of COVID-19 disease or symptoms so as to be used as adjunct therapy for COVID-19 patients.

Neural Correlates of Positive Outcome Expectancy for Aggression: Evidence from Voxel-Based Morphometry and Resting-State Functional Connectivity Analysis.

Positive outcome expectancy is a crucial cognitive factor influencing aggression, yet its neural basis remains unclear. Therefore, the present study combined voxel-based morphometry (VBM) with a resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis to investigate the brain correlates of positive outcome expectancy in aggression in young people. In the VBM analysis, multiple linear regression was conducted to explore the relationship between individual differences in aggressive positive outcome expectancy and regional gray matter volume (GMV) among 325 undergraduate students. For the RSFC analysis, seed regions were selected based on the results of the VBM analysis. Subsequently, multiple linear regression was employed to examine whether a significant correlation existed between individual differences in aggressive positive outcome expectancy and the RSFC of seed regions with other brain regions in 304 undergraduate students. The findings indicated that aggressive positive outcome expectancy was positively correlated with GMV in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), right temporoparietal junction (TPJ), and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). Moreover, it was also positively associated with RSFC between the PCC and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The prediction analysis indicated robust relationships between aggressive positive outcome expectancy and the GMV in the PCC, right TPJ, as well as the RSFC between the PCC and the left DLPFC. Our research provides the initial evidence for the neural basis of positive outcome expectancy in aggression, suggesting the potential role of the PCC as a hub in its neural network.

Multiplexed DNA and Protease Detection with Orthogonal Energy Transfer on a Single Quantum Dot Scaffolded Biosensor.

Almost all pathogens, whether viral or bacterial, utilize key proteolytic steps in their pathogenesis. The ability to detect a pathogen's genomic material along with its proteolytic activity represents one approach to identifying the pathogen and providing initial evidence of its viability. Here, we report on a prototype biosensor design assembled around a single semiconductor quantum dot (QD) scaffold that is capable of detecting both nucleic acid sequences and proteolytic activity by using orthogonal energy transfer (ET) processes. The sensor consists of a central QD assembled via peptidyl-PNA linkers with multiple DNA sequences that encode complements to genomic sequences originating from the Ebola, Influenza, and COVID-19 viruses, which we use as surrogate targets. These are hybridized to complement strands labeled with a terbium (Tb) chelate, AlexaFluor647 (AF647), and Cy5.5 dyes, giving rise to two potential FRET cascades: the first includes Tb → QD → AF647 → Cy5.5 (→ = ET step), which is detected in a time-gated modality, and QD → AF647 → Cy5.5, which is detected from direct excitation. The labeled DNA-displaying QD construct is then further assembled with a RuII-modified peptide, which quenches QD photoluminescence by charge transfer and is recognized by a protease to yield the full biosensor. Each of the labeled DNAs and peptides can be ratiometrically assembled to the QD in a controllable manner to tune each of the ET pathways. Addition of a given target DNA displaces its labeled complement on the QD, disrupting that FRET channel, while protease addition disrupts charge transfer quenching of the central QD scaffold and boosts its photoluminescence and FRET relay capabilities. Along with characterizing the ET pathways and verifying biosensing in both individual and multiplexed formats, we also demonstrate the ability of this construct to function in molecular logic and perform Boolean operations; this highlights the construct's ability to discriminate and transduce signals between different inputs or pathogens. The potential application space for such a sensor device is discussed.

The causal role of numerical and non-numerical order processing abilities in the early development of mathematics skills: Evidence from an intervention study

Understanding the basis of mathematical development is essential for supporting mathematics learning and to develop efficient interventions for remediating early problems. In the past decade, evidence has accumulated in support of the importance of ordering skills (i.e., tasks that tap into children's ability to recall the order of items or to judge the correctness of the order of items) in predicting early mathematics performance. Nevertheless, so far these studies have only provided correlational evidence, and intervention studies are lacking. The aim of the current study was to fill this gap by investigating the potential causal role of three types of ordering abilities (number ordering, daily event ordering and order working memory) in the development of mathematics skills during the first year of primary school. Children participated in six brief training sessions over a three-week period, and their mathematics skills and mathematics anxiety were measured before and after the training. In addition to the three training conditions, an active control group was also involved, with children completing reading comprehension exercises. Our findings showed that children's performance improved substantially on all ordering tasks as a result of training. Additionally, training in daily event ordering and number ordering has led to large increases in children's formal mathematics skills. Mathematics anxiety was not affected by the interventions. The current results provide initial evidence for the usefulness of order processing training in developing children's early mathematics skills. They also show that these results are not specific to the domain of numerical ordering.

Initial evidence of delay discounting’s predictive utility for alcohol self-administration in ecologically valid contexts among young adults who drink heavily

BackgroundWhile delay discounting is robustly associated with alcohol use disorder, whether discounting predicts real-time alcohol use behaviors is unclear. Existing support comes from laboratory studies using intravenous alcohol self-administration methods, thus limiting ecological validity and generalizability. The present study evaluated whether delay discounting predicted real-time alcohol use in naturalistic settings with and without probabilistic negative consequences for consuming larger amounts of alcohol. MethodsThis secondary analysis utilized data from three laboratory alcohol self-administration studies with young adults who engaged in frequent heavy drinking (N=206, 45% female). Participants completed a delay discounting measure before an alcohol self-administration session in an actual or simulated bar with (n=187) or without (n=19) probabilistic negative consequences (compensation loss) tied to performance on cognitive and psychomotor tasks after alcohol self-administration. Bootstrapped (unstandardized) coefficient estimates and 95% confidence intervals were utilized due to the sample size discrepancy. ResultsMultiple regressions revealed that delay discounting did not significantly predict estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) or number of drinks consumed when procedures included probabilistic negative consequences. Among participants who completed procedures without probabilistic negative consequences, delay discounting was positively associated with peak eBAC. ConclusionCounter to hypotheses, steeper delay discounting did not predict real-time alcohol use in contexts with probabilistic negative consequences, whereas preliminary evidence suggests that delay discounting predicts real-time alcohol use behaviors in contexts without probabilistic negative consequences. The specific discounting task may have impacted study findings, thus future research should consider how the sign (gain vs. loss), outcome certainty, and delay relate to alcohol consumption.

Targeting the tissue factor coagulation initiation complex prevents antiphospholipid antibody development

AbstractAntiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are a major cause for acquired thrombophilia, but specific interventions preventing autoimmune aPL development are an unmet clinical need. Although autoimmune aPL cross react with various coagulation regulatory proteins, lipid-reactive aPL, including those derived from patients with COVID-19, recognize the endolysosomal phospholipid lysobisphosphatidic acid presented by the cell surface–expressed endothelial protein C receptor. This specific recognition leads to complement-mediated activation of tissue factor (TF)–dependent proinflammatory signaling and thrombosis. Here, we show that specific inhibition of the TF coagulation initiation complex with nematode anticoagulant protein c2 (NAPc2) prevents the prothrombotic effects of aPL derived from patients with COVID-19 in mice and the aPL–induced proinflammatory and prothrombotic activation of monocytes. The induction of experimental APS is dependent on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex, and NAPc2 suppresses monocyte endosomal reactive oxygen species production requiring the TF cytoplasmic domain and interferon-α secretion from dendritic cells. Latent infection with murine cytomegalovirus causes TF cytoplasmic domain–dependent development of persistent aPL and circulating phospholipid-reactive B1 cells, which is prevented by short-term intervention with NAPc2 during acute viral infection. In addition, treatment of lupus prone MRL-lpr mice with NAPc2, but not with heparin, suppresses dendritic-cell activation in the spleen, aPL production and circulating phospholipid-reactive B1 cells, and attenuates lupus pathology. These data demonstrate a convergent TF-dependent mechanism of aPL development in latent viral infection and autoimmune disease and provide initial evidence that specific targeting of the TF initiation complex has therapeutic benefits beyond currently used clinical anticoagulant strategies.

Impact of GLP-1 Agonists on Male Reproductive Health-A Narrative Review.

Background and objective-Obesity is a prevalent health concern that notably impairs male fertility through hormonal disruptions and other pathophysiological alterations. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can significantly reduce weight. This narrative review synthesizes the existing literature discussing the impact of glucagon-like peptide-GLP-1 RAs on the male reproductive system, particularly on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenesis, highlighting their potential impact on male fertility. Material and methods-PubMed database was used for the retrieval of English-language articles published up to November 2023. This non-systematic literature review predominantly concentrates on both pre-clinical and clinical studies pertaining to GLP-1 RAs, specifically exploring their impact on male reproductive hormones and sperm parameters. Results-GLP-1 receptors have been identified within the male reproductive system according to the existing literature. While the exact mechanisms are not well understood, they appear to be involved in glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism, both vital processes in spermatogenesis. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of GLP-1 RAs for promoting weight loss. Recent studies show that the use of GLP-1 RAs in obese males may enhance sperm metabolism, motility, and insulin secretion in vitro, along with positive effects on the human Sertoli cells. Recent clinical trials discussed in this review demonstrate weight loss associated with GLP-1 RAs is correlated with improvements in sperm count, concentration, and motility. However, the direct impact of GLP-1 RAs on male reproductive hormones remains unclear, necessitating further research to confirm their potential role in treating male infertility. Conclusions-This narrative review summarizes the existing literature discussing the potential impact of GLP-1 RA on the male reproductive system, emphasizing their potential therapeutic role in addressing idiopathic infertility in obese men. Despite numerous studies exploring the influence of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on reproductive hormones, testicular function, and spermatogenesis, further clinical trials are crucial to validate initial evidence. Longer follow-up periods are essential to address uncertainties regarding the long-term repercussions and outcomes of GLP-1 RA use. While this holds true, the current literature suggests that GLP-1RAs show promise as a potential therapeutic approach for improving sperm parameters in obese men.

So bad it's good: When and why consumers prefer bad options

AbstractThe assumption that consumers prefer better quality options over worse ones seems almost definitional. However, a variety of marketplace examples suggest that consumers sometimes choose content that is “so bad it's good,” such as Tommy Wiseau's The Room or Rebecca Black's “Friday,” over apparently better alternatives (e.g., those of mediocre quality). In 12 preregistered studies (N = 5393) across several content domains (e.g., jokes, talent show auditions), we provide the first controlled, empirical demonstration of consumer preferences for badness (i.e., choosing options because consumers expect them to be bad). We provide initial evidence that these preferences are rooted in expectations of entertainment value from the worst available option. Preferences for these options emerge more frequently when their deviations from quality standards are perceived as benign (i.e., inconsequential). Accordingly, such preferences are less prevalent when consumption is consequential, and involves utilitarian goals or monetary costs. We conclude by exploring the extent to which dimensions such as humor, absurdity, esthetic quality, and utilitarian value underlie so‐bad‐it's‐good perceptions, and highlight several open questions to spark future research.

Impact of perceived discrimination and coping strategies on well-being and mental health in newly-arrived migrants in Spain.

To explore how perceived discrimination impacts the emotional well-being and mental health of newly-arrived migrants in Spain; and to identify the coping strategies and behavioral changes used to deal with perceived discrimination. 102 individual audio-recorded in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed through content analysis. Negative emotions related to perceived discrimination included disgust, sadness, fear, loneliness, humiliation, sense of injustice, rage, feeling undervalued or vulnerable, and mixed emotions. Change in behaviors due to perceived discrimination comprised westernization or cultural assimilation, creating a good image, avoiding going out or leaving alone, hypervigilance, stop participating in politics, self-sufficiency, a positive adaptation, and paradoxically, becoming an oppressor. The identified coping strategies to deal with perceived discrimination were ignoring or not responding, isolation, self-medication, engagement in intellectual activities, leisure and sport, talking or insulting the oppressor, denouncement, physical fight or revenge, seeking comfort, increasing solidarity with others, crying, or using humor. Discrimination-related stress and related mental health problems were conveyed, as challenges related to substance abuse and addictive behaviors, mood, and anxiety. Findings establish initial evidence of the great impact of perceived discrimination on the health, emotional well-being, and behavior of newly-arrived migrants in Spain, alerting to the need for targeted policies and services to address the effects of discrimination in this population. Further research is needed to explore more closely the causes and effects of perceived discrimination on mental health, to develop more targeted and effective interventions.

A Common Psychology of Male Violence? Assessing the Effects of Misogyny on Intentions to Engage in Violent Extremism, Interpersonal Violence and Support for Violence against Women

ABSTRACT The growing evidence base of risk factors for violent extremism demonstrates overlaps with different types of gender-based violent behaviours, such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. Each of these manifestations of violence are, to a varying extent, underpinned by misogynistic and hypermasculine attitudes and behaviours. The present analysis aims to address the limited empirical research on the links between misogyny, violent extremism, and gender-based violence by conducting survey-based analyses employing a newly developed and validated psychometric scale to measure misogyny. Based on a U.K. nationally representative survey (n = 1500), we examine the underlying mechanisms and contingent effects linking misogyny to violent extremism, interpersonal violence, and violence against women. The results show that misogyny predicts violent extremist intentions, willingness to engage in interpersonal violence and increased support for violence against women via revenge planning and hypermasculinity, particularly among men who experience a sense of violated entitlement and greater threats to the ingroup. Among women, misogyny is not associated with violent extremist intentions but is associated with readiness to use interpersonal violence and with increased support for violence against women. Our findings largely suggest a common psychology underlying different types of male violence. This has important practical implications, (1) suggesting that misogyny is a shared risk factor which underpins different types of male violence, (2) highlighting the mechanisms which link misogyny to (extremist) violence, (3) while further providing evidence which articulates when and for whom misogyny may be a risk factor. Establishing the relevance of misogyny as a risk factor for extremist and gender-based violence provides evidence pointing towards the potential benefits of incorporating misogyny within existing (extremist) risk assessment tools. Identifying shared mechanisms via which misogyny exerts its effects on different forms of male-perpetrated violence, further offers initial evidence to inform programmatic approaches to prevent and counter gender-based and targeted violence.

The potential of industrial symbiosis in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship among the micro and small enterprises (MSEs): evidence from a developing country

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the status and potential of industrial symbiosis in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship among micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThis study is cross-sectional and qualitative in nature. It involved conducting in-depth interviews with MSEs owners in Kampala, and data were analyzed using Atlasi Ti.FindingsThe results indicate that industrial symbiosis is a phenomenon that, notably, all MSE owners interviewed were practicing unknowingly, including recycling waste into sellable products, as well as sharing utilities, specialized machines and personnel for the smooth running of their businesses. In addition, participants expressed optimism that industrial symbiosis would be a major tool for business growth, innovation, employment opportunities, diversification and environmental protection for the benefit of the current and the future generations.Originality/valueThis study offers initial evidence on the status and potential of industrial symbiosis in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship among MSEs in Uganda.