Predominant Strategies Research Articles

Exploring predominant marketing strategies for branding higher education institutions in Tanzania

It is worth noting that the utilisation of marketing strategies by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) operates within a complex and unclear environment. This study, therefore, explored the predominant marketing strategies used for branding HEIs in Tanzania. The study adopted an embedded mixed methods research design. Semi-structured interviews with 12 staff members from 6 HEIs, including 6 public relations officers (PROs) and 6 registrars were utilised. An online questionnaire was also administered to 100 students through Google Forms. PROs and registrars were purposively selected, while a convenience sampling technique was applied for student participants. Qualitative data were thematically analysed, while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 27. The findings indicated no statistically significant differences in the marketing strategies employed by public and private HEIs. This suggests that both private and public-owned HEIs employ a diverse range of marketing strategies, encompassing both traditional and digital approaches to enhance their brand image. The study also identified that word-of-mouth recommendations from current students, alumni, and other influential individuals emerged as a particularly influential marketing channel for HEIs. University websites and various digital platforms were also identified as key branding tools. Traditional approaches such as print media, school visits, and radio/TV advertisements still hold relevance to some extent. The study recommends that HEIs continue to invest in and optimise their digital marketing capabilities while also calling for the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) to provide comprehensive guidance and support for the effective utilisation of both traditional and digital branding approaches.

Selection of wines for wine lists in restaurants of Bosnia-Herzegovina: A comparative study

This study examines the wine list strategy preferences among restaurateurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on identifying which criteria are deemed most and least important. A structured analysis categorizes strategies based on their frequency of selection as “Most Important” and “Least Important,” establishing a clear hierarchy of value among various criteria. The findings highlight two predominant strategies: “Preference for local wine” and “High reputation brand,” which is significant in the decision-making process. Restaurateurs consistently prioritize these strategies, with a dual emphasis on promoting local wine traditions and responding to market demands for reputable brands. The study underscores a pragmatic approach among Bosnian-Herzegovinian restaurateurs, who prioritize familiarity and perceived market security in their wine selections, potentially at the expense of enhancing gastronomic experiences and customer education. Further analysis using Z-scores confirmed the statistical signif-icance of these findings, identifying Strategy Choices 4 and 6 with notably high Z-scores, indicating their distinct importance compared to other criteria. This quantitative approach enhances the understanding of how these strat-egies stand out within the surveyed context, emphasizing their relevance in shaping wine list strategies. The study contributes insights into the strategic decision-making processes of Bosnian-Herzegovinian restaurateurs regard-ing wine selection, highlighting the dominance of local wine preference and brand reputation considerations. It underscores potential areas for improvement in integrating gastronomic expertise and enhancing customer expe-riences, suggesting avenues for future research and strategic refinement in the local restaurant industry.

Microhomology-Mediated End-Joining Chronicles: Tracing the Evolutionary Footprints of Genome Protection.

The fidelity of genetic information is essential for cellular function and viability. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) pose a significant threat to genome integrity, necessitating efficient repair mechanisms. While the predominant repair strategies are usually accurate, paradoxically, error-prone pathways also exist. This review explores recent advances and our understanding of microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ), an intrinsically mutagenic DSB repair pathway conserved across organisms. Central to MMEJ is the activity of DNA polymerase theta (Polθ), a specialized polymerase that fuels MMEJ mutagenicity. We examine the molecular intricacies underlying MMEJ activity and discuss its function during mitosis, where the activity of Polθ emerges as a last-ditch effort to resolve persistent DSBs, especially when homologous recombination is compromised. We explore the promising therapeutic applications of targeting Polθ in cancer treatment and genome editing. Lastly, we discuss the evolutionary consequences of MMEJ, highlighting its delicate balance between protecting genome integrity and driving genomic diversity.

Determinants of the expression of sexual behaviour in mammals

Abstract The article contains a literature review of facts and views on the strategies of sexual behaviour in mammals, taking into account the role of the animal’s species, sex, and position in the herd. The role of the senses, brain, and hormones in the expression of animals’ sexual behaviour is discussed, as well as the role of induction of the coitus reflex and social behaviour in the reproduction of present-day wild and domesticated animals. The analysis shows that the predominant strategy of sexual behaviour in females is to attract multiple potential partners to acquire the best male. The predominant strategies in the sexual behaviour of males of most mammalian species are aimed at fertilizing as many females as possible. Expression of sexual behaviour requires the generation of a set of characteristic sexual reflexes that indicate readiness to copulate and are sexually stimulating. Animals are differ in expressing their sexual behaviour. Some individuals react quickly and dynamically to sexual stimuli and immediately begin coitus, while others require longer preparation for successful coitus. Sexual behaviour influences the status of individuals in some species. Wild mammals with high expression of the sexual behaviour typical of a given species usually occupy a dominant position, which gives them an advantage in the search for breeding partners, access to food, and the expression of preferred social behaviour. Expression of sexual behaviour is stimulated by stimuli from potential sexual partners, which induce copulatory reflexes. These reflexes have been described in numerous animal species. They should be generated in the proper order and proceed without disruption for successful coitus and fertilization to occur.

Parental Stress and Coping Strategies in Parents of an Educational Institution in Times of COVID-19

As a consequence of the COVID-2019 pandemic, parents had to adapt to a new way of life, facing different stressors through the use of coping strategies. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between parental stress and coping strategies in parents of an educational institution in the district of Cartavio, Peru. The research was descriptive-correlational, non-experimental cross-sectional design, with a sample of 108 parents, using the Parental Stress questionnaire, in its reduced version and adapted to the Peruvian context, and the Stress Coping Estimation Inventory (COPE). The results indicate a positive relationship between parental stress and the strategy of behavioral disengagement; parental stress levels belonged mostly to the medium category with 67.5%; the predominant stress coping strategies were active coping and positive reinterpretation - personal development, both with 18.5%. It is concluded that there is a relationship between the parental stress strategy and behavioral disengagement.

A deep learning model for personalized intra-arterial therapy planning in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study

Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (uHCC) poses a substantial global health challenge, demanding innovative prognostic and therapeutic planning tools for improved patient management. The predominant treatment strategies include Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). Between January 2014 and November 2021, a total of 1725 uHCC patients [mean age, 52.8±11.5 years; 1529 males] received preoperative CECT scans and were eligible for TACE or HAIC. Patients were assigned to one of the four cohorts according to their treatment, four transformer models (SELECTION) were trained and validated on each cohort; AUC was used to determine the prognostic performance of the trained models. Patients were stratified into high and low-risk groups based on the survival scores computed by SELECTION. The proposed AI-based treatment decision model (ATOM) utilizes survival scores to further inform final therapeutic recommendation. In this study, the training and validation sets included 1448 patients, with an additional 277 patients allocated to the external validation sets. The SELECTION model outperformed both clinical models and the ResNet approach in terms of AUC. Specifically, SELECTION-TACE and SELECTION-HAIC achieved AUCs of 0.761 (95% CI, 0.693-0.820) and 0.805 (95% CI, 0.707-0.881) respectively, in predicting ORR in their external validation cohorts. In predicting OS, SELECTION-TC and SELECTION-HC demonstrated AUCs of 0.736 (95% CI, 0.608-0.841) and 0.748 (95% CI, 0.599-0.865) respectively, in their external validation sets. SELECTION-derived survival scores effectively stratified patients into high and low-risk groups, showing significant differences in survival probabilities (P<0.05 across all four cohorts). Additionally, the concordance between ATOM and clinician recommendations was associated with significantly higher response/survival rates in cases of agreement, particularly within the TACE, HAIC, and TC cohorts in the external validation sets (P<0.05). ATOM was proposed based on SELECTION-derived survival scores, emerges as a promising tool to inform the selection among different intra-arterial interventional therapy techniques. This study received funding from the Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation, China (Z190024); the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China (81930119); The Science and Technology Planning Program of Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission and Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, China (Z231100004823012); Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program of Precision Medicine, China (10001020108); and Institute for Intelligent Healthcare, Tsinghua University, China (041531001).

Think-aloud approach combined with case-based learning in nursing teaching round for new nurses in cancer hospital

BackgroundThe transition from nursing students to working as new nurses can be a challenging process. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a pedagogical approach amalgamating the think-aloud approach and case-based learning in the instructional rounds for new nurses.MethodsUtilizing convenience sampling, new nurses were selected between 2020 and 2021 in China cancer hospital. A total of 98 participants agreed to participate, with 50 enrolled in 2020 as the control group and 48 in 2021 as the observation group. Across a span of weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, each clinical department conducted six teaching rounds. The observation group engaged in teaching rounds combining the think-aloud approach with case-based learning, whereas the control group solely utilized case-based learning. Disparities in case analysis scores and critical thinking ability between the two groups were scrutinized, alongside an analysis of learning strategies and the observation group feedback.ResultsThe observation group exhibited superior case analysis scores (91.92 ± 6.33) and overall critical thinking ability scores (308.39 ± 35.88) in comparison to the control group, which scored (85.27 ± 5.39) and (275.11 ± 31.32) respectively, reflecting statistically significant variances (t = 1.868 ~ 6.361, P < 0.05). Predominant learning strategies employed in the observation group ranged from cognitive to meta-cognitive, followed by psychosocial strategies. During interviews focused on nurses’ feedback on the learning process, themes emerged surrounding the enhancement of learning proficiency, invigoration of learning enthusiasm, and bolstering psychological well-being.ConclusionThe combination of think-aloud approach and case-based learning in nursing teaching rounds greatly improves the efficiency of training and the critical thinking acuity of new nurses. Concurrently, it facilitated an evaluation of learning strategies, thereby offering valuable insights for the nursing teaching rounds of new nurse.

Unveiling tax avoidance strategies of multinational corporations in Delta State

This study titled Unveiling Tax Avoidance Strategies of Multinational Corporations in Delta State investigates different tax avoidance strategies used by MNCs in Delta State , it specifically assessed the impact of transfer pricing on tax liability minimization, it evaluated the frequency of profit shifting activities, and analyzed the influence of digitalization on tax planning. A mixed-methods research design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was adopted to provide a comprehensive analysis. The study employed purposive sampling to select key participants, including tax officials, financial managers of MNCs, and tax consultants in Delta State. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, capturing both statistical and in-depth perspectives. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The key findings revealed that transfer pricing and profit shifting are the predominant tax avoidance strategies used by MNC and Digitalization significantly impacts tax planning and there is a strong relationship between the period of operation and the use of transfer pricing. Recommendations made includes, Strengthening transfer pricing regulations to curb intra-company transaction manipulation, Enhance taxation frameworks to effectively tax digital transactions and intangible assets among others. Keywords: Digitalization, Multinational Corporations, Profit Shifting, Tax Avoidance, Transfer Pricing.

Unlocking the secrets of daily app switching: a comprehensive guide to mastering both intra-app and inter-app search strategies

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to provide insights into the daily search strategies of users, which can inform the enhancement of search experiences across multiple applications. By understanding how users navigate and interact with different apps during their search processes, the study seeks to contribute to the design of more intuitive and user-friendly app systems.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a mixed-methods approach to analyze users' daily search strategies in a natural cross-app interactive environment. Data collection was conducted using the Critical Incident Technique and the Micro-Moment Time Line, involving 204 participants to capture their real-time search experiences. Open coding techniques were utilized to categorize sequential search tactics, while the PrefixSpan algorithm was applied to identify patterns in frequently applied search strategies.FindingsThe study findings unveil a comprehensive framework that includes a variety of intra-app search tactics and inter-app switching tactics. Five predominant search strategies were identified: Iterative querying, Selective results adoption, Share-related, Recommended browsing, and Organizational results strategies. These strategies reflect the nuanced ways in which users engage with apps to fulfill their information needs.Originality/valueThis research represents a pioneering effort in systematically identifying and categorizing daily search strategies within a natural cross-app interaction context. It offers original contributions to the field by combining intra-app and inter-app tactics, providing a holistic view of user behavior. The implications of these findings are significant for app developers and designers, as they can leverage this knowledge to improve app functionality and user manuals, ultimately enhancing the overall search experience for users.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Chronic Total Occlusion of Coronary Arteries

Background: Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries presents a significant challenge in the management of coronary artery disease (CAD), influencing treatment outcomes and patient prognosis. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) are two predominant revascularization strategies employed, each offering distinct benefits and limitations. Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of PCI and CABG in managing patients with CTO, to inform clinical decision-making and optimize treatment approaches. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. We included 145 patients diagnosed with CTO who underwent PCI (n=65) or CABG (n=80). Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical features, lesion characteristics, procedural details, and follow-up outcomes. Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) and quality of life measures were the primary endpoints. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: The procedural success rate was 84.6% for PCI and 90% for CABG. MACE occurred in 23.1% of the PCI group and 15% of the CABG group. The average hospitalization duration was 5.8 days for PCI and 8.5 days for CABG. Quality of life assessments showed comparable scores between groups, with PCI scoring 80.6 on the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and CABG scoring 79.8. Conclusion: PCI and CABG demonstrated similar efficacy and safety profiles in the management of CTO, underscoring the need for individualized treatment strategies based on patient-specific factors. Both methods proved viable, with slightly higher procedural success in CABG and comparable quality of life outcomes.

Do genetic loci that cause reproductive isolation in the lab inhibit gene flow in nature?

The genetic dissection of reproductive barriers between diverging lineages provides enticing clues into the origin of species. One strategy uses linkage analysis in experimental crosses to identify genomic locations involved in phenotypes that mediate reproductive isolation. A second framework searches for genomic regions that show reduced rates of exchange across natural hybrid zones. It is often assumed that these approaches will point to the same loci, but this assumption is rarely tested. In this perspective, we discuss the factors that determine whether loci connected to postzygotic reproductive barriers in the laboratory are inferred to reduce gene flow in nature. We synthesize data on the genetics of postzygotic isolation in house mice, one of the most intensively studied systems in speciation genetics. In a rare empirical comparison, we measure the correspondence of loci tied to postzygotic barriers via genetic mapping in the laboratory and loci at which gene flow is inhibited across a natural hybrid zone. We find no evidence that the two sets of loci overlap beyond what is expected by chance. In light of these results, we recommend avenues for empirical and theoretical research to resolve the potential incongruence between the two predominant strategies for understanding the genetics of speciation.

Diversifying economic risks: Japan’s economic hedging toward China

Abstract International Relations has traditionally identified balancing and bandwagoning as the two predominant strategies adopted by states in response to a rising power that threatens the status quo. However, recent academic debates have highlighted the emergence of hedging as a middle-ground approach adopted by states facing a rising power with ambiguous intentions, particularly when the stakes are high. Economic hedging forms a critical element of this strategy, as it allows states to maximize economic benefits while minimizing the risks of dependency through trade and investment. We present an analytical framework based on Kuik’s model, which focuses on the concept of economic diversification in trade and investment. We test its validity through an analysis of the diversification initiatives of the Abe administration and our central argument is that Japan’s diversification efforts are aimed at reducing economic risks and avoiding excessive dependency in specific sectors through trade and investment with China.

Strategies of Lexical Semantization by Foreign Students: Experimental Study of Metalinguistic Activity

Foreign students demonstrate different strategies in interpreting lexical meaning as they struggle to explain new words. This article introduces predominant and secondary semantization strategies in students of Russian as a foreign language. The predominant definition strategy was represented by different models in everyday practice of lexical semantization. Interpretations developed according to two models: 1) denotation and verbally-logical differential characteristics; 2) denotation and visually-efficient differential characteristics. The research hypothesis presupposes a certain correlation between the level of Russian vocabulary acquisition and the default semantization strategy. The research objective was to describe predominant and secondary semantization strategies using general and specific scientific methods. The linguistic experiment involved specific vocabulary of the Russian language, i.e., lexemes house, book, ring, table, and lantern. The results could be used in teaching Russian as a foreign language, as well as to expand the boundaries of research in the ways of foreign vocabulary acquisition.

El léxico coloquial proveniente del lenguaje juvenil en la lengua de ficción española e italiana, versiones originales y meta

Abstract Youth lexicon has penetrated and become consolidated in the common colloquial register of adult speakers of any given language. This study uses a comparable bilingual corpus of original Spanish and Italian series, and a parallel trilingual corpus which includes the target Spanish and Italian versions of an analogous French series in order to investigate the use of such voices in national and foreign serial products of both cultures. The frequency of use per minute and the repertoire of terms inserted in the series of the two countries have been compared. The results show that the number of occurrences per minute in the Spanish original fictional language is much higher than in the Italian one, where this kind of words and expressions are often excluded. These data coincide with the number of occurrences per minute recorded in the Spanish and Italian target versions. Therefore, the parallelism between the original and target products of both languages shows that hybridization and domestication have been the predominant strategies in the translation for dubbing.

Genre-Based Teaching Approach and Problem-Based Learning (GBA- PBL) Application, Reading Strategies, and Self-Regulation

This study evaluates the Genre-Based Teaching Approach and Problem-Based Learning (GBA-PBL) mode on English expository reading and learning experiences in Chinese high schools. Using a quantitative and descriptive methodology, it profiles 428 Tianjin students from grades 10 to 12, focusing on their demographic details like age, sex, school type, and grade level. The research assesses GBA-PBL's effectiveness in understanding expository texts and developing critical thinking. It identifies predominant reading strategies such as predicting, monitoring, inferring, and summarizing, and examines students' self-regulation levels, including goal-setting, progress monitoring, and self-reflection. Significant variations in responses based on age, especially in goal setting and self-reflection, were observed, while other demographics showed less impact. The study confirms a strong relationship between understanding expository text structures, reading strategies, and self-regulation. Based on these findings, it proposes a reading program to enhance high school students' reading skills. This research highlights the beneficial impacts of GBA-PBL in fostering better comprehension and critical analysis of expository texts among high school students.

A synthesis of the diversity of freshwater fish migrations in the Amazon basin

AbstractIn the Amazon, the world's largest river basin, migrations within freshwater habitats are one of the predominant life history strategies for fishes. The flood pulse and the extensive river network provide aquatic organisms with temporal and spatial accessibility to a mosaic of freshwater habitats. Although migratory fish species are central to freshwater ecosystems and fisheries, the knowledge of species and migratory patterns has traditionally relied on anecdotal and scattered information, lacking a unifying methodological and conceptual framework. We quantitatively synthesize the evidence about this biological phenomenom in the Amazon basin through a systematic literature review. We constructed a reference database of migratory events in the Amazon basin, including species, life stages, purposes, direction, habitats and subbasins. We found that 223 species were documented in 90 references as performing migrations distributed across eight orders and 31 families. Migration is a conserved trait in the evolutionary history of Amazonian fish fauna, suggesting that ~41% of migratory species are likely unreported. We noted a geographical bias in the report of migratory events towards 13 of the 27 major subbasins of the Amazon. We found a significant association between the hydrological timing at the beginning and end of migrations across species, including reproduction as the most commonly reported purpose. However, most species lack the application of robust methods (e.g. telemetry, otolith microchemistry) to classify them as migratory, relying upon secondary sources of information (i.e. reviews or species checklists). Further, we discuss future opportunities and challenges to continue the study of fish migrations in the Amazon basin.

Brucella-infected abdominal aortic aneurysm: management strategies for an uncommon aneurysm.

The occurrence of Brucella-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms is an exceedingly rare phenomenon, yet it stands as one of the most severe complications within this context. The combined utilization of serological testing and imaging diagnostics has been validated as an effective approach for the identification of Brucella-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms. Presently, the predominant therapeutic strategies encompass antibiotic treatment and surgical intervention. Nonetheless, ongoing controversies persist concerning the establishment of diagnostic criteria, the optimal timing and selection of antibiotic regimens, and the nuanced decision between open surgical procedures and endovascular interventions. Through a meticulous analysis of cases originating from our institution as well as a comprehensive review of previously documented instances, we aim to engage in a detailed discourse on the salient diagnostic and therapeutic facets surrounding Brucella-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms. We conducted a retrospective summary of three cases involving Brucella-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms treated within our institution. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive PubMed search, without imposing restrictions on language or publication year, to identify pertinent literature pertaining to Brucella-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms. The selection criteria primarily focused on case reports delineating occurrences of abdominal aortic aneurysms attributed to Brucella infection. We present three distinct cases of Brucella-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms managed at our institution, providing comprehensive insights into the employed diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Additionally, over the past five decades, a total of 24 cases in 23 publications of Brucella-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms have been reported on PubMed. The earliest report dates back to 1976. Our analysis suggests that Brucella-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm is characterized by a remarkably low incidence but is associated with a substantial risk of life-threatening complications. The integration of serological and imaging assessments assumes pivotal importance in facilitating prompt diagnosis of this condition. The prompt initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy is recommended, and the selection of appropriate surgical strategies should be guided by considerations including aneurysm dimensions and morphological attributes. The timely identification and intervention carry utmost significance in retarding disease advancement and ameliorating unfavorable clinical outcomes.

Functional traits patterns along an altitudinal gradient in a large tropical forest region

Understanding the link between functional traits and environmental gradients can provide important information to face global change. Here, we assessed how environmental variables act on functional trait-based ecological strategies of the acquisitive-conservative continuum and dispersal syndromes in forests of the Rio Doce Basin in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Through literature and herbarium measurements, we gathered data on ten functional traits related to light interception, leaf economics spectrum, and reproductive ability from 1912 woody species across 79 localities. Relationships between community-weighted means of functional traits and an altitudinal gradient encompassing thermal and water availability variables were quantified using generalized linear models and principal component analysis. We found that in higher altitudes are predominant vegetative conservative functional strategies (smaller leaves and petioles) and reproductive acquisitive functional strategies (smaller fruits and seeds and abiotic dispersed species). The thermal variables mainly influenced vegetative functional traits, which showed a predominantly acquisitive strategy in warmer areas, where there are more favorable and stable conditions for rapid growth and resource uptake. The water variables had a pronounced impact on reproductive functional traits, particularly in terms of dispersal patterns. Water availability tends to impact the costs of fleshy fruits and seeds with higher energy content. The patterns found for the altitudinal gradient reflected a combination of thermal and water variables, which is congruent with the aggregative role of altitude, composed of multiple physical and climatic conditions. In conclusion, the abiotic factors are operating on a large landscape scale in the plant communities, exerting influence on functional traits along the altitudinal gradient in a tropical forest region.

Strategies of teachers towards Muslim students in Polish schools

Due to over 40 years of seclusion behind the iron curtain (until 1989) and the myth of a single ethnicity, single religion nation, the Polish education system lacks exposure to a multireligious classroom environment. With EU accession in 2004, the situation is gradually changing. Although higher education facilities provide teachers with comprehensive training in this matter, the actual first-hand experience is rare and new. In this paper, we used an exploratory study, based on qualitative data collected in autumn 2022, using an interpretative approach, to identify and describe strategies for the best practices of teachers when working with Muslim students in a Polish classroom. The empirical data was derived from 37 interviews with teachers (25) and with Muslim students (12) covering 5 voivodeships. We aim to provide a valuable source of information for professionals on how to create an inclusive classroom environment. The exploratory study is part of a larger research project that received funding from the EU, titled EMPATHY: Challenging discourse about Islam and Muslims in Poland, [101049389 CERV-2021-EQUAL]. In effect, we identified 2 predominant strategies of teachers for engagement with Muslim students and several best practice examples on how to overcome obstacles to classroom inclusion.

Nitrogen addition and mowing had only weak interactive effects on macronutrients in plant-soil systems of a typical steppe in Inner Mongolia

Effective management of macronutrients is pivotal in the optimization and provisioning of ecosystem services in grassland areas, particularly in degraded grasslands. In such instances where mowing and nitrogen (N) fertilization have emerged as predominant management strategies, nutrient management is especially important. However, the precise effects of these concurrent practices on the distribution of macronutrients in plant-soil systems remain unclear. Here we evaluated the effects of 12 years of N addition (2, 10, and 50 g N m−2 year−1) and mowing on the concentrations and pools of six macronutrients (i.e., N; phosphorus P; sulfur S, calcium Ca, magnesium Mg, and potassium K) in three plant components (aboveground plants, litter, and belowground roots) at the community level and in the soil in a typical steppe in Inner Mongolia. Our results revealed that N addition generally raised the N concentration in the entire plant-soil system, regardless of whether plots were mowed. Higher N addition (10 and 50 g N m−2 year−1) also led to higher concentrations of P (+22%, averaging two N addition rates), S (+16%), K (+22%), Ca (+22%), and Mg (+24%) in plants but lower concentrations of these nutrients in the litter. Similar decreases in K (−9%), Ca (−46%), and Mg (−8%) were observed in the roots. In light of the observed increases in vegetation biomass and the lack of pronounced changes in soil bulk density, we found that the ecosystem N enrichment resulted in increased pools of all measured macronutrients in plants, litter, and roots (with the exception of Ca in the roots) while concurrently decreased the pools of P (−20%, averaging two higher N addition rates), S (−12%), K (−10%), Ca (−37%), and Mg (−19%) in the soil, with no obvious effect of the mowing practice. Overall, mowing exhibited a very limited capacity to alleviate the effects of long-term N addition on macronutrients in the plant-soil system. These findings highlight the importance of considering the distribution of macronutrients across distinct plant organs and the dynamic nutrient interplay between plants and soil, particularly in the context of long-term fertilization and mowing practices, when formulating effective grassland management strategies.