Resource Development Research Articles

Determinants of internal and external networking behaviours: insights into gender, education, political skills and mentoring

ABSTRACT Employee internal and external networking behaviours may drive different employee and organisational outcomes, which has implications for Human Resource Development professionals. However, little is known about how to develop internal and external networking behaviours. Using social role theory, social capital theory, and personal initiative theory, this study examines the impact of employee gender, education, political skills, and mentoring on internal and external networking behaviours. We utilised a mixed-method sequential research design comprising two studies. Study 1 survey data were collected from 372 middle managers from 10 Sri Lankan manufacturing and service organisations. The results indicate the higher external networking behaviours of men; the elevated internal and external networking behaviours of managers with a master’s degree; a positive relationship between political skills and both internal and external networking behaviours; and a positive relationship between mentoring and internal networking behaviours. Study 2 comprised 12 interviews of middle managers who had participated in Study 1. Thematic and content analyses explain, refine, and extend the results of Study 1. The findings have several implications for developing the networking behaviours of middle managers. Theoretical and research contributions are discussed.

Navigating the digital frontier: transformative technologies reshaping public administration

We are witnessing unprecedented, swift transformations across all industries in the current era. Advancements in information and communication technology have provided us with a tremendous opportunity for change. Our research delves into the profound impacts of digital transformation, extending beyond the public sector to encompass a variety of fields. The public sector, in particular, is experiencing its own set of transformations and changes. Our research offers an in-depth analysis of digital transformation in the public sector, with an emphasis on the key technologies driving this evolution. These include artificial intelligence and machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data and analytics, digital twins, robotic process automation, augmented reality, and the metaverse. We thoroughly conceptualize these technologies, assessing their relevance and impact on the public sector. Moreover, we identify the potential challenges and present diverse global examples. Our findings reveal that technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning (including Generative AI, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini/Bard), IoT, cloud computing, big data and analytics, digital twins, robotic automation, and augmented reality are pivotal in enhancing or creating new value propositions. These technologies have shown remarkable efficacy in elevating the quality of services between individuals and governmental entities, reducing burdens, boosting efficiency, and profoundly transforming public administration and political science. Moreover, aligning these technologies with institutional requirements is essential for successful transformation. Nevertheless, it is noted that these technologies will also refine the competencies of human resources in public administration. Implemented practices reveal that civil servants need higher expertise and improve their skill sets compared to past benchmarks. Based on these insights, we advocate for higher education institutions and other bodies responsible for public sector human resource development to integrate more practical and theoretical technology-focused courses into their curricula. A comprehensive review of the existing literature indicates a scarcity of studies that holistically investigate these technologies and assess them through the lens of field experts, researchers, and policymakers. Our study addresses this gap and contributes significantly to understanding these technologies’ transformative potential.

Women's perceptions and experiences with cannabis use in menopause: a qualitative study.

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018, the use of cannabis for medical reasons has increased in Canada. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of midlife women using cannabis for medical purposes coinciding with menopause symptom management. Semistructured, one-on-one interviews were conducted using a qualitative description method. This was the second phase of a mixed methods study, where interviewees were purposefully selected from a sample of women (ages 35 and over, located in Alberta) surveyed during the first phase of the study. Interviews were by phone or virtual meeting, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was applied to analyze the data collected. Twelve interviews were conducted between December 2020 and April 2021. Menopause was perceived as a complex experience for women. Cannabis was described as a therapeutic agent, providing symptom relief through the menopause transition. Women reported similarities in their menopause and cannabis use experiences in the lack of information available, limited role of healthcare providers, feelings of stigmatization, and emphasis on self-education. Women self-managed their cannabis use, learning from their own experiences or the anecdotal sharing of others', accessed cannabis from a variety of medical and nonmedical sources, and relied on experimentation, and a range of supports were described. Midlife women pursued the use of cannabis medically to manage symptoms that overlap with menopause. Understanding how and why midlife women use cannabis medically can provide insight for future research and the development of educational resources to support women in menopause.

Prioritise safety, optimise success! Return to rugby postpartum.

Pregnancy and childbirth involve substantial physical, physiological and psychological changes. As such, postpartum rugby players should be supported and appropriately prepared to return to the demands of rugby alongside the additional demands of motherhood. This review aims to discuss specific perinatal considerations that inform a rugby player's readiness to return-to-sport postpartum and present an approach to rehabilitation. Before engaging in full rugby training and matchplay, postpartum players should have progressed through the initial phases of rehabilitation and graded sports-specific training to prepare them for the loads they will be exposed to. Additional rehabilitation considerations include minimising deconditioning during pregnancy; medical concerns; the abdominal wall; the pelvic floor; perinatal breast changes, breastfeeding and risk of contact breast injury; body mass; nutritional requirements; hormonal considerations; athlete identity and psychological considerations; joining team training; return to contact and tackle training; evaluating player load tolerance and future research, policy and surveillance needs. A whole-systems, biopsychosocial approach following an evidence informed return-to-sport framework is recommended when rehabilitating postpartum rugby players. Health and exercise professionals are encouraged to use the perinatal-specific recommendations in this review to guide the development of postpartum rehabilitation protocols and resources.

Examining the effect of urbanization on various land cover classes and environmental quality using remote sensing and GIS methods

It is vital for public awareness and decision-makers to investigate the impact caused by changes in urban land use and land cover on ecosystem service values (ESVs) in order to promote sustainable urban development, protect the environment, protect public health, and ensure communities’ long-term well-being. Changes in ecosystem services brought on by changes in land use and cover (LULC) are a crucial early indicator and warning sign of ecological shifts. Using remote sensing and GIS tools, this study examined the shifting dynamics of ESVs in the Haridwar district in Uttarakhand state, India. The evaluation of land use land cover (LULC) changes was carried out by analyzing satellite images of the research region from 2001 to 2021. In addition, we examined changes in ecosystem services according to the study area’s LULC classifications. Using a random forest machine learning classifier, satellite images were classified into five categories of land cover: water bodies, forests, built-up areas, agricultural land, and bare land. The findings showed that from 2001 to 2021, forest cover and water bodies fell by 15.35% and 41.50%, respectively, while urban area and agricultural area rose by 69.24% and 12.31%, respectively. Due to increased urbanization and degradation of water bodies and forest areas, ESV fell from 103.19 USD ha −1 year −1 in 2001 to 70.53 USD ha −1 year −1 in 2021. The combination of LULC with the value of ecosystem services may improve our knowledge of several difficulties in an urban ecosystem. As a result, we advocate for the incorporation of LULC and ESVs as a tool that might be useful to urban planners and land managers in the future for sustainable development of natural resources.

Hydrochemical characterization and health risk assessment of different types of water bodies in Fenghuang Mountain Area, Northeast China.

Groundwater, as an essential resource, holds significant importance for human production and livelihoods. With the deterioration of the water environment, the issue of groundwater quality has become an urgent international concern. This study focused on the Fenghuang Mountain Area (FMA) and collected a total of 41 sets of samples including pore groundwater (PGW), fissure groundwater (FGW), karst groundwater(KGW), and river water(RW). Hydrochemical analysis methods were employed to identify the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors. The entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) and health risk assessment model were utilized to assess the groundwater quality and nitrate health risk, respectively. The results indicated that the dominant anion and cation in both groundwater and surface water in the FMA were HCO3- and Ca2+, respectively, with the main hydrochemical type being HCO3-Ca. Groundwater and surface water in the FMA were primarily controlled by rock weathering process, with ion concentrations influenced mainly by the dissolution of halite, sylvite, carbonates (calcite and dolomite), silicates, and gypsum, as well as by reverse anion exchange process. PGW was significantly affected by agricultural activities, with NO3- concentration closely related to human activities. The water quality of FGW was relatively good, with Class I and Class II water accounting for the highest proportion, reaching 84.62%. The high-value area of EWQI in PGW was influenced by human activities. The impact of nitrate health risk on children was significantly greater than on adults, with FGW having the lowest health risk and PGW having the highest health risk. The research results can provide important guarantees for the rational development and utilization of water resources in the FMA and the sustainable development of the economy in Northeast China.

СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКОЕ УПРАВЛЕНИЕ УСТОЙЧИВЫМ РАЗВИТИЕМ ОТРАСЛИ ЖИВОТНОВОДСТВА НА РЕГИОНАЛЬНОМ УРОВНЕ

The livestock industry is a fundamental part of agriculture. The relevance of developing a sustainable livestock development system is due to a number of global and local factors that have a significant impact on modern agricultural systems. The article examines the current state of the livestock industry in the Russian Federation, as well as in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Ensuring the sustainable development of animal husbandry is an important aspect in the formation and assessment of the country's food security. Criteria for the sustainable development of the industry can serve not only economic indicators, including profitability, gross profit, etc., as well as indicators of social sustainability, which include the quality of life of the population, the development of human resources, etc., but also directly indicators characterizing the production of livestock products, the preservation of animal health, etc. In this regard, measures to ensure sustainable development are of particular relevance. In order to determine the main directions of development, we have compiled a strategic map. The strategic map serves as a tool for visualizing, planning and implementing a development strategy, taking into account many factors and stakeholders. The development of a strategic map for the sustainable development of livestock is a key element for achieving a balance between economic efficiency, social justice and environmental sustainability. A methodological tool for drawing up a strategic map has been developed, providing a systematic approach to the issue under consideration with the allocation of the following "pools": human resources, innovation, financing, as well as active marketing.

A framework for assessing the blue equity of social-ocean systems in marine governance transformation

The equitable utilization of marine resources and the maintenance of healthy and sustainable marine ecosystems are essential to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting the well-being of all humanity. In this paper, we propose a Blue Equity Assessment Framework, which is based on a systematic literature review approach and takes into account the characteristics of Social-Ocean Systems (SOSs). The framework consists of Distributional Equity, Procedural Equity, Recognitional Equity, and Contextual Equity. The aim of this framework is to conduct equity analyses of policies or behaviors within SOSs in order to assess whether blue equity is explicitly implemented and practiced in these societal norms and policy mechanisms. The assessment framework reveals that blue equity has a positive synergy for the majority of the SDGs. This synergy is analyzed in terms of its influence on the assessment dimensions of distributional justice, procedural justice, recognitional justice, and contextual justice. The findings aim to enhance societal understanding of blue equity issues, thereby guiding policymakers in the prioritization of blue equity in the development and utilization of marine resources and in the transformation of global ocean governance.

The synergy of human resource development (HRD) and artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s workplace

ABSTRACT The systematic review paper examines the relationship between artificial intelligence and human resource development in organisations. The study aims to understand AI’s symbiotic role in improving HRD functions like training and development, organisational development, career development, performance management, and workforce planning in the last two decades. It highlights how AI revolutionises HRD, including performance management, learning and development, and workforce planning. The paper also covers the role HRD plays in facilitating AI adoption. This paper closes the gap between AI and HRD by highlighting the benefits of this symbiotic relationship. The work poses crucial research questions to guide future investigations. The questions cover how HRD is essential for ensuring the smooth adoption of AI to boost human capital by focusing on HRD and how AI can strengthen HRD by improving critical functions. By employing HRD practices to improve AI adoption and AI to improve HRD function, this research aims to increase our understanding of how AI and HRD need to work together in synergy.

Human resource development practices and job performance of academic staff of Bishop Stuart University.

This study examined human resource development practices and their impact on academic staff performance. Specifically, it investigated whether training, promotion, job enrichment and organisational policies significantly influence the job performance of academic staff. The study surveyed 158 academic staff members at Bishop Stuart University in Uganda using a quantitative approach and a correlational research design. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that job enrichment and organisational policies had a positive and significant impact on academic staff performance. In contrast, training had a negative but significant influence on academic staff performance, and promotion had a positive but insignificant influence on the job performance of academic staff. The study concluded that effective human resource practices, specifically job enrichment and organisational policies, play a crucial role in enhancing academic staff performance. However, limited training opportunities hindered the performance of academic staff. Furthermore, unsatisfactory promotion practices minimally contribute to the job performance of academic staff. The study recommended that university managers implement human resource development practices, namely job enrichment, organisational policies, training, and promotion, to promote job performance.

Basalt and Dune: Critical Factors in Desert Water Resource Development

Basalt and Dune: Critical Factors in Desert Water Resource Development

Unraveling genomic features and phylogenomics through the analysis of three Mexican endemic Myotis genomes

Background Genomic resource development for non-model organisms is rapidly progressing, seeking to uncover molecular mechanisms and evolutionary adaptations enabling thriving in diverse environments. Limited genomic data for bat species hinder insights into their evolutionary processes, particularly within the diverse Myotis genus of the Vespertilionidae family. In Mexico, 15 Myotis species exist, with three—M. vivesi, M. findleyi, and M. planiceps—being endemic and of conservation concern. Methods We obtained samples of Myotis vivesi, M. findleyi, and M. planiceps for genomic analysis. Each of three genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced, and assembled. The scaffolding was carried out utilizing the M. yumanensis genome via a genome-referenced approach within the ntJoin program. GapCloser was employed to fill gaps. Repeat elements were characterized, and gene prediction was done via ab initio and homology methods with MAKER pipeline. Functional annotation involved InterproScan, BLASTp, and KEGG. Non-coding RNAs were annotated with INFERNAL, and tRNAscan-SE. Orthologous genes were clustered using Orthofinder, and a phylogenomic tree was reconstructed using IQ-TREE. Results We present genome assemblies of these endemic species using Illumina NovaSeq 6000, each exceeding 2.0 Gb, with over 90% representing single-copy genes according to BUSCO analyses. Transposable elements, including LINEs and SINEs, constitute over 30% of each genome. Helitrons, consistent with Vespertilionids, were identified. Values around 20,000 genes from each of the three assemblies were derived from gene annotation and their correlation with specific functions. Comparative analysis of orthologs among eight Myotis species revealed 20,820 groups, with 4,789 being single copy orthogroups. Non-coding RNA elements were annotated. Phylogenomic tree analysis supported evolutionary chiropterans’ relationships. These resources contribute significantly to understanding gene evolution, diversification patterns, and aiding conservation efforts for these endangered bat species.

Evaluating the Spatial Heterogeneity and Driving Factors of Sustainable Development Level in Chengdu with Point of Interest Data and Geographic Detector Model

Over the past few decades, China has undergone the largest and fastest urbanization process in world history. By 2023, Chengdu’s urbanization rate had reached 80.5%, significantly higher than the national average of 66.16%. Studying the urbanization experience of Chengdu is of great significance for optimizing urban planning policies in Chengdu and other cities in China. Although much literature has explored the urbanization process from macro and micro perspectives, studies using a top-down approach to examine urban fringe expansion are relatively scarce. This study first applies the entropy weight method to analyze the spatial-temporal evolution trends of urban development, identifying areas of imbalanced development and prominent issues. Secondly, the K-means machine learning algorithm and nightlight data are used to reconstruct and classify urban regions, and a comparative analysis is conducted with administrative divisions to further identify unreasonable areas in urban spatial distribution and structure. Finally, POI data and the geographical detector method are used to analyze the micro-driving forces in areas of imbalanced development, identifying major limiting factors and solutions. The study found that the gap between urban and rural development in Chengdu is narrowing during the urbanization process, but there is severe differentiation in the second circle of Chengdu, where economic development is accelerating but residents’ happiness is declining. Moreover, analysis based on urban nightlight data and land-use data reveals that the expansion areas on the urban-rural fringe are mainly concentrated in the second circle of Chengdu. Micro-level driving factor analysis found that the western region of the second circle has many but small urban settlements, with a dense road network but scattered functional areas. The eastern region has inefficient and extensive use of construction land. Additionally, the mismatch between student status and household registration has resulted in relatively lagging educational resource development, and high entry barriers have hindered the progress of urbanization, leading to low per capita welfare expenditure. These reasons are the main factors causing the decline in residents’ happiness, and this impact shows significant differences at different temporal and spatial scales. Encouraging innovation in research and development or education can serve as a long-term and effective driving force for promoting sustainable urbanization. This study provides valuable insights for scientifically planning sustainable urban development and promoting the urbanization process.

A Study on the Impact of Capacity Building Programs by Private Higher Education Institutions on the Performance of Employees in Government Organizations

This research aims to examine the impact of capacity building programs on the organizational performance of government employees in Herat province. The study seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of this phenomenon and answers the question of whether programs designed to enhance the capabilities and skills of government employees, offered by private higher education institutions, have influenced various functional aspects of their work. The hypothesis of this research is that these programs have had a positive and significant impact on the organizational performance of government employees. Data were collected and analyzed using quantitative methods and questionnaires. Statistical analysis, derived from the distribution of questionnaires to 266 managers and employees of government departments in Herat province, shows that among the components of organizational performance, which include ability, perception and cognition, organizational support, motivation, performance feedback, legitimacy (employee-related regulations), and environmental fit, the component of legitimacy regarding employee-related regulations had the most influence. Conversely, capacity building programs played the least role in influencing organizational support. This study can be useful and guiding for organizational managers, educational policy designers, and human resource development professionals.

Economic Growth through Determinants of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Pakistan: Mediating Role of Human Resource Development

Economic Growth through Determinants of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Pakistan: Mediating Role of Human Resource Development

O-079 Reflecting on the fertility journey: Insights from couples who discontinued fertility treatment without giving birth

Abstract Study question How can we enhance the experience of individuals pursuing fertility treatment, from the standpoint of those who have faced unsuccessful outcomes in their treatments? Summary answer The current study identified ways to improve couples’ experience by addressing their unmet needs within the context of fertility care. What is known already Couples seeking fertility treatment face many challenges. Previous studies reported that 20% to 30% of couples decide to discontinue treatment before achieving pregnancy. Exploring ways to improve the experience of individuals seeking fertility treatment is therefore important to reduce treatment dropout. Previous studies have addressed the needs of individuals seeking fertility care, particularly in terms of information and psychosocial support. These studies were predominantely quantitative, limiting the exploration of couples’ subjective perspective. The present study addressed this limitation by using a qualitative research design, allowing for the emergence of other unmet needs and a more nuanced description of couples’ experiences. Study design, size, duration Eleven Canadian couples (n = 22 participants) who stopped fertility treatment without giving birth took part in a qualitative study in Quebec, which was approved by the researchers’ institutional review board. Data were collected between December 2022 and August 2023 as part of a larger qualitative study examining the individual and relational experiences of couples who stopped fertility treatment as well as the clinical context that may have contributed to their decision of discontinuing treatment. Participants/materials, setting, methods Couples who experienced at least one unsuccessful fertility treatment cycle and decided to stop without giving birth were eligible to participate. Ten mixed-gender/sex and one same-gender/sex couples participated in a dyadic online semi-structured interview. Participants were aged between 28 and 47 years old. Four couples were childless. Each interview lasted between 40 and 65 minutes. Interviews were transcribed and verbatims were analyzed by two independent coders using the NVivo software through thematic analysis. Main results and the role of chance During the interviews, partners discussed unmet needs and suggested ways in which these needs could be addressed. Eight themes regarding ways to improve the experience of individuals seeking fertility treatment emerged as as result of the thematic analysis. Namely, (1) providing more information to set realistic expectations (e.g., discussing the demands of fertility treatment and the possibility of treatment not working), (2) improving the physical environment within fertility clinics (e.g., providing a room for couples to gather their thoughts after a difficult announcement), (3) enhancing the sensitivity and availability of healthcare professionals (e.g., showing empathy towards the challenges that couples may face), (4) supplying reliable and accessible information that are expressed in simple non-medical terms (e.g., taking the time to explain medical terms and procedures), (5) promoting patient autonomy regarding fertility care (e.g., suggesting treatment options that take their context into account), (6) providing psychological support (e.g., increasing access to mental health professionals), (7) making patient-centered fertility care more accessible (e.g., offering low-cost psychosocial support), and (8) normalizing the experience of infertility and fertility treatment (e.g., encouraging couples to talk about their experience, offering support groups). Limitations, reasons for caution Participants discontinued fertility treatment without giving birth, making them more likely to have had negative experiences in fertility clinics. Individuals undergoing treatment or who have had successful treatment outcomes might have different perspectives. Additionally, couples came from only four fertility clinics in Quebec, Canada, limiting the heterogeneity of the sample. Wider implications of the findings The present study highlighted areas where services for couples undergoing fertility treatment could be enhanced. Findings may help healthcare providers gain a deeper understanding of the needs of their patients, and inform the development of sensible and reliable resources, which might ultimately help reduce treatment discontinuation. Trial registration number not applicable

Promoting and Utilization of Nigeria Natural Resources for Economic Development

The development of Nigeria has direct link with her natural resources, what are they and how they are utilized. Following the significance of natural resource to economic development, policies needs to be in place to ensure both short term and long term benefits. Apart from crude oil, the biodiversity sector has rich natural medicinal resource most especially the medicinal plants which is a driving force for development all over the world. Nigeria despite her immense economic promise is in dire need following the fact that unemployment rate remains high at 33.3% and the multidimensional poverty rate is 63%. Nigeria blessed with over 10,000 species of medicinal plants has only utilized less than 20% of its medicinal plant resources. To partake in the fortune of the global medicinal plant market that was estimated to reach $5trn by 2050 and has what it takes to provides economic development to nations, there is every need for the country to promote and utilize her natural resource for economic development. This paper thus explores; natural resources, economic development, natural resource potential for economic development and utilization of natural resources for economic development.

O-067 An update from the international reproductive health education collaboration

Abstract Most people want children, but many do not achieve their parenthood goals. Research shows that both men and women have limited knowledge about fertility and the factors that affect it. This includes poor knowledge about the impact of age, the most important determinant of the chance to conceive and have a healthy baby. As age at first birth is increasing in many countries, people increasingly seek assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment due to age-related infertility. To allow people to make informed decisions about if and when to have children and to avoid age-related infertility, they need evidence-based and accessible information about fertility. Fertility awareness is defined by the World Health Organisation as ‘the understanding of reproduction, fecundity, fecundability, and related individual risk factors (e.g. advanced age, sexual health factors such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity) and non-individual risk factors (e.g. environmental and workplace factors); including the awareness of societal and cultural factors affecting options to meet reproductive family planning, as well as family building needs’. In 2019, an international collective of reproductive health researchers and health professionals convened to promote fertility education for the public, teachers, and health professionals. Initially called the International Fertility Education Initiative (IFEI), in 2022 the group integrated into ESHRE. In 2023, the group rebranded as the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration (IRHEC) (www.eshre.eu/IRHEC) to reflect a life course perspective that goes beyond childbearing and includes education about all aspects of reproductive health, from puberty to menopause. The mission statement of the IRHEC is ‘To increase reproductive health awareness using the life course approach, in order to improve reproductive health and facilitate decision-making in family planning among adolescents, people of reproductive age, primary healthcare, education professionals, and policymakers through development, evaluation and dissemination of inclusive educational resources.’ We aim for our website to be a repository for a range of reproductive health educational resources for the public, health and education professionals, and researchers. This includes some resources developed by the group. In this first IRHEC report to the ESHRE conference we will describe the committee structure, the processes for joining the IRHEC Network and for nominations and elections of committee members and introduce current IRHEC committee members. We will also provide updates on completed resources to be launched during 2024 and on current and potential future projects including: • An updated fertility education poster for young people. It is based on a poster developed in 2019 which has been redesigned in response to research conducted with young people in Denmark, Sweden, and the UK. The poster is available in many different languages on the IRHEC website. • Twelve information leaflets with more in depth information on various aspects of reproductive health which have been co-designed with young people. These are also available and free to download from our website. • After years of working with schools, and a public consultation last year, IRHEC has developed a resource to help teachers deliver reproductive health education to students. It is freely available to all teachers around the world and can be used in full or in part depending on teachers’ needs. • Preparations are underway to seek funding to evaluate the teachers’ resource. We plan to use qualitative research in the first instance to explore teachers’ views on the usefulness of the resource, what parts they would use, and whether the topics covered, and the level of detail are appropriate. • We are also examining how social media can be used to deliver reproductive health education. Through this work we want to empower everyone with evidence-based education on reproductive health.

What do Australian primary care clinicians need to provide long-acting reversible contraception and early medical abortion? A content analysis of a virtual community of practice

BackgroundUptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is lower in Australia compared with other high-income countries, and access to early medical abortion (EMA) is variable with only 11% of general practitioners...

Response of Soil Fungal Community in Coastal Saline Soil to Short-Term Water Management Combined with Bio-Organic Fertilizer

This study aimed to elucidate the response of soil microbial communities to saline soil amelioration via biological organic fertilizer. A year-long experiment was conducted on coastal saline soil, employing water and fertilizer strategies. Three treatments were compared: dry field (control, CK), paddy field (W), and combined dry and irrigated fields with biological organic fertilizer (BW). Soil DNA was extracted and sequenced using high-throughput methods, revealing significant reductions in soil electrical conductivity (EC) and pH with W and BW treatments. Moreover, the BW treatment notably increased soil organic carbon content by 17.2%, as well as soil urease and alkaline phosphatase activity. Fungal community richness increased, with the BW treatment showing a 36% rise in the ACE index and a 24% increase in the Shannon index, while the Simpson index decreased by 59%. Dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Basidiomycota, with Basidiomycota prevailing at the genus level. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that soil pH, EC, and organic carbon were key determinants of fungal community distribution, with the BW treatment correlating negatively with pH and salt and positively with soil organic carbon (SOC). Fungal functional groups varied among treatments, with saprophytic fungi predominating, but the BW treatment showed a higher relative abundance of animal pathogenic fungi. In summary, the integration of biological organic fertilizer with flooding ameliorates soil properties and influences the changes in soil fungal community structure and function in the short term. These results could enhance the scientific basis for the efficient utilization and development of saline soil resources in coastal areas.