Search Results (431)

Castration remains a common surgical procedure in equids, yet postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and eventration persist, influencing surgical outcomes. This retrospective study introduced a novel modified semi-closed castration technique aimed at minimizing these complications. Eighty-five sexually intact mature male equids (including horses, ponies, and donkeys) underwent the described inguinal castration procedure under general anesthesia. The technique involved a carefully managed opening and subsequent secure closure of the parietal vaginal tunic, enabling direct inspection of tunic contents while reducing risks associated with fully open or closed approaches. The median surgery duration was 60 min (range, 45–95), with no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, only two equids (2.35%) exhibited scrotal swelling, which was resolved rapidly with NSAIDs. No cases of hemorrhage, pyrexia, or infection occurred. Follow-up, conducted via owner interviews after a minimum of three months, confirmed complete recovery and primary intention healing in all patients, who returned to normal activity within two days post-surgery. Compared to previously documented complication rates ranging from 2% to 48%, the present approach demonstrates superior results. Additionally, this study proposes refining existing castration technique classifications, focusing explicitly on the vaginal tunic’s status post-procedure (open, semi-closed, closed) for clarity and consistency. This novel semi-closed inguinal technique effectively integrates inspection advantages with closed technique safety, offering significantly reduced complication rates and enhanced postoperative recovery profiles in equids undergoing castration. Full article

Introduction: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs), especially those from underserved communities, often face barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). This pilot study evaluated the implementation of mobile health technologies to promote SRH care, including the integration of the Rapid Adolescent Prevention Screening^TM (RAAPS) and the Health-E You/Salud iTu^TM (Health-E You) app at a School-Based Health Center (SBHC) in Los Angeles using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. Methods: This multi-method pilot study included the implementation of an integrated tool with two components, the RAAPS electronic health screening tool and the Health-E You app, which delivers tailored SRH education and contraceptive decision support to patients (who were sex-assigned as female at birth) and provides an electronic summary to clinicians to better prepare them for the visit with their patient. Quantitative data on tool usage were collected directly from the back-end data storage for the apps, and qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and in-clinic observations. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify implementation barriers and facilitators. Results: Between April 2024 and June 2024, 60 unique patients (14–19 years of age) had a healthcare visit. Of these, 35.00% used the integrated RAAPS/Health-E You app, and 88.33% completed the Health-E You app only. All five clinic staff were interviewed and expressed that they valued the tools for their educational impact, noting that they enhanced SRH discussions and helped uncover sensitive information that students might not disclose face-to-face. However, the tools affected clinic workflows and caused rooming delays due to the time-intensive setup process and lack of integration with the clinic’s primary electronic medical record system. In addition, they also reported that the time to complete the screener and app within the context of a 30-min appointment limited the time available for direct patient care. Additionally, staff reported that some students struggled with the two-step process and did not complete all components of the tool. Despite these challenges, clinic staff strongly supported renewing the RAAPS license and continued use of the Health-E You app, emphasizing the platform’s potential for improving SRH care and its educational value. Conclusions: The integrated RAAPS and Health-E You app platform demonstrated educational value and improved SRH care but faced operational and technical barriers in implementing the tool. These findings emphasize the potential of such tools to address SRH disparities among vulnerable AYAs while providing a framework for future implementations in SBHCs. Full article

This study explores key factors influencing Aging-in-Place Attachment (AiPA) among older adults in Macau’s high-density community spaces, emphasizing interactions between the built environment, behavior, and psychology. A multidimensional framework evaluates environmental, behavioral, human-factor, and psychological contributions. A mixed-methods, multisource approach was employed. This study measured spatial characteristics of nine public spaces, conducted systematic behavioral observations, and collected questionnaire data on place attachment and aging intentions. Eye-tracking and galvanic skin response (GSR) captured visual attention and emotional arousal. Hierarchical regression analysis tested the explanatory power of each variable group, supplemented by semi-structured interviews for qualitative depth. The results showed that the physical environment had a limited direct impact but served as a critical foundation. Behavioral variables increased explanatory power (~15%), emphasizing community engagement. Human-factor data added ~4%, indicating that sensory and habitual interactions strengthen bonds. Psychological factors contributed most (~59%), confirming AiPA as a multidimensional construct shaped primarily by emotional and social connections, supported by physical and behavioral contexts. In Macau’s dense urban context, older adults’ desire to age in place is mainly driven by emotional connection and social participation, with spatial design serving as an enabler. Effective age-friendly strategies must extend beyond infrastructure upgrades to cultivate belonging and interaction. This study advances environmental gerontology and architecture theory by explaining the mechanisms of attachment in later life. Future work should explore how physical spaces foster psychological well-being and examine emerging factors such as digital and intergenerational engagement. Full article

This study explores the fundamental components and specificities of agroforestry policies in France and Quebec, with a particular focus on the regions of Brittany and Montérégie. It uses a mixed-methods approach, combining an in-depth literature review and 14 semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including research institutions, agricultural advisory organizations, independent experts, and regional public agencies engaged in agroforestry and environmental initiatives. The collected data were qualitatively analyzed using word frequency and co-occurrence techniques, based on Elinor Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. The results reveal that in France, agroforestry benefits from a well-structured policy environment, centered on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Agroforestry Development Plan (PDA). The Breizh Bocage initiative is making a positive contribution to this, with more than 5000 km of hedges planted thanks to its localized governance model and direct community funding. In Quebec, agroforestry is also supported by various policies and programs such as Prime-Vert, with more than 2370 hedge planting projects completed. Despite its strengths, the French case, particularly the Breizh Bocage program, is limited by cumbersome administrative procedures. In both contexts, stakeholders emphasize the need to improve the transparency and efficiency of the program by simplifying administrative processes and harmonizing financial support mechanisms. Full article

The B Corp certification is a voluntary designation granted by B Lab. This nonprofit organization evaluates two main aspects of a company’s operations: the positive impact generated by its daily activities and how its business model reflects unique practices that yield positive outcomes for its stakeholders. Sistema B is at the forefront of the B movement in Latin America and the Caribbean, working to develop an ecosystem that enables B Corps to harness market forces to address social and environmental challenges. However, the B Corp movement in this region faces significant challenges, primarily due to a lack of government support, including tax benefits and legal recognition. This study aims to advance the existing literature on B Corps by examining sustainability-oriented hybrid organizations that strive to reconcile profit generation with social impact within the context of Mexico’s socioeconomic landscape. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the understanding of how ventures navigate trade-offs between financial and social objectives, and to identify factors that can help address these challenges. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with Mexican B Corps to explore the entrepreneurial motivations related to social objectives, the B Corp movement, and the internal organizational dynamics of balancing social and economic logics. We discuss how tensions arise and are managed, as well as the issues regarding regulatory tensions in Mexico and the challenges that stem from organizational complexities. Future research directions are also outlined. Full article

Previous studies have consistently reported the detrimental impact of dam construction on natural populations of softshell turtles across East and Southeast Asia, with particularly severe effects on large-bodied species. The Wattle-necked Softshell Turtle (Palea steindachneri), a large-sized and Critically Endangered member of the family Trionychidae, remains poorly documented throughout much of its native range in Southeast Asia. In this study, we present new field data from the Đà River basin in northern Vietnam, encompassing areas both upstream and downstream of the Sơn La Dam. Data were obtained through a combination of direct field observations, camera trap monitoring, and semi-structured interviews with local fishers and traders. Two individuals of P. steindachneri—including a juvenile—were recorded, providing the first confirmed evidence of ongoing natural reproduction in the region. Additionally, we documented 102 individuals of Pelodiscus sp., encompassing all life stages and indicating a stable, reproducing local population. Despite overlapping in macrohabitat use along the river, the two species were spatially segregated, with a minimum interspecific distance of 8.2 km, suggesting broad sympatry without syntopy, potentially due to microhabitat partitioning. These findings underscore the persistence and likely reproductive viability of P. steindachneri in modified riverine systems affected by dams, and have broader conservation implications for other threatened taxa with similar ecologies, such as Rafetus swinhoei. Urgent conservation actions, including habitat protection, community-based monitoring, and strengthened regulation of the wildlife trade, are essential to ensure the survival of remaining wild populations. Full article

Aviation is widely recognised as one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transport and among the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. The use of green hydrogen (H₂) in airside operations can help reduce emissions from air transport. While the pace and scalability of technology development, including H₂-powered and ground support equipment, will be key factors, other financial, regulatory, legal, organisational, behavioural, and societal issues must also be considered. This paper investigates the key opportunities and challenges of using H₂ in the aviation industry through eleven semi-structured interviews and a virtual expert workshop (N = 37) with key aviation industry stakeholders and academia. The results indicate that, currently, decarbonisation of the aviation sector faces several challenges, including socio-technical, techno-economic, and socio-political challenges, with socio-technical challenges being the most prominent barrier. This study shows that decarbonisation will not occur until the UK government is ready to have all the required infrastructure and capacity in place. Governments can play a significant role in directing the necessary ‘push’ and ‘pull’ to develop and promote zero-carbon emission aircraft in the marketplace and ensure safe implementation. Full article

Background: The mediating effect of business resilience in the association between digital logistics strategy and competitive advantage is investigated in emerging markets. Given current global events, digital logistics is more than merely a competitive advantage for firms looking for stability and sustainability. Based on the Resource-Based View (RBV), the research aims to explore how digital strategies promote resilience and performance outcomes, particularly for SMEs in turbulent environments. Methods: They used mixed methods. The quantitative data were obtained from 227 Jordanian SMEs using a structured survey, and the qualitative data were from 10 semi-structured interviews with experts in logistics and marketing. Hypothesized relationships were tested through Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and qualitative validation through Thematic Analysis. Results: The results reveal that business resilience is a potent mediator between digital logistics strategies and competitive advantage. Both content marketing and social media marketing contribute to the enhancement of sustainable performance and to decreasing levels of market volatility. Email also has an impact on the sustainability, but does not directly or indirectly affect the volatility. Sustainable performance is thus confirmed to be a major factor for market stability. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for resilience-based digital logistics strategies for SMEs in developing economies. Well-directed content and social media marketing support both sustainability and competitive advantage. These findings offer managerial implications for the development of adaptive capacities to achieve long-term performance objectives in uncertain environments. Full article

In an era of increasing digital transformation in education, fostering students’ intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning (SDL) is essential, particularly in dynamic fields such as Computer Science Education (CSE). This study explores whether the co-creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs) as renewable assessments can enhance intrinsic motivation and support SDL among postgraduate students. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, social constructivism, and established SDL models, this research adopted a qualitative, phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with BEd Honours students who completed an OER co-creation project as part of their final assessment. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed five core themes: ownership and confidence, personal growth and SDL development, collaboration and connection, motivation and engagement, and challenges and problem solving. The findings suggest that, when students are given autonomy, purpose, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully, they experience deeper engagement, stronger SDL skills, and a greater sense of academic agency. Informal peer interaction and scaffolded support further enhanced their learning. This study contributes to the growing evidence that open pedagogical practices, particularly renewable assessments, can transform academic culture by positioning students as active participants in knowledge creation and by promoting sustainable, student-centred learning. Full article

Motorbike taxis are widely used in Yaoundé and Douala, despite their association with heightened accident risks and relatively high fares. This research combines qualitative methods, including 38 semi-structured interviews and direct field observations, with a quantitative survey of 280 motorbike taxi passengers (customers). It employs a dynamic risk approach to analyse both the factors motivating individuals to choose motorbike taxis and the strategies adopted by drivers and passengers to mitigate and prevent accidents. The findings reveal that speed, cost-effectiveness, and the limited accessibility of certain neighbourhoods to other transport options are key factors driving regular motorbike taxi use. Moreover, strategies for managing accident risks include regulating passenger positions based on gender, perceived age, or physical stature; invoking deities for protection; and passengers’ verbal interactions with drivers to ensure safer behaviour. This research also explores how overloading, a collectively tolerated deviance, is managed to avoid or minimize the impact of accidents. By addressing both risk acceptance and prevention strategies, this study provides new insights into passengers’ social perceptions, which are often overlooked in motorbike taxi research. It expands the understanding of motorbike taxi use in urban Global South transport contexts, particularly in terms of users’ risk management behaviours. Full article

In the swimming context, practitioners show difficulties in learning its basic skills, and the emotional factor seems to be one of the triggers for these complications, with “fear” standing out as one of the most studied emotions due to its cognitive reactive nature associated with survival mechanisms. This emotional response can hinder the learning process in swimming, potentially leading to disengagement or dropout. The present study aimed to analyze the causes that lead to fear of the aquatic environment, its effects on learning swimming, and how swimming coaches can intervene to help overcome this fear. Direct observation was used to capture the individuals’ perception of the degree of fear. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted to analyze an intervention aimed at reducing the fear of water, followed by a corresponding content analysis. The fear of water is commonly associated with anxiety, panic, and muscle tension. The role of the swimming instructor is crucial, as their teaching approach significantly influences the swimmer’s emotional response, particularly in fostering a sense of security. The use of playful activities proves effective in helping children adapt, overcoming the limitations posed by the fear of water. Recognizing students’ fears allows instructors to structure swimming lessons effectively, helping students overcome their emotional barriers. Therefore, introducing children to the aquatic environment at an early age contributes to this goal. Full article

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to increased risk of deliberate self-harm (DSH), yet little is known about how women in forensic inpatient settings with histories of childhood abuse understand their self-harm. This study aimed to explore how such women make sense of their self-harm, including perceived contributing and protective factors. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six female psychiatric inpatients (aged 22–38) detained in a low-secure forensic hospital in the north of England. All had a history of ACEs and DSH. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. Results: Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Journey of self-harm, (2) reasons for self-harm, and (3) relationships and self-harm. Participants described self-harm as a method of emotional regulation, a way to regain control, or a means of feeling something. Protective factors included supportive relationships, self-awareness, and having meaningful goals. The findings reflect complex, evolving understandings of self-harm shaped by personal histories and relational dynamics. Conclusions: This study highlights the persistent and multifaceted nature of self-harm among women in forensic settings. The findings support the need for trauma-informed interventions that address emotion regulation, relational support, and personal empowerment. Implications for clinical practice and directions for future research are discussed. Full article

Research with population groups who have undergone circumstances of vulnerability demands a careful ethical approach to ensure that the study is conducted with the utmost respect and sensitivity, addressing potential challenges not only in regards to safeguarding participants’ rights but also in preserving the well-being of researchers. This paper is based on a qualitative research project. Employing snowball sampling techniques, I contacted 21 participants by e-mail, comprising intersex individuals who had engaged in research, as well as researchers and ethics experts with experience in qualitative intersex-related studies. I conducted semi-structured interviews to gather insights from their respective experiences. The research article focuses on a set of ethical principles that could be valuable in the development of intersex-related studies. While certain principles are directed towards participants and others towards researchers, it is important to note that these categories are not strictly delineated. As the findings suggest, these categories are closely interrelated. Both the literature review and fieldwork underscore the significance of adopting various research methods, such as community-based and trauma-informed approaches, to collaborate in enhancing knowledge production for intersex-related studies. Full article

This paper presents the results of a case study conducted in the purchasing department of Bosch Car Multimedia Portugal, aiming to analyze and improve risk management practices within its project environment. Projects in this department are characterized by high complexity and uncertainty, making effective risk management essential. The study adopts a multi-method qualitative approach, integrating document analysis, direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires. A comprehensive literature review established the theoretical foundation and guided the identification of best practices in project risk management. The field research revealed significant gaps in the structuring, standardization, and cultural integration of risk management processes. A comparative analysis between theoretical models and current practices led to the development of a tailored risk management framework, including a practical good-practices manual and a workshop format designed to promote internal engagement and capacity-building. This work contributes both theoretically—by validating literature-based models in an industrial setting—and practically, by offering replicable tools for similar departments in the automotive sector. The findings highlight the necessity of fostering a proactive risk culture to ensure the sustained implementation and effectiveness of the proposed measures. Full article

Consumers expect ruminants to graze outdoors and flocks to be of a reasonable size. Dairy goats can be kept outdoors (natural) or indoors. There are few pasture-grazed-system goat farms. The farms we studied in the centre-west of France were either organic or conventional, and all used pastures and tended to meet consumer demand for naturalness. We obtained information through semi-directed interviews. Dairy goats are susceptible to gastrointestinal infections when using pastures and this was one of the main health problems mentioned by organic farmers. There are a very limited number of medicines available for lactating dairy goats and farmers can use complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM), where they are completely autonomous in their choice. The use of CAVM has also been driven by organic labels and protected designation of origin (PDO) regulations for goat cheese. Homeopathy, phytotherapy, and aromatherapy were used for various health problems on almost all the farms surveyed. Herd size and farm area were negatively associated with the complex use of CAVM, possibly due to the workload on larger farms. Some CAVMs were used more in relation to the management of farms: aromatherapy in organic farms and homeopathy in cheese-making farms. The farmers with higher levels of education were more likely to employ phytotherapy. The farmers were autonomous in the choice of CAVM and did not rely on the advice of veterinarians. Full article