50716 research outputs found
Sort by
An ecosystem-based adaptation and adaptive governance framework for addressing governance challenges in tropical peatland restoration
No full textPeatland restoration is considered one of the most cost-effective ecosystem-based interventions for climate mitigation and adaptation, but also for sustaining local welfare and livelihoods as well. However, despite its promise, the governance of tropical peatland restoration as an ecosystem-based adaptation strategy poses significant challenges for local actors. This paper presents an analytical framework illustrating how ecosystem-based adaptation, through adaptive governance strategies, can transcend these inherent problems like funding constraints and cross-sectoral governance complexities. Located in Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland, Philippines, this study highlights that tropical peatland restoration challenges often stem from rigid and inflexible systems, mismatch between funding and ecological priorities, and insufficient understanding of the interconnected social-ecological system. Results demonstrate actionable solutions, such as combining peatland restoration with livelihood initiatives, promoting polycentricity to enhance local ownership, and utilizing both scientific and local ecological knowledge to guide decision-making.
Awareness of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer and Their Carers: Protocol for Systematic Review
No full textBackgroundThere is an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) for people living with cancer. However, the awareness of VTE in this population or their carers appears to be low. This lack of awareness may lead to poor outcomes, such as VTE due to low adherence to thromboprophylaxis or delayed hospital presentations with neglected VTE symptoms. This study protocol will guide researchers in conducting a systematic review of existing studies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) which have assessed VTE awareness among patients living with cancer or their carers. It will also investigate the rates and predictors of VTE awareness in those populations.MethodsThis protocol was designed following the PRISMA-P 2015 statement and the methodological guidance from the PRISMA 2020 statement. Six databases (APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection) will be searched to retrieve all eligible studies. Covidence software will be utilized to assist in the screening of studies for eligibility. A standard data extraction form will be used, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be used to assess the methodological quality of each included study. Both a qualitative descriptive approach and meta-analysis will be used for data synthesis and integration where possible. The protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42025628429)
Charting a course for freshwater biomonitoring: The grand challenges identified by the global scientific community
No full textThe past 50 years have seen biomonitoring emerge as an essential means of generating the knowledge needed to inform protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems. Despite the successes of biomonitoring, most freshwater ecosystems remain unmonitored. Moreover, degradation of freshwaters continues at a rapid rate with new threats and novel stressors emerging that are difficult to assess using existing techniques. New technologies and techniques have been developed to improve biomonitoring, but application has been slow and integration with existing approaches is often problematic. Clearly, freshwater biomonitoring faces many important challenges that must be addressed to meet management needs of the coming decades. We identify Grand Challenges facing freshwater biomonitoring with the aim of encouraging research and practice to address these challenges. We asked 256 biomonitoring scientists from around the globe to identify what they considered the most important challenges. From their submissions we established five Grand Challenges and 18 associated subchallenges. For each Grand Challenge, we outline the current state of biomonitoring practice and suggest promising pathways and approaches to address them. By identifying and describing these challenges, we strive to position freshwater biomonitoring to take advantage of emerging opportunities and enhance its capacity to meet current and future management needs
Transforming Water Research Through Human Rights-Based Approaches:A Framework for Implementation
No full textThe integration of human rights-based approaches (HRBAs) into water resource governance has gained significant momentum, particularly in regions facing complex water security challenges. It is now recognized that to address water security, we must address the human side of insecurity, and the HRBA endeavors to do this. Importantly, research projects are primary drivers of water management innovation. As research methodologies directly influence subsequent water management practices, the integration of HRBA in research becomes crucial for ensuring human rights considerations in future water governance. This study examines HRBA implementation in water research programs within the Mekong sub-region, where water insecurity significantly impacts local communities dependent on the Mekong River basin. Through an analysis of six research projects under the Sustainable Mekong Research Network, we assessed HRBA implementation using five dimensions: accountability, transparency, policy engagement, participation, and empowerment. Our mixed methods approach combined document analysis with semi-structured interviews. Projects revealed a spectrum of HRBA implementations from ‘thick’ to ‘thin’ applications, with political sensitivities and varying institutional capacities influencing implementation depth. This study introduces a novel framework for evaluating HRBA in water research, offering practical guidance for researchers and policymakers working in regions with complex socio-political dynamics. The resulting frameworks provide actionable tools that can be immediately applied in research design, stakeholder engagement processes, and policy development, enabling more equitable and effective water governance practices across diverse institutional contexts.</p
Quantifying the Sensitivity of Targeted eDNA Surveys to Improve Detection of Invasive Cane Toads (Rhinella marina)
No full textEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are increasingly used to monitor biodiversity because they are often more sensitive (have higher detection probability) than conventional monitoring methods. Sensitivity is a key consideration in designing monitoring programs because it determines the survey effort (e.g., number of samples per site) required to achieve a given likelihood of detecting a species. However, assessing the sensitivity of eDNA surveys and examining the factors influencing this in the field remain understudied. Here, we quantify the importance of key factors likely to influence eDNA sensitivity and compare the results of eDNA surveys to conventional visual surveys for detecting invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in northern Australia. We sampled waterbodies across the invasion front and showed that both eDNA and visual surveys had similar performance in detecting cane toads. Environmental DNA sensitivity varied predictably across waterbodies as a function of several factors. Sensitivity was higher: (1) when a greater volume of water was sampled at a water body; (2) at waterbodies with higher toad densities; (3) at smaller waterbodies; and (4) when cane toad tadpoles were present. We show how these findings can be used to tailor survey effort to ensure a specified level of detection probability at individual waterbodies, for example, by scaling the number of samples taken to water body size and tadpole presence/absence. Our study highlights the value of quantitatively assessing the sensitivity of eDNA surveys in the field and understanding the factors influencing sensitivity to achieve monitoring objectives.</p
Impact of pharmacist-led interventions on COVID-19, herpes zoster, influenza, pneumococcal, and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines uptake in people aged 60 years and older:Systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBACKGROUND: While some review studies have assessed the role of pharmacists in vaccination services, none have comprehensively assessed their impact specifically on improving vaccination uptake among older adults across all major recommended vaccines. These include COVID-19, herpes zoster, influenza, pneumococcal disease, and respiratory syncytial virus. This systematic review aimed to generate evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacist-led interventions in promoting the uptake of these vaccines among individuals aged 60 years and older.METHOD: Relevant publications up to June 2024 were comprehensively searched across six databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The pooled effect size was estimated using a random-effects model with a 95 % confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were used to evaluated differences in effect sizes according to pharmacist roles.RESULT: A total of 10,998 studies were initially identified, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. In eight pre-post studies, pharmacist involvement in immunisation services significantly increased vaccine uptake among older adults, yielding a pooled relative risk (RR) of 3.29 (95 % CI: 2.01-5.39). Similarly, in five randomised studies, pharmacist-led interventions were significantly associated with increased vaccine uptake, with a pooled RR of 3.04 (95 % CI: 1.46-6.34).CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates the substantial impact of pharmacist-led interventions on vaccination uptake among older people. The findings suggest that the greatest improvements occur when pharmacists serve as educators, facilitators, immunisers, and advocators. Healthcare policymakers and organisations should prioritise and implement comprehensive pharmacist-led strategies to enhance vaccine uptake in this population.</p
Sport can do better:female athletes' perspectives on managing menstrual and hormonal contraceptive cycle-related symptoms
No full textIntroduction: Menstrual cycle-related symptoms (MCS) affect female athletes' wellbeing, quality of life, sports participation, and performance. Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) moderate hormone activity, but do not necessarily alleviate MCS. Recent research indicates no significant effect of the MC or HC cycle on measurable performance, yet perceived effects on performance and wellbeing remain noticeable. Thus, this study aimed to understand how female athletes are impacted by and manage MCS, and how they want these symptoms addressed in sporting contexts. Methods: Using a constructivist paradigm approach, experiences and perspectives of 30 female athletes [aged 19–32, 18 naturally cycling (NC) and 12 using HCs] from 17 sports were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes were identified: (1) significant impacts of MCS on athletes, (2) perceived functional difference when MCS are present, (3) uncertainty about the effectiveness of management strategies despite trying multiple options, and (4) a desire for a supportive sport environment with meaningful discussions about MCS, though there is reticence. Discussion: These findings highlight the need to view MCS as more than a minor inconvenience, consider athletes' perceptions, and pursue more research on evidence-based management options and MC culture change in sports. Regardless of the sport, it is crucial to advocate for athlete-centred training loads and schedules that can improve the overall experience of athletes enduring MCS, helping them continue to participate in sport and perform at their best.</p
Coupled SWMM-MOEA/D for multi-objective optimization of low impact development in urban stormwater systems
No full textThe escalating challenge of unsustainable urban development worldwide has precipitated changes in land usage, contributing to increased impermeability of the urban landscape. This phenomenon exacerbates urban runoff, a critical environmental concern. In response, Low Impact Development (LID) techniques, recognized for their environmental efficacy, have emerged as pivotal in mitigating urban runoff. However, transforming the hydrological dynamics of urban watersheds into a more sustainable state necessitates substantial financial commitments from relevant authorities. Consequently, strategic LID planning becomes essential to maximize effectiveness while minimizing costs. This research introduces a novel, hybrid modeling strategy that integrates the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) with the Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm by Decomposition (MOEA/D) optimization algorithm. This approach aims to concurrently minimize runoff volume, peak flow rate, and implementation expenses. Focusing on a segment of Tehran Municipality's urban stormwater system in District 11, the study evaluates four distinct LID scenarios. These scenarios encompass various configurations of Rain Barrels (RB), Bioretention Cells (BC), Green Roofs (GR), and Porous Pavements (PP). Utilizing the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method for comparative analysis, the study results identify the most efficacious scenario, S2_1, including RB and BC, which achieves a 19.34% reduction in runoff volume and a 46.53 % decrease in peak flow rate, all at the implementation cost of 123,169 USD. A close second, scenario S3_1 incorporating RB and PP, demonstrates a 17 % and 46.55 % reduction in runoff volume and peak flow at an expenditure of 107,017 USD, respectively. The proposed SWMM-MOEA/D model, in conjunction with TOPSIS, presents a valuable tool for LID planning and optimization, offering decision-makers and relevant entities a pragmatic approach to address the challenges of urban runoff management.</p
The Synergy and Accumulation Model for Analysis (SAMA):A Novel Approach to Transforming Risk Analysis in Construction with a Focus on the Deepwater Horizon Disaster Case
No full textRisk analysis is critical for preventing catastrophic failures in complex systems, as exemplified by the Deepwater Horizon disaster, a stark reminder of systemic vulnerabilities in offshore drilling operations, where inadequate appraisal of overlapping failures led to severe environmental and human losses. This study addresses the absence of a predictive framework capable of capturing cumulative risk interactions across both time stages and defensive layers. To fill this gap, and by drawing on prior frameworks such as the Swiss Cheese Model (SCM) and the Risk Matrix (RM), as well as critiques of their limitations, we introduce the Synergy and Accumulation Model for Analysis (SAMA). This model defines project life-cycle stages and risk recipients, characterizes each risk by four parameters (the focus of impact, suddenness, frequency, and effectiveness), and calculates horizontal (RFh) and vertical (RFv) risk factors. We applied SAMA to fifteen identified failure modes of the Macondo well, categorizing them across two time stages (operational and construction) and four defensive layers. Horizontal analysis revealed that the regulatory-laws layer accumulated the highest risk factors, RFh1laws = 129.25 during the operational stage and RFh2laws = 95.98 during the construction stage. Vertical analysis showed that the safety objective experienced the greatest systemic vulnerability, with RFvsafety = 135.8 across ten overlapping risks, followed by the quality objective at RFvquality = 128.39. These findings demonstrate SAMA’s enhanced capability to identify critical collapse paths often overlooked by conventional models. For researchers, SAMA offers a transparent, parameter-driven methodology applicable across engineering and construction domains. For industry stakeholders, regulators, project managers, and safety engineers, this model provides actionable insights to prioritize resource allocation and strengthen specific defensive layers, thereby enhancing both preventive planning and resilience against future disasters.</p
