Changing Role Research Articles

Biochar addition promotes soil organic carbon sequestration dominantly contributed by macro-aggregates in agricultural ecosystems of China

Soil aggregates play pivotal roles in soil organic carbon (SOC) preservation and climate change. Biochar has been widely applied in agricultural ecosystems to improve soil physicochemical properties. However, the underlying mechanisms of SOC sequestration by soil aggregation with biochar addition are not well understood at a large scale. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of 2335 pairwise data from 45 studies to explore how soil aggregation sequestrated SOC after biochar addition in agricultural ecosystems of China. Biochar addition markedly enhanced the proportions of macro-aggregates and aggregate stability, and the production of organic binding agents positively facilitated the formation of macro-aggregates and aggregate stability. Soil aggregate-associated organic carbon (OC) indicated a significantly increasement by biochar addition, which was attributed to direct and indirect inputs of OC from biochar and organic residues, respectively. Biochar stimulated SOC sequestration dominantly contributed by macro-aggregates, and it could be interpreted by a greater improvement in proportions and OC protection of macro-aggregates. Furthermore, the SOC sequestration of soil aggregation with biochar addition was regulated by climate conditions (mean annual temperature and precipitation), biochar attributes (biochar C/N ratio and pH), experimental practices (biochar addition level and duration), and agronomic managements (land type, cropping intensity, fertilization condition, and crop type). Collectively, our synthetic analysis emphasized that biochar promoted the SOC sequestration by improving soil aggregation in agricultural ecosystems of China.

Sustainable supply chain management's impact on triple bottom line performance: Does the firm size matter?

AbstractCompanies worldwide are moving towards sustainability by focusing on its three dimensions: environmental, economic, and social sustainability. This study explores how sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) takes the changing role to affect these three dimensions. Since organizations vary in size, we post and test relationships regarding how firm size can impact the implementation of SSCM practices as a moderator. We posit an empirical research model and test this using structural equation modeling with survey data from 392 managers across various Jordanian manufacturing firms. This study assessed the link between five categories of SSCM practices and TBL performance. We found that firm size is critical and moderates the positive SSCM relationship with economic and social performances. Results shed new light on SSCM and its impacts on environmental, economic, and social performance. According to the study findings, environmental management practices and supply chain integration influenced all sustainability dimensions, whereas socially inclusive community practices influenced none. Furthermore, operations had an impact on economic sustainability. Finally, socially inclusive employee practices had a significant impact on both environmental and economic sustainability. Findings show that when implementing SSCM, larger firms perform better on multiple sustainability measures compared to smaller firms. The model's integration of firm size as a moderator provides additional insights regarding the SSCM construct and its change agent role in stimulating sustainable development.

Extreme weather experience and climate change risk perceptions: The roles of partisanship and climate change cause attribution

Climate change risk perceptions are crucial in influencing individuals' behavioral changes and shaping policy preferences for climate change mitigation. Experience of recent extreme weather events may enhance people's awareness of climate change and thus alter their attitudes toward climate change. This study examines the correlations between extreme weather experience and climate change risk perceptions using Australia's most recent representative national survey data (2020 Australian Survey of Social Attitudes). The results demonstrate that the positive effect of extreme weather experience on climate change risk perceptions, both to the World and to Australia, became nonsignificant when all variables were controlled. Notably, extreme weather experiences amplified the perceptions of climate change risk among individuals without party affiliations, but they did not affect those with solid party affiliations, neither with the National-Liberal Coalition nor Labor or the Greens. Furthermore, the impact of extreme weather experiences on climate change risk perceptions is not direct but primarily indirect through individuals' cause attribution of climate change. This paper provides valuable insights into the linkage mechanism between extreme weather experience and climate change risk perceptions.

The Role of Driving Actors in the Social Capital Utilization in the Community

Population density and lower class marginalization due to the development of elite areas have alienated a community over its identity. The driving actors behind every social change exist, and they utilize a change through the villagers’ literacy power. Mainstreaming views on the actors’ active roles in social change essentially impact knowledge in the sociology of ethnic and cultural society. This study aims to describe the hidden actors behind the phenomenon of cultural movements that exist and develop national and international relations. This paper applies qualitative data collected in a participatory manner through interviews with key actors in Kampung Cempluk Festival. Focus group discussions were conducted with actors involved in every festival held by the community. Informants selected by snowball were then interviewed about their perceptions, motivations, and a value embodiment process. Researchers did the literature study through writings, releases, newspapers, mass media opinions, and several previous researches. The results indicate that alienation will foster citizens’ critical awareness of development and cultural values impacts. It is supported by driving actors who can read the potentials and opportunities in society. Thus, this research becomes the basis for policymakers in planning development which should prioritize a cultural approach and consider the threat of hidden power loss in society.

Tectonic and high-latitude climate controls on Quaternary sedimentary processes on the northern coast of Bohai Bay

Separating the relative roles of tectonics and climate change in geological evolution is complicated. The northern coast of Bohai Bay (NCBB), with a thick accumulation of Quaternary lacustrine sediments, is a subsiding area and is well suited to studying tectonic versus climatic controls on sedimentary processes. We used magnetostratigraphy and sedimentological analyses of borehole core JL01 from the NCBB to provide new insights into the effects of tectonic processes and climate changes in this region. The results show the following: (1) A shallow lacustrine delta, a deep-water lacustrine sedimentary system and a subaqueous fan-delta sedimentary system developed during 2.1–1.4 Ma, 1.4–0.78 Ma, and from 0.78 Ma to the present, respectively, corresponding to the rift-initiation, rift-climax, and late-rift tectonic stages of the evolution of an extensional basin, respectively. These stages constitute a low-order tectono-sedimentary cycle. (2) Tectonic and orbital-scale climate changes can be distinguished, particularly the 2.5 Ma climatic transition and a significant shift from 41- to 100-kyr cyclicity across the Mid-Pleistocene climatic transition. These changes indicate that the sedimentary processes of the NCBB were influenced by high-latitude climate forcing since the Late Pliocene. Our results demonstrate that detailed sedimentary facies analyses can provide valuable information about the effects of tectonics and climate changes on basin sedimentary evolution. This approach can be applied to other regional basins worldwide.

Analysis of Social Change in Legal Development in Indonesia

All aspects of community life, whether political, social, cultural, or economic, are regulated by law. Therefore, the existence of this law is universal. Development and reform give rise to social changes that give rise to social problems, which puts pressure on the law because the law must be able to overcome these problems. The aim of this research is to analyze social changes in the development of law in Indonesia. This research uses a statutory approach, also called a statutory approach. The results of this research show that law and social change have a close interaction in the context of social change. Both have an impact on each other. Changes in law are influenced by changes in society, and vice versa. Social transformation in society is influenced by legal changes as well. Based on the analysis that has been carried out, social changes in the development of law in Indonesia are: 1) Law Number 11 of 2008 was born, which regulates electronic information and transactions. Law plays two important roles in social change: law as a tool of social control and a technique of social engineering; 2) institutions have an important role in society; the existence of Rukun Warga (RW) and Rukun Tetangga (RT) officials as well as Village Government institutions is also crucial. The role of the village government and RT-RW can be utilized to empower the community effectively in carrying out prevention. 3) Providing legal understanding refers to awareness of the rules established by written law for behavior, namely what the community can and cannot do.

The multiple roles of crop structural change in productivity, nutrition and environment in China: A decomposition analysis

China’s crop structure has undergone significant changes in the last two decades since 2000, with an increase in the share of cereals, vegetables, and fruit, squeezing out other crops. As a result, land productivity, nutrient supply, and carbon emissions have changed. How to reallocate limited farmland among crops to achieve the multiple goals of agrifood systems becomes an important issue. This study explores the sources of land productivity and nutrition supply growth and carbon emissions reduction, and identifies the multiple roles of crop structural change from 2003 to 2020 based on a decomposition analysis. The results reveal that the growth within crops is still the primary driver in land productivity and nutrition supply and the reduction in carbon emissions. However, structural change also plays various roles at different periods. From 2003 to 2010, crop structural change increased the total calorie supply but lowered land productivity and contributed at least 70% of the total growth of carbon emissions. The crop structure was relatively stable, and their effects were modest from 2010 to 2015. From 2015 to 2020, the crop structural change began to play a greater role and generate synergistic effects in improving land productivity, micronutrient supply, and reducing carbon emissions, contributing to approximately a quarter of the growth of land productivity and 30% of total carbon emissions reduction. These results suggest that strategies for crop structural change should comprehensively consider its multiple impacts, aiming to achieve co-benefits while minimizing trade-offs.

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Sosial Dalam Bullying: Perspektif Pendidikan Anti-Bullying Melalui Lensa Filsafat Ibnu Khaldun

This research aims to analyze social factors in bullying using an anti-bullying education approach through the philosophical lens of Ibn Khaldun. The research method employs literature analysis and a review of existing studies to identify and comprehend the dynamics of social factors related to the phenomenon of bullying. The research objective is to provide a robust conceptual foundation for the development of anti-bullying education strategies. The literature analysis highlights the roles of social solidarity, cultural change, and inequality as key factors in bullying incidents. Ibn Khaldun's contributions to this perspective offer a philosophical insight that enriches prevention and intervention approaches. The implications of these findings support the formulation of policies and educational practices in anti-bullying that are more effective in responding to evolving social dynamics.

Inferring Global Ocean Mass Increase From Tide Gauges Network With Climate Models

AbstractOcean mass increase contributes to global sea level rise, and plays an important role in understanding climate change. Here, we develop a data assimilation approach that enables the inference of ocean mass increase from global tide gauge network. This approach incorporates outputs from climate models and sea level fingerprints caused by water mass changes over land areas. The results suggest a trend of 2.15 ± 0.72 mm/yr for ocean mass increase over the period 1993–2022, which closes the global sea level budget with estimates of thermosteric sea level rise. Furthermore, the inferred ocean mass increase offers an insight into the causes of sea level rise since 1950. These findings emphasize the significance of climate models, in addition to simulating sea level changes, they contribute to understanding causes of sea level rise over the past decades.

Total Factor Productivity Growth in the Indian Food Processing Industry: A Non-parametric Investigation

This study analysed total factor productivity growth (TFPG) in the Indian food processing industry in the organised sector. The results showed that TFPG in this industry resulted from technical progress and that the role of change in technical efficiency was insignificant. Therefore, for sustainable output growth, the application of new technologies must be followed by adaptation. In this context, policymakers should consider sub-sectoral heterogeneity when designing policies for the Indian food processing industry so that the rates of applying technology and its adaptability can be matched for each industry sub-sector. Thus, the study offers a strong note of caution about investments in technological improvements.

Effects of transport densities on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ × A. schrenckii ♂)

Transport procedures usually cause fish stress, especially at high densities, which might cause considerable stress and compromise product quality for adult fish. However, many previous studies of density on sturgeon have hindered understanding of its roles in the physiological change during and after the transportation of sturgeon and no study explored high density as fish-to-water ratios up to 1:1. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of transport density and duration on antioxidant indices, immune response, and post-transported recovery time of adult sturgeon (758.30 ± 42.8 g, one and a half years old) during long-distance and high-density transportation. Sturgeon were anesthetized with MS-222 under different fish-to-water ratios of 1:1 (D1), 1:2 (D2), 1:3 (D3) and 1:4 (D4), and simulated transport was carried out for 0 h, 1 h, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, and resuscitation was carried out for 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after transport. The relevant measurements were made on the water and serum samples. The findings demonstrated that after 72 h of transportation at various densities, the survival rate was 100%. Total ammonium nitrogen concentrations in the water increased in parallel with the stocking density after 48 h. After 72 h of transport, blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT), glutamate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and total protein (TP) were substantially higher in group D1 than in group D4 (P < 0.05), although serum levels of MDA, cortisol (COR), TP, and immunoglobulin M (IGM) in group D2 were not statistically different from those in group D3 (P > 0.05). To cope with the pressure imposed by high-density transport, the antioxidant, metabolic, and immunological indexes of sturgeon in the D1 and D2 were significantly greater than those of sturgeon in D4 group during transport. The D1 group had the most severe damage to antioxidant, metabolic, and immune abilities after resuscitation, and at 48 h after resuscitation, the levels of MDA, AST, and IGM were still significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), whereas the levels of IGM in the D2 group were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Sturgeon under anesthesia should not be transported for longer than 72 h at a time with a fish-to-water ratio of 1:1 because doing so resulted in irreparable harm to all fish indicators. To better comprehend the circumstances necessary for efficient transportation, the study may contribute to evaluate the changes in physiological and biochemical characteristics of sturgeon.

European Summer Wet-Bulb Temperature: Spatiotemporal Variations and Potential Drivers

Abstract Heat stress is projected to intensify with global warming, causing significant socioeconomic impacts and threatening human health. Wet-bulb temperature (WBT), which combines temperature and humidity effects, is a useful indicator for assessing regional and global heat stress variability and trends. However, the variations of European WBT and their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using observations and reanalysis datasets, we demonstrate a remarkable warming of summer WBT during the period 1958–2021 over Europe. Specifically, the European summer WBT has increased by over 1.0°C in the past 64 years. We find that the increase in European summer WBT is driven by both near-surface warming temperatures and increasing atmospheric moisture content. We identify four dominant modes of European summer WBT variability and investigate their linkage with the large-scale atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature anomalies. The first two leading modes of the European WBT variability exhibit prominent interdecadal to long-term variations, mainly driven by a circumglobal wave train and concurrent sea surface temperature variations. The last two leading modes of European WBT variability mainly show interannual variations, indicating a direct and rapid response to large-scale atmospheric dynamics and nearby sea surface temperature variations. Further analysis shows the role of global warming and changes in midlatitude circulations in the variations of summer WBT. Our findings can enhance the understanding of plausible drivers of heat stress in Europe and provide valuable insights for regional decision-makers and climate adaptation planning. Significance Statement Wet-bulb temperature, which takes into account the combined effect of temperature and humidity, is a good indicator for assessing heat stress. In the context of global warming, heat stress is anticipated to escalate, posing significant risks to human health and causing socioeconomic losses. However, variations in wet-bulb temperature and the associated physical mechanisms have received limited attention. This study aims to improve our understanding of the temporal and spatial variations and the potential driving mechanisms of summer wet-bulb temperature across Europe in recent decades. We have observed a noteworthy increase in summer wet-bulb temperature, indicating a regional intensification of heat stress, particularly within the last 10 years. We further investigate the connections between variations in summer wet-bulb temperature, large-scale atmospheric circulation, and sea surface temperature. Additionally, we explore their associations with global warming and changes in midlatitude atmospheric circulation. The outcomes of this study not only contribute to establishing a scientific basis for evaluating heat-related risks in Europe but also facilitate preparedness for future climate adaptation and mitigation at both regional and local scales.

The decline of the 2022 Italian mpox epidemic: Role of behavior changes and control strategies

In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox occurred, predominantly impacting men who have sex with men (MSM). The rapid decline of this epidemic is yet to be fully understood. We investigated the Italian outbreak by means of an individual-based mathematical model calibrated to surveillance data. The model accounts for transmission within the MSM sexual contact network, in recreational and sex clubs attended by MSM, and in households. We indicate a strong spontaneous reduction in sexual transmission (61-87%) in affected MSM communities as the possible driving factor for the rapid decline in cases. The MSM sexual contact network was the main responsible for transmission (about 80%), with clubs and households contributing residually. Contact tracing prevented about half of the potential cases, and a higher success rate in tracing contacts could significantly amplify its effectiveness. Notably, immunizing the 23% of MSM with the highest sexual activity (10 or more partners per year) could completely prevent new mpox resurgences. This research underscores the importance of augmenting contact tracing, targeted immunization campaigns of high-risk groups, and fostering reactive behavioral changes as key strategies to manage and prevent the spread of emerging sexually transmitted pathogens like mpox within the MSM community.

Decarbonizing our environment via the promotion of biomass methanation in developing nations: a waste management tool

Abstract For a long time, fossil fuel has been a part of our everyday lives and has constantly led to the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the environment. The release of methane (CH4) into our surroundings can be caused by the decomposition of organic wastes produced by our daily activities; CH4 produced by human activity is responsible for at least 25 % of global warming. CH4 is a known potent greenhouse gas that can trap about 35 times more heat than CO2. These greenhouse gases play a role in climate change and global warming. It, therefore, becomes important to explore measures for decarbonizing our environment. Biomethane production using our generated waste is a promising decarbonization approach with significant potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This paper overviews potential biomass methanation feedstocks and investigates several technologies, such as anaerobic digestion, combined pyrolysis and methanation, and combined gasification and methanation. SWOT analysis of waste conversion to biomethane was conducted, and important points related to the scaling-up of biomethane production processes were outlined. Also, insights into prospects for promoting biomass methanation deployment were provided. In conclusion, biomass methanation has great potential for producing sustainable energy. Hence, collaboration between industrialists, researchers, government agencies, and stakeholders including an understanding of the financial investments, return on investments, or potential subsidies and incentives could enhance the practicality of the proposed solution. Research and development should be continuously carried out as they are necessary to scale up and promote the technology. Also, there should be technical training for stakeholders as it is essential for the smooth development of the sector.

Climate change is an important predictor of extinction risk on macroevolutionary timescales.

Anthropogenic climate change is increasing rapidly and already impacting biodiversity. Despite its importance in future projections, understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which climate mediates extinction remains limited. We present an integrated approach examining the role of intrinsic traits versus extrinsic climate change in mediating extinction risk for marine invertebrates over the past 485 million years. We found that a combination of physiological traits and the magnitude of climate change is necessary to explain marine invertebrate extinction patterns. Our results suggest that taxa previously identified as extinction resistant may still succumb to extinction if the magnitude of climate change is great enough.

Alzheimer Hastası Bakım Vereninde Kişilerarası Psikoterapi Yaklaşımı: Olgu Sunumu

Alzheimer's Disease, which is turning into a public health problem in elderly societies, is characterized by significant deterioration in cognitive as well as behavioral processes, and is defined as a neurodegenerative disease, has a challenging process, especially for caregivers. The caregiver, who is seen as the main decision-maker in the disease, may experience problems with both the patient and the environment due to the burden of care, lack of knowledge about the disease, and the weakness of support networks. While the caregiver tries to manage the disease process, they also face loss and mourning. For this reason, especially the difficulty in accepting and adapting to changing roles brings about conflicts in relationships with the patient and others. At this point where support mechanisms gain importance, the Interpersonal Based Psychotherapy (IPT) Approach, which will be put into practice constructively, has a positive impact on caregiver relationships and makes the process bearable by reflecting positively on the prognosis of the disease. IPT is a psychotherapeutic approach used on many interpersonal problems and psychiatric syndromes, and works on the areas of interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, and role reversal. This case study aimed to evaluate the IPT Approach for D., who was caring for his father with Alzheimer's Disease. It has been seen that the approach plays an effective role when the caregiver's relationship with the patient and others is evaluated. Observed in literature studies is that positive interventions for caregivers have positive effects on both the patient and the caregiver. Olgu D., who experienced conflict in her relationships due to the weight of the burden of care and existing life responsibilities, along with the diagnosis of her father's illness, gained accurate information about the disease. At the same time with the therapeutic approach, the insight gained as a result of strengthening the support mechanisms, explaining the situation and the need for help, and the positive structuring of the social support network were achieved. Key Words: Alzheimer's Disease, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Caregiver

Do professional staff in universities really challenge academic norms? A perspective from the Netherlands

AbstractTraditionally, universities stand for independent, high-quality, and curiosity-driven research and education. Yet, since neoliberal reforms in the 1980s, they have been increasingly exposed to external pressures towards more efficiency and economic value orientation. To manage the tasks corresponding to these market-based values, a new and fast-growing group of professional staff has emerged. Some authors argue that they challenge academic norms, or academic professional logics, while importing market norms, or market logics, through previous employment in and current relationships with the private sector. We empirically test this assumption based on original survey data of three groups of professional staff of universities and associated medical centers in the Netherlands: business developers, grant advisers, and research policy officers. We asked them about their ideas about universities to capture their institutional logics. Respondents also indicated previous employment and the strength of their professional relationships. Using multiple linear regression models, we find that professional staff with private sector experience indeed have stronger market logics. We find the same for those with stronger relationships with private sector companies. Yet, on average, the academic professional logic of professional staff is considerably higher than their market logic. Additionally, the effect of private sector experience and stronger relationships with private sector companies on the market logic is moderate. Thus, our data suggests that professional staff do not challenge academic norms. Therefore, there seems to be little need for meeting them with skepticism regarding their role in unwanted organizational change.

Zonal control on Holocene precipitation in northwestern Madagascar based on a stalagmite from Anjohibe

The Malagasy Summer Monsoon is an important part of the larger Indian Ocean and tropical monsoon region. As the effects of global warming play out, changes to precipitation in Madagascar will have important ramifications for the Malagasy people. To help understand how precipitation responds to climate changes we present a long-term Holocene speleothem record from Anjohibe, part of the Andranoboka cave system in northwestern Madagascar. To date, it is the most complete Holocene record from this region and sheds light on the nature of millennial and centennial precipitation changes in this region. We find that over the Holocene, precipitation in northwestern Madagascar is actually in phase with the Northern Hemisphere Asian monsoon on multi-millennial scales, but that during some shorter centennial-scale events such as the 8.2 ka event, Anjohibe exhibits an antiphase precipitation signal to the Northern Hemisphere. The ultimate driver of precipitation changes across the Holocene does not appear to be the meridional migration of the monsoon. Instead, zonal sea surface temperature gradients in the Indian Ocean seem to play a primary role in precipitation changes in northwestern Madagascar.

Bordering Democracies, Democratising Borders

Over the past 30 years, border scholars have written extensively on what borders are, where they are located, and how they operate, not just to critically understand their changing role, but also to criticise and denounce their violence and discrimination. Yet borders continue to proliferate, in particular as a response to alleged crises affecting Europe. If borders have always constituted markers of social and cultural identity, the more recent process of European re-bordering, I argue, constitutes a challenge for the democratic system as a whole. Implemented by left-wing and right-wing parties alike, this process seems indeed to have been taken away from public discourse and treated as a technical necessity to solve the crises. Far from being neutral or non-political, however, it has disclosed new forms of racial discrimination, political and economic power, and colonial violence. In order to substantiate my argument, I will 1) provide a brief examination of the recent changes in the concept and practice of democracy, as well as their interrelations with the process of European re-bordering, 2) investigate the socio-political and economic conditions under which the current process of European re-bordering has come about, with particular attention to the increasing role of media and political discourses in shaping public opinion, and 3) discuss the repercussions of the process of European re-bordering on the democratic system. The article will conclude by inviting scholars, civil society members, and any interested party to open up a more open and democratic debate around the unequal and discriminatory practices of bordering.

Dealing with fibromyalgia in the family context: a qualitative description study

Headings purpose: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, nondegenerative disease with important limitations in patients. Its average global prevalence is 1.78%, and women are more affected than men (3:1). Due to the lack of objective diagnostic tools, it is a complex medical condition that is frequently unseen by patients’ relatives and doctors, which might nonetheless have a noticeable impact on the patient’s entourage. Material and Methods: This qualitative descriptive study aimed to elicit family members’ views on how FM affects their lives. It was conducted in two community health centers (one rural and one urban) from the Sagunto Health Department (Valencia Community, Spain). We included seven focus groups with 41 family members. We analyzed the data gathered with an inductive thematic semantic analysis approach using NVivo 12 software. Results: We identified four major themes: (1) fibromyalgia as a nosological entity or an invention that is always burdensome; (2) children and spouses as caregivers (or not); (3) adverse effects of fibromyalgia on the couple’s sexual life; and (4) harmful consequences of FM on the family economy. The findings showed a negative impact of the disease within the family context. Family members face complex and changing roles and difficulties when living with women with fibromyalgia. Conclusions: Relatives’ better understanding of the disease, greater acceptance of new family roles, and improvement of patients’ work conditions are all interventions that may help reduce the negative impact of FM in the family context.