Carbon farming in Africa: Opportunities and challenges for engaging smallholder farmers

The IPCC stresses the importance of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions worldwide by 2050 and natural climate solutions, particularly carbon farming, can play a significant role in this goal. However, current markets do not account for environmental externalities, which creates a mismatch between individual costs and societal benefits. Payment systems linked to carbon farming practices could help bridge this gap. Research is essential to develop effective agricultural carbon markets, and this study focuses on the opportunities and challenges faced by smallholder farmers in these markets. The research examines four areas: agricultural markets as a funding source for carbon farming, payments for carbon sequestration, opportunities for smallholder farmers, and cost-effective monitoring and verification of carbon stocks. Further research is needed to monitor carbon sequestration accurately, reduce GHG emissions, and develop institutional arrangements to promote sustainable production methods in Africa

The Volatility of Housing Prices: Do Different Types of Financial Intermediaries Affect Housing Market Cycles Differently?

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Tonoplast Sugar Transporters (SbTSTs) Putatively Control Sucrose Accumulation in Sweet Sorghum Stems

Carbohydrates are differentially partitioned in sweet versus grain sorghums. While the latter preferentially accumulate starch in the grain, the former primarily store large amounts of sucrose in the stem. Previous work determined that neither sucrose metabolizing enzymes nor changes in Sucrose transporter (SUT) gene expression accounted for the carbohydrate partitioning differences. Recently, 2 additional classes of sucrose transport proteins, Tonoplast Sugar Transporters (TSTs) and SWEETs, were identified; thus, we examined whether their expression tracked sucrose accumulation in sweet sorghum stems. We determined 2 TSTs were differentially expressed in sweet vs. grain sorghum stems, likely underlying the massive difference in sucrose accumulation. A model illustrating potential roles for different classes of sugar transport proteins in sorghum sugar partitioning is discussed

Tonoplast Sugar Transporters (SbTSTs) Putatively Control Sucrose Accumulation in Sweet Sorghum Stems

Carbohydrates are differentially partitioned in sweet versus grain sorghums. While the latter preferentially accumulate starch in the grain, the former primarily store large amounts of sucrose in the stem. Previous work determined that neither sucrose metabolizing enzymes nor changes in Sucrose transporter (SUT) gene expression accounted for the carbohydrate partitioning differences. Recently, 2 additional classes of sucrose transport proteins, Tonoplast Sugar Transporters (TSTs) and SWEETs, were identified; thus, we examined whether their expression tracked sucrose accumulation in sweet sorghum stems. We determined 2 TSTs were differentially expressed in sweet vs. grain sorghum stems, likely underlying the massive difference in sucrose accumulation. A model illustrating potential roles for different classes of sugar transport proteins in sorghum sugar partitioning is discussed

Strengthening Start-Up Ecosystems for Bio-Based Innovations in the Food Sector : Lessons from East Africa

The bioeconomy is emerging as a significant driver of economic growth and sustainability thinking globally and in East Africa. Leveraging bioscience knowledge, tools and techniques, research organisations and start-ups are developing improved bio-based products including crop varieties, as they respond to the region’s commitment to sustainability transition. This study evaluated the bio- based start-up ecosystem in four countries in East Africa. The study used a qualitative approach which included document review, key informant interviews (KIIs) with startup managers and focus group discussion (FGD) with stakeholders in the start-up ecosystem in East Africa. In the whole region, probably less than 30 successful start-ups relating to the emerging bioeconomy were established within the last five years. The findings show that access to finance remains a critical challenge for bio- based start-ups in East Africa. While there is growing interest from both public and private investors, many start-ups struggle to secure funding due to factors such as stringent collateral requirements and high-interest rates especially for young innovators. Additionally, allocated funds for research initiatives aimed at developing bio-based products, processes and technologies appear to be insufficient to meet the growing financial capital needs of the startups in the food sector. Findings also show that start-ups operate below capacity because of shortage of raw materials due to weak supply chains and to a great extent weak links to markets. It was found that lack of specialization among start up ecosystem players hinders the support provided to entrepreneurs. The study recommends increased collaboration between national research institutions, universities and international partners in the creation of knowledge, and translating the knowledge to innovation in the region. Additionally, leveraging sector-specific expertise and providing incentives for start-ups and innovation hubs are necessary for building a more resilient and inclusive innovation ecosystem for the food system in East Africa

Concomitant percutaneous coronary intervention in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) frequently have coronary artery disease requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Usually, PCI and TAVI are performed in two separate procedures and current studies are investigating potential benefits regarding the order. However, the two interventions may also be performed simultaneously, thereby limiting the risk associated with repeated vascular access. Data evaluating benefit and harm of concomitant procedures are scarce. Aims Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate concomitant PCI (coPCI) in TAVI patients regarding Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3) endpoints and long-term mortality. Methods A total of 2233 consecutive TAVI patients from the EVERY-VALVE registry were analyzed according to the VARC-3 endpoint definitions. A total of 274 patients had undergone TAVI and concomitant PCI (coPCI group). They were compared to 226 TAVI patients who had received PCI within 60 days before TAVI in a stepwise approach (swPCI group) and to the remaining 1733 TAVI patients who had not undergone PCI recently (noPCI group). Results Overall median age was 81.4 years, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 4.0%. Patients in the coPCI and in the swPCI group were predominantly male with reduced left-ventricular ejection fraction. Rates of VARC-3 composite endpoints technical success and 30-day device success were comparable between all three groups. Mortality rates at 3 years after TAVI were similar (coPCI, 34.2% vs. swPCI, 31.9% vs. noPCI, 34.0% p = 0.84). Conclusions coPCI during TAVI seems comparable in a retrospective analysis. Compared to a stepwise approach, it has similar rates of composite endpoints technical success and device success as well as long-term mortality

Impact of asymmetric tethering on outcomes after edge-to-edge mitral valve repair for secondary mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND The impact of postero-anterior and medio-lateral mitral valve (MV) tethering patterns on outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is unknown. METHODS The ratio of the posterior to anterior MV leaflet angle (PLA/ALA) in MV segment 2 was defined as postero-anterior tethering asymmetry. Medio-lateral tethering asymmetry was assessed as the ratio of the medial (segment 3) to lateral (segment 1) MV tenting area. We used receiver-operating characteristics and a Cox regression model to identify cut-off values of asymmetric anteroposterior and medio-lateral tethering for prediction of 2~year all-cause mortality after TMVR. RESULTS Among 178 SMR patients, postero-anterior tethering was asymmetric in 67 patients (37.9%, PLA/ALA ratio > 1.54). Asymmetric medio-lateral tethering (tenting area ratio > 1.49) was observed in 49 patients (27.5%). M-TEER reduced MR to ≤ 2 + in 92.1% of patients; MR reduction was less effective in the presence of asymmetric postero-anterior tethering (p = 0.02). A multivariable Cox regression model identified both types of asymmetric MV tethering to be associated with increased all-cause 2-year mortality (postero-anterior tethering asymmetry: HR = 2.77, CI 1.43-5.38; medio-lateral tethering asymmetry: HR = 2.90, CI 1.54-5.45; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Asymmetric postero-anterior and medio-lateral MV tethering patterns are associated with increased 2-year mortality in patients undergoing M-TEER for SMR. A detailed echocardiographic analysis of MV anatomy may help to identify patients who profit most from M-TEER

Unterstützung der arbeitsmarktpolitischen Zielgruppe "NEET"

Die Studie geht den Fragen nach, wie viele Jugendliche in Österreich von einem NEET-Status betroffen sind, welche sozialstrukturellen Merkmale sie aufweisen und was die Ursachen für ein erhöhtes NEET-Risiko sind. Weiterhin wird untersucht, von welchen Faktoren ein (erfolgreicher) Ausstieg aus der NEET-Situation abhängt. Zur Beantwortung dieser Fragestellungen wird ein Mehr-Methoden-Zugang gewählt, der sich auf quantitative und qualitative Elemente stützt. Es wird gezeigt, dass in Österreich im Zeitraum von 2006 bis 2011 im Durchschnitt rund 78.000 junge Menschen im Alter zwischen 16 und 24 Jahren von Desintegration, im Sinne eines NEET-Status betroffen sind. Die Anzahl an NEET-Jugendliche ist jedoch stark von der Konjunktur abhängig, und stieg beispielsweise in den Krisenjahren 2009 und 2010 deutlich an. Ein erhöhtes NEET-Risiko haben frühe SchulabgängerInnen, (weibliche) Jugendliche mit Betreuungspflichten, Jugendliche mit Migrationshintergrund der 1. Generation, Jugendliche, deren Eltern eine geringere Bildung haben, und Jugendliche, die in Städten leben. Allerdings wirken viele der genannten sozialstrukturellen Merkmale nicht direkt auf den NEET-Status ein, sondern nur indirekt. Die NEET-Gruppe ist sehr heterogen und entsprechend vielfältig sind die Ursachen, Bedürfnis- und Problemlagen. Als eine zentrale Hauptursache mit direkter Wirkung auf den NEET-Status konnte ein früher Schulabgang identifiziert werden. Zur Senkung der NEET-Rate plädiert der Beitrag für Strategien gegen frühen Schulabbruch und für Maßnahmen, die an den individuellen Bedürfnissen der Jugendlichen ansetzen und niederschwellig sind. Weiters werden Maßnahmen für (neue) Zielgruppen, Maßnahmen zur Vernetzung und Koordinierung relevanter AkteurInnen und Maßnahmen auf regionaler Ebene sowie eine Weiterentwicklung der aktiven Arbeitsmarktpolitik vorgeschlagen. Darüberhinaus werden konjunkturbelebende Maßnahme empfohlen, insbesondere durch öffentliche Investitionen in den Ausbau der Bildungs- und Kinderbetreuungsinfrastruktur

Feasibility of training nurses in motivational interviewing to improve patient experience in mental health rehabilitation: A pilot study

Introduction: There is limited research addressing he experiences of patients in inpatient rehabilitation (rehabilitation), who often spend long periods in hospital, and the nursing approaches utilised. Aim: Based on evidence that Motivational Interviewing (MI) may improve nursing practice, this was a pilot study evaluating the feasibility of training rehabilitation nurses in MI and measuring patient experience. Method: Nurses underwent training and supervision focusing on MI spirit. Quantitative and qualitative measures were taken pre-training, two months post-training and eight months post training. Expert-by-experience research assistants facilitated patients’ participation in the study. Results: This study showed that training rehabilitation nurses in MI was feasible and relevant to their work. Patients participated in interviews and focus groups with support and potential improvements that require further empirical investigation in patient experience were found following the MI training. Discussion: This pilot study establishes the feasibility of a larger study addressing efficacy. Tentative qualitative findings question whether interactions between nurses and patients are valued in rehabilitation and support MI as a promising skill-set for rehabilitation nurses