Growth Trajectories Research Articles

A narrative review of factors affecting the welfare of dairy cows in larger Australasian pasture-based production systems

On the basis of current growth trajectories, pasture-based dairies of the future are likely to be bigger, have higher stocking rates and feed more concentrate to cows. This review uses the five-domains framework to consider risks to the welfare of dairy cows in these larger intensified pasture-based production systems. The factors considered in this review can be broadly categorised as (1) emerging welfare risks that can be managed, (2) emerging welfare risks that require research to be managed, or (3) persisting and/or exacerbated welfare risks. First, large herds could be subject to welfare risks associated with more stock per labour unit, longer milking times and longer distances walked to and from the dairy. To counter this, the time that cows in large herds spend off pasture can be reduced by splitting the herd into several more manageable groups, and animal-monitoring technologies can help identify health challenges with a reduced stockperson to animal ratio. Cow body condition and productivity can be maintained at high stocking rates by improving pasture production and feeding a higher proportion of concentrate. The risk of ruminal acidosis may then be reduced by appropriate transition feeding regimes and rumen buffers. Second, ensuring social stability and reducing competition may become difficult as herd sizes increase and feeding becomes more intensive. The resulting variability in feed intake, increased agonistic behaviour and social stress present emerging risks to cow welfare. Research is needed to better understand the social behaviour of cows in large intensive pasture-based herds, and how the design of the pre-milking area, the feeding pad and pasture feeding regimes (i.e. quantity and timing of pasture allocation) can improve accessibility for more vulnerable animals. Finally, intensive pasture-based dairies of the future will continue to face welfare challenges relating to lameness, mastitis and cull-cow management, whereas risks due to environmental exposure may be exacerbated by the removal of shelterbelts to facilitate irrigation. These require continued efforts in research (e.g. ways of incorporating shelter into intensive grazing systems), development (e.g. pathway to market for aged beef) and extension (e.g. improved record keeping and benchmarking of lameness and mastitis).

Relationship between work readiness, transition shock, and job competency among new nurses in oncology hospitals - A longitudinal study based on a latent growth model

BackgroundNursing job competency is critical for talent development both globally and in China, relating to work readiness and transition shock. Previous studies, which have typically relied on average measurements at fixed time points, have not provided comprehensive longitudinal insights. AimThis study aimed to investigate the developmental trajectories of transition shock in new nurses at oncology specialty hospitals. Furthermore, we sought to explore the longitudinal mediating role of transition shock in the relationship between work readiness and the development of nursing job competency. DesignLongitudinal follow-up study. MethodsWe conducted three follow-up surveys over 8 months using the Work Readiness Scale, the Transition Shock Scale, and the Nursing Job Competency Scale to assess 252 novice nurses at two high-volume oncology centers. The surveys were conducted at 0, 4, and 8 months, with demographic information collected during the first survey. Data were analyzed using R 4.1.2 and Mplus 8.0. Results(1) Over the 8-month period, transition shock exhibited a linear decrease. Notably, nurses with a higher initial transition shock experienced a slower rate of decline. (2) There were positive correlations between work readiness and nursing job competency at all three measurement points. Conversely, transition shock was negatively correlated with both work readiness and nursing job competency. (3) Transition shock functioned as a longitudinal mediator in the relationship between work readiness and nursing job competency. ConclusionThis study clarified the longitudinal mediating role of transition shock in the relationship between work readiness and job competency in oncology settings. Targeted interventions are necessary to mitigate excessive transition shock, thereby improving the nursing job competency of new nurses in oncology hospitals. Registration23/313-4055.

Trajectories of sleep problems and the longitudinal associations with mental health difficulties among Chinese adolescents

ObjectiveGrowing research highlights the negative impact of sleep problems on adolescent mental health. However, the developmental trajectory of sleep problems during adolescence and their relationship with mental health difficulties, including both internalizing and externalizing symptoms, remain unclear. Additionally, the direction of the effects between sleep problems and mental health difficulties is not well established. This study aims to identify the developmental trajectories of sleep problems and examine their association with mental health difficulties in both internalizing and externalizing domains. MethodThe study involved 1,281 Chinese middle school students (645 males, mean age at initial assessment = 12.73, SD = 0.68). Data were collected at four time points (T1, T2, T3, T4) over approximately 6-month intervals, spanning from the first semester of seventh grade to the second semester of 8th grade. ResultsLatent growth modeling revealed an overall increasing trend in sleep problems. Parallel latent growth modeling indicated that trajectories of sleep problems were positively related to the developmental trends of mental health difficulties, as shown by intercept-intercept and slope-slope associations. The cross-lagged panel model demonstrated significant bidirectional associations between sleep problems and internalizing symptoms. In contrast, we observed unidirectional associations between sleep problems and externalizing symptoms. Hence, sleep problems were a significant predictor of subsequent externalizing symptoms, with no significant reverse effect observed. ConclusionThese findings suggest that future research should explore whether interventions targeting sleep problems can reduce the incidence of both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Additionally, interventions aimed at internalizing symptoms may potentially improve adolescent sleep, while those targeting externalizing symptoms may not have the same effect.

A simplified method for predicting overflow-induced crack propagation in gravity dams using genetic algorithm and material-based model

Cracks are always a serious concern in the stability analysis of gravity dams. One of the main reasons for the initiation of cracks is overflows. In evaluating dam safety under flood conditions, it is crucial to consider the balance between the strength of the dam body and the propagation of cracks. In this context, simplified equations serve as valuable tools in dam design as they offer a quick and efficient way to estimate the behavior of the dam structure. In this study, firstly using a polygonal material-based model (P-MBM), which is improved in considering the softening behavior of joints, the micro-crack propagation in masonry material is investigated. Then, based on performing 81 numerical simulations in a parametric study on the geometrical and geotechnical properties of the dam subjected to overflow, a great database of the behavior of different dams is investigated. Then, using the genetic algorithm, a set of equations is proposed, and their accuracy is validated through UDEC simulations and some theoretical methods from existing literature. For all models, the crack tends to be horizontal at the initial phase. Then, due to increasing the compressive stresses on the downstream side, the fractures tend to the dam toe. The results also indicate that the proposed equations can reasonably determine the behavior of gravity dams and the development of cracks in the dam body. The outcomes highlighted the considerable effects of geometry and geotechnical properties on dictating the trajectory of crack growth.

Fetal growth restriction induced by maternal gal-3 deficiency is associated with altered gut-placenta axis

Adverse intrauterine conditions may cause fetal growth restriction (FGR), a pregnancy complication frequently linked to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although many studies have focused on FGR, the pathophysiological processes underlying this disorder are complex and incompletely understood. We have recently determined that galectin-3 (gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding protein, regulates pregnancy-associated processes, including uterine receptibility, maternal vascular adaptation and placentation. Because gal-3 is expressed at both sides of the maternal-fetal interface, we unraveled the contribution of maternal- and paternal-derived gal-3 on fetal-placental development in the prenatal window and its effects on the post-natal period. Deficiency of maternal gal-3 induced maternal gut microbiome dysbiosis, resulting in a sex-specific fetal growth restriction mainly observed in female fetuses and offspring. In addition, poor placental metabolic adaptions (characterized by decreased trophoblast glycogen content and insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) gene hypomethylation) were only associated with a lack of maternal-derived gal-3. Paternal gal-3 deficiency caused compromised vascularization in the placental labyrinth without affecting fetal growth trajectory. Thus, maternal-derived gal-3 may play a key role in fetal-placental development through the gut-placenta axis.

A model of long-term population growth with an application to Central West Argentina.

We propose an Ideal Specialization Model to help explain the diversity of population growth trajectories exhibited across archaeological regions over thousands of years. The model provides a general set of expectations useful for guiding empirical research, and we provide a concrete example by conducting a preliminary evaluation of three expectations in Central West Argentina. We use kernel density estimates of archaeological radiocarbon, estimates of paleoclimate, and human bone stable isotopes from archaeological remains to evaluate three expectations drawn from the model's dynamics. Based on our results, we suggest that innovations in the production of food and social organization drove demographic transitions and population expansion in the region. The consistency of population expansion in the region positively associates with changes in diet and, potentially, innovations in settlement and social integration.

Predictors of pre-service teachers’ learning engagement in blended teaching

Despite the growth of blended teaching (BT), little is known about its influences on learning engagement in pre-service teacher education. This study examined changes in the learning engagement of 1285 pre-service teachers (PSTs) at the beginning, middle, and completion of a semester of multiple teaching format transitions amidst COVID-19, and the predictability of individual characteristics and environmental variables, including PSTs’ adaptability, and teacher educators’ self-efficacy and blended teaching behaviors. The data were analyzed using the latent growth model. Results show that levels of vigor and absorption increased significantly over the semester. Individualized teaching behaviors, self-efficacy for instruction, and behavior-cognitive adaptability significantly predicted learning engagement of PSTs. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Head circumference growth in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: trend and clinical correlates in the first five years of life.

Macrocephaly is described in almost 15% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Relationships between head growth trajectories and clinical findings in ASD children show a high degree of variability, highlighting the complex heterogeneity of the disorder. The aim of this study was to measure differences of the early growth trajectory of head circumference (HC) in children with ASD and macrocephaly compared to ASD normocephalic children, examining clinical correlates in the two groups of patients. HC data were collected from birth to 5 years of age in a sample of children with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD. Participants were classified into two groups: ASD macrocephaly (ASD-M, Z-scores ≥1.88 in at least two consecutive HC measurements), and ASD non-macrocephaly (ASD-N). Based on the distribution of HC measurements (Z-scores), five age groups were identified for the longitudinal study. Developmental and behavioral characteristics of the ASD-M children compared to the ASD-N group were compared by using standardized scores. 20,8% of the children sample met criteria for macrocephaly. HC values became indicative of macrocephaly in the ASD-M group at the age range from 1 to 6 months, and persisted thereafter throughout the first five years of age. ASD-M children showed significantly higher developmental quotients of Griffiths III B and D subscales compared to ASD-N group. No significant differences in the severity of ASD symptoms assessed by ADOS-2 were observed between ASD-M and ASD-N groups. In this study HC size from birth to 5 years links to accelerated HC growth rate as early as the first 6 months of age in children with ASD and macrocephaly, preceding the onset and diagnosis of ASD. We found that in early childhood, children with ASD-M may exhibit some advantages in language and social communication and emotional skills without differences in autism severity, when compared with age-matched normocephalic ASD children. Longitudinal analyses are required to catch-up prospectively possible relationships between head size as proxy measure of brain development and neuro-developmental and behavioral features in children with ASD.

A better performing algorithm for identification of implausible growth data from longitudinal pediatric medical records

Tracking trajectories of body size in children provides insight into chronic disease risk. One measure of pediatric body size is body mass index (BMI), a function of height and weight. Errors in measuring height or weight may lead to incorrect assessment of BMI. Yet childhood measures of height and weight extracted from electronic medical records often include values which seem biologically implausible in the context of a growth trajectory. Removing biologically implausible values reduces noise in the data, and thus increases the ease of modeling associations between exposures and childhood BMI trajectories, or between childhood BMI trajectories and subsequent health conditions. We developed open-source algorithms (available on github) for detecting and removing biologically implausible values in pediatric trajectories of height and weight. A Monte Carlo simulation experiment compared the sensitivity, specificity and speed of our algorithms to three published algorithms. The comparator algorithms were selected because they used trajectory information, had open-source code, and had published verification studies. Simulation inputs were derived from longitudinal epidemiological cohorts. Our algorithms had higher specificity, with similar sensitivity and speed, when compared to the three published algorithms. The results suggest that our algorithms should be adopted for cleaning longitudinal pediatric growth data.

A Data Analytics and Machine Learning Approach to Develop a Technology Roadmap for Next-Generation Logistics Utilizing Underground Systems

The increasing density of urban populations has spurred interest in utilizing underground space. Underground logistics systems (ULS) are gaining traction due to their effective utilization of this space to enhance urban spatial efficiency. However, research on technological advancements in related fields remains limited. To address this gap, we applied a data-driven approach using patent data related to the ULS to develop a technology roadmap for the field. We employed Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a machine learning-based topic modeling technique, to categorize and identify six specific technology areas within the ULS domain. Subsequently, we conducted portfolio analytics to pinpoint technology areas with high technological value and to identify the major patent applicants in these areas. Finally, we assessed the technology market potential by mapping the technology life cycle for the identified high-value areas. Among the six technology areas identified, Topic 1 (Underground Material Handling System) and Topic 4 (Underground Transportation System) showed significant patent activity from companies and research institutions in China, the United States, South Korea, and Germany compared to other countries. These areas have the top 10 patent applicants, accounting for 20.8% and 13.6% of all patent applications, respectively. Additionally, technology life cycle analytics revealed a growth trajectory for these identified areas, indicating their rapid expansion and high innovation potential. This study provides a data-driven methodology to develop a technology roadmap that offers valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers in the ULS industry and supports informed decision-making regarding the field’s future direction.

The Influence of Family Adversities on Longitudinal Changes in Physical Inactivity Among Korean Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Lack of physical activity has a critical effect on the physical and mental health of adolescents. This study examined the influence of family adversities on the longitudinal changes in physical inactivity among adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study used multi-wave data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey, including 2590 Korean adolescents aged 12-14 years. The longitudinal trajectory of physical inactivity among adolescents and the effects of related factors were estimated using a latent growth modeling method. Our results revealed a significant increase in physical inactivity among adolescents over time. At the onset of the pandemic, approximately one-seventh of Korean middle schoolers reported a lack of physical activity. However, 3 years later, during the quarantine, nearly one-fifth of these adolescents reported a significant increase in their physical inactivity. Initially, low level parental education was predictive of adolescents' physical inactivity, but this effect diminished over time, becoming statistically insignificant by the end of the 3-year period. Moreover, the increase in physical inactivity over the 3 years was significantly influenced by parental rejection. These findings suggest that adolescents who experience parental rejection are more likely to report an increase in sedentary behaviors in contexts such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analyzing the Influence of International Remittances on Multidimensional Poverty: Insights from BRI Countries

ABSTRACT Efforts to facilitate international remittances hold substantial potential to impact various dimensions of poverty, underscoring the importance of comprehending this relationship in developing economies. International remittances between Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries have shown a marked growth trajectory. Unlike other studies that focus on the impact of remittances on income-based poverty in developing countries, this research delves into a more comprehensive analysis of how remittances affect various facets of poverty. Therefore, this paper aims to estimate the broader global implications of international remittances on multidimensional poverty in selected BRI countries. This study applied Driscoll-Kraay and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square estimators to evaluate international remittances’ impact on MPI in BRI countries between 2010 and 2022. The results reflected a significant effect on countries that have contributed to the Belt and Road Initiative, with its impact on MPI courtesy of political stability, international remittances, agricultural growth, and forest plantation. Besides, the results of the Granger causality indicated a bi-directional causal link between forest plantation and MPI and a uni-directional causal link between MPI and international remittance. Countries along the BRI should enact policies to attract more remittances and design strategies to reduce unemployment and poverty.

Association between developmental patterns of single and concurrent externalizing behaviors and internalizing problems over the preschool years.

The present study investigated whether distinct developmental patterns of externalizing behaviors (EBs: hyperactivity-impulsivity, noncompliance, physical aggression) based on parent reports were repeatedly and differentially associated with separate dimensions of internalizing problems such as general anxiety, separation anxiety, and depressive symptoms across the early, middle, and late preschool years in a population birth cohort (N = 2,057, 50.7% boys). Six high trajectory classes obtained by latent growth modeling were used as longitudinal indicators of single EB and co-occurrent EBs. Children following low or moderate trajectories for all EBs served as the reference class. Results revealed that children in trajectory classes reflecting high levels of co-occurring EBs showed higher levels of general anxiety, separation anxiety, and depressive symptoms across the preschool years. In contrast, children in trajectory classes reflecting single EB manifested higher levels of some, but not all, dimensions of internalizing problems. In addition, their scores varied from one period to another. No sex differences were observed in the above associations. These results underline the need for comprehensive assessments across distinct types of EBs and internalizing problems to better reflect the characteristics that distinguish individual children. Finally, results suggest that children showing early co-occurrent EBs and internalizing symptoms may be an important group to target for in-depth assessment and possibly preventive intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Intolerance of uncertainty as a predictor of anxiety severity and trajectory during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundEfforts to identify risk and resilience factors for anxiety severity and course during the COVID-19 pandemic have focused primarily on demographic rather than psychological variables. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU), a transdiagnostic risk factor for anxiety, may be a particularly relevant vulnerability factor. MethodN = 641 adults with pre-pandemic anxiety data reported their anxiety, IU, and other pandemic and mental health-related variables at least once and up to four times during the COVID-19 pandemic, with assessments beginning in May 2020 through March 2021. ResultsIn preregistered analyses using latent growth models, higher IU at the first pandemic timepoint predicted more severe anxiety, but also a sharper decline in anxiety, across timepoints. This finding was robust to the addition of pre-pandemic anxiety and demographic predictors as covariates (in the full sample) as well as pre-pandemic depression severity (in participants for whom pre-pandemic depression data were available). Younger age, lower self/parent education, and self-reported history of COVID-19 illness at the first pandemic timepoint predicted more severe anxiety across timepoints with strong model fit, but did not predict anxiety trajectory. ConclusionsIU prospectively predicted more severe anxiety but a sharper decrease in anxiety over time during the pandemic, including after adjustment for covariates. IU therefore appears to have unique and specific predictive utility with respect to anxiety in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fetal weight growth trajectories and childhood development: A population-based cohort study

This study aimed to investigate whether fetal growth trajectories (FGTs) could predict early childhood development, indicate intrauterine metabolic changes, and explore potential optimal and suboptimal FGTs. FGTs were developed by using an unsupervised machine-learning approach. Children’s neurodevelopment, anthropometry, and respiratory outcomes in the first 6 years of life were assessed at different ages. In a subgroup of participants, we conducted a metabolomics analysis of cord blood to reveal the metabolic features of FGTs. We identified 6 FGTs: early decelerating, early decelerating with late catch-up growth, early accelerating, early accelerating with late medium growth, late decelerating, and late accelerating. The early accelerating with late medium growth pattern might be the optimal FGT due to its associations with better psychomotor development, mental development, intelligence quotient, and lung function and a lower risk of behaviour and respiratory problems. Compared with the optimal FGT, early decelerating and late decelerating FGTs were associated with poor neurodevelopment and lung function, while early accelerating FGT was associated with more severe autistic symptoms, poor lung function, and increased risks of overweight/obesity. Metabolic alterations were enriched in amino acid metabolism for early decelerating and late decelerating FGTs, whereas altered metabolites were enriched in lipid metabolism for early accelerating FGT. These findings suggest that FGTs are predictors of early life development and may indicate intrauterine adaptive metabolism. The discovery of optimal and suboptimal FGTs provides potential clues for the early identification and intervention of fetal origin dysplasia or disease, but further research on related mechanisms is still needed.

Long-term effects on growth in preterm and small for gestational age infants: A national birth cohort study

BackgroundPremature and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants tend to have long-term growth morbidities such as short stature, failure to thrive, and obesity. Although most of these infants show catch-up growth at 2–4 years of age, they are still more susceptible to childhood obesity and related metabolic disorders. Those who fail to achieve catch-up will suffer from pathological short stature and neurodevelopmental impairment through adulthood. This study aims to depict the growth pattern of premature or SGA infants and their growth morbidities in Taiwan. MethodsData were obtained from a nationally representative cohort of 24,200 pairs of postpartum women and newborns in the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), using structured questionnaire interviews. A total of 16,358 infants were included and three follow-up surveys were completed at 6, 18, and 36 months after the deliveries. We constructed growth curves to conduct an in-depth investigation into anthropometric data, applying a linear mixed model. Logistic regression was used to model the relevant outcomes, with adjustment for various potential confounding factors. ResultsDespite being born shorter and lighter, preterm and SGA infants generally showed catch-up growth and had no higher odds ratios (ORs) of developing short stature or failure to thrive compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) term infants before 3 years of age. Preterm SGA infants, particularly females, had higher ORs for obesity at the 36-month follow-up. ConclusionThis is the first nationwide population-based study depicting the growth of SGA infants in Taiwan. The growth patterns of preterm and term SGA infants are different from those of preterm and term AGA infants. Further research is necessary to understand the growth trajectories of preterm and SGA infants and their associations with later diseases.

Intelligence Mindsets Trajectory Profiles among Chinese Elementary School Students: Associations with Changes in Academic Achievement from Grades 4 to 6.

Early adolescence is a critical period for the development of children's intelligence mindsets, which play a significant role in academic achievement. However, existing research predominantly employs variable-centered approaches, which fail to capture individual differences in mindset-achievement relations. This research addresses this gap by adopting a longitudinal person-centered approach to explore the joint developmental trajectories of growth and fixed mindsets among early adolescents. It further explores how these trajectories relate to changes in academic achievement (i.e., the mean of standardized mathematics and Chinese achievement test scores) over 2 years, accounting for intelligence and sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, and family SES. In two five-wave longitudinal studies with 748 (Mage = 10.23 years, SD = 0.30; 49% girls at T1) and 3258 (Mage = 10.34 years, SD = 0.37; 49% girls at T1) Chinese elementary school students from grades 4 to 6, four distinct mindset trajectory profiles were identified: Growth (initially high growth but low fixed mindsets), Fixed (initially high fixed but low growth mindsets), Moderate (initially moderate levels in both mindsets), and Both-High (initially high levels in both mindsets). Analysis across both studies revealed that students in the Growth trajectory profile exhibited the most significant improvements in academic achievement 2 years later. Conversely, students in the Both-High trajectory profile experienced the least favorable academic outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing individual differences in mindset trajectories and their potential impact on academic outcomes. The current research underscores the need for educational interventions that are tailored to different mindset profiles to optimize student development and achievement.

Impact of Psychological Factors on Investment Decisions in Nepalese Share Market: A Mediating Role of Financial Literacy

The Nepalese stock market is characterized by emerging market dynamics and notable volatility. It is influenced by factors such as regulatory developments, economic conditions, and investor sentiment, shaping its growth trajectory and investor behavior. This study examines the influence of psychological factors on investment decisions within the Nepalese share market, emphasizing the mediating role of financial literacy. To achieve the stated objective, data were collected from the primary source using a structured questionnaire administered through random sampling technique. The respondents comprised 410 individual investors inside the Kathmandu Valley. The SmartPLS 4.0 was used to analyze the structural relationships within the proposed theoretical model. The findings of this study validated the set hypotheses that psychological factors have positive and significant effect on investment decisions among the investors in Nepalese share market. In the context of Nepal, where the share market is characterized by volatility and emerging market dynamics, these psychological biases often lead to suboptimal investment choices. Findings indicate that investors with higher financial literacy levels are better equipped to mitigate the adverse effects of psychological biases, leading to more rational and informed investment decisions. The study highlights the critical need for enhanced financial education programs to empower investors and improve overall market efficiency. By understanding the interplay between psychological factors and financial literacy, policymakers and financial institutions can develop targeted strategies to foster a more stable and resilient investment environment in Nepal.

Exploring the Potential of the Blue Economy: A Systematic Review of Strategies for Enhancing International Business in Bangladesh in the context of Indo-Pacific Region

This systematic review aims to provide a methodical analysis of the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly from the perspective of Bangladesh, focusing on its growth trajectory, key stakeholders, policy frameworks, technological advancements, trade and investment trends, as well as challenges and opportunities for international business expansion. The methods employed a comprehensive search of electronic databases, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant studies for analysis. The results revealed that from 2000 to 2020, the Blue Economy sectors of the country, such as fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transportation, and tourism, saw notable development. International development agencies, corporations, academic institutions, governments, and civil society organizations are some of the major players in Blue Economy projects. The policy frameworks that facilitate the development of the Blue Economy include integrated ocean management, blue growth initiatives, maritime security and governance, and resilience and adaptation to climate change. Innovation and expansion in the Blue Economy sectors have been fueled by technological breakthroughs, such as autonomous underwater vehicles, renewable energy projects, remote sensing technologies, and marine biotechnology. Rising demand for sustainable goods and services, technical advancement, and regional collaboration have all contributed to an increase in trade and investment in Blue Economy industries internationally. The study concludes that there is significant potential for the Blue Economy in the Indo-Pacific region to drive economic growth, promote social progress, and ensure environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as regulatory complexity, access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation need to be addressed to fully realize this potential. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, academia, civil society organizations, and international development agencies, along with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development practices.

The association of dispositional anxiety with the NoGo N2 under relaxation instruction vs. speed/accuracy instruction

Prior research suggests that cognitive control, indicated by NoGo N2 amplitudes in Go/NoGo tasks, is associated with dispositional anxiety. This negative association tends to be reduced in anxiety-enhancing experimental conditions. However, anxiety-reducing conditions have not yet been investigated systematically. Thus, the present study compares the effect of a relaxation instruction with the conventional speed/accuracy instruction in a Go/NoGo task on the correlation of the NoGo N2 with two subconstructs of dispositional anxiety, namely anxious apprehension and anxious arousal. As the test of differences between correlations needs considerable statistical power, the present study was included into the multi-lab CoScience Project. The hypotheses, manipulation checks, and the main path of pre-processing and statistical analysis were preregistered. Complete data sets of 777 participants were available for data analysis. Preregistered general linear models revealed that the different instructions of the task (speed/accuracy vs. relaxation) had no effect on the association between dispositional anxiety and the NoGo N2 amplitude in general. This result was supported by Cooperative-Forking-Path analysis. In contrast, a preregistered latent growth model with categorical variables revealed that anxious arousal was a negative predictor of the NoGo N2 intercept and a positive predictor of the NoGo N2 slope. Non-preregistered growth models, allowing for correlations of anxious apprehension with anxious arousal, revealed that higher anxious apprehension scores were associated with more negative NoGo N2 amplitudes with increased relaxation. Results are discussed in the context of the compensatory error monitoring hypothesis and the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory.