Subsequent Practices Research Articles

Mechanism of microbial action of the inoculated nitrogen-fixing bacterium for growth promotion and yield enhancement in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in agriculture is increasingly recognized as a sustainable method to boost crop yields, reduce chemical fertilizer use, and improve soil health. However, the microbial mechanisms by which inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enhance rice production remain unclear. In this study, rice seedlings were inoculated with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium R3 (Herbaspirillum) at the rhizosphere during the seedling stage in a pot experiment using paddy soil. We investigated the effects of such inoculation on nutrient content in the rhizosphere soil, plant growth, and the nitrogen-fixing microbial communities within the rhizosphere and endorhizosphere. The findings showed that inoculation with the R3 strain considerably increased the amounts of nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and available phosphorus in the rhizosphere by 14.77%, 27.83%, and 22.67%, respectively, in comparison to the control (CK). Additionally, the theoretical yield of rice was enhanced by 8.81% due to this inoculation, primarily through a 10.24% increase in the effective number of rice panicles and a 4.14% increase in the seed setting rate. Further analysis revealed that the structure of the native nitrogen-fixing microbial communities within the rhizosphere and endorhizosphere were altered by inoculation with the R3 strain, significantly increasing the α-diversity of the communities. The relative abundance of key nitrogen-fixing genera such as Ralstonia, Azotobacter, Geobacter, Streptomyces, and Pseudomonas were increased, enhancing the quantity and community stability of the nitrogen-fixing community. Consequently, the nitrogen-fixing capacity and sustained activity of the microbial community in the rhizosphere soil were strengthened. Additionally, the expression levels of the nitrogen absorption and transport-related genes OsNRT1 and OsPTR9 in rice roots were upregulated by inoculation with the R3 strain, potentially contributing to the increased rice yield. Our study has revealed the potential microbial mechanisms through which inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enhances rice yield. This finding provides a scientific basis for subsequent agricultural practices and is of critical importance for increasing rice production and enhancing the ecosystem services of rice fields.

Association between Dietary Practices and Growth Trajectories in Preschool Children.

To estimate the association of dietary practices with early life weight among children born in 2001 in the U.S. The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-B) is a population-based cohort followed from 9 months to Kindergarten entry (n~5000). We employed an auto-regressive cross-lagged model to assess the impacts of dietary practices on weight stability over time. We calculated age- and sex-standardized BMI z-scores using WHO growth curves. BMI z-scores had a stable increase over time. Later age of solid food introduction was associated with lower BMI z-score at age 2y [-0.03(-0.05,-0.004)]; having dinners more times per week with family at age 2y was associated with higher BMI z-score at 4y [0.03(0.01,0.05)]. These changes, of <0.05 BMI z-score, are small. Children with higher birthweight were introduced to solid foods at younger ages [-0.39 months(-0.45,-0.32)] and were breast fed longer [0.13 months(0.04,0.22)]. For girls, having dinner at a regular time at ages 2y and 4y was associated with lower BMI at ages 4y and 5y. Dietary practices in early childhood affect weight trajectories. However, these effects are small and are largely overshadowed by prior weight. Children's weight in infancy is associated with subsequent dietary practices but also small effects.

Executive Functions in Clinical and Non-Clinical Populations. A Comparative Analysis

"The primary aim of the study was to assess and compare executive functions in psychiatric inpatients (n=65) with those of a matched control group of healthy individuals (n=65). Both cohorts underwent rigorous evaluation using neuropsychological performance-based tests and self-assessment scales. Findings indicated a superior performance by the control group in both self-assessed and computerized evaluations. Notably, there was an absence of correlation between results from the performance-based test (Corsi) and self-assessments of executive function. Subsequent analysis focusing on primary diagnostic categories highlighted that patients diagnosed with depression consistently undervalued their performance in the self-assessment as opposed to the objective, computer-based evaluations. This undervaluation was observed across total scores and individual subscales. In contrast, patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence exhibited a tendency to overestimate their performance in self-assessments relative to the objective tests. The study investigates the causes of these observed differences and considers their implications for subsequent research and clinical practices. Keywords: executive functions, performance-based measurements, self-assessment scales, depression, alcohol dependency."

Health Care Fraud and Abuse: Lessons From One of the Largest Scandals of the 21st Century in the Field of Spine Surgery.

Up to hundreds of billions of dollars are annually lost to fraud and abuse in the US health care, making it a significant burden on the system. This study investigates a specific instance of health care fraud in spine surgery, in which a medical device company ended up paying $75 million to settle violations of the False Claims Act. We review the surgical background regarding the kyphoplasty procedure, as well as its billing and reimbursement details. We also explore the official legal complaint brought by the US Department of Justice to tell the story of how one of the most significant medical innovations in spine surgery in the 21st century turned into a widespread fraudulent marketing scheme. In the sequence, we provide a detailed root cause analysis of this scandal and propose some proactive measures that can be taken to avoid such type of unfortunate events. Ultimately, this historical health care scandal constitutes a valuable lesson to surgeons, health care administrators, medical device companies, and policymakers on how misaligned incentives and subsequent unscrupulous practices can transform a medical innovation into an unfortunate tale of fraud and deceit.

School principals’ beliefs, attitudes, knowledge and practices concerning inclusive education

ABSTRACT The present study explores the relationship between school principals’ beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge with their practices concerning the education of students with disabilities, shedding light on their pivotal role in fostering inclusive education. Data were obtained through a validated questionnaire tailored for the Greek educational context, administered electronically to a representative stratified sample comprising 582 school principals from 334 primary and 248 secondary schools in Greece. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted, revealing intricate and multi-dimensional relationships among the variables under investigation. The findings suggest a significant correlation between school principals’ knowledge and their beliefs, attitudes, and subsequent practices related to the education of students with disabilities, although further exploration is warranted to elucidate the nature of this relationship. A nuanced understanding of the interplay between school principals’ knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practices regarding the education of students with disabilities holds potential to further the goals of inclusive education.

Developing China's Approaches to Regulate Cross-border Data Transfer:Relaxation and Integration

This article illustrates the developing Chinese cross-border data flow regulation regime deriving from a holistic national security conception to its balance with personal information protection and digital economic development. Under the pressuring demand of digital economy development and an increasing appeal to global data governance, China is progressively improving and modifying its original government-led and restrictive cross-border data regulations. Subsequent practices and the publication of the Provisions on Promoting and Regulating Cross-border Data Transfer (PPR) in March 2024 deliver a clear sign of relaxation on restrictions on cross-border data flow, especially on the subject of personal information outbound transfer. Detailed comparison with data provisions in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) demonstrates that global governance of cross-border data flows is unshaped but not unrealistic, even with current fragmented national approaches. China has established a complete personal information protection legal regime and is very close to integrating into transnational cooperation for a broader framework. In addition, by coordinating national provisions regarding cross-data transfer with international rules and piloting lenient cross-border data supervision mechanisms in numerous Pilot Free Trade Zone (PFTZ), China is ready to evolve its cross-border data flow regulations and contribute to global data governance step-by-step.

Chemistry Learning Innovation in Household Level Entrepreneurship Product Training for The Community of Tidung Island

This community service aims to provide support and training to PKK women on Tidung Island. Service implementation is carried out using presentations, interactive discussions, and direct practice to improve the village's capacity and creativity. The objectives to be achieved by this activity are to increase knowledge about the effects of careless disposal of used cooking oil waste and to improve skills in handling used cooking oil so that it is a valuable useful treatment. Used cooking oil is waste cooking oil that has been used many times and contains carcinogenic compounds that are difficult to decompose. Both of these properties are dangerous to health and the environment if used cooking oil is consumed and discharged into the environment without change. To achieve this goal, the method that will be used in this activity is to provide health education on the effects of careless disposal of used cooking oil waste and subsequent processing practices using cooking oil into candles. The outcome of undertaking this activity is an increased understanding of the impact of used cooking oil waste on health and the environment. In addition, you can also take advantage of used cooking oil scraps to make candles.

Vincentian Liturgical Leadership:The role of the Manuel des cérémonies romaines

Vincent de Paul emphasized the correct celebration of liturgy, as evidenced by his early writings and initiatives. His concern was addressing the varied and often incorrect liturgical practices he observed. To promote uniformity within the Congregation of the Mission, Vincent and his followers developed the Manual of Roman Ceremonies (1662), led by René Alméras. This manual aimed to standardize liturgical practices among seminarians and priests by adhering closely to the Roman Rite. Despite initial resistance and adaptations to local customs, the manual influenced subsequent Vincentian liturgical practices. Later superiors and prominent Vincentians, such as M. Etienne and Giuseppe Baldeschi, continued to advocate for liturgical precision and uniformity. Their efforts culminated in the formation of the Ephemerides Liturgicae, a significant liturgical publication. Vincentian contributions to liturgy persisted through ongoing teaching and publication efforts, influencing both local and wider church practices up to and including the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Treatment and management of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH):A global cross-sectional scientific survey (CLARITY).

Advances in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) over the past decade changed the disease landscape, yet global insight on clinical practices remains limited. The CTEPH global cross-sectional scientific survey (CLARITY) aimed to gather information on the current diagnosis, treatment, and management of CTEPH and to identify unmet medical needs. This paper focuses on the treatment and management of CTEPH patients. The survey was circulated to hospital-based medical specialists through Scientific Societies and other medical organizations from September 2021 to May 2022. The majority of the 212 respondents involved in the treatment of CTEPH were from centers performing up to 50 pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and/or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) procedures per year. Variation was observed in the reported proportion of patients deemed eligible for PEA/BPA, as well as those that underwent the procedures, including multimodal treatment and subsequent follow-up practices. Prescription of pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific therapy was reported for a variable proportion of patients in the preoperative setting and in most nonoperable patients. Reported use of vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants was similar (86% vs. 82%) but driven by different factors. This study presents heterogeneity in treatment approaches for CTEPH, which may be attributed to center-specific experience and region-specific barriers to care, highlighting the need for new clinical and cohort studies, comprehensive clinical guidelines, and continued education.

Teaching and Practice of Mathematical Modeling in Local Undergraduate Colleges

This paper primarily explores the teaching and practical application of mathematical modeling in local undergraduate universities. The discussion encompasses various aspects including teaching methodologies, scientific research, practical competitions, and collaborations with industry. By drawing upon personal experiences and reflecting on deficiencies observed in teaching and research, the paper provides insights into the subsequent teaching practices of this course. Emphasis is placed on the importance of integrating teaching and research practices to enhance talent development, promote disciplinary coordination, and advance the establishment of high-quality applied undergraduate institutions.

Not Just Rapids: Navigating Gendered Performance in the Whitewater Rafting Industry

Summary Ideal archetypes of outdoor guides often conjure images of strong men with beards and flannel. While guiding industries are, in fact, man-dominated, many women have been successful in gaining and maintaining employment in outdoor professions. Feminist scholars have outlined concepts of gender performances. Within guiding industries, many women have been adapted by performing masculinity. This case study stems from a larger project examining gender dynamics and issues of harassment within the whitewater raft guiding community. We outline the specific ways in which a dominant masculinity is described by interviewees and the subsequent practices they adopt. Specifically, we discuss how women have enacted masculinity through toughness, assertive communication, and sexual humor. We highlight how these expectations are exclusionary and can be opposed. Through these examples and related literature, we re-envision work cultures that no longer require the additional labor of navigating masculinist environments in order to be accepted and successful. Information © CAB International 2024

A probability-exponential method of converting Z-numbers and its systematic applications in multi-attribute decision making

Z-numbers contain fuzzy restrictions, credibility measures, and probability distributions to effectively represent uncertain information. Converting Z-numbers to fuzzy numbers facilitates extensive applications (such as multi-attribute decision-making (MADM)), thus becoming valuable for research purposes. Regarding Z-number conversions, the original method never considers the association probability, while probabilistic strategies offer better informatization. Recently, a probability-driven conversion starts with a linear transformation of the centroid difference between the fuzzy restriction and probabilistic distribution. However, it has the invalidation weakness of edge information due to underlying non-normalization. To improve this probability-linear conversion, a Z-number conversion is proposed by using underlying probability-exponential descriptions, and this new method is further applied to MADM. At first, the current probability-linear conversion is analyzed based on the initial non-probabilistic conversion, and its intrinsic weakness and correctional improvement are revealed. Then, the novel probability-exponential conversion resorts to an exponential characterization of centroid difference between the restriction and distribution, and it gains information enrichment due to underlying normalization. The refined method preserves the inherent characteristics of Z-numbers more effectively, facilitating their application in subsequent engineering practices. This is especially pertinent in decision-making systems based on expert input and initial value problems. The proposed method for converting Z-numbers aims to minimize information loss in transitions between Z-numbers and classical fuzzy numbers. This approach will be further explored in future research. Furthermore, the probability-exponential conversion induces an ExpTODIM algorithm for MADM, called PE-ExpTODIM. Three Z-number conversions (i.e., the non-probabilistic, probability-linear, and probability-exponential types) and three decision algorithms (i.e., ExpTODIM, EDAS, MOORA) are combined to establish a 3 × 3 framework of Z-number-driven MADM. Finally, the systematical 9 algorithms are applied to the problem of site selection of carbon storage. They are validated by criss-cross contrast analyses and statistical significance tests. Thus, PE-ExpTODIM exhibits the desired optimization. The last technology of statistical testing is original, ingenious, and valuable for MADM.

Do Good Intentions Lead to Expected Outcomes? Professional Learning Amongst Early Career Academics in a Problem-Based Program

This paper presents findings from a study of pedagogical beliefs and practices amongst early career academics attending an extensive professional development program. The research questions of this study were as follows: how do early career academics define their pedagogical beliefs in relation to a pedagogical development program, and how do their beliefs manifest in their pedagogical practice? This study was based on a qualitative document analysis of 145 project reports written as the finalizing part of the early career academics’ participation in the program. Reports were collected with the consent of participants, coded, and analyzed to search for emerging pedagogical beliefs and subsequent practices. The findings indicate that while almost all participants express beliefs that are aligned with the core values of the university, their reported practices are quite diverse. Based on this, we propose a framework for understanding teaching development amongst early career academics centered on their individual development and their interaction with students. This framework provides a contribution to our understanding of the teaching trajectories of early career academics and the intricate interplay between pedagogical beliefs and pedagogical practice. This framework may be of use for educational developers when planning and conducting pedagogical development activities.

Investigating the employment motivation, job satisfaction, and dissatisfaction of international high school teachers in China: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

International education has become increasingly challenging to manage in an unpredictable world beset by pandemics, regional disputes, and evolving market practices. The last few decades have seen a huge demand for international education in China, and numerous acclaimed international brand names set up operations in China's K12 schooling sector. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exerted a noticeably negative impact on international high schools and their staff in China, and exacerbated a difficult period of management for these institutions. Interestingly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, the actual operation of these educational workplaces remains under investigated in academic studies. This paper therefore attempts to examine international high schools in China by focusing on their teachers and their associated employment motivation, job satisfaction, and dissatisfaction which has been perceptibly influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a qualitative, case-study approach which adopted semi-structured interviews, an acclaimed British high school, now closed, was investigated. The study found that international high school teachers were driven by diverse work motives such as the school's reputation, values, salary, environment, and chances for career development. Their job satisfaction was also multi-faceted, and their dissatisfaction in certain areas concerning. That is, they derived an early satisfaction from a range of facets, such as the students, class sizes, initial workloads, autonomy and collegiality. However, these early feelings were replaced by a sense of dissatisfaction and noticeable unhappiness resulting from leadership changes and subsequent management practices, increased workload, unmet employment package expectations and obligations, as well as limited professional development opportunities. This study highlights the importance of recruiting well, generating the right starting and longer-term conditions, retaining key staff and managing astutely. The work will be of interest to policy makers, investors, leaders, managers and staff alike. It will also extend educational research in the areas of teacher motivation, satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and in particular in China in international K12 settings.

Incremental value relevancies in the development of reporting of sustainability performance

AbstractSustainability reporting was introduced after financial reporting to meet the social and environmental informational needs of stakeholders, while integrated reporting was initiated to integrate financial reporting and sustainability reporting to advance the decision usefulness of corporate disclosure practices. Despite claims and evidence of the value relevance of each reporting framework exclusively, studies on the incremental value relevancies of these subsequent disclosure practices have been sparse. Using a sample of firms from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2020 and firms’ capital market liquidity performance, this study finds that sustainability reporting and integrated reporting are not only value‐relevant disclosure practices but also offer incremental value relevancies. Sustainability reporting provides incremental value relevance over financial reporting, and integrated reporting offers incremental value relevance over financial reporting and sustainability reporting. However, the findings do not find support for integrated reporting to replace the practices of financial reporting and sustainability reporting and affirm the contribution of each of the three reports in the corporate reporting space.

A legal analysis of the interinstitutional duty to cooperate in international water law

AbstractInterinstitutional interactions occur frequently and have led to important organisational developments. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it attempts to clarify the legal basis of the interinstitutional duty to cooperate in international water law, by focusing on the river basin organisations (RBOs) of Europe and Southern Africa that coexist in the same transboundary basin. Second, it assesses the approaches used by RBOs in these two regions to operationalise the interinstitutional duty to cooperate. The article concludes that the interinstitutional duty to cooperate is far from complete and that subsequent practices of RBOs play a significant role in enriching and operationalising this duty.

A Brief Analysis of the Historical Evolution of Design Ethical Thought

Design has evolved over time, continually adapting to changes in societal, economic, and cultural environments. In the 18th century, manufacturers considered the appearance and design of products to meet the expectations of different target groups. Design gradually separated from manufacturing, shifting its focus to the impact of aesthetics and visual appeal, significantly shaping subsequent design philosophy and practices. This paper analyzes the influence of machinery replacing manual labor during the Industrial Revolution and the evolution of American industrial design in consumer culture. After World War II, design became a symbol of international competition. The article concludes by discussing the design ethical thought of Papanek in the 20th century, emphasizing that responsible design should address social issues and sustainable development.

ԵՐԵԽԱՅԻ ԻՆՔՆՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՀԱՍՏԱՏՄԱՆ ԵՎ ԾՆՆԴԻ ԳՐԱՆՑՄԱՆ ՀԻՄՆԱԽՆԴԻՐՆԵՐԸ ՓՈԽՆԱԿ ՄԱՅՐՈՒԹՅԱՆ ԻՆՍՏԻՏՈՒՏՈՒՄ / MAIN PROBLEMS OF CONFIRMING A CHILD'S IDENTITY AND BIRTH REGISTRATION AT THE INSTITUTE OF SURROGATE MATERNITY

A person's lack or loss of identity can seriously impact their sense of selfidentity, well-being and sense of belonging. The multiplicity of factors in the identity of children in matters of surrogacy is especially important and it is necessary that all elements associated with establishing the identity of the latter and registering the birth are preserved before and after birth. A child’s right to identity is not only a right in its own right, but is also closely linked to the realization of other rights, such as child development, family cohabitation, etc. To meet these standards, all identification information must be stored accurately and transparently, including agreements on surrogacy. Although surrogacy changes the constituent elements of identity, severing the connection between genetic, gestational and social origins, the fundamental rights of the child remain the same. From the child's point of view, genetics, pregnancy and the exercise of parental responsibility are among the constituent elements of the child's personality. Thus, the right to identity is independent of the circumstances of the child's birth and any subsequent discriminatory practices. Any identity issues that may arise in the short or long term should also be part of the assessment and determination of the best interests of the surrogacy. Given the importance of identity issues, which can be legal, medical and/or psychosocial in nature and have a key impact throughout life, it is equally important to include this consideration in any surrogacy arrangement. Therefore, the article discusses the issues of the child’s right to identity confirmation and birth registration in the context of surrogacy.

Association between in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding and subsequent exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months postpartum in Japan: A cross-sectional study.

Breastfeeding practices during hospitalisation may influence subsequent breastfeeding practices; however, this association has not been well studied in Japan. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during hospitalisation and that under 6 months and describe the change in breastfeeding patterns from the first to the sixth month based on the breastfeeding status during hospitalisation. This nationwide cross-sectional internet survey conducted in Japan included 1,433 postpartum women of < 6 months who underwent live singleton deliveries between January 2021 and August 2021. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to analyse the association of first day EBF (24 h after birth) and the first 7 d of EBF, a proxy for the hospitalisation period, with a 24-h recall of EBF before the survey. We described the proportion of breastfeeding practices per age group under 6 months. The rates of EBF during the first day and the first 7 d were 29.7% and 10.0%, respectively. The EBF during the first-day group and the first 7-d group showed significantly higher prevalence ratios of 24-h recall EBF under 6 months of age than the non-EBF groups. The area graphs showed that the rate of EBF was the lowest in the first month of age and gradually increased over time until weaning was initiated. This rate was higher among infants exclusively breastfed during the first 7 d than among those exclusively breastfed on the first day. In conclusion, EBF during hospitalisation was significantly associated with subsequent EBF practice for < 6 months. However, 90% of the infants were supplemented with milk rather than breast milk during hospitalisation. Strengthening breastfeeding support during hospitalisation and after discharge may increase the rate of EBF in children under 6 months, and more mothers and their infants will benefit from breastfeeding.

ОКО КАМЕРИ: ФОТОГРАФІЧНИЙ ПОГЛЯД І ПИТАННЯ ВІЗУАЛЬНОГО НАСИЛЬСТВА

Background. This article examines the structure and forms of functioning of photography as a visual practice. In particular, a comparative analysis is conducted with the specifics of the organization and transformation of the practice of gaze in the logic of firearms. Methods. In this context, the author examines the syntagmatic relations of lexical units that give rise to subsequent practices and common metaphorical connections. A special place is occupied by the differentiation of lexical units of the metaphor of death in the context of the functioning of the practice and discourse of photography. In the article, the units of textual and linguistic analysis in the context of semiotics and tropology of visual culture are singled out in the methodological perspective. The purpose of the article is to analyze the logic of the correlation between the poetics and ethics of the visual practice of photography, in particular, to clarify the grounds for responsibility and legitimization of the photographer's view. Results. As a result, the foundations of the anthropological model of the "split subject" formed by the visual practice of photography are substantiated not only in the context of the opposition between the photographer and the photographed as inoforms of subject-object opposition, but also the degree of violence of photography as a cultural product, the consumption of which shapes the dynamics of the consumer's gaze and the basis for communication of the community as a consumer audience in this regard. Conclusions. As a result, the author comes to the conclusion that the improvement of photographic equipment technology expands the social circle of its consumers and, accordingly, the forms of their communication. The geometric growth of photography practices transforms the forms of social control, in particular, it technologies the practice of panopticism. The social pressure of the stranger's gaze generates "the inevitability of the modality of what is seen" (D. Joyce) and the permanence of the presence of the Other.