Quality Standards Research Articles

Determinants of Auditor Choice: Evidence from Sharia Commercial Banks in Indonesia

This research aims to determine the impact of corporate governance, firm complexity, foreign ownership, and ownership concentration towards auditor choice for Sharia commercial banks in Indonesia in 2016-2023. Firm size is also accounted for as a control variable. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach using the logit logistic regression analysis method through the Eviews 13 software. The sampling method was carried out using a purposive sampling method, which produced a sample of 9 Sharia commercial banks in Indonesia with a total of 72 observations. This study aims to provide an overview of the factors that Sharia commercial banks in Indonesia consider in choosing their external auditors, namely between Big 4 and non-Big Four auditors, which differ from other companies and industries. The results show that in partial analysis, corporate governance mechanisms and ownership concentration significantly and negatively affect auditor choice. Meanwhile, firm complexity and foreign ownership do not affect auditor choice. Low demands cause the negative influence of ownership concentration due to the private nature of the banks and efforts to achieve efficiency in audit fees while maintaining the same quality standards.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Mitragynine and Corynoxeine: Kratom-Derived Indole and Oxindole Alkaloids for Pain Management

The search for effective pain management solutions remains a critical challenge, especially amidst growing concerns over the use of conventional opioids. In the US, opioid-related mortality rates have surged to as many as 80 deaths per 100,000 people in some states, with an estimated economic burden of USD 1.5 trillion annually—exceeding the gross domestic product (GDP) of most US industrial sectors. A remarkable breakthrough lies in the discovery that indole and oxindole alkaloids, produced by several genera within the plant Tribe Naucleeae, act on opioid receptors without activating the beta-arrestin-2 pathway, the primary driver of respiratory depression and overdose deaths. This systematic review explores the pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, dosing considerations, interactions, and long-term effects of mitragynine and corynoxeine, alkaloids from the Southeast Asian plant Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) and others in the Tribe Naucleeae. Mitragynine, a partial opioid receptor agonist, and corynoxeine, known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, demonstrate significant therapeutic potential for managing diverse pain types—including neuropathic, inflammatory, nociceptive, visceral, and central pain syndromes—with a focus on cancer pain. Unlike traditional opioids, these compounds do not recruit beta-arrestin-2, avoiding key adverse effects such as respiratory depression, severe constipation, and rapid tolerance development. Their distinct pharmacological profiles make them innovative candidates for safer, non-lethal pain relief. However, challenges persist, including the unregulated nature of kratom products, inconsistencies in potency due to crude extract variability, potential for misuse, and adverse drug interactions. Addressing these issues requires establishing standardized quality control protocols, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), to ensure consistent potency and purity. Clear labeling requirements with dosage guidelines and warnings should be mandated to ensure safe use and prevent misuse. Furthermore, the implementation of regulatory oversight to monitor product quality and enforce compliance is essential. This review emphasizes the urgency of focused research to optimize dosing regimens, characterize the pharmacodynamic profiles of these alkaloids, and evaluate long-term safety. By addressing these gaps, the mitragynine- and corynoxeine-related drug classes can transition from promising plant-derived molecules to validated pharmacotherapeutic agents, potentially revolutionizing the field of pain management.

An Overview of the Carbon Emission Standard Management System in China: Weaknesses and a Way Forward

The carbon emission standard is a critical policy instrument for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and plays a pivotal role in the climate policy framework. This study employs content analysis to quantitatively examine China’s standard documents on carbon emissions management from 2012 to 2023. The translation and adaptation of international standards serve as the foundation for China’s carbon emissions management standard system, while the establishment of carbon markets and the pursuit of carbon peak and carbon neutrality objectives have significantly propelled the development of the standard system. In 2012–2023, the number of carbon emissions management standards witnessed a significant surge. China’s current carbon emissions management standards mainly focus on local and group standards, accounting and evaluation standards, and regional/project, product/equipment, and industry standards. These aspects highlight the distinctive characteristics of the system. This study also examines the inherent deficiencies in China’s carbon emissions management standard system, including the following: the absence of technical standards to reduce emissions effectively; redundancies in accounting standards that hinder the establishment of a nationwide unified system; the lack of an evaluation mechanism to assess the quality and effectiveness of standards; and inappropriate incentives solely focused on quantity, leading to a rapid proliferation of standards, among others. Future efforts should be made to improve standard quality and implementation evaluation, streamline the incentive mechanism for standards, and maximize the role of standards in achieving the “dual carbon” goal.

A hyperspectral and multi-angular synthetic dataset for algorithm development in waters of varying trophic levels and optical complexity

Abstract. This data paper outlines the development and the structure of a new synthetic dataset within an extended optical domain, encompassing inherent and apparent optical properties (IOPs and AOPs) alongside associated optically active constituents (OACs). Bio-optical modeling benefited from knowledge and data accumulated over the past 3 decades, enabling the imposition of rigorous quality standards and the definition of novel bio-optical relationships that are significant contributions on their own. Employing the HydroLight scalar radiative transfer equation solver, above-surface and submarine light fields between 350 and 800 nm at 1 nm steps were generated, facilitating algorithm development and assessment for present and forthcoming hyperspectral satellite missions. A smaller version of the dataset, delivered at 12 Sentinel-3 Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) bands (400 to 753 nm), was also produced, targeting multispectral sensor algorithm research. Derived AOPs encompass an array of above- and below-surface reflectances, diffuse attenuation coefficients, average cosines, and Q factor. The dataset is distributed in 5000 files, each encapsulating a specific IOP scenario, ensuring sufficient data volume for each represented water type. AOPs are resolved across the complete range of solar and viewing zenith and azimuthal angles as per the HydroLight default quadrants, amounting to 1300 angular combinations. This comprehensive directional coverage caters to studies investigating signal directionality, which previously lacked sufficient reference data. The dataset is publicly available for anonymous retrieval via the FAIR repository Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11637178 (Pitarch and Brando, 2024).

Anti‐Sea Lice Veterinary Medicinal Products on Salmon Farms: A Review and Analysis of Their Usage Patterns, Environmental Fate and Hazard Potential

ABSTRACTAquaculture is expanding globally and the environmental implications associated with this growth, including the increasing use of chemicals in aquatic locations, are an emerging concern for environmental legislators. Veterinary medicinal products (VMP) are used as chemotherapeutants to control sea lice infestations on open‐net pen salmon farms and questions have been raised about their potential to cause adverse effects on marine ecosystems. The current study analyses the usage patterns of anti‐sea lice VMPs in major salmonid aquaculture regions and reviews the current knowledge on their mode of action, routes into the environment and environmental fate. We subsequently evaluate their hazard potential by performing a toxicity assessment and deriving up‐to‐date preliminary environmental quality standards (EQS). We demonstrate that the use of anti‐sea lice VMPs varies between the major salmon‐producing countries, with quantities varying over time and depending on the chemical. Norway and Chile use the highest quantity of chemical treatments, consistent with their higher salmon production capacity, and while the reliance on some chemicals has decreased the use of newly authorised chemicals has increased. Our toxicity assessment revealed that there was sufficient reliable acute toxicity data to derive EQS for five of the selected anti‐sea lice VMPs using the probabilistic method of constructing species sensitivities distribution curves. However, insufficient chronic and sediment toxicity data were available for all chemicals and therefore EQS were derived using the traditional deterministic method. The information presented in this review can guide future research and facilitate better environmental risk assessments of chemotherapeutant used on salmon farms.

Quality of routine malaria data captured at primary health facilities in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana.

Malaria is a major public health concern and requires quality data management system for effective preventive measures. The District Health Management Information System (DHMIS II) has been used to routinely capture data at health facilities. However, little is known about the quality of routine malaria data captured on the DHIMS II database in Community-Based Health Planning and Service (CHPS) compounds. The study therefore determined the quality of routine malaria data captured on the DHIMS II database in CHPS compounds in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of Out Patient Department (OPD) malaria indicators was conducted using data from January 2018 to December 2022 at CHPS compounds in the Hohoe Municipality. Data were collected from three sources: the DHIMS II, monthly morbidity report forms, and consulting room registers. The study assessed three (3) malaria indicators: suspected malaria cases, tested malaria cases, and confirmed OPD malaria cases. A data validation tool was developed to determine the quality of malaria indicators measuring availability, completeness (percentage of missing data), and accuracy. The data was analysed descriptively using Microsoft excel. Out of the four (4) health facilities, 50% (2/4) met the suggested target of (≥ 90%) in 2018 and 2020 whiles all the (4) facilities met the recommended target in 2021 and 2022 for the availability of monthly OPD morbidity reports. For the availability of monthly data returns on anti-malarial, none of the facilities met the recommended target from 2018 to 2022. All 4 facilities met the recommended target in 2021 and 2022. For completeness of source data, 25% of the facility had complete data that met the required target in specific years (2021-2022). For accuracy, 50% of the facilities showed accurate reporting with a Good (± 5%) accuracy level. The remaining 50% underreported data, resulting in a Poor (± 11-20%) accuracy level. The study finds that while half of the facilities had reliable and complete malaria data in their source registers, there are inconsistencies with the DHIMS II database regarding the standards of data quality. Most facilities faced significant issues like unavailability of data, uncompleted data and underreporting of data, making it not-advisable to rely on DHIMS II for critical health decisions. Although, half of the facilities showed evidence of good data quality, there is still a need for improvement in the capturing of routine malaria data.

ANALISIS KUALITAS WEBSITE PORTAL MEDIA ONLINE MILENIANEWS.COM MENGGUNAKAN STANDAR ISO 9126

Software quality can be assessed based on two main criteria, namely conformance to specifications and the ability to meet user needs. One of the international standards used to assess software quality is ISO 9126, which includes six main aspects: functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability. In this journal, four aspects are taken to examine the quality of an online media portal website milenianews.com. The research methods include black-box testing for functionality, stress testing for reliability, Likert Scale-based questionnaire for usability, and GTMetrix for efficiency. The results showed that the functionality aspect scored 100%, indicating that all functions run according to specifications. The reliability aspect shows a 100% success rate on sessions, pages, and hits, indicating excellent performance under high usage conditions. Usability scored 79%, which falls into the good category, reflecting an interface that is easy to use and understand by users. The efficiency aspect obtained grade B with a performance score of 75% and structure 91%, indicating quite good performance, although there is room for improvement, especially in the load time of 2.5 seconds and total blocking time of 192 ms. Overall, the milenianews.com online media portal has met ISO 9126 quality standards and is declared suitable for use. These results show the importance of implementing international standards-based quality testing to ensure an optimal user experience.

Wildfire Smoke, the Clean Air Act, and the Exceptional Events Rule: Implications and Policy Alternatives.

In recent years, increasing wildfire activity in the western US and Canada has driven declining air quality in some regions of the US. Under EPA's Exceptional Events Rule, states are allowed to exempt daily pollution monitor readings impacted by wildfire smoke from determinations of compliance with Clean Air Act air quality standards. As a result, wildfire smoke is leading to a growing divergence between actual and regulatory air quality. This paper reviews treatment of wildfire smoke under the Clean Air Act and the Exceptional Events Rule. It presents quantitative evidence on the effect of the rule on fulfillment of air quality standards, and an analysis of the degree to which smoke that currently leads to air quality violations is driven by out-of-state fires and fires on federal lands. We suggest a modification to the Exceptional Events Rule under which wildfire emissions would be excluded from air quality regulations only if states adopt government-defined best fire management policies, and we discuss the legal and practical feasibility of such a change.

Short-Wave Infrared Hyperspectral Image-Based Quality Grading of Dried Laver (Pyropia spp.)

Laver (Pyropia spp.) is a major seaweed that is cultivated and consumed globally. Although quality standards for laver products have been established, traditional physicochemical analyses and sensory evaluations have notable drawbacks regarding rapid-quality inspection. Not all relevant physicochemical quality indices, such as texture, are typically evaluated. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the use of hyperspectral imaging to rapidly, accurately, and objectively determine the quality of dried laver. Hyperspectral images of 25 dried laver samples were captured in the short-wave infrared range from 980 to 2576 nm to assess their moisture, protein content, cutting stress, and other key quality indicators. Spectral signatures were analyzed using partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to correlate the spectral data with three primary quality index values. The performance of PLS-DA was compared with that of the variable importance in projection score and nonlinear regression analysis methods. The comprehensive quality grading model demonstrated accuracies ranging from 96 to 100%, R2 values from 75 to 92%, and root-mean-square errors from 0.14 to 0.25. These results suggest that the PLS-DA regression model shows great potential for the multivariate analysis of hyperspectral images, serving as an effective quality grading system for dried laver.

Validation of a data-driven motion-compensated PET brain image reconstruction algorithm in clinical patients using four radiotracers

PurposePatients with dementia symptoms often struggle to limit movements during PET examinations, necessitating motion compensation in brain PET imaging to ensure the high image quality needed for diagnostic accuracy. This study validates a data-driven motion-compensated (MoCo) PET brain image reconstruction algorithm that corrects head motion by integrating the detected motion frames and their associated rigid body transformations into the iterative image reconstruction. Validation was conducted using phantom scans, healthy volunteers, and clinical patients using four radiotracers with distinct tracer activity distributions.MethodsWe conducted technical validation experiments of the algorithm using Hoffman brain phantom scans during a series of controlled movements, followed by two blinded reader studies assessing image quality between standard images and MoCo images in 38 clinical patients receiving dementia scans with [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose, [18F]N-(3-iodopro-2E-enyl)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4’-methylphenyl)-nortropane, [18F]flutemetamol, and a research group comprising 25 elderly subjects scanned with [18F]fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol.ResultsThe Hoffman brain phantom study demonstrated the algorithm’s capability to detect and correct for even minimal movements, 1-mm translations and 1⁰ rotations, applied to the phantom. Within the clinical cohort, where standard images were deemed suboptimal or non-diagnostic, all MoCo images were classified as having acceptable diagnostic quality. In the research cohort, MoCo images consistently matched or surpassed the standard image quality even in cases with minimal head movement, and the MoCo algorithm never led to degraded image quality.ConclusionThe PET brain MoCo reconstruction algorithm was robust and worked well for four different tracers with markedly different uptake patterns. Moco images markedly improved the image quality for patients who were unable to lie still during a PET examination and obviated the need for any repeat scans. Thus, the method was clinically feasible and has the potential for improving diagnostic accuracy.

Quality of Life as a Factor in the Legitimization of the Results of Municipal Refom (Based on the Materials of the Moscow Oblast)

The article examines the role of quality of life as a factor in ensuring the legitimization of the results of municipal reform using the Moscow Region as an example. The authors reveal the issue based on the analysis of expert interview data regarding the quality of life and the dynamics of this indicator in the territories of such municipalities as Sergiev Posad, Korolev and Dmitrovsky District. The concept of legitimacy by P. Berger and T. Lukman served as the theoretical basis for the study. The authors conclude that the specified municipalities are characterized by a fairly high level of quality of life. The dynamics of this indicator after the transformation of the corresponding territories into urban districts is characterized by the presence of a number of significant positive trends. But at the same time, there are factors that partially smooth out the positive effect of changes. The proximity to the capital sets a high level of pendulum migration and ensures the regular appearance of a large mass of tourists and summer residents. As a result, the standards of quality of life of the local population are transformed, whose representatives consider the level of consumption of Muscovites as a standard. In addition, structural problems in the field of health care, housing and communal services, and transport, related to the competence of public authorities, remain. Due to this, the quality of work of not so much municipal as regional and federal authorities acquires the role of a key determinant of the legitimization of municipal reform and its results.

Fungicides in English Rivers: Widening the Understanding of the Presence, Co-Occurrence and Implications for Risk Assessment

Fungicides are commonly found in freshwater; however, the understanding of their wider presence, co-occurrence, and potential risk remains limited. This study examined English national datasets to highlight knowledge gaps and identify improvements to monitoring and risk assessment. The analysis found that at least one fungicide was present in 91% of samples collected from English rivers over a 5-year period, with four fungicides detected at rates exceeding 50%. Co-occurrence occurs widely, with up to nine different fungicides detected within the same sample and four detected the most frequently, raising concerns for synergistic interactions. The semi-quantitative nature of much of the available data precludes a clear determination of the potential risk of detrimental effects on aquatic biota. Fully quantitative analysis is required, and ecotoxicity-based water quality standards need to be agreed upon. The monthly sampling regime reflected in the national datasets will infrequently capture high flow events and so is unlikely to fully represent fungicides transported to rivers via rainfall-driven processes. Several information gaps exist, including the risk posed by fungicides in sewage sludge applied to land and the extent to which fungicides in the aquatic and terrestrial environments contribute to antifungal resistance. Improvements in spatial and temporal information on fungicide use are needed.

Lack of basic sanitation influence on the enteropathogen presence in a river of the Brazilian Legal Amazon.

Water systems globally are declining in water quality, largely due to anthropogenic activities, with freshwater contamination reaching unprecedented levels. The Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA), holding 13.56% of the world's fresh water, is affected due to the lack of basic sanitation. This study assesses the quality of the Lontra River, in southeastern BLA, by monitoring physicochemical and microbiological parameters and detecting DEC E. coli and Salmonella spp. over 16months, following current regulations. The data were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact test (p ≤ 0.05), Kruskal-Wallis test (p ≤ 0.05), with Tukey post hoc (α = 0.05), and Spearman's correlation (p ≤ 0.05). Results showed pH levels were below the optimal range established by Brazilian water quality indices and legislation, with seasonal variations, and dissolved oxygen also below acceptable limits. Thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) exceeded thresholds, signaling microbiological contamination. DEC E. coli and Salmonella spp. were detected in 32.14% and 67.85% of samples, respectively, even in those with low TtC levels. No correlation was found between TtC and pathogen presence, suggesting that meeting minimum water quality standards does not guarantee the absence of pathogenic microorganisms. These findings reveal significant environmental and public health risks related to surface water quality in the Lontra River. Also highlight discrepancies between regulatory water quality standards and the actual conditions observed, underscoring the need for regionally adapted water monitoring and management practices to protect both environmental and public health in the BLA.

Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation Combined with Resistance Training on Muscle Mass, Neuromuscular and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Age-related declines in muscle mass, neuromuscular, and physical function can be mitigated by resistance training (RT). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFAs) supplementation has shown benefits in older adults. However, it remains unclear if combining Ω-3 PUFAs with RT is more effective than RT alone or with placebo. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Ω-3 PUFAs combined with RT compared to RT alone or placebo on muscle mass and function in healthy older adults (≥65 y). Databases such as PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched on 11 April 2024. No restriction on language or publication date was implemented. Mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals and pooled effects were calculated. Nine studies (n = 286, 54% men) met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis found no significant effect of Ω-3 PUFAs on muscle mass or neuromuscular function but a large effect on chair-rise performance. Potential impact of Ω-3 PUFAs dose, duration, or sex were not observed. Most studies had varying levels of bias, and none met recommended quality standards for investigating Ω-3 PUFAs, but findings suggest no clear advantage of combining Ω-3 PUFAs with RT.

Flecking of fat-filled milk powders.

Flecking is an insolubility issue in fat-containing milk powders. The undissolved particles (flecks) are of different shapes and structures, primarily composed of fat and/or protein. The occurrence of flecking in reconstituted milk powders negatively impacts the visual appearance and overall quality of the final product, thereby influencing consumer acceptance and brand trust. Standard quality control measures, like wettability or insolubility, and analysis including rehydration testing are important but not sufficient in predicting, identifying and/or quantifying flecking, often necessitating additional measures to be implemented. Suitable additional analyses for flecking include confocal laser scanning microscopy, electron microscopy, particle size, and density analysis. However, it is crucial to highlight that merely tightening quality control parameters is insufficient to combat flecking. This approach does not allow for the implementation of rapid solutions when the issue is detected at the final stages of quality assessment. To effectively address fleck formation, it is necessary to scrutinize unit operations and identify precisely where, and how, in the process flecks are formed. The issue often requires reformulation and/or engineering interventions, making the final product more robust and resilient to fleck formation. To date, protein denaturation/aggregation and emulsion instability are proposed as major mechanisms governing fleck formation. Additionally, the effect of seasonality of milk chemical composition and reconstitution medium (water/coffee/tea) are other important factors. This work aims to review flecking in reconstituted fat-filled milk powder solutions by interrogating the production process, including the skim milk base wet and dry processing, alongside the powder storage conditions and reconstitution methods, and thereby identify strategies for the control of flecking.

The Influence of Standard and Freeze-Dried Tofu on the Phenols and Quality of Virgin Olive Oil Used as an Immersion Medium

Various protein-rich foods are traditionally immersed in virgin olive oil (VOO), a medium rich in phenols, which are health-promoting and sensorially important compounds. Immersing tofu in VOO may modify the sensory properties and nutritional value of both due to the oil’s hydrophilic phenol interactions with proteins and water. In this study, cubes of fresh tofu (T) (70% water) and freeze-dried tofu (FD-T) (5% water) were immersed in VOO for 7 days of cold storage. The changes in the phenolic compound content and standard quality parameters of the oil were noted after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of contact with the tofu. The total phenols in the oil were determined using the Fast Blue BB assay, while single phenols were analyzed by HPLC-UV/VIS. During the 7 days, the total phenols in the oil decreased by up to 56% and 26% under the influence of fresh and freeze-dried tofu, respectively, including a significant decrease in hydroxytyrosol, oleacein, tyrosol, and oleocanthal. The water content and its release from fresh tofu significantly contributed to this decline. The degradation of the quality of the oil in contact with the fresh tofu was observed only in its sensory properties, with a marked reduction in the intensity of its fruitiness, bitterness and pungency.

Optimizing Fly Ash and Cement Ratios for Immobilizing Lead and Arsenic in Liquid Hazardous Waste

Improper handling of hazardous and toxic industrial wastes can directly impact human health and the environment. To overcome this problem, the PT Prasadha Pamunah Limbah Industri (PPLI) provides industrial waste processing services including Stabilization and Solidification (S/S) treatment using cement and fly ash mixtures. This research evaluated the efficiency of S/S in reducing the heavy metal content of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) in liquid hazardous waste, using waste, fly ash, and cement ratios of 1:1:1, 1.5:1:0.5, and 2:0.5:0.5, tested with the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The results demonstrated that the 1:1:1 and 1.5:1:0.5 ratios effectively reduced the Pb and As content, achieving reduction efficiencies of 99.50% and 99.34% for the 1:1:1 ratio, and 99.36% and 99.19% for the 1.5:1:0.5 ratio, respectively. However, the 2:0.5:0.5 ratio produced a brittle mixture prone to leachate formation and it is not recommended. According to the TCLP results, the 1:1:1 and 1.5:1:0.5 ratios met the environmental quality standards outlined in Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 on Environmental Protection and Management. The statistical analysis using an independent T-test indicated no significant difference in the reduction efficiency between the two effective ratios, suggesting that either can be reliably used. This study addresses existing research gaps by applying the S/S method to liquid hazardous waste, an area previously focused on soil applications. Besides, it demonstrates that high immobilization rates exceeding 99% can also be achieved for Pb and As using cement and fly ash. This study provides a novel perspective on S/S applications, enhancing the efficiency and applicability of hazardous waste treatment processes.

The Podcast Revolution? Exploring Journalistic Pioneers Beyond Legacy Media

Podcasts have established themselves in the digital media landscape as an integral part of information gathering and opinion formation for many users. The number of podcast users has stabilized at a high level in recent years. However, podcast producers, including podcast journalists, remain a largely unexplored group. This study focuses on podcast journalists and aims to identify the perceptions, motivations, and quality standards relating to their roles in podcasting. It is based on the results of an online survey of 378 podcast journalists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Against a background of the concept of pioneer journalism, this article argues that podcast journalists are innovative contributors to the journalism ecosystem and have positioned themselves as new actors within the field. The findings of this study show that podcast journalists create, produce, and present journalistic content, for instance news or background stories, in the form of audio episodes, and see themselves as both educators and entertainers. They use the creative freedom of podcasting to engage deeply with their audiences and achieve high levels of listener loyalty. While financial gain is not their primary motivation, they have innovated new revenue models. They are committed to the quality of their content and emphasize comprehensibility and accuracy of information.

Energy implications of meeting indoor air quality and thermal comfort standards in Mediterranean schools using natural and mechanical ventilation strategies

Educational buildings often face significant challenges with indoor air quality and thermal comfort, mainly due to a lack of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems. Research has demonstrated that these issues negatively affect students’ learning. The main objective of this paper was to assess compliance with indoor air quality and thermal comfort standards in educational buildings, by quantifying HVAC energy implications under natural and mechanical ventilation strategies. For this purpose, an educational building model that has 4 classrooms occupied by students from different age groups was simulated in 11 Mediterranean climate zones, for 4 ventilation strategies, and with 2 building orientations. The results reveal that natural ventilation is effective only in mild Mediterranean climates, with air quality non-compliance ranging from 0 % to 2 % and thermal comfort non-compliance between 2 % and 5 %. As expected, mechanical ventilation always ensures acceptable indoor air quality and thermal comfort. It achieves average HVAC energy savings of 80 % compared to natural ventilation. When considering that students’ CO2 generation rates vary depending on the age, systems with CO2 sensors further reduce HVAC demand (8 %), while maintaining comfort levels. Building orientation was found to have a significant impact for naturally ventilated buildings. South-facing orientations can reduce HVAC energy demand by up to 42 % (1,989 kWh/m2·year) whereas mechanically ventilated buildings show minimal sensitivity to orientation (up to 36 kWh/m2·year). This research will help public authorities of the educational community and architecture and engineering sectors when they are planning, designing and retrofitting educational buildings. Educational building managers will also benefit from this research by being able to optimise building ventilation through the effective management of existing resources.

Variation in Structural Characteristics Among Twenty Medical-Psychiatry Units in the United States: A Survey-Based Study.

Medical Psychiatric Units (MPUs) are specialized hospital units providing integrated care for patients with co-occurring medical and psychiatric illnesses. Despite their growing relevance, data on their structural characteristics in the United States remain sparse. This study aims to inventory and analyze the structural characteristics of 20 US MPUs, categorizing them using Kathol's and Van Schijndel's frameworks, and identifying shared components to inform future MPU design and quality standards. A structured telephone survey was conducted with 20 MPUs from 15 states. Units were categorized as Medical Attending MPUs, Psychiatric Attending MPUs, or Co-Attending MPUs, based on physician involvement. Characteristics assessed included medical and psychiatric acuity capabilities, staffing, physical design, and diagnostic services. Data were analyzed for shared and variable characteristics, and findings were compared with prior studies. Most MPUs aligned with Kathol's Type III, characterized by medium to high medical and psychiatric acuity capabilities. Shared characteristics included integrated nursing practices, 24/7 diagnostic availability, and access to ICU-level care. However, significant variation existed in location, staffing, and technical capabilities. Most units were Psychiatry Attending or Co-attending MPUs. The US MPUs included primarily serve patients with medium to severe medical and psychiatric illnesses. Our findings highlight shared and variable features across MPUs, emphasizing the role of contextual needs and financial incentives in shaping their design. This study provides the most comprehensive inventory of US MPUs to date and proposes features to guide future MPU development and standardization.