Browse Articles

Strategic orchestration in sharing economies: A configurational analysis of platform differentiation and governance alignment

Platform firms in the digital economy face a critical challenge: balancing differentiation-driven competitive strategies with the need for institutional legitimacy. While existing research recognizes this tension, current frameworks inadequately address how governance mechanisms mediate strategic positioning in trust-sensitive sharing economy contexts. This study integrates Porterian positioning theory with platform boundary theory to analyze 33 chinese sharing platforms through fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), examining configurations of three external positioning dimensions (variety-based, gender-based, and region-based differentiation) and two internal governance dimensions (resource ownership and transaction process differentiation). Our analysis identifies two equifinal success pathways: (1) An aggressive strategy combining market pioneering in user segmentation with cautious transaction governance, and (2) a conservative strategy aligning geographic specialization with institutional compliance in resource ownership. Both pathways demonstrate that governance mechanisms compensate for the legitimacy risks inherent in differentiation strategies, with platform performance contingent on strategic coherence between external positioning and internal governance architectures. Three key theoretical advances emerge: First, integrating Porterian positioning theory with platform boundary theory, we demonstrate how governance dimensions serve as compensatory tools that enable radical market differentiation in sharing economy platforms without legitimacy erosion, a trade-off insufficiently addressed in prior distinctiveness theory research. Second, building on configuration theory, in the context of the sharing economy, we solve the theoretical tensions in the distinctiveness-performance relationship by demonstrating configurational equifinality—both radical and conservative strategies succeed when external and internal dimensions achieve strategic coherence. Third, advancing research of sharing user participation, we establish that participation in trust-sensitive sharing platforms depends on strategic alignment between positioning and governance dimensions rather than isolated optimization of individual dimensions. These contextualized findings provide managers with evidence-based frameworks to coordinate market positioning strategies with governance investments, particularly when operating in institutionally complex environments. The demonstrated mechanisms in China’s sharing economy warrant future verification in other platform types and cultural contexts.

Chronic liver injury scores are superior prognostic indicators of outcomes in severe alcohol-related burns

Abstract Acute and chronic alcohol abuse are common among burn patients and may be associated with chronic liver injury, a potential factor influencing outcomes. This study evaluates the predictive power of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and non-invasive liver fibrosis scores and their applicability in burn patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients admitted to a high-volume supraregional burn center in Northern Germany between 2007 and 2024. Patients were categorized based on their BAC at admission: low (< 100 mg/dL) vs. high (≥ 100 mg/dL). Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes. Non-invasive liver fibrosis markers such as the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score were applied to both groups. Among 121 large-surface burn patients (mean total body surface area: 16.4%), no significant differences were observed between BAC groups in demographics, comorbidities, or ICU admission rates. The serum ethanol concentration showed no significant predictive value for mortality (AUC = 0.515). In contrast, the FIB-4 score (AUC = 0.781) and APRI (AUC = 0.736) demonstrated strong prognostic accuracy. In multivariate analysis, the Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (OR = 2.42; p = 0.001), serum albumin (OR = 0.29; p = 0.016), and FIB-4 score (OR = 1.50; p = 0.033) emerged as independent predictors of mortality. Propensity score matching analysis confirmed that BAC was not associated with increased mortality after adjustment for burn depth and extent. Non-invasive liver fibrosis markers, such as FIB-4 score, provide valuable prognostic insights in burn patients, independent of acute alcohol intoxication and should be considered a routine screening tool for large surface burn patients. Incorporating chronic liver dysfunction into existing burn severity models may enhance risk stratification and outcome prediction.

Science as a commons: Motivations for continued participation in citizen science projects

The study of the commons is a growing field of research that is highly relevant to fostering the sustainability of shared resources, including knowledge resources. Citizen science has great potential to constitute science as a knowledge commons, in which continued participation is essential for the long-term viability of inherently collaborative projects and the strengthening of communities. However, different motivations for participation can significantly influence continued engagement, and, consequently, the sustainability of these projects. This research explores, first, participants’ motivations for joining and continuing projects, as well as the reasons for abandoning them. Secondly, we analyse the influence of various motivations on continuity, with a particular focus on highly committed participants—an aspect hitherto scarcely investigated. Specifically, we examine whether these participants’ motivations are primarily associated with general interests (e.g., resource sustainability) alongside personal interests (e.g., capability building). This approach aligns with the key finding of commons theory, which challenges the idea that rational behaviour implies only self-interest. The analyses of 478 responses to the survey designed for this study reveal that participants who sustain CS projects through continued participation are driven by a combination of personal and general interests. These findings reflect cooperative behaviours characteristic of individuals who create or maintain commons. Therefore, we propose that science can be understood as a commons that can be collaboratively and sustainably managed by multiple, decentralized communities. Consequently, fostering cooperation is essential for the effective management of shared resources, particularly in citizen science projects. Enhancing our understanding of cooperation enables the better and more effective implementation of specific recommendations, such as optimizing communication among all those involved in citizen science projects and fostering awareness of common goals and collective achievements. In turn, this reinforces personal benefits, creating a virtuous circle that further strengthens cooperation and its benefits.

Potential molluscicidal and antimicrobial activities of rare earth elements against the land snail Theba pisana and certain microorganisms

Abstract A novel application of light rare earth elements (LREEs) was explored for their biological activity as potential eco-friendly molluscicides and antimicrobials on Theba pisana (Müller, 1774) and their feeding behavior, and microorganisms like Candida albicans, Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Our data showed increased snail mortality with higher element concentrations till 500 mg/L. LC25 and LC50 values after ten days of exposure were 513.70 and 3012.72 mg/L, respectively, lower survival rates than the control. As treatment concentration and exposure duration increased, the ingested leaf area and daily consumption rates of treated lettuce leaves declined. On day one, consumption dropped from 60.00 ± 0.00 cm² (control) to 30.25 ± 6.13 cm² at 500 mg/L, further decreasing to 31.25 ± 0.76 cm² and 14.00 ± 1.46 cm² by day four at the same concentrations. Low concentrations had minimal impact on snail feeding, while higher levels significantly reduced appetite, consumption and freshness of leaves. LREEs-based formulations exhibited marked antimicrobial activity against all tested pathogens by the measured inhibition zones. Results highlight the promising application of LREEs in integrated pest and microbial disease management. However, these findings warrant further investigation to optimize their safe and practical use in the field.

Retraction: Seedbank persistence of four summer grass weed species in the northeast cropping region of Australia

Investigation of erythema migrans patients identifies Borrelia species and Neoehrlichia mikurensis with implications for clinical assessment

Abstract Emerging tick-borne infections pose public health challenges and may complicate treatment decisions. The EMBio study, a multicenter observational study, aims to describe erythema migrans (EM), an early localized manifestation of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) infection, and investigate the occurrence of tick-borne co-infections among patients presenting with this skin lesion. Additionally, the study seeks to determine relations between EM morphology, other clinical manifestations, specific pathogens, and disease prognosis. Clinical characteristics, skin biopsies, and blood samples were analyzed from 26 patients to assess co-infections, quantity, Borrelia species, and spirochete load. Borrelia DNA was detected in 88% of EM skin lesions, with Borrelia afzelii as the predominant species. Two cases of co-infections were identified, one involving two Borrelia species and one involving Borrelia afzelii and the intracellular bacterium Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Notably, homogeneous EM lesions harbored significantly higher spirochete quantities in the central zone compared to annular lesions, suggesting that lesion morphology reflects local bacterial density. This supports the value of molecular diagnostics in detecting mixed infections and supports morphology-guided biopsy strategies in the clinical assessment of cutaneous infections. This study contributes to a better understanding of co-infection dynamics and may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management in endemic settings.

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract in esophagectomy and the incidence of pneumonia and anastomotic leakage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Despite advances in surgery, esophagectomy remains a major operation in which pneumonia and anastomotic leakage are causes of morbidity. It is currently unknown whether selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) affects the incidence of postoperative pneumonia and anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing esophagectomy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize current evidence regarding SDD in patients undergoing esophagectomy. Methods We performed a comprehensive search in Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar with articles included until August 2024. We included observational studies and clinical trials which were scored using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies – of Interventions. A fixed effects model was used to pool results of the former studies. Results A total of five studies were identified with a total of 924 patients. All studies were assessed as either having serious bias or a high risk of bias. SDD usage was associated with a significantly lower incidence of pneumonia (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.58; p < 0.00001; I2 = 26%; n = 924) and anastomotic leakage (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.74; p = 0.001; I2 = 0%; n = 810). Pooled analysis regarding mortality, duration of hospitalization and duration of Intensive Care Unit stay could not be performed due to heterogeneous data, 4 of 5 studies reported lower mortality rates in patients receiving SDD. Conclusion Although the data indicates that using SDD in patients undergoing an esophagectomy was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative pneumonia and anastomotic leakage, the available studies were not of sufficient quality to make a recommendation, given their age and risk of bias. A high-quality randomized controlled trial using standardized outcome definitions is needed to substantiate claims about SDD use in esophagectomy.

Association of height, BMI, and smoking status with prostate cancer risk before and after the introduction of PSA testing in Sweden

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence has steadily increased in Sweden, more steeply in the mid-1990s caused by increased opportunistic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Tallness, normal weight, and non-smoking are associated with more PSA testing, which increases detection of low-risk and localised PCa. We investigated time trends of height, body mass index (BMI), and smoking with PCa risk in 171,889 men in Sweden aged 50–64 years at baseline, who were linked to nationwide cancer registers during follow-up. Cox regression determined the association of these factors assessed before 1980, 1980–1994, and 1995–2004 with PCa risk. During 15 follow-up years, 8,049 men were diagnosed with PCa. The association of height with PCa was weakly positive across all calendar periods. For obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) vs. normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and current vs. never smoking, the associations changed from null before 1980 (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.86–1.23, and 1.11, 95% CI 0.97–1.27) to negative in 1995–2004 (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74–0.93, and 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.93; pinteraction between periods = 0.05 and 0.001). In men with clinical characteristics available, height was positively associated with both aggressive and non-aggressive PCa whilst obesity and smoking showed negative associations only with non-aggressive PCa. These findings likely reflect differences in PSA testing by BMI and smoking habits and contribute important knowledge for etiological studies of PCa.

Cooking skills and food insecurity

Cooking skills play a relevant role in food security, which encompasses the availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability of food. While previous discussions have mainly focused on accessibility, particularly economic access through food prices and income, this article explores the dimension of food utilization by analyzing the relation between food insecurity and cooking-related variables. We conducted a survey of 106 low-income households in an urban area of Santiago, Chile. Food insecurity was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) developed by the FAO. Using principal component analysis, we constructed two indexes reflecting subjective perceptions of cooking skills. We then applied probit models to examine how both subjective and objective cooking skills variables are associated with the probability of experiencing food insecurity. Results show that individuals who can prepare six to ten egg preparations have an 8.4 percentage point lower prevalence of experiencing food insecurity, while those who can prepare more than ten such preparations show a 30.5 percentage point lower prevalence compared to those who can prepare five or fewer. Moreover, our results found a positive prevalence between negative subjective perceptions and food insecurity of 8.8 percentage point. For the first time, this study jointly examines subjective perceptions and self-reported objective measures of cooking skills in relation to food insecurity. We hope this work contributes to expanding the food insecurity discussion beyond economic access and supports the design of food security policies focused on improving cooking aspects.

Exploring the psychological impacts of water-based outdoor physical activities on university students: a qualitative interview study

Wake up call for AI: computer-vision research increasingly used for surveillance

Seeding amplification assay with Universal Control Fluid: Standardized detection of α-synucleinopathies

Seeding amplification assays, specifically the Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion method (RT-QuIC), have shown great diagnostic potential for α-synucleinopathies. Numerous research groups have demonstrated the method’s high sensitivity and specificity using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and various RT-QuIC workflows. However, establishing a uniform and stably performing RT-QuIC protocol remains challenging. To address this, we established an RT-QuIC protocol with a Universal Control Fluid (UCF), which is simple to adopt, performs stably, and allows uniform preparation of both sample and control reactions. Firstly, we adapted and established a published 48-hour RT-QuIC protocol, including the in-house production of recombinant α-synuclein (rec α-syn), and evaluated its sensitivity and specificity through a blinded screening of an 81 CSF sample cohort consisting of Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Alzheimer’s disease, motor neuron disease, multiple system atrophy, unidentified neurodegenerative diseases, and healthy controls. Additionally, we tested all CSF samples in three volumes to determine which volume provides the best diagnostic accuracy. The established RT-QuIC performs nearly equally well with 7 µL and 15 µL added CSF, resulting in 94% and 94.5% diagnostic accuracy, respectively. Secondly, we developed a UCF solution and tested its performance with the established RT-QuIC protocol. Results indicate that UCF, used in defined volume and concentration, standardizes the preparation of both sample and control reactions without compromising the assay’s diagnostic accuracy and provides a stabilizing environment for the reactions, ensuring higher reproducibility. The established RT-QuIC protocol for pathologic α-synuclein detection in PD and DLB CSF samples is highly sensitive (92–96%) and specific (93–96%). Therefore, it is important that its adoption in clinical laboratories is uncomplicated and uniform. RT-QuIC with UCF simplifies, standardizes, and stabilizes the assay’s performance and, thus, could be recommended as a standard protocol for accurate detection of α-synucleinopathies.

Utilization of affordable nanocomposites with outstanding antimicrobial activity in waterborne coatings

Abstract This study aimed to explore the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial coatings by combining antimicrobial nanocomposites with waterborne resins. Novel nanocomposites, such as nano-ZnO/silica fume and nano-CuO/silica fume, were synthesized using the solution combustion method, along with pure nano-ZnO and nano-CuO. The nanocomposites consist of a thin layer of nanometal oxide on silica fume, aiming to enhance antimicrobial activity. These nanocomposites were incorporated into acrylic waterborne resin at two concentrations (0.4 and 0.8 wt%) to provide cost-effective alternatives to imported and expensive antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial effectiveness was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Candida albicans using disc diffusion and shake flask methods. Besides, the mechanical and physical properties of the coatings were compared to the properties of a commercial coating. The findings showed that the commercial coating offered inhibition zones ranging from 16 to 21 mm. While the disc containing 0.8% nano-ZnO/silica fume offered the greatest antimicrobial activity, with inhibitory zones ranging from 17 to 26.6 mm. Additionally, the results demonstrated that discs containing nano-ZnO were better than discs containing nano-CuO. The mechanical properties indicated that the hardness of coatings with either nano-ZnO or nano-CuO is similar to the commercial coatings in group I. However, coatings with nano-ZnO/silica fume and nano-CuO/silica fume exhibited slightly higher hardness. In group II, higher ratios of nano-ZnO, nano-CuO, and their silica fume composites significantly increase hardness compared to the commercial coatings, attributed to the formation of a more compact film. Moreover, the results showed that coatings with a high ratio of pigments (0.8%) adhered better than those with 0.4% of pigments.

Stress and resilience of nursing students in clinical training during political violence: A palestinian perspective

Introduction Nursing is one of the most demanding undergraduate degrees because students must master rigorous theory while simultaneously developing hands-on clinical skills. In conflict zones, political violence magnifies these challenges during clinical training. Objective To quantify perceived stress and resilience among Palestinian nursing students during political violence and examine their relationship and demographic associations. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 310 students completed validated Arabic versions of the 29-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Completion time averaged 10–15 minutes total. Analyses included Pearson correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression. Results Mean stress was high (81.1 ± 7.3) based on established PSS cutoffs, while resilience was moderate (28.0 ± 1.8) according to CD-RISC-10 norms. A moderate positive correlation linked stress and resilience (r = 0.314, 95% CI [0.182, 0.442], p < 0.001). Male students reported higher stress than females (t(308) = 2.20, p = 0.030, Cohen’s d = 0.25). Conclusion Findings underscore the significant stress burden of political violence on nursing students and signal the need for targeted interventions that address both stress levels and the complex bidirectional relationship with resilience, tailored to demographic risk factors.

A PatchTST-GRU based heterogeneous seq2seq model with numerical weather prediction refinement for multi-step wind power forecasting

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Peruvian patients with mpox: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Mpox has become a public health problem due to its rapid evolution and clinical variability. In Latin America, Peru ranks fifth in terms of the number of cases. The main objective of this study is to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Peruvian patients diagnosed with mpox, providing a detailed view of the situation of this affected population. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on mpox in Peru was carried out using ten databases and search tools (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library, Scielo, Dimensions, and Epistemonikos) until August 22, 2024. The MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms used in the search were “mpox” and “Peru”, combined with the logical operators AND and OR. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) assessment tool, and pooled estimates were generated using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Statistical analysis was performed in R version 4.2.3, and the study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024582854). Results A total of 150 articles were evaluated, of which 9 studies were included: four retrospective observational studies, four case series, and one case report, covering a total of 3960 Peruvian patients with mpox. The quality of the studies was moderate. The combined results show that 97% (95% CI: 96–98%; 3804 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 24%, p = 0.27) of the patients were male, 63% (95% CI: 57–68%; 2366 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 66%, p = 0.03) had HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and 91% (95% CI: 83–97%; 2019 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 90%, p < 0.01) of these were receiving antiretroviral therapy. In addition, 61% (95% CI: 46–75%; 2295 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 95%, p < 0.01) identified as homosexual, and 17% (95% CI: 09–26%; 702 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 91%, p < 0.01) had a history of syphilis. The most common clinical manifestations were skin lesions (88%; 95% CI: 79–94%; 3114 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 92%, p < 0.01), lymphadenopathy (83%; 95% CI: 25–100%; 3623 participants; 2 studies; I2 = 100%, p < 0.01), anogenital rash (72%; 95% CI: 65–79%; 2657 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 74%, p = 0.02), fever (67%; 95% CI: 59–76%; 2587 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 86%, p < 0.01), and headache (52%; 95% CI: 47–57%; 1962 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 60%, p = 0.08). Conclusion This systematic review provides a detailed overview on the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Peruvian patients with mpox, highlighting a high prevalence in men and a remarkable association with HIV coinfection. The data highlight the vulnerability of the affected population and the importance of a multidisciplinary medical approach, with emphasis on early diagnosis of the most common symptoms. The findings support the implementation of prevention strategies tailored to the most vulnerable populations, especially those with HIV coinfection, and the conduct of longitudinal studies to better understand the disease.

Integrated experimental and computational analysis reveals amoxicillin binding dynamics to PBP1a in Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a significant global health challenge due to acquired resistance mechanisms, primarily involving penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. This study explores the potential of amoxicillin-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (Amox-MNPs) as a means to overcome resistance by targeting the alternative essential protein, PBP1a. Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ core-shell MNPs were synthesized via controlled co-precipitation followed by a silica coating using the Stöber method, and subsequently conjugated with amoxicillin. Physicochemical characterization confirmed nanoparticle formation and successful conjugation. In vitro antibacterial assays against S. aureus ATCC 43,300 (MRSA) revealed that Amox-MNPs exhibited a mean inhibition zone diameter of 26.0 ± 0.82 mm, approximately double that of free amoxicillin (13.5 ± 1.12 mm) at equivalent concentrations (p < 0.05), indicating significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy. Integrated computational modeling, including molecular docking and dynamics simulations, elucidated the favorable binding (−8.64 kcal/mol docking score;−32.65 kcal/mol MM-PBSA energy) and stable interaction dynamics between amoxicillin and PBP1a, identifying key stabilizing residues. These findings highlight the potential of MNP-mediated delivery to enhance amoxicillin’s efficacy against MRSA by targeting PBP1a, offering a promising preclinical strategy requiring further validation in animal models for combating resistant bacterial infections.

Evaluation of agricultural products e-commerce logistics service capabilities in Heilongjiang Province based on entropy weight TOPSIS method

This study aims to evaluate the current status and relative advantages of the logistics service capabilities of agricultural products e-commerce in Heilongjiang Province, identify its development shortcomings and propose optimization paths. In the context of the rapid development of agricultural products e-commerce, logistics service capabilities have become a key factor affecting regional agricultural competitiveness and e-commerce efficiency. However, current related studies mostly focus on the macro level and lack a systematic evaluation of regional and long-term dynamics. To fill this research gap, this paper constructs a logistics service capability evaluation index system covering four dimensions: logistics foundation, operational efficiency, service quality and information level, which is refined into 12 third-level indicators. Using the entropy weight-TOPSIS method, this paper conducts longitudinal trend analysis and horizontal regional comparison based on the time series data of Heilongjiang Province from 2013 to 2022 and the cross-sectional data of 31 provinces and cities across the country in 2022. The study found that the logistics service capabilities of agricultural products e-commerce in Heilongjiang Province have shown a steady upward trend, especially in regional linkage and cold chain system construction. However, compared with developed regions in the country, there are still obvious gaps in infrastructure, digital management and terminal distribution efficiency. The main constraints include insufficient cold chain coverage, unreasonable layout of urban and rural logistics networks, and low technical integration. The findings of this study reveal the key bottlenecks in improving regional e-commerce logistics service capabilities, and put forward policy recommendations for strengthening the cold chain logistics system, optimizing urban and rural logistics layout, and promoting digital transformation. The study not only provides a theoretical basis and practical guide for improving the efficiency of agricultural product e-commerce logistics in Heilongjiang Province, but also provides experience for other major agricultural production areas to explore high-quality development paths, which has important practical significance and policy value.

Presence of viable gram-positive bacteria in blood of patients with inflammatory bowel disease is not affected by treatment

Abstract In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) the pathogenetic process is characterized by dysbiosis, increased permeability, translocation, and immune activation. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of viable bacteria in the blood of patients with IBD and to correlate the findings with clinical characteristics. The study included 28 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) (median age 38 years, 50% female, biological treatment in 71%) and 19 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (median age 45 years, 33% female, biological treatment in 84%). Identification of viable bacteria in the blood was evaluated by optimized cultivation and Sanger sequencing and for quantification real-time PCR was performed. Viable Gram-positive bacteria were detected in 34 IBD patients (72.3%). There were no associations between the presence of bacteria and gender, antibiotic treatment, intake of alcohol, use of PPI, steroids, or biological treatment. The number of bacterial copies was correlated with higher C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.013). In ¾ of the patients, viable bacteria were identified in the blood despite treatment with biologicals, which indicates a vast barrier defect. This observation also indicates that the disease is still active. To obtain a true deep mucosal healing an intact barrier function is required.

Gender differentials in cricket farming and its impact on household food security levels in East Africa

Crickets, as one of the edible insects, represent a promising alternative for enhancing food security through direct human consumption or as livestock feed. This study investigated the impact of cricket farming on household food security in Kenya and Uganda, focusing on a sample of 187 cricket farmers and 457 non-farmers. Utilizing the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and the Food Consumption Score, the research assesses dimensions of food access, stability, utilization, and availability. An endogenous switching regression model was employed to analyze the influence of gender of cricket farming decision-makers and participation in cricket farming on food security outcomes. For male decision-makers, key determinants for adoption included awareness, the availability of processing technology, ready markets, and perceived risks. Female decision-makers were more significantly influenced by awareness, training opportunities, perceived benefits, and social norms. Female decision-makers who engaged in cricket farming (Y1 = 1.756) exhibited a higher levels of household food security compared to non-adopters (Y0 = 1.567), yielding a significant positive treatment effect (ATT = 0.188). In contrast, male adopters experienced a slight decrease in food security, reflecting a negative effect (ATT = −0.516). This study highlights the importance of gender differences in food security outcomes and informs policy initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable food security through cricket farming. Targeted training is recommended to enhance female farmers’ skills and improve productivity as a proxy for food security. Interventions should promote group association and establish aggregation centers at the policy level to enhance access to resources and market linkages for male farmers.