Significant Trend Research Articles

Empathy Trends in American Youth Between 1979 and 2018: An Update

Previous research has found declining dispositional empathy among American youth from 1979 to 2009. We update these trends until 2018, using three datasets. Study 1 presents a cross-temporal meta-analysis of undergraduates’ empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index), finding significant cubic trends over time: perspective taking (PT) and empathic concern (EC) both increased since 2009. Study 2 conceptually replicated these findings using nationally representative datasets, also showing increasing PT (Study 2a: American Freshman Survey) and EC (Study 2b: Monitoring the Future Survey) since 2009. We include economic, interpersonal, and worldview covariates to test for potential explanations, finding evidence that empathy trends may be related to recent changes in interpersonal dynamics.

Trajectories of fear of cancer recurrence and its influence factors: A longitudinal study on Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients.

The fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is an ongoing and common psychological problem faced by cancer patients. The objective of this study was to explore the variation trend of FCR and its influencing factors in Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients from admission to 2months after discharge. Demographic and tumor characteristics, as well as experiential avoidance (EA), were used as predictors. A longitudinal design and a consecutive sampling method were used to select 266 newly diagnosed cancer patients admitted to a tertiary cancer hospital in China from July to December 2022. Measurements of FCR and EA were obtained at admission (T1), 1month after discharge (T2), and 2months post-discharge (T3). Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors associated with FCR for longitudinal data analysis. A total of 266 participants completed the follow-up. Both FCR and EA scores of patients with newly diagnosed cancer showed a significant trend of first increasing and then decreasing at baseline and follow-up (p<0.001). The junior secondary and less education level, rural residence, advanced tumor and high EA level were risk factors for higher FCR. Our findings suggest that the FCR levels of most newly diagnosed cancer patients in China are different at the three time points and affected by different factors, with the highest level at 1month after discharge. These results have significant implications for future identifying populations in need of targeted intervention based on their FCR trajectories.

Survival and Recurrence of Endocarditis following Mechanical vs. Biological Aortic Valve Replacement for Endocarditis in Patients Aged 40 to 65 Years: Data from the INFECT-Registry.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease, and in many cases, surgery is necessary. Whether the type of prosthesis implanted for aortic valve replacement (AVR) for IE impacts patient survival is a matter of debate. The aim of the present study is to quantify differences in long-term survival and recurrence of endocarditis AVR for IE according to prosthesis type among patients aged 40 to 65 years. This was an analysis of the INFECT-REGISTRY. Trends in proportion to the use of mechanical prostheses versus biological ones over time were tested by applying the sieve bootstrapped t-test. Confounders were adjusted using the optimal full-matching propensity score. The difference in overall survival was compared using the Cox model, whereas the differences in recurrence of endocarditis were evaluated using the Gray test. Overall, 4365 patients were diagnosed and operated on for IE from 2000 to 2021. Of these, 549, aged between 40 and 65 years, underwent AVR. A total of 268 (48.8%) received mechanical prostheses, and 281 (51.2%) received biological ones. A significant trend in the reduction of implantation of mechanical vs. biological prostheses was observed during the study period (p < 0.0001). Long-term survival was significantly higher among patients receiving a mechanical prosthesis than those receiving a biological prosthesis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.546, 95% CI: 0.322-0.926, p = 0.025). Mechanical prostheses were associated with significantly less recurrent endocarditis after AVR than biological prostheses (HR 0.268, 95%CI: 0.077-0.933, p = 0.039). The present analysis of the INFECT-REGISTRY shows increased survival and reduced recurrence of endocarditis after a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis implant for IE in middle-aged patients.

Dating Perishables to Refine the Chronology of Shrine Cave Use, the Goggle-eye Motif, and other Jornada and Mimbres Mogollon Iconography

Professional and avocational archaeologists have recovered thousands of perishable artifacts from caves and rockshelters across the southern US Southwest, but few have been radiocarbon dated. This article reviews thirty AMS radiocarbon dates obtained on perishable items from nine shrine caves in the Jornada and Mimbres Mogollon regions of south-central New Mexico and west Texas. Dates were obtained from fragments of tablitas, effigies, prayer sticks, projectile point foreshafts, and flat curved sticks. Several convey iconographic elements of the Jornada Style of rock art while others are implements and weapons, but all were deposited in shrine caves. Problems inherent in the dating of shrine cave deposits and perishable artifacts are reviewed and technical matters involving contamination, curation, context, and sample materials are discussed. Analysis reveals several significant trends, one of the most salient being that the Goggle-eye motif, a signature element of Jornada and Mimbres iconography, has greater antiquity than previously assumed.

Testing the effects of photobiomodulation on angiogenesis in a newly established CAM burn wound model

Burn wounds are a common challenge for medical professionals. Current burn wound models hold several limitations, including a lack of comparability due to the heterogeneity of wounds and differences in individual wound healing. Hence, there is a need for reproducible in vivo models. In this study, we established a new burn wound model using the chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) as a surrogate model for animal experiments. The new experimental setup was tested by investigating the effects of the auspicious biophysical therapy, photobiomodulation (PBM), on the wound healing of an induced CAM burn wound with a metal stamp. PBM has been shown to positively influence wound healing through vascular proliferative effects and the increased secretion of chemotactic substances. The easily accessible burn wounds can be treated with various therapies. The model enables the analysis of ingrowing blood vessels (angiogenesis) and diameter and area of the wounds. The established model was used to test the effects of PBM on burn wound healing. PBM promoted angiogenesis in burn wounds on day 4 (p = 0.005). Furthermore, there was a not significant trend toward a higher number of vessels for day 6 (p = 0.065) in the irradiated group. Changes in diameter (p = 0.129) and the burn area (p = 0.131) were not significant. Our results suggest that CAM can be a suitable model for studying burn wounds. The novel experimental design enables reproducible and comparable studies on burn wound treatment.

Trends in epidemiology and primary treatment of anal squamous cell carcinoma in the Netherlands (1990-2021).

A rapid increase in the incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was reported in several countries over the past decades. This study assessed trends in epidemiology and primary treatment over a 32-year period (1990-2021) using the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The study population included 4273 patients, 44.2% male and 55.8% female (median age 63 years). The age-standardised incidence rate (European Standardised Rate, ESR) increased from 0.5 to 1.6 per 100,000, which entailed an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.5%-5.8%). While incidence among females increased continuously over the total period (AAPC 4.9%; 95%CI: 4.4%-5.6%), to 1.8 per 100,000 ESR in 2021, incidence among males increased until 2016 (annual percentage change [APC] of 6.3%; 95%CI: 5.6%-10.7%), after which it seemed to stabilise (APC -2.1%; 95%CI: -16.8%-4.5%). Significant trends were also observed in distribution of age, tumour stage and primary treatment modalities. Five-year relative survival (RS) was estimated using the Pohar-Perme estimator, and this improved from 56.1% in 1990-1997 (95%CI: 49.3%-62.4%) to 67.9% in 2014-2021 (95%CI: 64.7%-70.9%), but remained poor for stage IV disease. Evaluation through a multivariable Poisson regression model demonstrated diagnosis in the most recent period to be independently associated with better RS, in addition to female sex, younger age, early disease stage and any treatment. In conclusion, the rising incidence of anal SCC seems to decline in males, but not in females, and advances in diagnostics and therapeutic management have likely contributed to improved prognosis.

Environmental degradation in the Korean Peninsula: Evidence from the environmental degradation index

Effectively evaluating environmental degradation in the Korean Peninsula is of great significance for promoting sustainable development in Northeast Asia. However, previous studies mostly focused on single environmental element, which could not comprehensively and effectively reveal the environmental degradation dynamics. In this study, we aimed to reveal and analyze the environmental degradation in the Korean Peninsula from 2000 to 2022 using the Environmental Degradation Index (EDI) developed by considering multiple environmental elements. The results indicated that the environment of the Korean Peninsula exhibited a significantly degraded trend, with the degraded area (65,118.75 km2) accounting for approximately 29.96 % of the entire peninsula during 2000–2022. The North Korean environment showed a significant degradation trend, while the environmental conditions in South Korea have shown a trend of improvement. By comparing these two countries, North Korea has undergone more significant environmental degradation. The environmentally degraded area of North Korea was 37,142.75 km2, which was 1.33 times that of the degraded area in South Korea. Cropland expansion and forest loss were major causes of environmental deterioration in North Korea. North Korea and South Korea could strengthen intergovernmental environmental cooperation to promote sustainable development on the Korean Peninsula as well as Northeast Asia.

Economic loss assessment of typhoon-induced storm surge disasters in the South China Sea based on GSA-BP model

In the context of global climate warming and rising sea levels, the frequency of tropical cyclones in the South China Sea region has shown a significant upward trend in recent years. Consequently, the coastal areas of the South China Sea are increasingly vulnerable to storm surge disasters induced by typhoon, posing severe challenges to disaster prevention and mitigation in affected cities. Therefore, establishing a multi-indicator assessment system for typhoon storm surges is crucial to provide scientific references for effective defense measures against disasters in the region. This study examines 25 sets of typhoon storm surge data from the South China Sea spanning the years 1989–2020. A comprehensive assessment system was constructed to evaluate the damages caused by storm surges by incorporating the maximum wind speed of typhoons. To reduce redundancy among multiple indicators in the assessment system and enhance the stability and operational efficiency of the storm surge-induced disaster loss model, the entropy method and bootstrap toolbox were employed to process post-disaster data. Furthermore, the genetic simulated annealing algorithm was utilized to optimize a backpropagation neural network intelligent model (GSA-BP), enabling pre-assessment of the risks associated with storm surge disasters induced by typhoon and related economic losses. The results indicate that the GSA-BP model outperforms the genetic algorithm optimized BP model (GA-BP) and the simulated annealing algorithm-optimized BP model (SA-BP) in terms of predicting direct economic losses caused by storm surges. The GSA-BP model exhibits higher prediction accuracy, shorter computation time, and faster convergence speed. It offers a new approach to predicting storm surge losses in coastal cities along the South China Sea.

Interannual variability of ice cover across Davis Strait and the Labrador Sea for the period from 1979 to 2023

In conditions of rapid development of trade and transport communications, the issue of navigation through ice regime zones became of greater importance. In particular, reduction of the area of ice cover in the Canadian Arctic because of global warming opens up favourable prospects for further development of maritime shipping in this zone. Considering that the routes through the Northwest Passage are the shortest ones of all the routes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it is clear that all aspects of this topic are of great importance and relevance. This especially applies to the aspects dedicated to studying the characteristics of appearance, formation, concentration, physical characteristics, trajectory of ice movement and forecasting the area of the ice cover in a given zone, i.e. the characteristics affecting the conditions of ice navigation and serving as determining factors in terms of navigation safety.&#x0D; The research examines some of these issues, namely the spread of the ice cover during the period of its maximum formation across Davis Strait and the Labrador Sea (where the routes through the Northwest Passage start) and the establishment of statistical relations between the ice spread and the temperatures of surface water and surface air. The research method to be used: synoptic-climatic and statistical analysis of numerical series of ice cover deviations from its average limit as of April 15 over the period of 1979-2023 within the zone in study.&#x0D; Based on the set goal, the study processed raw data on distribution of ice cover across Davis Strait and the Labrador Sea for the period of 1979-2023 and completed its statistical analysis. The results of the analysis showed presence of a statistically significant negative trend and cyclical fluctuations with periods of 3-6, 9, 10 and 13 years in relation to the interannual variability of ice cover distribution for the studied period. Positive trends are also observed in the interannual variability of surface water temperature and surface air temperature. After bringing the original series to a quasi-stationary form, a correlation analysis of the relationships between the ice cover distribution and the temperature of water and air was carried out. The results of the analysis determined zones and points with statistically significant correlation coefficients between them during the year. It turned out that the highest values of coefficients are observed from December to March, and the maximum one occurs in March.&#x0D; Systematization and analysis of the ice field across Davis Strait and the Labrador Sea during the period of maximum development made it possible to establish that the spread of ice between 60° and 55° north parallels was the most stable during the studied period, and the least stable was observed in the area below 55° north parallel.&#x0D; The results of the conducted research open up prospects for development of methods for forecasting the distribution of ice cover across Davis Strait and the Labrador Sea. This will make ice navigation in this area safer.

Early diagnosis of caesarean scar pregnancy by ultrasound - a novel, simple and rapid clinical classification scoring system.

In the recent years, with the increase in the caesarean section rate, the incidence of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) has shown a significant upwards trend. We propose a novel, simple and rapid clinical and ultrasound (US) classification scoring system to assist in the early diagnosis of CSP. A total of 385 patients with CSP were included in the study. All patients were given a comprehensive score, iincluding clinical data (whether HCG is consistent with gestational age and vaginal bleeding) and US findings (linea a and b, gestational sac morphology, the presence of primitive cardiac tube beat, and color Doppler aspect). The scores were analysed by ROC curve analysis, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated. A score of 4 has a specificity of 91.7% and a sensitivity of 95.6% in diagnose CSP. The area under the ROC curve was 0.973. This scoring system may be a reliable tool for the early diagnosis of CSP and has the characteristics of being simple and rapid. For patients with a total score of ≥4 points, CSP is suggested, and early clinical treatment can be carried out, while patients with a score of less than 4 points can temporarily retain pregnancy and be closely followed up.

Time trends in self-reported depressive symptoms, prescription of antidepressants, sedatives and hypnotics and the emergence of social media among Norwegian adolescents.

Research has shown increased mental health problems and use of prescription drugs among adolescents in recent years and social media use has been linked to poorer mental health. However, trend studies concerning these topics are scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze gender-specific trends in a) symptoms of depression and loneliness, and b) prescription of antidepressants, hypnotics and sedatives, in relation to the emergence of social media among adolescents in Norway. This is an ecological study using data from the 'Young in Oslo' surveys from 1996 to 2021. The surveys included approximately 110 000 students, 14-17 years of age, and yielded a response rate varying from 95% in 1996 to 64% in 2021. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect information on symptoms of depression and loneliness. Information on antidepressant and sleep medication prescription was retrieved from the Norwegian Prescription Database for the age group 15 to 19 years. A graphical approach and logistic regression models were used to examine gender-specific time-trends between 1996 to 2021. We found a doubling in self-reported symptoms of depression and loneliness among girls between 1996 and 2021, with the steepest increase in the period from 2006 to 2012, when Facebook and other social media were introduced. A similar trend was observed in the prescription of antidepressants among girls, with the steepest increase between 2011 and 2013. Among both boys and girls, 'worried too much about things' and 'had sleep problems' were the two symptoms with the greatest changes. A significant upward trend in self-reported depressive symptoms and medication use was observed over the past 25 years, with variations in the rate of increase, including a steeper trajectory during certain periods immediately after the introduction of social media platforms in Norway.

In vitro activity of aztreonam-avibactam and comparators against Metallo-β-Lactamase-producing Enterobacterales from ATLAS Global Surveillance Program, 2016–2020

ObjectivesMetallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Enterobacterales are a major challenge worldwide due to limited treatment options. Aztreonam-avibactam (ATM-AVI), which is under clinical development, has shown activity against MBL-positive isolates. This study evaluated the prevalence of MBL producers and the nature of enzymes among a global collection of clinical isolates of Enterobacterales from the Antimicrobial Testing Leadership and Surveillance program (ATLAS) surveillance program (2016–2020), and the antimicrobial activity of ATM-AVI and comparators against this collection. MethodsNon-duplicate clinical isolates of Enterobacterales (N = 106 686) collected across 63 countries were analysed. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using broth microdilution. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were interpreted using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoints. Provisional pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic breakpoint of ≤8 mg/L was considered for ATM-AVI. β-lactamase genes were characterized by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. The Cochran Armitage Trend test was used to determine significant trends in percentage of isolates over time. ResultsOverall, MBL-positive isolates were 1.6% of total Enterobacterales isolates globally, with a significant increasing trend observed over time, globally and across regions (P < 0.05). New Delhi MBL (NDM) was the most common MBL (83.3%). ATM-AVI demonstrated potent activity against MBL-positive isolates (MIC ≤8 mg/L: 99.4% isolates inhibited; MIC90, 1 mg/L). Consistent activity was also noted across different regions. Potent activity was demonstrated against different NDM variants and MBL-positive isolates co-carrying other carbapenemases (98.1% and 99.7% isolates inhibited at ≤8 mg/L, respectively). About 0.6% MBL-positive isolates (10/1707) had MICs >8 mg/L for ATM-AVI. ConclusionATM-AVI demonstrated potent activity against MBL-positive isolates, including NDM variants and MBL-positive isolates co-carrying other carbapenemases, and may represent a good option for treating infections caused by MBL-positive Enterobacterales.

The Association between Magnesium Depletion Score and Hypertension in US Adults: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018).

The magnesium depletion score (MDS) emerges as a new valuable predictor of the body's magnesium status index. This study aims to explore the link between MDS and hypertension (HTN) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. A total of 9708 participants from NHANES (2007-2018) were enrolled to investigate MDS's connection with HTN. HTN was defined based on clinical guidelines. MDS classification (low, 0-1; middle, 2; high, 3-5) relied on alcohol consumption, diuretic use, proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, and kidney disease. Multivariable logistic regression assessed MDS-HTN association. Subsequent analyses included interaction tests, subgroups, and sensitivity analysis. Each unit increase in MDS correlated with an 87% higher HTN risk (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.64-2.13) after adjusting for confounders. High MDS participants exhibited significantly elevated HTN risk compared to low MDS counterparts (OR, 8.31; 95% CI, 4.81-14.36), with a significant trend across MDS groups (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses supported a consistent positive correlation. Sensitivity analysis confirmed a robust association. The results indicated a positive correlation between MDS and the risk of developing HTN in US adults.

Rainfall extremes and trends during the little dry season in Nigeria

AbstractThe little dry season (LDS), a phenomenon of interest in West Africa is associated with a dry spell amid the wet season and is consequential to agriculture and global food production. However, the current literature suffers a knowledge gap on rainfall extremes and trends during this period. This study examined the rainfall extremes and trends during the LDS in Nigeria using daily and monthly rainfall data from 19 synoptic stations for the period 1960 to 2020. The Kendal tau correlation, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and descriptive statistics were employed for the study. The result showed the LDS reduction from the western area eastward and northward. The LDS is more intense in August than in July and is characterized by drought, ranging from mild (74.34%) to extreme (2.64%). The droughts fluctuate with wet conditions. The severe and extreme drought was mostly confined to the southwestern area. Lagos observed the highest drought occurrences, 50% of below 10‐mm rainfall and prolonged dry spells. Shaki recorded 13.73% of the total severe droughts while Osogbo recorded 43.33% of extreme drought events. The mean SPI is majorly distributed in space as mild drought and mildly wet respectively, except for a few stations where it ranged from moderate to extreme. A significant trend was negative at Bida (p ≤ .01), positive at Iseyin (p ≤ .05), Abeokuta (p ≤ .01), and Akure (p ≤ .01) in July, and Bida (p ≤ .05) in August. The LDS period is associated with hardship through prolonged dry spells and drought. This study explains the extreme rainfall and trends during the LDS to water management and suggests agricultural planning, forecasting, and mitigation of drought impacts.

From traditional to emerging technologies in supporting smart libraries. A bibliometric and thematic approach from 2013 to 2022

PurposeThe evolution from emerging technologies to smart libraries is thoroughly analyzed thematically and bibliometrically in this research study, spanning 2013 through 2022. Finding and analyzing the significant changes, patterns and trends in the subject as they are represented in academic papers is the goal of this research.Design/methodology/approachUsing bibliometric methodologies, this study gathered and examined a large corpus of research papers, conference papers and related material from several academic databases.FindingsStarting with Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data (BD), Augmentation Reality/Virtual Reality and Blockchain Technology (BT), the study discusses the advent of new technologies and their effects on libraries. Using bibliometric analysis, this study looks at the evolution of publications over time, the geographic distribution of research and the most active institutions and writers in the area. A thematic analysis is also carried out to pinpoint the critical areas of study and trends in emerging technologies and smart libraries. Some emerging themes are information retrieval, personalized recommendations, intelligent data analytics, connected library spaces, real-time information access, augmented reality/virtual reality applications in libraries and strategies, digital literacy and inclusivity.Originality/valueThis study offers a thorough overview of the research environment by combining bibliometric and thematic analysis, illustrating the development of theories and concepts during the last ten years. The results of this study helps in understanding the trends and future research directions in emerging technologies and smart libraries. This study is an excellent source of information for academics, practitioners and policymakers involved in developing and applying cutting-edge technology in library environments.

ESG AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

In an era when organisations are under more significant pressure to balance operational effectiveness with ethical and environmental obligations, it is critical to comprehend the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) on corporate governance (CG). This review aims to synthesize the current body of literature, distinguishing significant themes, trends, and gaps to present a structured synthesis of this field. This research utilised the PRISMA framework. An advanced search strategy was performed using Scopus and Web of Science databases to retrieve the relevant studies and articles concerning ESG, corporate governance, and their interaction utilising the keyword (1. ESG 2. Board of Directors 3. Corporate Governance). The result unveiled the importance of ESG factors in influencing corporate strategies, policies, and the composition of boards as governing bodies. The final data findings consist of thirty papers identified through this review. The expected validation is comprised of the following three themes: (1) The significance of CG integration with ESG, (2) Framework for Research on ESG and CG, and (3) New research area on CG and ESG. The results highlight the necessity of incorporating CG on ESG principles as a foundation for a firm's sustainability and stakeholder trust. Furthermore, this assessment serves to identify gaps in knowledge, providing valuable insights for future research and policy implications.

Financing of National Projects in the Russian Federation at the Expense of the Federal Budget: Analytics, Conclusions, Accents

The relevance of the study is justified by the significance of the full-scale implementation of the project approach in the structure of activities of public authorities and the importance of the results of the implementation of national projects for the population and business in the Russian Federation. To the current stage, there is a certain analytical base, the study of which will identify features, significant trends, problems in financing of national projects, in particular, at the expense of the federal budget. Understanding the key patterns will make it possible to influence the formation of a positive image of national projects and project activities in general. The purpose of the study is to determine the key features of the execution of the federal budget in terms of national projects in 2019-2022, to assess the distribution of financing to the years in the context of the impact on the achievement of the established goals of the projects. The set of analytical conclusions was formed which allows to get an idea about development of national projects’ financing in federal budget in 2019-2022. The most difficult period during 2019-2022 was 2019 - the starting year for the practice of project financing in the federal budget. In the period 2019-2022, the indicators of cash expenditures of the federal budget on national projects had positive dynamics, which is the result of comprehensive organizational work both on the structure of the projects and on the implementation of budget expenditures. Distribution of financing by years within national projects is not uniform and reflects both the distribution of activities by years and the tendency for increase of planned expenditures to due to increasing importance of specific national projects.

Discussion on the Reform Path of Ideological and Political Education in Higher Education from the Perspective of Cultural Integration

As society continues to evolve, multiculturalism has emerged as a significant global trend, exerting an increasingly pervasive influence across all aspects of our lives. Each culture possesses unique characteristics, and the coexistence of diverse cultures can readily give rise to various challenges. This trend will significantly impact contemporary college students, thus posing more formidable challenges for university ideological and political education. In light of this, pertinent analysis and research on the reform of ideological and political teaching in colleges and universities was conducted from the perspective of promoting a pluralistic and integrated cultural environment.

Heat Stress Trends in Regions of Intensive Turkey Production in Germany-A Challenge in Times of Climate Change.

This study analyzed trends of enthalpy and the temperature-humidity index (THI) over a period of 50 years in outer air, which lead to severe heat stress in turkeys. Weather station data from 15 German districts with high densities of turkey production were used to investigate the heat input into the barns. Therefore, the parameters of enthalpy and THI with specified thresholds were used for heat stress assessment. Trends in extreme weather situations where these thresholds were exceeded were analyzed and tested for significance using the Mann-Kendall test. In all districts, the heat load increased between 1973 and 2022 for both parameters. Statistically significant heat stress trends were found in 9 of the 15 districts for enthalpy and 14 out of 15 districts for THI. Thus, the established THI thresholds seem to be more sensitive for the detection of heat stress than the chosen enthalpy values. As heat stress is an important issue and a rising concern in times of climate change, farmers and constructors of farm animal facilities should take this into account in future sustainable work.

Malmquist Productivity Change of Mutual Funds in Tanzania

This study utilized Data Envelopment Analysis to assess the efficiency of six mutual funds in Tanzania spanning from 2018 to 2022. The analysis explores efficiency changes, technical advancements, scale efficiency, and total factor productivity. The results revealed significant trends of Mutual funds, on average, demonstrate a 3 percent increase in total factor productivity, signifying enhanced output relative to inputs attributed to improved management practices, technology integration, and operational enhancements. Conversely, technical efficiency change experiences by 2.7 percent decline, indicating that certain funds struggle to optimize inputs, potentially due to shifts in management strategies, resource allocation, or market variations. Further differentiation between large and small mutual funds reveals that larger entities exhibit more favorable productivity changes. This disparity is ascribed to economies of scale, improved investment prospects, and reduced transaction costs for larger funds. The study underscores substantial implications for mutual fund managers and the industry. Positive improvements in efficiency change, scale efficiency change, and total factor productivity indicated an overall positive trend in the mutual fund industry. Emphasizing economies of scale can enhance efficiency and overall outcomes, urging regulatory bodies to provide guidance on achieving economies of scale and fostering better practices. This research offers valuable insights into the mutual fund landscape, emphasizing the critical importance of adapting to evolving market dynamics and incorporating technology to maximize efficiency and success.