Change Strategies Research Articles

“Liberating Grief”: Applying an Anti-Oppressive Framework to the Field

ABSTRACT Grief is a complex and individualized experience that accompanies substantial life losses. Cultural beliefs and traditions have influenced the interpretation, attitudes, and management of grief across time. Moreover, psychological and social constructs via White supremacy and colonialism have shaped a dominant narrative that promotes oppressive practices and structural inequities. These pathological paradigms and expectations may impede meaningful healing and grief processes for bereaved people based on their social identities. In response, this article examines grief through the lens of Liberatory Consciousness to invite professionals to reevaluate their thoughts and interventions as well as assess the fairness of bereavement policies and structures. The Liberatory Consciousness framework is utilized to explore the intersections of grief and oppression within bereavement work and conceptualize intentional strategies for change. More importantly, it will illustrate the importance of acknowledging disparities and provide recommendations for social work professionals on how to increase their awareness of injustices and harmful practices to provide equitable care to bereaved persons.

Quality priorities related to the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care: results from the COMPAS + quality improvement collaborative.

This study aims to describe the main type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) quality improvement (QI) challenges identified by primary care teams in the province of Quebec who participated in the COMPAS + QI collaborative. A qualitative descriptive design was used to analyse the results of 8 COMPAS + workshops conducted in 4 regions of the province between 2016 and 2020. Deductive content analysis was performed to classify the reported QI priorities under the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains; and proposed change strategies under the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) intervention functions. A total of 177 participants attended the T2DM COMPAS + workshops. Three QI priorities were identified: (1) lack of coordination and integration of T2DM care and services; (2) lack of preventive services for pre-diabetes and T2DM; and (3) lack of integration of the patients-as-partners approach to support T2DM self-management. The proposed QI strategies to address those priorities were classified under the education, training, persuasion, habilitation and restructuring BCW intervention functions. This study provides insights on how QI collaboratives can support the identification of QI priorities and strategies to improve T2DM management in primary care.

Automated Inventory Management Systems with IoT Integration to Optimize Stock Levels and Reduce Carrying Costs for SMEs: A Comprehensive Review

Automated inventory management systems integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology represent a transformative approach for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in optimizing their stock levels and reducing carrying costs. A literature review also shows that there is progress in developing automated solutions, such as IoT sensors, real- time data analytics, and cloud-based applications that improve inventory control. A study shows that the adoption of IoT in automation has seen improvement in the accuracy of inventory, a reduction in stockouts, and carrying costs among SMEs. Research suggests operational improvements including reduced downtime from real time tracking, reverse logistics systems with intuitive demand forecasting for ideal stock replenishment and automation of reordering systems while effectively managing working capital. Materials and Methods: Research methodology encompassed a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and empirical research focusing on automated inventory management systems with IoT integration in SMEs. Criteria for choosing the literature included articles focusing on the outcomes of IoT implementation, technical integration, and performance of inventory systems. Data extraction main concern was on the efficiencies of the SC such as inventory accuracy, carrying costs, stockouts, and ROI. Descriptive methods used involved comparisons between pre-implementation and post- implementation data, use of statistical tools for measurement of performance enhancement and assessment of factors important in the deployment of the system. Results Implementation of IoT-integrated automated inventory management systems demonstrated significant improvements across multiple performance metrics. Studies reported average inventory accuracy improvements of 25-35%, reduction in carrying costs [1] by 20-30%, and decrease in stockout incidents by 35-45%. Real-time monitoring capabilities led to improved demand forecasting accuracy by 40%, while automated reordering systems reduced manual processing time by 60%. Cloud-based platforms enabled better inventory visibility and control, resulting in working capital optimization of 15-25%. SMEs implementing integrated systems reported enhanced supplier collaboration, reduced lead times, and improved customer satisfaction levels. Cost-benefit analyses indicated positive ROI within 12-18 months of system deployment. Discussion Analysis reveals several key factors contributing to successful implementation of automated inventory management systems with IoT integration. Critical success factors include proper system architecture design, effective change management strategies, and comprehensive staff training programs. Integration challenges primarily revolve around initial investment costs, technical expertise requirements, and system interoperability concerns. Studies show that the greater gains are experienced by SMEs with higher ITOR and those engaged in intricate supply chain operations. Literature review also points to differences in implementation strategies across different sectors and in their recovery, with manufacturing and retail sectors having the highest levels of adoption and improvement. Conclusion IoT-integrated automated inventory management solutions should be adopted by SMEs and are affirmed by ample data to help optimize stock status and minimize carrying costs. The tangible benefits that could be noted are accuracy in inventory, less operational costs, visibility of supply chain, and optimal use of working capital. In appointing the factors affecting the implementation success, it requires the assessment of the technical feasibility and organisational readiness as well as the management of change strategies. Research shows that dynamic technology factors will continue to improve the system’s performance and increased availability to SMEs. Due to advancement in IoT technology, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, there are potential factors that may boost the performance and cost of automatically Managed inventory systems in the future.

Ragi Revolution: Enhancing Dietary Practices through Nutritional Education and Local Food Systems Implementation

Ragi (Eleusine coracana), commonly known as finger millet, is a nutrient-rich cereal that remains underutilized in modern diets despite its high calcium, iron, and dietary fiber content. This examines how ready-to-eat ragi-based supplementary foods, combined with effective nutrition education, can drive behavioral changes to incorporate ragi into daily diets and local food systems. The increasing availability of ready-to-eat ragi products offers an accessible solution for improving nutrition, but challenges remain in terms of consumer acceptance due to unfamiliarity and taste preferences. This paper focuses on the role of nutrition education in reshaping dietary behaviour, emphasizing case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted interventions in promoting ragi consumption. Additionally, it explores strategies for integrating ragi into public nutrition programs and sustainable food systems, highlighting the importance of community-driven efforts and public-private partnerships. The review also discusses the role of policy support and multi-stakeholder collaboration in fostering ragi’s cultivation and incorporation into local food systems. By examining behavioural change strategies such as social marketing and culturally sensitive approaches, this paper presents a roadmap for promoting ragi as a key component of sustainable diets and public health interventions.

Clarifying the Concepts of Personalization and Tailoring of eHealth Technologies: Multimethod Qualitative Study.

Although personalization and tailoring have been identified as alternatives to a "one-size-fits-all" approach for eHealth technologies, there is no common understanding of these two concepts and how they should be applied. This study aims to describe (1) how tailoring and personalization are defined in the literature and by eHealth experts, and what the differences and similarities are; (2) what type of variables can be used to segment eHealth users into more homogeneous groups or at the individual level; (3) what elements of eHealth technologies are adapted to these segments; and (4) how the segments are matched with eHealth adaptations. We used a multimethod qualitative study design. To gain insights into the definitions of personalization and tailoring, definitions were collected from the literature and through interviews with eHealth experts. In addition, the interviews included questions about how users can be segmented and how eHealth can be adapted accordingly, and responses to 3 vignettes of examples of eHealth technologies, varying in personalization and tailoring strategies to elicit responses about views from stakeholders on how the two components were applied and matched in different contexts. A total of 28 unique definitions of tailoring and 16 unique definitions of personalization were collected from the literature and interviews. The definitions of tailoring and personalization varied in their components, namely adaptation, individuals, user groups, preferences, symptoms, characteristics, context, behavior, content, identification, feedback, channel, design, computerization, and outcomes. During the interviews, participants mentioned 9 types of variables that can be used to segment eHealth users, namely demographics, preferences, health variables, psychological variables, behavioral variables, individual determinants, environmental information, intervention interaction, and technology variables. In total, 5 elements were mentioned that can be adapted to those segments, namely channeling, content, graphical, functionalities, and behavior change strategy. Participants mentioned substantiation methods and variable levels as two components for matching the segmentations with adaptations. Tailoring and personalization are multidimensional concepts, and variability and technology affordances seem to determine whether and how personalization and tailoring should be applied to eHealth technologies. On the basis of our findings, tailoring and personalization can be differentiated by the way that segmentations and adaptations are matched. Tailoring matches segmentations and adaptations based on general group characteristics using if-then algorithms, whereas personalization involves the direct insertion of user information (such as name) or adaptations based on individual-level inferences. We argue that future research should focus on how inferences can be made at the individual level to further develop the field of personalized eHealth.

Delivery of Supported Self-Management in Primary Care Asthma Reviews: Insights From the IMP2ART Programme.

Supported self-management (SSM) for asthma reduces the risk of asthma attacks and improves asthma control and quality of life. SSM optimally includes patient-centred communication and behaviour change support, however, the extent to which this occurs in routine primary care is unclear. This project was nested within the IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine (IMP2ART) programme; a UK-wide trial evaluating an implementation strategy (including healthcare professional (HCP) training on behaviour change strategies and patient-centred care) to improve support for asthma self-management. To provide an understanding of how healthcare professionals deliver SSM in UK clinical practice; through assessing time spent on SSM strategies, how and to what extent patient-centred care and behaviour change discussions are delivered, and to explore whether factors such as mode of review or implementation support influence delivery. We conducted an observational study using video-recordings of 12 HCPs delivering routine face-to-face and telephone asthma reviews (n = 64) in a sample of general practices participating in the IMP2ART trial (implementation n = 4; control n = 6). Analytical methods included: ALFA Toolkit Multi-Channel Video Observation (to code and quantify tasks undertaken); the Patient-Centred Observation Form; and The Behaviour Change Counselling Index (to assess patient-centeredness and behaviour change counselling used by HCPs). HCPs mostly spent time during routine asthma reviews discussing: an individual's asthma condition and management (average of 27.8% of consultation time); collaboratively reviewing and completing a personalised asthma action plan (6.3%) and training for practical self-management activities (5.4%). Areas of patient-centred care delivery and behavioural discussions included: creating and maintaining relationships, discussing asthma action plans and medication reconciliation. Professionals in IMP2ART implementation group practices delivered more SSM strategies. Comparison of face-to-face and remote consultations found no significant differences in HCP delivery of SSM. HCPs in UK primary care spent half the time in both face-to-face and remote asthma reviews delivering components of SSM suggesting that either mode of delivery may be acceptable. Reviews carried out in IMP2ART implementation group practices demonstrated more behaviour change and collaborative SSM strategies compared to those in the control group. Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research (AUKCAR) PPI members were involved throughout, including project conception, providing feedback on participant-facing documents, and discussing implications of study findings.

Protocol for a co-design study for the development of a chronotherapeutic mobile health behaviour change intervention targeting light exposure among older adults

Through its wide-ranging effects on human physiology and behaviour, daily light exposure is an important environmental modulator of healthy ageing. Integrating mobile health (mHealth) technology with behaviour change strategies offers a promising approach to optimise light exposure and positively impact sleep, rest-wake cycles, cognitive function, and mood at scale. This study aims to develop the LightSPAN mHealth behaviour change intervention to optimise light exposure across the lifespan. Employing a co-design methodology, the study comprises two distinct workstreams. The first focuses on conceptualising the theoretical framework and implementation strategies through a comprehensive review of light exposure interventions, behaviour change theories, mHealth user personas, and recommendations for designing mHealth interventions for older adults. The second workstream centres on co-designing the intervention, involving consultation with community service providers and engagement with older adults at ageing community centres (≥60 years of age). Community service providers will be consulted through open-ended discussions (target n=5). Older adult participants (n=20) will engage in telephone interviews, focus group discussions and prototyping workshops to explore older adult participants’ characteristics, needs, preferences, and mHealth intervention design elements and co-design the LightSPAN mHealth behaviour change intervention. The insights generated in these co-design components will ensure that the intervention addresses the needs of its future users.

The evolution of SNAP-Ed: policy, systems and environment (PSE) interventions to enhance nutrition security and health equity in the United States

Purpose This study uses a comprehensive literature review and analysis of recent research, policy documents and program evaluations related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and policy, systems and environmental (PSE) strategies. Key sources include peer-reviewed articles, the 2025 SNAP-Ed Plan Guidance and case studies of successful PSE interventions. The Social-Ecological Model serves as a framework to organize and analyze the multilevel impacts of PSE interventions. The method involves identifying relevant information, synthesizing key themes and patterns and critically examining the potential impact of PSE strategies on nutrition security and health equity. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines the evolution of the SNAP-Ed from direct nutrition education to a comprehensive approach integrating PSE change strategies. It aims to analyze the rationale, implementation and potential impact of PSE approaches in SNAP-Ed on nutrition security and health equity in the USA. The study explores how these strategies address social determinants of health, promote sustainable population-level changes in nutrition environments, and their capacity to reduce health disparities in low-income communities. It seeks to identify challenges, opportunities and future research directions in implementing PSE strategies within SNAP-Ed. Findings The review reveals that PSE strategies in SNAP-Ed show promise in creating sustainable, population-level changes in nutrition environments and health outcomes. Successful examples, such as healthy corner store initiatives and workplace wellness programs, demonstrate the potential of PSE approaches to improve access to healthy food options and physical activity opportunities. The integration of PSE strategies has enhanced SNAP-Ed’s capacity to address social determinants of health and promote health equity. However, challenges including resource constraints, political opposition and the need for cross-sector collaboration persist. The effectiveness of PSE interventions relies heavily on community engagement, partnerships and supportive policies. Practical implications The findings underscore the importance of adopting comprehensive, multilevel approaches in nutrition education and obesity prevention programs. For SNAP-Ed implementers, this implies a need to develop expertise in PSE strategies, foster cross-sector partnerships and engage communities in intervention design and implementation. Policymakers should consider increasing support and resources for PSE approaches within SNAP-Ed and similar programs. Public health practitioners can use these insights to design more effective, equitable interventions that address root causes of nutrition insecurity. The study also highlights the need for improved evaluation methods to assess the long-term impact of PSE strategies on population health outcomes. Social implications This study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and access to healthy food options, to promote equitable health outcomes. It underscores the potential of community-driven, multilevel interventions in building a more just and equitable food system accessible to all. Originality/value This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the shift toward PSE strategies in SNAP-Ed, offering valuable insights into the program’s evolution and its potential to address complex public health challenges. By examining both successes and challenges, it contributes to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of multilevel interventions in promoting nutrition security and health equity. The study’s emphasis on the role of community engagement and partnerships in PSE implementation offers practical guidance for program planners and policymakers.

Evaluating Various Methods Used by Direct-to-Consumer Products Promising Personalized Nutrition

The increasing availability of direct-to-consumer personalized nutrition products has raised questions about their scope of personalization and added value compared to general dietary guidelines. This study evaluated eleven personalized nutrition products across six distinct methodologies, including DNA analysis, blood marker analysis, microbiome testing, blood glucose monitoring, questionnaire-based personalization, and consultation with a dietitian, comparatively evaluating their consistency and added value compared to general dietary guidelines. A 24-year-old obese male with no pre-existing illnesses was chosen as the case participant to represent a typical individual seeking personalized nutrition advice for weight loss. Significant variability and inconsistency were observed across and within the different methodologies, particularly in recommendations for energy intake and macronutrient distribution. Most advice was generic and aligned closely with existing dietary guidelines, with a notable lack of behavioral change strategies. This study underscores the challenges in personalized nutrition, highlighting the problem that current practices often fall short of delivering truly tailored recommendations. There is a critical need for clearer definitions, evidence-based guidelines, and more comprehensive approaches to fully realize the potential of personalized nutrition in improving individual health.

Diabetes prevention after gestational diabetes: challenges and opportunities.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) poses significant health concerns for women and their offspring, with implications that extend beyond pregnancy. While GDM often resolves postpartum, a diagnosis of GDM confers a greater risk of future type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other chronic illnesses. Furthermore, the intergenerational impact of GDM predisposes offspring to increased chronic disease risk. Despite the awareness of the short- and long-term consequences of GDM, translating this knowledge into prevention strategies remains challenging. Challenges arise from a lack of clarity among health professionals regarding roles and responsibilities in chronic disease prevention and women's lack of awareness of the magnitude of associated health risks. These challenges are compounded by changes in the circumstances of new mothers as they adjust to balance the demands of infant and family care with their own needs. Insights into behaviour change strategies, coupled with advances in technology and digital healthcare delivery options, have presented new opportunities for diabetes prevention among women with a history of GDM. Additionally, there is growing recognition of the benefits of adopting an implementation science approach to intervention delivery, which seeks to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of interventions. Effective prevention of T2D following GDM requires a comprehensive person-centred approach that leverages technology, targeted interventions, and implementation science methodologies to address the complex needs of this population. Through a multifaceted approach, it is possible to improve the long-term health outcomes of women with prior GDM.

Nursing practice of guidelines for prevention and control of vascular Catheter-Related bloodstream infections.

To apply the Ottawa Model of Research Use to translate the Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Vascular Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections. The Ottawa model of research use is used to provide a framework and guidance. This study was organized by the Nursing Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, and the Intravenous Therapy Group was responsible for the implementation of the study. The hospital's intravenous therapy administrators, members of the sedation team, and specialist nurses will be organized to evaluate the importance, exactness, and clinical practicability of 34 entries. Twelve clinical departments and IV therapy clinics with a high number of central venous catheters were used as sites for translating evidence from this project. The evidence-based team assessed the practice environment, potential practitioners, and clinical status of clinical translation of evidence through symposia, review of relevant systems, operational procedures, on-site inspections, and questionnaires. They compare evidence with existing processes and decide on change strategies. Before and after the application of the evidence, there was a significant increase in the knowledge, belief, and behavior of healthcare workers on CLABSI prevention and control, especially in the acquisition of related knowledge (χ2 = 26.648 p < 0.001). The associated implementation rate was also significantly improved, with a significant decrease in CLABSI incidence from 0.29 per 1000 to 0.11 per 1000 (χ2 = 8.625 p = 0.004). The assessment of the integration of issues showed that 8 aspects, including workflow, knowledge mastery, monitoring reports, and aseptic operations, do not meet the qualified standards. Through this clinical change, a perfect prevention and control system has been established, and the level of knowledge, belief, and behavior of medical staff in preventing CLABSI has been improved, while the incidence of CLABSI has been reduced.

Commentary on ‘the interplay of the innovation cycle, build time, lifetime, and deployment rate of new energy technologies: a case study of nuclear fusion energy’ - designing innovation strategies for rapid feasible technological change

Commentary on ‘the interplay of the innovation cycle, build time, lifetime, and deployment rate of new energy technologies: a case study of nuclear fusion energy’ - designing innovation strategies for rapid feasible technological change

Are Climate Change Strategies Effective in Managing Urban Water Resources? The Case of Portugal

This study examines the relationship between climate mitigation, adaptation strategies, and water management practices in Portugal from 2015 to 2021. Utilizing climate and water resource data from 2015 to 2021, including meteorological data (emperature, rainfall), wastewater treatment volumes, and energy efficiency metrics, the data are sourced from national agencies such as IPMA, ERSAR, APA, and Eurostat. The methodology employs correlation analysis to assess the relationships between climate variables (e.g., temperature, rainfall) and water resource indicators (e.g., reclaimed wastewater, energy efficiency). Despite notable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in wastewater treatment efficiency, water resource stability remains a complex issue, particularly with regional disparities such as severe droughts in the Algarve. Additionally, the study evaluates the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems, reclaimed wastewater, and infiltration facilities, revealing a decline in reclaimed wastewater efficiency despite increased wastewater treatment. Rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) offer resilience, but their broader adoption is hindered by high costs and public perception challenges. Key recommendations include the development of resilient infrastructure, enhanced support for reclaimed water use, and increased investment in research to address water management challenges amid climate variability.

Addressing Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Opioid Overdose Mortality: Strategies for Equitable Interventions and Structural Change.

This review synthetizes findings reflecting the increasing racial and ethnic inequities in opioid overdose mortality and emphasizes the necessity for tailored interventions as well as other policy-level and structural strategies to stem this trend. Factors contributing to inequities in overdose mortality include changes in drug supply, persistent social-structural vulnerabilities stemming from structural racism, and inequities in access to medication for opioid use disorder and harm reduction services. Key strategies to address these inequities include the cultural adaptation of evidence-based interventions within an equity-based framework, integrating social determinants of health into addiction treatment, centering anti-racism praxis in addiction research, diversifying the addiction workforce, and integrating structural competency as a tool to restructure education and inform practice. Structural racism must be recognized as a key driver of inequities in substance use outcomes, and this understanding must be integrated into existing models of substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and research.

High Prevalence of Dysfunctional Animal–Visitor Interactions in 225 Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums

Humans have long delighted in being entertained by captive wild animals. In zoos and aquariums, animal–visitor interactions allow visitors to experience direct or indirect contact with animals. Well-managed animal–visitor interactions can help zoos and aquariums contribute to their educational objectives by eliciting pro-conservation behaviours from visitors while providing good animal welfare for the animals involved. However, some interactions are dysfunctional because they cause physical and psychological harm to the animal and reinforce negative values and beliefs towards conservation. We aimed to assess how dysfunctional animal–visitor interactions are and whether accreditation by zoological associations reduced the number of such interactions. We visited Thai zoos in person and conducted online monitoring of facilities in Southeast Asia. We report 1165 animal–visitor interactions in nine Southeast Asian countries in 225 zoos and aquariums. Taking photos with animals (“selfies”) and riding on animals were scored as the animal–visitor interactions that were the most dysfunctional. The number of animal–visitor interactions was not less in accredited zoos, and there was little difference among countries. Behaviour change needs to form a strategy for change, in addition to robust legislation and improved efforts by zoological associations to push members to maintain standards and mentor non-accredited facilities.

Reuse, remanufacturing and recycling in the steel sector.

The global steel sector is undergoing a transition from being a major CO2 emitter to a more sustainable circular material service provider, moving towards (near) net zero CO2 through combined strategies of reuse, remanufacturing, recycling and changes to primary steelmaking. This paper considers the transition using the UK as an example, based on the current sector state and future plans/opportunities. Some key enablers/barriers have been identified, and case studies are presented on the current state of knowledge and technology developments. For example, increasing reuse/remanufacturing requires data on the component's remaining life at the end-of-product life; in this work use of in-service monitoring for steel-intensive applications in the transport sector is discussed identifying sensor types/locations for fatigue loading assessment for different use conditions to feed into material/product passports for reuse/remanufacturing decisions. Increased recycling of obsolete scrap has implications for composition control with increases in residual elements, such as Cu, Sn, Cr and Ni inevitable. Current and future approaches to recycling and scrap sorting are discussed along with case studies for how residual elements affect microstructural development during steel processing, including effects on recrystallization, phase transformation and fine-scale precipitation, which potentially could be exploited to give increases in product strength. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'.

A behaviour change strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international scientific conferences and meetings

We estimated the environmental impact and financial cost of two exemplar in-person academic events organised by the European academic society, the European Academy of Nursing Science, identified the main sources of these emissions, and then mapped them against the COM-B behaviour change framework of capability, opportunity, motivation to identify strategies that could be applied by organisers and participants to reduce this impact. These events contributed 41 tonnes and 99 tonnes of CO2e emissions per event, a per-participant mean of either 0.324 (SD 0.173) or 0.724, (SD 0.263) tonnes, representing 2 to 5.5 times the daily per-person European average. Distance from home was the largest contributor to emissions. Costs were similar for both events. Our multi-component behavioural change programme includes environmental change, enablement, education, incentivisation and persuasion, by which organisers provide participants with the opportunity for less-polluting behaviour, and enhance participants capabilities and motivation to act on the opportunities provided.

Amplifying Student Viewpoints on Inclusive Student Experiences for Inclusive Excellence in Kinesiology

The purpose of this paper is to share how the American Kinesiology Association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee envisioned, planned, and created an opportunity to show how inclusive excellence can be implemented as a strategy for transformation and change. This was achieved by listening to and intentionally responding with positive outcomes to students who voice their lived experiences in an institution of higher education. The Viewpoints on Inclusive Student Experiences (VOISES) model of student/faculty engagement is explained, along with reflections from two faculty members who participated in VOISES panels—one as an audience member and the other as a panel moderator. The discussion includes suggestions for incorporating student voices generally and the VOISES model specifically as part of a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy.

Biogeochemical stability of organic covers and mine wastes under climate change simulated mesocosms.

Mine environments in boreal and sub-boreal zones are expected to experience extreme weather events, increases in temperature, and shifts in precipitation patterns. Climate change impacts on geochemical stability of tailings contaminants and reclamation structures have been identified as important climate-related challenges to Canadian mining sector. Adapting current reclamation strategies for climate change will improve long-term efficiency and viability of mine tailings remediation/restoration strategies under a changing climate. Accordingly, mesocosm experiments were conducted to investigate associations of climate-driven shifts in microbial communities and functions with changes in the geochemistry of organic covers and underlying tailings. Our results show that warming appears to significantly reduce C:N of organic cover and promote infiltration of nitrogen into deeper, unoxidized strata of underlying tailings. We also observed an increase in the abundance of some nitrate reducers and sulfide oxidizers in microbial communities in underlying tailings. These results raise the concern that warming might trigger oxidation of sulfide minerals (linked to nitrate reduction) in deeper unoxidized strata where the oxygen has been eliminated. Therefore, it would be necessary to have monitoring programs to track functionality of covers in response to climate change conditions. These findings have implications for development of climate resilient mine tailings remediation/restoration strategies.

Understanding the role of cannabis use on cigarette dependence severity among individuals with e-cigarette and combustible tobacco dual use.

The use of both electronic and combustible cigarettes is related to greater rates of cannabis use. Further, cannabis use is associated with worse combustible smoking-related outcomes, yet little research has identified mechanisms underlying such relations. It may be that negative-affect-related transdiagnostic factors such as emotion dysregulation, anxiety sensitivity, and/or distress intolerance play a mechanistic role in the cannabis-tobacco interrelations. The current study tested this hypothesis among 400 adults who endorsed dual use, 33% of whom endorsed current (past 3 months) cannabis use. We conducted analyses of variance and indirect effects model using the PROCESS v4.1 macro in SPSS version 29. Results indicated that participants who use cannabis reported greater difficulty with emotion regulation, anxiety sensitivity, and cigarette dependence severity. Cannabis use was related to cigarette dependence severity indirectly via difficulty with emotion regulation and anxiety sensitivity. These results indicate that specific transdiagnostic negative-affect-related factors of difficulty with emotion regulation and anxiety sensitivity are associated with cannabis use among adults who smoke combustible and electronic cigarettes. Given that these transdiagnostic factors are malleable, these findings suggest targeting and engaging such mechanisms may offer novel behavioral change strategies for this high-risk population.