Management Program Research Articles

Factors associated with generalized anxiety disorder in adolescents with cultural diversity: secondary data analysis

BackgroundThe number of culturally diverse adolescents in South Korea has reached 290,000 and is increasing every year; however, they still represent only 2.5% of the total adolescent population in middle and high schools, making them a minority. Adolescents experiencing cultural diversity are psychologically vulnerable because they grow up in bicultural environments and experience prejudice. Given the nature of generalized anxiety disorder, which can be exacerbated by stress, these adolescents may face an increased risk of developing the disorder not only because of developmental stress but also because of the stress of cultural adaptation. To identify the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among adolescents with cultural diversity, we analyzed related factors. Based on the results, strategies have been proposed to reduce anxiety in adolescents with cultural diversity and generalized anxiety disorders.MethodsThis study used data from the 16th − 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Factors associated with generalized anxiety disorders were identified based on the social determinants of the health framework. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 25.0, and statistical methods were used for complex samples.ResultsAmong adolescents with cultural diversity, 12.8% exhibited generalized anxiety disorders. Among the structural factors, economic status, mother’s education level, and gender were significantly associated with the disorder, whereas among the psychosocial factors, suicidal ideation, depressive mood, loneliness, perceived stress level, and subjective health status were significant factors influencing it.ConclusionThe factors identified in our research can be used as a resource for the early identification of culturally diverse adolescents who are vulnerable to generalized anxiety disorders. To prevent generalized anxiety disorder among adolescents with cultural diversity, school or community nurses can implement interventions to reduce loneliness or stress management programs.

Implementation of a heart failure disease management program in the rural southern United States: a best practice implementation project.

Heart failure affects thousands of patients annually, often resulting in hospitalization, emergency room visits, and decreased quality of life. The scientific evidence indicates that disease management programs using a multidisciplinary approach improve outcomes for heart failure patients. The overarching aim of this evidence implementation project was to establish a disease management program for heart failure patients. Specifically, the project sought to promote compliance with best practices for the early identification of heart failure exacerbation symptoms to prevent emergency room visits and hospitalizations, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. This project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is grounded in an audit, feedback, and re-audit strategy. A baseline audit was conducted, revealing the need for a heart failure disease management program. A policy was developed to implement a disease management program and virtual relationships were established to create a multidisciplinary team. A follow-up audit was conducted to determine whether the implemented interventions closed the gap in practice identified by the baseline audit. The baseline audit revealed 0% compliance with best practices for the management of patients with heart failure, while the follow-up audit revealed 93.3% compliance. This project enhanced best practices by implementing a protocol in a rural health clinic to ensure that all heart failure patients were enrolled in a disease management program. Recommendations include using the electronic health record to quickly identify heart failure patients and their status in a disease management program. Chart audits should be performed every 6 months to ensure the program's sustainability and to determine heart failure patients' enrollment status. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A270.

Building Confidence, Diminishing Stress: A Clinical Incivility Management Initiative for Nursing Students.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive program designed to reduce nursing students' perceived stress and improve self-efficacy and readiness to professionally address incivility during clinical practice. Incivility in clinical settings adversely impacts learners, educators, institutions, and healthcare systems, undermining safety and the teaching-learning process. Despite its increasing global prevalence, effective interventions remain largely unexplored. Our mixed-methods study, conducted from March to April 2024, involved senior baccalaureate pre-licensure nursing students (N = 35) from a California State University. The three-week, one-hour-per-week, interactive clinical incivility management program was developed through an extensive literature review. Pre- and post-intervention differences were assessed using a 10 min self-administered online survey that included the Uncivil Behavior in Clinical Nursing Education (UBCNE; 12 items), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; 10 items), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE; 10 items), and a sample characteristics questionnaire (11 items). A one-hour face-to-face focus group (n = 11) then provided qualitative data on personal experiences of clinical incivility. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Clinical incivility prevalence was 71.4% (n = 25 out of 35). No statistically significant differences were found in UBCNE, PSS, and GSE scores between pre- and post-intervention. However, professional responses to clinical incivility significantly improved after the intervention (t = -12.907, p < 0.001). Four themes emerged from the qualitative data: (a) uncivil behaviors or language from nurses, (b) emotional discouragement and low self-confidence, (c) resource and personnel shortages at clinical sites for education, and (d) the necessity for interventions to manage clinical incivility. Nursing schools and clinical agencies should collaborate to establish monitoring systems, enhance communication, and implement evidence-based policies and interactive interventions to prevent and manage clinical incivility experienced by nursing students from clinical sites.

Translation, extension, and evaluation of usability, usefulness, and safety of a fall prevention and management program for people living with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis who use wheelchairs or scooters full time.

Falls are prevalent among people living with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and Spinal Cord Injury (PwSCI) who use wheelchairs or scooters (WC/S) full time, however, there is a scarcity of evidence-based fall prevention and management programs. To describe the systematic translation of an in-person fall prevention and management program (Individualized Reduction Of FaLLs - iROLL) for PwMS to an online platform, extending its scope to include PwSCI, and to evaluate the preliminary useability, usefulness, and safety of the intervention. iROLL was systematically translated to an online platform (iROLL-O). PwMS and PwSCI who use a WC/S full time, experienced at least one fall within the past 36 months, and could transfer independently or with minimal to moderate assistance, enrolled in iROLL-O. Usability, usefulness, and safety were evaluated through 1:1 semi-structured interviews, gathering feedback on: perceived impact of the intervention on falls and functional mobility, program experiences, adverse events, and recommendations for improvement. Five participants successfully completed the iROLL-O program. No safety concerns were raised by participants. Themes emerging from the semi-structured interviews included: (1) barriers and facilitators to program access, (2) motivation for participation, (3) program outcomes, and (4) program content and structure. Participants reported reduced concerns about falling, enhanced functional mobility skills, and highlighted the supportive nature of synchronous group meetings for learning. No adverse events occurred during the implementation of iROLL-O and participants found the program to be useable and useful. Further testing is needed to examine efficacy among a large and diverse population.

Risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young adults: a community-based study of Iranian context

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Young adults are susceptible to CVD risk factors, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to compare CVD risk factors between medical and non-medical students.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 302 students in Tehran, including 151 medical students and 151 non-medical students, in 2022. Data collection tools included four online questionnaires to collect demographic information, knowledge/attitudes, knowledge of risk factors, and risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 software at a 0.05 significance level.ResultsData analysis revealed that the mean age of medical and non-medical students was 22.06 ± 3.53 and 21.88 ± 4.20 years, respectively. The two groups were not significantly different in gender, age, marital status, and place of residence. Knowledge of CVD was significantly different between the two groups of students (P < 0.001), but attitudes were not significantly different (P = 0.208). A significant difference in the prognosis of diabetes and dyslipidemia was observed between the two groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAs a large group of young adults in society, students are at risk for CVD. Poor knowledge and inappropriate attitudes regarding CVD risk factors are among the contributing factors. Therefore, it is recommended to design and implement a healthy diet, physical activity, stress management, and healthy lifestyle programs for the young group along with screening programs to prevent complications and mortality caused by CVD.

Vocational students in the hospitality industry explain guests’ sexual harassment

This study’s purpose is to contribute knowledge which can be used as a basis for vocational teachers in hospitality when they discuss sexual harassment with their students. We therefore explore how students in training for vocations in the hospitality industry explain why some guests subject staff to sexual harassment. The empirical material consists of focus group interviews with students in the Swedish Hotel and Tourism programme and the Restaurant Management and Food programme. Twenty-two focus group interviews were conducted, 2–8 students participated in each group. The interviews took place in ten different municipalities in southern Sweden. The students’ explanations are that the sexual harassment is an issue linked to the generation, an issue of information, an issue of personality, an issue related to alcohol, an issue to do with male nature, and an issue of guests taking advantage of their status. These different explanations are linked to overarching discourses. Several of these are historical discourses that have been repeated for a long time. For teachers in the hospitality vocational education programmes a pedagogical point can be to highlight all the explanations and discourses in order to examine together with the students the assumptions on which their explanations rest.

Biochemical and toxicological characteristics of polyphenol oxidase from red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is the most destructive insect pests of numerous palm species in the world. The introduction of botanical extract(s) as integral part of an integrated pest management (IPM) programs against RPW will reduce the use of chemical insecticides. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is one of the RPW innate immune mechanisms and inhibition of such enzyme could result in a disorder of the insect's immune system. A one single PO isoenzyme has been purified from the hemolymph of the 12th instar larvae of RPW. Using L-DOPA as substrate, R. ferrugineus PPO exhibited specific activity 428 Units/mg proteins with 8.3-fold purification, optimum pH and temperature for activity at 7.5 and 40 °C, respectively and is enhanced by Cu2+ with 1.76-fold. The rank order for oxidizing R. ferrugineus PPO different substrates is catechol > pyrogallol > L-DOPA > pyrocatechuic acid and not tyrosine. The kinetic parameters Km, Vmax and Vmax/Km for L-DOPA are 3.3 mM, 1.3 μmol/ml/min, and 0.39, respectively. The catalytic efficiency of the enzyme towards catechol is 5.3-fold higher than that for L-DOPA. The enzyme completely inhibited by thiourea, ascorbic acid, dithiothreitol, and SDS. R. ferrugineus PPO is a catechol oxidase di-phenol: O2 oxidoreductase. Based on the toxicological studies of various botanical extracts, the IC50 ranged from 20 to 90 mg/ml. The enzyme completely inhibited by 50 mg/ml Cinnamomum camphora. Gallic acid, the major phenolic compound, has IC50 0.8 mM and competitively inhibited the enzyme with Ki 0.54 mM. C. camphora could be a useful natural RPW-controlling agent and used as integral part in IPM programs. This interpretation can be validated in future through an in vivo investigation.

Compatibility and Toxicity of Lecanicillium lecanii with Insecticides against Cotton Aphids In vitro

Background: Lecanicillium lecanii is the most effective entomopathogenic fungus against all stages of sucking pests like aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, thrips and mealybugs. The compatibility of fungi with commonly used insecticides was investigated in this study. Aim: To study the In vitro compatibility and toxicity of Lecanicillium lecanii with insecticides against cotton aphids. Study Design: Completely Randomized Design. Methodology: Six different insecticides were evaluated under in vitro conditions against L. lecanii by the poison food technique. The results showed that insecticides, viz., Dinotefuran 20 SG (0.006%), Afidopyropen 50 g/L DC (0.1%), Diafenthiuron 50 WP (0.06%) and Buprofezin 25 SC (0.05%), were rated as harmless and proved compatible with L. lecanii. Pyriproxyfen 10 EC (0.016%) and Tolfenpyrad 15 EC (0.03%) were moderately harmful to L. lecanii. Furthermore, the toxicity of insecticides alone and in combination with the entomopathogenic fungus L. lecanii against the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, was assessed by topical application bioassay under laboratory conditions. Results: Cent percent mortality of A. gossypii was recorded with Diafenthiuron 50 WP (0.06%), Dinotefuran 20 SG (0.006%) and Afidopyropen 50 g/L DC (0.1%) at the recommended dose and their combination at half of the recommended dose with L. lecanii (1×107 conidia/ml) at 72 h after treatment. While minimum mortality was observed with the individual treatment of L. lecanii (1×107 conidia/ml). Conclusion: This study suggests that the most suitable insecticides at half of the recommended dose, when combined with L. lecanii, can be effectively integrated into pest management programs.

Enrollment strategies in the era of digital revolution: Experience from a remote health management program

We describe the strategies used to identify and enroll participants in a remote health management program aimed at optimizing diabetes care in patients at high cardiovascular and kidney risk. Using a combination of digital and traditional outreach methods, including patient portals, emails, mailed letters, and provider referrals, we successfully enrolled 200 participants. Our experience highlights the effectiveness of a hybrid approach in achieving enrollment targets, addressing the challenges of identification of eligible candidates and engagement while integrating traditional methods for inclusivity.

Job Satisfaction and Career Happiness of Physical Education Teachers in Vocational Colleges in Sichuan Province, China

This dissertation explores the job satisfaction and career happiness of physical education teachers in vocational colleges within Sichuan Province, China. It investigates various factors contributing to job satisfaction, including work environment, wage compensation, benefits, fairness, and promotion criteria, as well as the challenges teachers face regarding workload and career progression. The research provided insights into how physical education teachers’ job satisfaction and career happiness can be enhanced, with a focus on how improving teacher management programs could foster better working conditions. This, in turn, could lead to increased teacher retention and improved educational outcomes for students. Based on the research findings, the institution offers a low financial benefits and are not able to pay the teachers a salary that meets the responsibilities they have. Generally, the teachers feel that their current job position does not align with their skill set, the promotion system in the school is not transparent, and does not reflect the proper performances and merit of the employees. Differences in demographic profiles has proved to not affect the extent of satisfaction of the physical education teachers as all teachers feel the same way towards their department’s work environment, fairness and promotion, workload, autonomy and decision-making, and job satisfaction. However, when it comes to wage, compensation and benefits, the teachers who earn more tend to be more satisfied with the wages and compensation more than the teachers who earn lesser than them. Moreover, the evaluation of the career happiness of the physical education teachers is at a high level, which suggests that the teachers are generally happy with their level of personal growth opportunities, work relationships, and attitude towards work. Hence, it could be inferred that respondents profile did not play crucial role in assessing satisfaction and career happiness but it could facilitate in social interactions that could be enriched by a supportive climate for collective sharing and foster a culture of attaining satisfaction and career fulfilment.

Cardiovascular disease management and healthcare delivery for people experiencing homelessness: a scoping review

BackgroundPeople experiencing homelessness have increased prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD), attributable to several traditional and non-traditional risk factors. While this burden is well-known, mainstream CVD management plans and healthcare delivery have not been developed with people experiencing homelessness in mind nor tailored to their unique context. The overall objective of this work was to explore and synthesize what is known about CVD management experiences, programs, interventions, and/or recommendations specifically for people experiencing homelessness.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review to combine qualitative and quantitative studies in a single review using the Arksey and O’Malley framework and lived experience participation. We performed a comprehensive search of OVID Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Social Sciences Index, Cochrane, and the grey literature with key search terms for homelessness, cardiovascular disease, and programs. All dates, geographic locations, and study designs were included. Articles were analyzed using conventional content analysis.ResultsWe included 37 articles in this review. Most of the work was done in the USA. We synthesized articles’ findings into 1) barriers/challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and their providers with CVD management and care delivery (competing priorities, lifestyle challenges, medication adherence, access to care, and discrimination), 2) seven international programs/interventions that have been developed for people experiencing homelessness and CVD management with learnings, and 3) practical recommendations and possible solutions at the patient encounter level (relationships, appointment priorities, lifestyle, medication), clinic organization level (scheduling, location, equipment, and multi-disciplinary partnership), and systems level (root cause of homelessness, and cultural safety).ConclusionsThere is no ‘one-size-fits all’ approach to CVD management for people experiencing homelessness, and it is met with complexity, diversity, and intersectionality based on various contexts. It is clear, however, we need to move to more practically-implemented, community-driven solutions with lived experience and community partnership at the core. Future work includes tackling the root cause of homelessness with affordable housing, exploring ways to bring cardiac specialist care to the community, and investigating the role of digital technology as an avenue for CVD management in the homeless community. We hope this review is valuable in providing knowledge gaps and future direction for health care providers, health services research teams, and community organizations.

Estimation of soil loss using RUSLE model and GIS tools: Case study in the Jucusbamba Micro-Watershed (Amazonas, NW Peru)

Human activities have intensified soil erosion globally, negatively impacting the physical, chemical, and microbiological quality of water and soil. This study estimated soil loss in the Jucusbamba Micro-Watershed (Amazonas, northwestern Peru) using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) data. Meteorological data, soil maps, digital elevation models, and land cover and use maps were integrated into a GIS environment to predict the spatial distribution of erosion. The results showed five classes of soil loss severity: slight (93.34%), moderate (3.94%), high (1.82%), very high (0.61%), and severe (0.29%). Areas with high, very high, and severe erosion levels were mainly located in the middle and lower parts of the micro-watershed. The average annual soil loss was estimated at 23.24 t/ha/year. The information obtained is crucial for the formulation of soil management plans and programs to address erosion problems in the Jucusbamba River Micro-Watershed. Future research should focus on validating these models through field studies and implementing soil conservation practices based on these findings. Keywords: Amazonas, hydrology, RUSLE model, water erosion map, watershed.

Mitochondrial markers revealed genetic panmixia in the data-deficient yellowfin snapper, Lutjanus xanthopinnis (Actinopterygii: Eupercaria: Lutjanidae), from a hotspot of the southern region of the South China Sea

Understanding the genetic structure and diversity of marine fish is crucial for a sustainable management program. We examined the genetic diversity and historical demographics of the yellowfin snapper, Lutjanus xanthopinnis Iwatsuki, Tanaka et Allen, 2015, in the coastal waters of east Peninsular Malaysia which is bordered by the southern part of the South China Sea using the mitochondrial genes (mtDNA) D-loop and Cytochrome b (Cyt-b). A total of 99 (D-loop) and 78 (Cyt-b) specimens of L. xanthopinnis were successfully sequenced from six locations within the range of species distribution along the Malaysian South China Sea. In the presently reported study, the lack of genetic differentiation among populations can be attributed to historical demographic events, eggs and planktonic larvae’ ability to disperse, spawning patterns, and the absence of physical barriers in the geographical landscape. Maximum likelihood gene trees demonstrated that the populations under study had limited structuring and formed a panmictic population that lacks support for internal clades. The AMOVA (Analysis of Molecular Variance) and population pairwise ФST values indicated high genetic exchange between the study areas. A high level of haplotype diversity (D-loop: 0.948–1.000; Cyt-b: 0.542–0.928), low nucleotide diversity (D-loop: 0.0095–0.0159; Cyt-b: 0.0022–0.0049) and starlike haplotype network indicates a recent expansion of L. xanthopinnis populations in Malaysian South China Sea. However, neutrality and goodness of fit tests revealed non-significant values. Furthermore, the BSP (Bayesian skyline plot) analysis estimated population expansion events during the late Pleistocene. During this epoch, the fluctuation in sea level may have led to an increase in the abundance of resources and favorable habitats for the yellowfin snapper. The presently reported findings could initiate efficient management strategies for L. xanthopinnis along the coastal areas of the Malaysian South China Sea and other nearby nations that share the same waterways.

Impairment of health-related quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes and advanced liver fibrosis

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) show a high prevalence of steatotic liver disease (SLD), and especially metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with liver fibrosis. Their health-related quality of life (HRQL) is affected by multiple in part overlapping factors and aggravated by metabolic and liver-related comorbidities, including liver fibrosis stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect size of advanced fibrosis (AF) on the HRQL in people with T2DM. A total of 149 individuals with T2DM treated at a primary care provider within the German disease management program (DMP) were included in the final analysis. Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) was used to non-invasively detect steatosis and AF. The EQ-5D-3L questionnaire was used to assess the HRQL. Uni- and multivariable linear regression models were used to identify independent predictors of impaired HRQL. The majority was male (63.1%), and the median age was 67 years (IQR 59; 71). In the entire cohort, the prevalence of MASLD and AF was 70.7% and 19.5%, respectively. People with T2DM and AF had an overall lower HRQL in comparison to those without AF (p < 0.001). Obesity (β: − 0.247; 95% CI − 0.419, − 0.077) and AF (β: − 0.222; 95% CI − 0.383, − 0.051) remained independent predictors of a poor HRQL. In turn, T2DM-related comorbidities were not predictive of an impaired HRQL. Obesity and AF negatively affect the HRQL in patients with SLD and T2DM in primary care. Awareness of liver health and specific interventions may improve patient-reported and liver-related outcomes in people with T2DM.

The effects of multifactorial pharmacist-led intervention protocol on medication optimisation and adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomised control trial.

Patient-related factors and limited medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases, are associated with poor clinical outcomes, long-term complications, and increased overall disease costs. Many methods have been tested with mixed results, and innovative approaches are needed to encourage patients to adhere to their prescribed drug regimens. This randomised controlled trial examined a new multifactorial pharmacist-led intervention protocol (MPIP), including a medication therapy management (MTM) program with face-to-face counselling, patient-specific medication booklets, and a mobile application, from July 2021 to September 2022 in the Oud Al Touba diagnostic and screening ambulatory centre in 192 patients with type 2 diabetes in the United Arab Emirates. Medication adherence was assessed using the fixed medication possession ratio of medication refills and the medication adherence questionnaire. At 12 months follow-up, participants in the MPIP showed significant improvement in overall medication adherence with total (composite) medication possession ratio (MPRt) of mean (±SD) 0.95 (±0.09) compared to 0.92 (± 0.09) in the control group with mean difference of 0.03 (95%, CI 0.01-0.06), P =0.02. In addition, improvement trend was evident in the MPIP group for all medication regimens with P value <0.01. Comparable results were noticeable in adherence questionnaire scores at the end of the study, with 66 participants in the intervention group scored zero on the questionnaire, suggesting high adherence to medication compared to the control group (48 participants only). The MTM program performed 41 clinical interventions on drug-related problems, compared to six interventions in the control group, and the use of mobile application and medication booklet have increased to 45.7% compared to 21.4% before study exit. The pharmacy intervention protocol effectively improved medication adherence and optimised medication regimens in diabetic patients with chronic medication regimens in an ambulatory healthcare centre.

Site fidelity trumps disturbance: aerial shooting does not cause surviving fallow deer (Dama dama) to disperse

Context Aerial shooting is an important tool for managing the economic and environmental impacts of widespread wild fallow deer populations in eastern Australia and could be crucial for mounting an effective response to an emergency animal disease incursion. However, there is a concern that the disturbance caused by aerial shooting could cause infected animals to disperse, thereby transmitting pathogens to previously uninfected areas. Aims We sought to describe the nature and extent of spatial behavioural changes in fallow deer exposed to aerial shooting to: (1) assess the risk that aerial shooting poses to disease spread, and (2) better understand how aerial shooting can contribute to routine deer management programs. Methods We contrasted movement rates, activity range areas, and daily activity patterns of 48 GPS-collared fallow deer before, during and after exposure to aerial shooting at three sites in New South Wales. Key results No collared deer left its pre-shoot activity range area during shooting or within 30 days after shooting finished. Observed behaviour changes included increased daily and hourly distance travelled by female deer during and after shooting, increased activity range areas for female deer after shooting, and increased nocturnal activity in female and male deer during shooting. However, observed changes were minor, temporary, localised, and variable among sites. Conclusions Collared deer showed strong site fidelity despite repeated intense disturbance and substantial population reductions. We found no evidence to support concerns that aerial shooting poses a hazard of disease spread. Implications Aerial shooting should be retained as a key control tool for managing wild fallow deer populations in Australia, including for reducing disease host population densities in the event of an emergency animal disease incursion.

Monitoring of Larinus spp. (Coleoptera Curculionidae) infesting cardoon and development of a binomial sampling plan for the estimation of Larinus cynarae infestation level in Mediterranean conditions

The cultivation of cardoon, Cynara cardunculus var. altilis, for multi-purpose uses has increased substantially in recent decades. However, in some cardoon growing areas, the production of achenes is threatened by several insects, especially the weevils Larinus cynarae and Larinus scolymi. Due to the lack of specific monitoring and sampling programs for these pests, the aims of this work were to test the reliability of chromotropic traps for adult Larinus spp. monitoring and to develop binomial sequential sampling plans to assess the infestation level of L. cynarae in cardoon cultivations in a Mediterranean area. Field observations were conducted in two different cardoon growing areas in Sardinia (Italy) in 2019 and 2020. Purple- and red-colored cross-vane traps, placed at 1 m and 2 m above the ground, were utilized for monitoring Larinus spp. adults, and binomial sequential sampling plans were developed for L. cynarae based on the count of egg masses on flower heads for sample sizes of 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 flower heads. The purple traps at 2 m above the ground were effective in monitoring L. scolymi, whereas red and purple traps were ineffective in monitoring L. cynarae adults at both 1 m and 2 m above the ground. Among different binomial sampling plans, a sample size of 70 flower heads is needed to obtain reliable estimates of L. cynarae infestations at or above 25% of infested flowers. Our findings constitute a baseline for the development of an integrated pest management program for the control of Larinus spp. infestations in cardoon-growing areas in Mediterranean environment.

Reducing Food Waste Through Choice Architecture: Insights From Denmark, the UK, and San Francisco

Food waste poses significant environmental, economic, and social challenges, with approximately 1.05 billion tonnes wasted globally in 2022, accounting for 19% of available consumable food. This paper explores the effectiveness of choice architecture in reducing food waste, highlighting successful initiatives in Denmark, the U.K., and San Francisco. Denmark’s “Stop Wasting Food” initiative achieved a 25% reduction in food waste through clear labeling and pricing strategies. The U.K.’s “Love Food Hate Waste” campaign reduced household food waste by 21% by providing practical tools and educational resources. San Francisco’s comprehensive waste management program, including mandatory composting and recycling laws, diverted 80% of waste from landfills. The paper suggests that governments and organizations can implement similar strategies, such as regulatory frameworks, public-private partnerships, and consumer education, to reduce food waste. It also identifies areas for further research, including the long-term sustainability of these interventions and their adaptability to different cultural and social contexts. These findings emphasize the importance of innovative approaches through choice architecture to reduce food waste for environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.

Risk of anxiety-related sleep disorder in nursing students

Introduction: Anxiety affects 29% of the world's population, with higher incidence in females (77%) and this begins before the age of 18 years. Academic pressure aggravates anxiety and can lead to severe or serious mental health problems. Objective: To correlate anxiety and sleep disorders in university students. Methods: This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study seeks to test hypotheses about anxiety and sleep disorders in 100 nursing students of the Technical University of Ambato through surveys, analyzing data in SPSS and Excel. Results: 85% of the students experience severe levels of anxiety, which can negatively affect their sleep quality and general well-being. Conclusion: Anxiety in university students, especially in health areas, can lead to more serious mental health problems and affect their academic performance and clinical skills. Implementing psychological support and stress management programs is essential to improve their well-being and academic performance.

Salinity tolerance of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus: From global to local, a new tool for implementing management strategy

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) raises concerns about the global proliferation of non-native species (NIS) driven by increasing temperatures. In 2023, the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus experienced a significant range expansion in the French Mediterranean lagoons, now present in over 20 lagoons and numerous estuaries with different invasion gradients. It has been established that this species is eurytherm (tolerates a wide range of temperatures; 0–40 °C), rendering temperature a non-limiting factor for its proliferation. On the other hand, salinity is a critical factor to consider, as C. sapidus requires brackish water for copulation and saline water for egg maturation. In this study, we present the salinity tolerance of C. sapidus using the metabolic performance to define the tolerance of the species to a large range of salinities (13 levels from 0 to 65 psu). Results showed that C. sapidus tolerates a large range of salinities with a minimum critical threshold (CTmin) at 0 psu, an optimum at 18.5 psu, and a CTmax at 62.4 psu. Using the performance curve equation, we applied the curve to real salinity data measured each month in 2023 in 20 lagoons invaded. Using this approach, we were able to map, on a fine spatial scale, the distribution of suitable habitats for C. sapidus in the year 2023. Additionally, we have developed a tool to prioritize the lagoons based on their suitability, thereby providing a decision-making framework for management measures in each lagoon. It emerged that 50 % of lagoons were priority areas, 10 % were intermediate and 40 % required monitoring. On the basis of this approach, we can respond to European regulations to help decision-makers implement action plans and/or early detection programs for invasive species management.