BACKGROUND: Immature anophelines inhabit aquatic environments with diverse physicochemical properties and microorganisms. In insectary settings, ammonia accumulation in larval rearing trays can lead to high larval mortality. Bacterial communities in these trays may influence ammonia levels through nitrification and denitrification. While symbiotic bacteria are known to be crucial for nutrition, digestion, reproduction, and immune responses in anophelines, the microbial communities specifically associated with Anopheles coluzzii larvae have not been characterised. METHODS AND RESULTS: Building on a study examining ammonia-capturing zeolite and water changes for rearing Anopheles coluzzii, this research characterised the bacterial communities using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify species linked to larval survival and phenotypic quality. Functional filters were applied to identify bacteria related to ammonia nitrification and their impact on larval development. qPCR was used to validate the sequencing data for the ten most significant bacteria. Water changes significantly reduced bacterial diversity and abundance, improving adult mosquito development and quality. In contrast, untreated trays showed a higher abundance of potentially harmful bacteria, adversely affecting development. Applying zeolite increased nitrifying bacteria presence, benefiting mosquito growth while lowering toxic bacteria levels-trends confirmed by qPCR. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers insights into the bacterial communities in mosquito larval-rearing water, highlighting species that could enhance ammonia nitrification and overall rearing success.

The communally nesting, Critically Endangered Macrocephalon maleo (Maleo) is an iconic species endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, yet despite decades of legal protection its populations have declined sharply across its range. We performed the first-ever range-wide field survey of Maleo nesting grounds, visiting 122 known and identifying 58 previously unrecorded sites, collecting physical and biological data and interviewing local informants at each. We added information from the literature for another 48 abandoned sites, documenting a total of 228 historic and current nesting grounds. We then constructed a profile of historic and current populations and area of occupancy (AOO) units across Sulawesi. Between 1980 and 2019, 55% of active nesting grounds became inactive, and all but one of the 94 sites that remained active in 2019 had fewer birds. In 2019, 83% of all nesting grounds active in 1980 were either completely abandoned or just barely active, hosting no more than 2 pairs day–1 at peak season. However, conservation efforts have also produced significant recoveries and discoveries. Our survey increased the range of described landscape types where Maleo nest from 2 to 4, and documented Maleo nesting in previously unrecorded places, including artificially created sandy areas. As the Maleo’s maximum travel distance beyond nesting grounds is unknown, we applied a cost-based approach using possible maximum travel distances of 25, 40, and 50 km to define AOO “Units” that represent a set of separate range-wide subpopulations defined by each maximum travel distance. Between 1980 and 2019, the overall AOO declined by 37%, 26%, and 19% at maximum travel distances of 25, 40, and 50 km, respectively; the number of active nesting grounds in each isolated unit declined by 58%, 78%, and 80%, respectively; and fragmentation (i.e., the total number of units) increased by 5%, 100%, and 125%, respectively. In some areas, Maleo may be changing their behavior in response to egg predation by humans. Ending egg-taking has now clearly been shown to produce Maleo increases in multiple locations and is crucial to range-wide recovery of the species.

This study aimed to (1) investigate gender-specific characteristics associated with low sport participation among UK adolescents, and (2) assess gender-specific BMI tracking, and gender-specific associations between BMI and self-esteem based on different levels of adolescent sport participation. Participants were 9046 (4523 female) UK adolescents. At 11- and 14 years self-esteem was self-reported and BMI was calculated from objectively measured height and weight. At 11- years sport participation was parent-reported. Gender-specific sport participation quartile cut-off values categorised boys and girls separately into four graded groups. Gender-specific χ² and independent samples t tests assessed differences in measured variables between the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q4) sport participation quartiles. Adjusted linear regression analyses examined BMI tracking and associations between BMI and self-esteem scores. Gender-specific analyses were conducted separately for sport participation quartiles. Compared to Q4 boys and girls, Q1 boys and girls were more likely to be non-White, low family income, have overweight/obesity at 11 years and report lower self-esteem at 11 years and 14 years. BMI at 11 years was positively associated with BMI at 14 years for boys and girls across sport participation quartiles. BMI at 11 years was inversely associated with self-esteem scores at 11 years for Q1 and Q2 boys, and Q1 and Q4 girls. BMI at 11 years was inversely associated with self-esteem scores at 14 years for Q1, Q3 and Q4 boys, and Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 girls. Gender and sport participation influence BMI tracking and the BMI and self-esteem association among adolescents.

Experiencing discrimination is associated with poorer mental health and the demographic patterning of discrimination may explain social inequalities in mental health. The present research examined prevalence of perceived discrimination in the UK and associations with social inequalities in mental health. Data were taken from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (n = 32,003). Population subgroups (sex, age, ethnicity, health, religiousness, income, education, and occupation), perceived personal discrimination (personal experience) and perceived belonging to a discriminated group (identified as belonging to a group discriminated against in this country), and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12 assessed, cut off 4+) were reported on in 2019/2020. Nineteen percent of participants perceived personal discrimination in the last year, 9% perceived belonging to a discriminated group, and 22% had probable mental health problems. There were significant inequalities in both perceived discrimination and mental health. Being a younger adult, of mixed ethnicity, having health problems, having a university degree, and being unemployed increased risk of mental health problems and these associations were partially explained by perceived discrimination being more common among these groups. Perceived discrimination is common among UK adults, but prevalence differs by population subgroup. Perceived discrimination may contribute to social inequalities in mental health.

Background: Significant social and political changes occurred in the UK between 2015 and 2020. Few studies have examined population level trends in experiencing discrimination and mental health problems during this period. Aims: To determine prevalence trends in perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems amongst UK adults during 2015-2020. Method: Repeated cross-sectional data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study was used to estimate nationally representative trends in perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12; 4+ threshold) among adults between 2015/2016-2019/2020 (25,756 observations). Weighted logistic regression models with post-estimation margins commands determined changes between survey waves controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Mediation models explored whether changes in perceived discrimination prevalence trends explained trends in probable mental health problems. Results: From 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems increased significantly by 6·1% (95% CI: 3·4-8·8, <i>p</i> &lt;·001) and 4·5% (95% CI: 1·3-7·7, <i>p</i> = ·006), respectively. These changes did not tend to reliably differ by sociodemographic grouping. Increased prevalence of probable mental health problems from 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 was partially explained (15·2% of association mediated) by the increase in perceived discrimination observed during the same time period. Conclusions: Amongst UK adults, the prevalence of perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems increased between 2015/2016 to 2019/2020. Increases in perceived discrimination partially explained increases in probable mental health problems. National measures designed to reduce both discrimination and mental health problems have potential to make substantial improvements to public health and should be prioritised in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of 24-hour time-use compositions with mental health in a large, geographically diverse sample of UK adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, secondary data analysis. SETTING: Millennium Cohort Study (sixth survey), a UK-based prospective birth cohort. PARTICIPANTS: Data were available from 4642 adolescents aged 14 years. Analytical samples for weekday and weekend analyses were n=3485 and n=3468, respectively (45% boys, 85% white ethnicity). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, socioemotional behaviour), Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ, depressive symptoms) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE, self-esteem). Behavioural exposure data were derived from 24-hour time-use diaries. RESULTS: On weekdays, participants spent approximately 54% of their time in sleep, 3% in physical activity, 9% in school-related activities, 6% in hobbies, 11% using electronic media and 16% in domestic activities. Predicted differences in SDQ, MFQ and RSE were statistically significant for all models (weekday and weekend) that simulated the addition or removal of 15 min physical activity, with an increase in activity being associated with improved mental health and vice versa. Predicted differences in RSE were also significant for simulated changes in electronic media use; an increase in electronic media use was associated with reduced self-esteem. CONCLUSION: Small but consistent associations were observed between physical activity, electronic media use and selected markers of mental health. Findings support the delivery of physical activity interventions to promote mental health during adolescence, without the need to specifically target or protect time spent in other activities.

In this paper, we study the strong convergence of the full discretization based on a semi-implicit tamed approach in time and the finite element method with truncated noise in space for the stochastic Allen-Cahn equation driven by multiplicative noise. The proposed fully discrete scheme is efficient thanks to its low computational complexity and mean-square unconditional stability. The low regularity of the solution due to the multiplicative infinite-dimensional driving noise and the non-global Lipschitz difficulty intruduced by the cubic nonlinear drift term make the strong convergence analysis of the fully discrete solution considerably complicated. By constructing an appropriate auxiliary procedure, the full discretization error can be cleverly decomposed, and the spatio-temporal strong convergence order is successfully derived under certain weak assumptions. Numerical experiments are finally reported to validate the theoretical result.

Purpose: This paper revisits work design theory in light of rapid advancements in workplace automation, arguing that traditional models are no longer sufficient for addressing the complexities introduced by digital automation technologies (DAT). It aims to reposition work design as a central strategic concern for organisations navigating technological change. Design/methodology/approach: The paper adopts a narrative review, drawing from contemporary academic literature and recent empirical studies, to offer reflective commentary grounded in current research. Findings: Despite increasing attention to automation’s impact on job displacement, there remains a limited focus on how work design can respond to negative outcomes and promote employee engagement, innovation, and retention. Originality/value: This paper offers a timely call to action for HR leaders and work design researchers. It urges a shift away from purely technical implementations of automation toward more human-centred, strategically designed work environments. The piece contributes original value by framing work design as both a challenge and an opportunity in the digital economy.

Susan Neiman has argued that the problem of evil in modern European philosophy concerns the absence of intelligibility, meaning and justice that threatens the trust in the world we need to understand it and act in it. In light of Frei's reading of H. Richard Niebuhr's theology as theodicy in similar terms, we may read Frei’s own Christological understanding of providence as a kind of theodicy, at once sombre, hopeful and restrained, with a practical, political force.

Introduction: The rising type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence is largely due to unhealthy dietary practices, lack of physical activity, economic development, urbanisation, and an ageing population. Management of T2DM involves pharmacological treatment and or lifestyle behaviour changes focusing on diet and physical activity behaviour modifications. Diet and physical activity behaviour modifications are crucial in T2DM management. However, behaviour change is complex and challenging and more so in diet and physical activity behaviours as these are influenced by a myriad of behavioural, social, emotional and environmental, neuroendocrine and genetic factors. Behaviour change thus remains one of the most significant public health concerns. Underpinning this research study is the continued challenge with behaviour change among T2DM service users that leads to development of T2DM related complications and even death. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the likelihood to change behaviour so as to avoid T2DM related complications and to explore whether being in receipt of the recommended care services had any influence on likelihood to change behaviour. This is particularly important because numerous interventions have been carried out but while change may be initially noted, the positive behaviour is in many cases not sustained over time. The main impact of this study to provide an understanding on the influences of behaviour change as influenced by the health belief model and to explore hinderances to access to the diabetes recommended care services. Methods: The study utilised a mixed-method approach to gain an in-depth comprehension of the topic. The target population for the study comprised of T2DM service users at the Thika Level 5 Hospital diabetes comprehensive clinic and healthcare professionals directly involved in T2DM management. Through power calculations, a sample size of 346 service users was determined. Forty three healthcare professionals were also included in the study as key informants. The inclusion criterion for the diabetes clinic service users was persons diagnosed with type two diabetes and aged 20-70. The inclusion criterion for the healthcare professionals was those who directly worked with service users with regards to behaviour change. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the participants for the study. The exclusion criterion for the service users was those who had type one diabetes or were aged below 20 or above 70 years. For the healthcare professionals, those not directly involved with type two diabetes service users behaviour change (diet and physical activity) were not included in the study. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from the service users. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data from the healthcare professionals. Quantitative data was coded and entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 28.0, for analysis. Qualitative data was entered into Nvivo 13 for thematic analysis. Findings: Behaviour change among healthcare professionals and T2DM service users is based on four constructs of the health belief model: susceptibility to complications, intention to exercise, perceived benefits of exercise and health eating and healthy eating intentions (likened to cues to action). Different factors that affect T2DM management are categorised into predisposing factors, reinforcing factors and enabling factors. Management processes of T2DM should include primary targets to prevent T2DM, primary targets towards promoting behaviour change, actions engaged in the management of T2DM, multi-sectorial approaches and actions by other sectors. Conclusion: According to the study, behaviour change is perceived differently among healthcare professionals and service users. The study therefore recommends that tailored messages should be delivered to different categories of patients so as to enhance behaviour change. The health belief model should be adopted in crafting the messages so as to so as to effectively address complications (perceived susceptibility and severity) associated with T2DM, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy for behaviour change to be effective. A “one size fits all” approach is not recommended when coming up with interventions towards behaviour change. Further, the study also concludes that policy makers in the Kenyan health system should consider predisposing factors, reinforcing factors and enabling factors towards T2DM management policy making. Since T2DM management involves different targets, the Kenyan health system should engage different stakeholders. A “one size fits all” approach is therefore not appropriate towards T2DM management.