scholarly journals Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera, Tingidae) in its invasive range in Europe: perception, knowledge and willingness to act in foresters and citizens

NeoBiota ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
pp. 133-153
Author(s):  
Flavius Bălăcenoiu ◽  
Anže Japelj ◽  
Iris Bernardinelli ◽  
Bastien Castagneyrol ◽  
György Csóka ◽  
...  

The oak lace bug (OLB) Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) is an invasive alien species (IAS) that potentially could have many negative impacts on European oak health. Certain measures can be applied to counteract these effects. However, these measures may not be acceptable for forest managers or other stakeholder groups, such as private forest owners, environmental NGOs or the general public. Thereby, we set out to study the perception and knowledge of foresters and other stakeholders on the health status of European oak forests affected by oak lace bug and to investigate what forest health management measures would be acceptable to these target groups. An online survey questionnaire was designed and distributed via social networks, as well as professional networks via e-mails. The survey questionnaire was completed by 2084 respondents from nine European countries: Austria, Croatia, Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia. Even though only a little over 60% of respondents reported they had noticed the discolouration of oak leaves caused by OLB, almost all (93%) considered it to be a problem. As respondents come from a country where C. arcuata is widespread and established, people’s general knowledge and awareness of OLB began to increase. The survey revealed that foresters thought that the insect affected photosynthesis, acorn crop and the aesthetics of the trees, but cannot cause death of trees. However, they assume that the value of the wood would decrease (this fact is also supported by the respondents who are connected to an environmental NGO), but that OLB does not affect property value. However, forest owners claim that the value of the property can be affected and that people would avoid entering the forest. In terms of potential control methods, respondents preferred biological or mechanical measures over chemical ones. We consider this study to be a good basis for further research on the topic of perception, knowledge and attitudes related to OLB since we can expect that the IAS, such as OLB, will certainly spread to European countries that were not included in this survey.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Floriana Fusco ◽  
Renato Civitillo ◽  
Paolo Ricci ◽  
Sylwia Morawska ◽  
Katarzyna Pustułka ◽  
...  

Purpose That on accountability in public organizations is quite an old debate. Its introduction in judicial systems is, however, still viewed with some suspicion, due to its potential trade-off with independence and impartiality. Nevertheless, the need to respond to the demands for greater transparency and accountability has also pushed judicial organizations to establish a dialogue with a wide range of subjects. This study aims to explore the understanding and the current practices of sustainability reporting currently in place in judicial systems. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a comparative approach, conducting an online survey in two European countries (Italy and Poland). The survey was built around the research questions and literature and administered between February and March 2020. Specifically, 804 courts were involved, of which 430 are in Italy and 374 in Poland. Findings Findings show that the current practices are still not widespread and there is still a lack of understanding of what sustainability reporting is, and therefore, of what its potential usefulness within the courts could be. Moreover, many differences between the two countries are pointed out, so it is possible to assume that the different cultural and institutional settings influence sustainability reporting practices. Finally, some interesting implications for policymakers are provided. Originality/value Judicial organizations are still poorly investigated in the literature, despite being at the center of a wide public and political debate. Moreover, the international comparative perspective adopted constitutes a further aspect of novelty.


2021 ◽  
pp. jrheum.210009
Author(s):  
Ritch te Kampe ◽  
Tim L. Jansen ◽  
Caroline van Durme ◽  
Matthijs Janssen ◽  
Gudula Petersen ◽  
...  

Objective To assess health- and patient-centered outcomes in gout across Europe, and explore patient-, care-, and country-level characteristics associated with these outcomes. Methods Patients with self-reported physician-diagnosed gout from 14 European countries completed an online survey. Multivariable mixed-effect logistic and linear regressions were computed for health outcomes (gout flare recurrence) and patient-centered outcomes (patient satisfaction with current medication, and unaddressed goals), accounting for clustering within countries. The role of patient-, care- and country-level factors was explored. Results 1029 patients, predominantly diagnosed by a general practitioner, participated. One or more gout flares were reported by 70% of patients and ≥3 flares by 32%. Gout patients reported 1.1±1.2 unaddressed goals, and 80% were satisfied with current medication. Patients with ≥3 and ≥1 flares were less likely to be treated with urate-lowering therapy (ULT) [OR:0.52(0.39-0.70) and OR:0.38(0.28-0.53), respectively], but more likely to have regular physician visits [OR:2.40(1.79-3.22) and OR:1.77(1.30- 2.41)]. Three or more gout flares were also associated with lower satisfaction [OR:0.39(0.28-0.56)], and more unaddressed goals [B:0.36(0.19-0.53)]. Notwithstanding, the predicted probability of being satisfied was still between 57% and 75% among patients with ≥3 flares but who were not receiving ULT. Finally, patients from wealthier and Northern European countries more frequently had ≥3 gout flares. Conclusion Across Europe, many gout patients remain untreated despite frequent reported flares. Remarkably, a substantial proportion of them were still satisfied with gout management. A better understanding of patients' satisfaction and its role in physicians' gout management decisions is warranted to improve quality of care and gout outcomes across Europe.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (692) ◽  
pp. e179-e185
Author(s):  
Christopher R Wilcox ◽  
Paul Little ◽  
Christine E Jones

BackgroundAntenatal vaccines are commonly delivered in primary care, yet the views of GPs regarding these programmes have been neglected in research to date.AimTo establish the attitudes and current practice of GPs towards antenatal vaccination and their views on the optimal location for delivery of this service.Design and settingA multicentre online survey questionnaire.MethodA questionnaire was sent to GPs across England between December 2018 and January 2019.ResultsThe majority of 1586 responders considered antenatal vaccination safe (96% for influenza, 89% pertussis). GPs were significantly less confident in their knowledge of pertussis compared with influenza vaccination (64% versus 80% were confident, P<0.001), and many desired further education (59% versus 48%, P<0.001). Few (37%) discussed vaccination with pregnant women regularly, but most (80%) felt their recommendation would influence decision making. Those with greater confidence in their knowledge of pertussis and influenza vaccination, and who were >2 years since qualifying, discussed vaccination significantly more often (odds ratio [OR] 3.52, P<0.001; OR 2.34, P = 0.001; OR 1.76, P = 0.003, respectively), regardless of whether they routinely saw pregnant women. Most (83%) reported that antenatal vaccination was GP led in their region, yet only 26% thought it should be primarily GP based. GPs expressed disconnect from antenatal care, and many suggested that midwives and/or secondary care should take greater responsibility for the delivery of antenatal vaccination.ConclusionThere is support among GPs to embed vaccination programmes within routine antenatal care. Further educational resources, specifically designed for the needs of GPs, are needed to facilitate opportunistic discussion with pregnant women about vaccination.


Author(s):  
Kamil Zaworski ◽  
Zofia Kubińska ◽  
Adrianna Dziewulska ◽  
Olga Walasek

Abstract Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the engagement of adult Poles in physical activity (PA) before and during the coronavirus pandemic, taking into consideration: frequency, duration and types of the activity depending on the gender and age of the participants. Methods: The study was conducted using an online survey questionnaire. 688 residents of Poland aged 18 to 58 (28.61±9.5) years old participated in the study. Results: A statistically significant decrease in the frequency of PA was noted in the group of men (p=0.0001) and in the age group of 39 to 58 years old. The analysis of the duration of a single PA before and during the pandemic has shown a statistically significant reduction in the workout time among both men and women and across all age groups (p=0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the frequency of women undertaking flexibility exercises, e.g. yoga (p=0.000), as well as a decrease in marching and walks (p=0.003). Men significantly less frequently did strength exercises (p=0.002). Conclusions: During the pandemic, there was a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and duration of PA. The preferences of the participants as to the type of PA undertaken changed as well.


Author(s):  
Erin Trauth ◽  
Ella R. Browning

In this study, the authors examine patient use of and feelings about wearable technologies for health attainment and management. Based on an online survey of 81 patients using wearable technologies to track and manage health, as well as interviews with three patients utilizing wearables for health management, the authors examine how wearable technologies are being used by patients to attain health, manage health, and/or prevent health issues, and what value users find in these wearable technologies. The authors also examine how such use is impacting communication between medical professionals and patients. Specifically, the authors explore how the inclusion of wearable technologies has changed the “rhetorical relationship” between patients and medical professionals. The study concludes with a discussion of the future of wearable devices in patient-medical practitioner relationships and clinical settings.


2019 ◽  

Industry 4.0 and digitalisation are current developments that are having a strong impact on the world of work and our society. However, their consequences are still relatively unclear. A look at four economically strong European countries (Germany, Italy, Sweden and Spain) shows that technological and economic developments as well as expectations are debated differently. This book is separated into four sections. Its first part provides an overview of the scope and effects of digitalisation. Its second and third parts focus on reports and results from the four countries mentioned above. These are based on expert discussions and a Delphi online survey conducted in three waves which asked questions on and developed future scenarios. The book’s final part deals with possible courses of action at the workplace and in politics. The articles this book contains are written in German or English and are complemented with summaries in German, English, Italian and Spanish. With contributions by Krister Andersson, Prof. Dr. Daniel Buhr, Dagmar Bürkardt, Sonia Cattaneo, Massimo Darchini, Laura Diéguez Ferrer, Bernd Dworschak, Dr. Miriam Ferrari, Dan Gabrielsson, Daniel Garrell Ballester, Karl-Ulrich Gscheidle, Anneke Ilsemann, Kent Kling, Dr. Harald Kohler, Norbert Kreuzkamp, Martin Kunzmann, Luis Lageder, Dr. Luca Lombi, Dr. Erika Mezger, Dr. Raphael Menez, Prof. Dr. Josef Schmid, Welf Schröter, Heinrich Tiemann.


E-methodology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 37-43
Author(s):  
KAMILA WYLĘGŁY

Aim. The aim of the study is to prove the effectiveness of conducting Internet researchwhen analysing controversial and embarrassing topics, such as e.g. providing sex servicesfor money during studies.Methodology. The research group consisted of 1877 people taking up studies atPolish universities. Empirical data was collected using a questionnaire form via the Internet.Respondents were asked about their own experience in prostitution and their attitudetowards providing sexual services for money. Students expressed their opinions ona four-level scale and in open questions, where they had the opportunity to write a longeranswer.Results. Studies conducted via the Internet have shown that the phenomenon of studentprostitution is popular in Polish academic circles. It turned out that the most frequentreasons for practising prostitution were: the unfavourable material situation in the familyhome, unfavourable material situation during studies, lack of responsibility for oneself andlow level of religiousness. What is more, in the open questions the students indicated: laziness,above-average sexual drive and consumerism supported by the culture of promiscuity.The online survey gave the respondents an increased sense of anonymity, which madethem willing to share their experiences and private stories.


Author(s):  
Sherab Jatsho1 ◽  
Sonam Dhendup

This study examined belief, concern, and practice of the in-service postgraduate science teachers towards solid waste management and recycle (SWMR) in one of the colleges of education in Bhutan. A structured online survey questionnaire was administered to 39 first-year in-service science teachers out of which 22 (13 male and 9 female) responded. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics such as determining mean and standard deviation. Further, Pearson product-moment correlation was employed in order to determine the significance of some of the demographic characteristics on their belief, concern, and practice towards SWMR. An independent samples test revealed that the only statistically significant difference between the gender is observed in theme concern(p<0.05=0.028), with females reporting higher levels of concerns than the males. However, one-way ANOVA result did not show any statistically significant presence in the teaching subjects among the three themes (F (3, 18) = 0.477, p > 0.001). The Pearson’s productmoment correlation revealed statistically significant relation between respondents’ belief and practice (r=0.01, p > 0.05), whereas negative correlation(r=-.37, p > 0.05) were found between respondents’ concern and practice towards SWMR.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-72
Author(s):  
Andrew Morris ◽  
Anna Kristín Sigurðardóttir ◽  
Per H Skoglund ◽  
Tomislav Tudjman

This article is based on an international study of knowledge-exchange schemes between schools and universities. It describes a number of such schemes in European countries, and offers practical suggestions about factors to be borne in mind when setting up a scheme. It combines the results of an online survey of 13 schemes in 6 EU countries and an analysis of 4 particular schemes in greater depth. The latter include a generic online space, a city-based forum, a university–school partnership and a rural collaboration on a specific issue. Based on these four cases, observations are made about factors that appear to help or hinder the interplay of knowledge exchange and practice improvement. A sequence of stages is suggested to describe the process.


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