Decomposed and composed effects of economic freedom on economic growth in south Asia

It is frequently asserted that high levels of economic growth are supported by economic freedom. For the period 1995-2021, this study examines the influence of the composed economic freedom index and several subcomponents of economic freedom on the economic growth of four South Asian economies, namely Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Ordinary Least Squares, Random Effect Model, and Robust Least Squares approaches are utilized to estimate the composed and decomposed influence of economic freedom on economic growth. Robust Least Squares reflects the robustness of the connection between economic liberty and growth. According to the results of these tests, economic liberty has a strong and favorable stimulus on growth. When the different indicators of economic liberty are evaluated independently, we discovered that the magnitudes of most economic freedom indicators are significant. Conversely, monetary freedom contributes very little to economic expansion. The effects of government spending, public trust, and labor flexibility on economic expansion are hypothetical. The tax load hinders economic expansion in the economies under consideration. Property rights, freedom to do business, trade liberty, investment choice, and financial liberty all have a positive, strong, and sizeable stimulus on economic growth. The decomposed influence of each indicator of economic freedom will help develop policy choices.

Clinical research coordinators' role in knowledge translation activities in rehabilitation: a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Clinical research coordinators (CRCs) facilitate the interaction between researchers and knowledge users in rehabilitation centres to promote and sustain evidence-informed practices. Despite their presence in rehabilitation settings in Quebec for over 20 years, little is known about their profiles and knowledge translation (KT) activities nor how they can best enact their role. This study explored CRCs' roles and perspectives on the barriers, enablers, and strategies for improving KT activities in rehabilitation settings.

METHODS

We conducted a multi-centre, participatory sequential mixed methods study. In the descriptive quantitative phase, we collected data via an online survey to determine CRCs' role in research and KT. In the subsequent qualitative phase, we conducted an in-person focus group to elicit CRCs' perspectives regarding factors influencing their work in KT, and potential solutions for overcoming these challenges. We used a descriptive and an inductive content analysis approach for the data analysis. The data synthesis was inspired by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework.

RESULTS

All nine CRCs from five partner health regions of a large rehabilitation research centre agreed to participate in the study. The data suggest that CRCs are like knowledge brokers and boundary spanners. As information managers, linkage agents and facilitators, CRCs play a pivot role in diffusion, dissemination, synthesis and tailoring of knowledge to improve evidence informed practices and quality of care in rehabilitation. The factors influencing CRCs' KT activities are mostly linked to the context such as the receptivity of the organization as well as the lack of time and resources, and limited understanding of their roles by stakeholders. Two main suggestions made to enhance CRCs' contribution to KT activities include the harmonisation of expectations between the large research centre and their partner health regions, and better promotion of their role to clinical and research teams.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides valuable insights into the scope of CRCs' role. The results shed light on the challenges that they face and potential solutions to overcome them. The knowledge generated in this study can be used to implement this role with similar duties in rehabilitation settings or other health care domains.

Damage signal induced by Bacillus thuringiensis infection triggers immune responses via a DAMP molecule in lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua

Insect immunity defends the infection of an insect pathogenic bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). However, it was not clear on the recognition of Bt infection by the insect immune system. This study tested a physiological function of dorsal switch protein 1 (DSP1) in the Bt infection. DSP1 is classified into HMGB1-like damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) in insects. Upon Bt infection in a lepidopteran Spodoptera exigua, DSP1 was released from the nuclei of the midgut epithelium and activated immune responses. For this DSP1 release, a functional binding between Bt and its receptors on the midgut epithelium was required because any RNA interference (RNAi) treatments of Bt receptor (cadherin or ABCC) prevented the DSP1 release and became susceptible to the bacterial infection. The DSP1 release was required for the gene induction of Repat33, which is a member of response to pathogen gene family and its gene product mediated cellular and humoral immune responses against pathogen infection in S. exigua. The released DSP1 activated phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) to produce eicosanoids, which induced the Repat33 expression because a hemocoelic injection of a recombinant DSP1 induced the Repat33 expression without Bt infection. However, any inhibition of PLA₂ activity impaired the DAMP signaling between DSP1 and Repat33. DSP1 also up-regulated two other immune mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and a cytokine called plasmatocyte-spreading peptide (PSP). Either NO or PSP activated PLA₂ to up-regulate Repat33 expression. These results suggest that Bt infection of the insect midgut generates a DAMP signal via DSP1 release, which turns on NO or the cytokine-PLA₂-Repat33 immune signaling pathway.

Long-term survival with first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a pooled analysis

BACKGROUND

First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab prolongs survival versus chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We further characterized clinical benefit with this regimen in a large pooled patient population and assessed the effect of response on survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were pooled from four studies of first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab in advanced NSCLC (CheckMate 227 Part 1, 817 cohort A, 568 Part 1, and 012). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate, duration of response, and safety were assessed. Landmark analyses of OS by response status at 6 months and by tumor burden reduction in responders to nivolumab plus ipilimumab were also assessed.

RESULTS

In the pooled population (N = 1332) with a minimum follow-up of 29.1-58.9 months, median OS was 18.6 months, with a 3-year OS rate of 35%; median PFS was 5.4 months (3-year PFS rate, 17%). Objective response rate was 36%; median duration of response was 23.7 months, with 38% of responders having an ongoing response at 3 years. In patients with tumor programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) <1%, ≥1%, 1%-49%, or ≥50%, 3-year OS rates were 30%, 38%, 30%, and 48%. Three-year OS rates were 30% and 38% in patients with squamous or non-squamous histology. Efficacy outcomes in patients aged ≥75 years were similar to the overall pooled population (median OS, 20.1 months; 3-year OS rate, 34%). In the pooled population, responders to nivolumab plus ipilimumab at 6 months had longer post-landmark OS than those with stable or progressive disease; 3-year OS rates were 66%, 22%, and 14%, respectively. Greater depth of response was associated with prolonged survival; in patients with tumor burden reduction ≥80%, 50% to <80%, or 30% to <50%, 3-year OS rates were 85%, 72%, and 44%, respectively. No new safety signals were identified in the pooled population.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survival benefit and durable response with nivolumab plus ipilimumab in this large patient population further support this first-line treatment option for advanced NSCLC.

1339 IMPROVING INPATIENT MANAGEMENT OF DELIRIUM IN A DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Background

Delirium is a common clinical condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Early detection is vital to improving management of the condition and improving outcomes.

Aims

Improve delirium detection using the 4AT screening tool as a validated approach; Improve delirium management across multiple domains using the PINCH ME approach; documented attempt at collateral history within 24 hours of recognition of delirium; obtain serological confusion screen in patients with recognised delirium. (100% each)

Method

Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) method was used to conduct this Quality Improvement (QI) project over 12 months. Data was obtained from paper and electronic records in the medical wards with regards to 'at risk patients' (i.e. over 65y, acutely unwell, background of cognitive impairment and/or acute fracture). The use of 4AT or alternative delirium screens from the emergency department (ED) and medical teams were noted. Assessment for pain, urinalysis, serological screens, bowel and nutrition review including MUST scores, medication reviews were looked for. Interventions included presentation and education at the medicine grand round, publishing a poster, and a PINCHME alert sticker for the medical notes to use at time of assessment. 2 PDSA cycles were completed and post sticker results obtained.

Results

Baseline data shows that collateral history was attempted for 70% patients - improved to 100% after sticker use. Use of validated screening test from 15% to 100% after sticker use. Nutrition assessment improved from 15% to 40%. Serological testing improved from 40% to 53%. 100% patients received a medication review after sticker use.

Conclusion

Introduction of PINCHME sticker serves as a prompt to ensure holistic management. Currently delirium management is clinician dependent as there is lack of formal delirium management pathway. Further plan includes involving nursing staff and 'delirium champions' to bring about a formal pathway for lasting change.

Concordance of three approaches for operationalizing outcome definitions for multidrug-resistant TB

BACKGROUND: The WHO provides standardized outcome definitions for rifampicin-resistant (RR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB. However, operationalizing these definitions can be challenging in some clinical settings, and incorrect classification may generate bias in reporting and research. Outcomes calculated by algorithms can increase standardization and be adapted to suit the research question. We evaluated concordance between clinician-assigned treatment outcomes and outcomes calculated based on one of two standardized algorithms, one which identified failure at its earliest possible recurrence (i.e., failure-dominant algorithm), and one which calculated the outcome based on culture results at the end of treatment, regardless of early occurrence of failure (i.e., success-dominant algorithm).METHODS: Among 2,525 patients enrolled in the multi-country endTB observational study, we calculated the frequencies of concordance using cross-tabulations of clinician-assigned and algorithm-assigned outcomes. We summarized the common discrepancies.RESULTS: Treatment success calculated by algorithms had high concordance with treatment success assigned by clinicians (95.8 and 97.7% for failure-dominant and success-dominant algorithms, respectively). The frequency and pattern of the most common discrepancies varied by country.CONCLUSION: High concordance was found between clinician-assigned and algorithm-assigned outcomes. Heterogeneity in discrepancies across settings suggests that using algorithms to calculate outcomes may minimize bias.

Retardation of oxidative rancidity in ghee adding orange peel powder at different storage temperature

This study is aimed to determine and compare the antioxidant activity of Orange Peel Powder (OPP) in ghee at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C and 60 °C) for divergent storage periods (0, 7, 14 and 21 days). To compare the antioxidant potentiality, synthetic antioxidant BHA (Butylated Hydroxy Anisole) is used. Twelve ghee samples were prepared where one was control, another one was BHA treated and the rest ten were admixing OPP in ghee at different ratios. After sensory evaluation three highest scored ghee samples (0.5%. 1.0% and 1.5%) were selected. Samples were analyzed for peroxide (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), free fatty acids (FFA) value and radical scavenging activity. Though storage temperature and storage period were increased OPP treated ghee samples peroxide, TBA and FFA values were lowered significantly compared to control samples. Moreover, 1.0% and 1.5% OPP treated ghee samples such values were lowered than BHA treated ghee samples and all these are on the favor of ghee quality. OPP treated ghee samples' DPPH quench potentiality is also stronger than BHA treated ghee samples. Therefore, OPP is a great source of antioxidants and this can be used in ghee as a natural source of antioxidants.

Isolation and characterization of synthetic pyrethroids-degrading bacterial strains from agricultural soil

Pyrethroid pesticides are commonly used for pest control in agriculture setup, veterinary and home garden. They are now posing increased risks to non-targeted organisms associated to human beings due to their considerable use. The present work deals with the isolation of bacteria with tolerance to high concentrations of bifenthrin and cypermethrin from contaminated soil. Enrichment culture technique (bifenthrin concentration = 50-800 mg/L) was used for bacterial isolation. Bacteria that showed growth on minimal media with bifenthrin were also sub-cultured on minimal media with cypermethrin. Bacteria showing luxurious growth on both the pyrethroid, were screened out based on their morphological, biochemical parameters and by API 20NE Kit. Phylogenetic studies revealed that, one bacterial isolate (MG04) belonging to Acinetobacter lwoffii and other five bacterial isolates (MG06, MG05, MG01, MG03 and MG02) cluster with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida respectively. Isolated members of genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter could be used for further detailed degradation studies by using FTIR, HPLC-MS or GC-MS analysis.

Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health issues in many developing nations especially in Bangladesh. Though most focus is being directed towards mortality and incidence rate, the changes in morbidity and other health status parameters are not been well considered. The aim of the study was a comprehensive assessment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis by measuring patient's quality of life which may lead to better outcome in patients' health, infection surveillance and prevention programs. This prospective study was conducted in the department of Respiratory and Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2015 to March 2017. The quality of life scores of 61 smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases were measured by validated Bangla version of SF-36 questionnaire before or at the starting of treatment, after the initial phase and at the end of treatment. Then the score was compared with those of 75 healthy matched controls. The changes of the quality of life with the stage of treatment and with socio-demographic variables were assessed. Before treatment, all domains of HRQoL of the pulmonary TB patients were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.001). At the end of six-month treatment period, HRQoL of the pulmonary TB patient had significantly increased compared to before treatment (p<0.001). There was no significant difference of scores after six months of treatment with that of control (p>0.05). The lowest score in tuberculosis patients was related to general health perception and vitality. Patients with low socio economic status, low educational level, prolonged disease duration and increased number of symptoms had lower HRQoL scores.

Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Dorsal switch protein 1 as a damage signal in insect gut immunity to activate dual oxidase via an eicosanoid, PGE2

Various microbiota including beneficial symbionts reside in the insect gut. Infections of pathogens cause dysregulation of the microflora and threaten insect survival. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been used in the gut immune responses, in which its production is tightly regulated by controlling dual oxidase (Duox) activity via Ca2+ signal to protect beneficial microflora and gut epithelium due to its high cytotoxicity. However, it was not clear how the insects discriminate the pathogens from the various microbes in the gut lumen to trigger ROS production. An entomopathogenic nematode (Steinernema feltiae) infection elevated ROS level in the gut lumen of a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. Dorsal switch protein 1 (DSP1) localized in the nucleus in the midgut epithelium was released into plasma upon the nematode infection and activated phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The activated PLA2 led to an increase of PGE2 level in the midgut epithelium, in which rising Ca2+ signal up-regulated ROS production. Inhibiting DSP1 release by its specific RNA interference (RNAi) or specific inhibitor, 3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenol, treatment failed to increase the intracellular Ca2+ level and subsequently prevented ROS production upon the nematode infection. A specific PLA2 inhibitor treatment also prevented the up-regulation of Ca2+ and subsequent ROS production upon the nematode infection. However, the addition of PGE2 to the inhibitor treatment rescued the gut immunity. DSP1 release was not observed at infection with non-pathogenic pathogens but detected in plasma with pathogenic infections that would lead to damage to the gut epithelium. These results indicate that DSP1 acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern in gut immunity through DSP1/PLA2/Ca2+/Duox.

Prenatal murine skeletogenesis partially recovers from absent skeletal muscle as development progresses

Skeletal muscle contractions are critical for normal skeletal growth and morphogenesis but it is unclear how the detrimental effects of absent muscle on the bones and joints change over time. Joint shape and cavitation as well as rudiment length and mineralisation were assessed in multiple rudiments at two developmental stages [Theiler stage (TS)24 and TS27] in the splotch-delayed "muscle-less limb" mouse model and littermate controls. Chondrocyte morphology was quantified in 3D in the distal humerus at the same stages. As development progressed, the effects of absent muscle on all parameters except for cavitation become less severe. All major joints in muscle-less limbs were abnormally shaped at TS24, while, by TS27, most muscle-less limb joint shapes were normal or nearly normal. In contrast, any joints that were fused at TS24 did not cavitate by TS27. At TS24, chondrocytes in the distal humerus were significantly smaller in the muscle-less limbs than in controls, while by TS27, chondrocyte volume was similar between the two groups, offering a cell-level mechanism for the partial recovery in shape of muscle-less limbs. Mineralisation showed the most pronounced changes over gestation. At TS24, all muscle-less rudiments studied had less mineralisation than the controls, while at TS27, muscle-less limb rudiments had mineralisation extents equivalent to controls. In conclusion, the effects of muscle absence on prenatal murine skeletogenesis reduced in severity over gestation. Understanding how mammalian bones and joints continue to develop in an environment with abnormal fetal movements provides insights into conditions including hip dysplasia and arthrogryposis.

Flexible Green Supply Chain Management in Emerging Economies: A Systematic Literature Review

The purpose of this research is to synthesize the fragmented extant knowledge on flexible and green supply chain management (FGSCM) in the context of emerging economies and to unearth research gaps to motivate future research. We adopted a novel structured systematic literature review by triangulating a systematic literature review, text mining, and network analysis. Institutional theory and contingency theory were employed to analyze the results of the review. The results show that, firstly, research on FGSCM in emerging economies, despite its importance, is immature compared to general FGSCM literature. Second, the specificities of strategies and practices that distinguish this topic in emerging economies are discussed and the drivers and barriers are identified with respect to sources of institutional pressure. Third, a research framework for FGSCM in emerging economies is developed and 12 gaps for future research are identified. This study has exclusively developed a research framework for FGSCM in an emerging economy which has received the least consideration in the literature and practice. The framework was developed to synthesize the existing literature and to identify the research gaps to inspire future research.

Observation of an Isoscalar Resonance with Exotic J^{PC}=1^{-+} Quantum Numbers in J/ψ→γηη^{'}

Using a sample of (10.09±0.04)×10^{9}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γηη^{'} is performed. The first observation of an isoscalar state with exotic quantum numbers J^{PC}=1^{-+}, denoted as η_{1}(1855), is reported in the process J/ψ→γη_{1}(1855) with η_{1}(1855)→ηη^{'}. Its mass and width are measured to be (1855±9_{-1}^{+6})  MeV/c^{2} and (188±18_{-8}^{+3})  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic, and its statistical significance is estimated to be larger than 19σ.

Globalization and employment nexus: Moderating role of human capital

While globalization has increased the movement and interconnection of goods, technology, and information, it has also affected employment. Many studies have analyzed the impact of globalization on employment creation resulting in positive and negative findings. However, an area of literature still needs to be explored studying how human capital affects the impact of globalization on employment creation. The current study contributes to the literature by analyzing the moderating role of human capital in the globalization-employment nexus in 26 Asian countries. For this, annual panel data were collected from 1996 to 2019. The estimations have been done using 12 model specifications, 6 for direct and 6 for indirect impact association between globalization and employment through the human capital channel. The study uses generalized least square (GLS) method and generalized method of moments (GMM) for empirical analysis. The static and dynamic analysis shows that globalization's direct and indirect impact on employment through the channel of human capital is positive. Industrial value added and economic growth leads to more employment creation, whereas population growth dampens it. Human capital plays a positive role in getting the advantage of globalization in terms of employment creation. This study confirms the literature recommendations of promoting human capital development to achieve globalization's benefits for more employment creation.

Barriers for using amoxycillin dispersible tablet in pediatric pneumonia treatment in Bangladesh

 

World Health Organization recommends guideline for integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) where Amoxicillin Dispersible Tablet (DT) appears as the first drug of choice for treating childhood pneumonia. The Government of Bangladesh adopted the IMCI strategy in 1998, and scaled it up nationwide by 2014. But, even today, the use of Amoxicillin DT, either in public or private sector, for managing childhood pneumonia is a rare event in Bangladesh. We conducted this exploratory study to understand the existing barriers, both in public and private sector, those have influences on reduced availability of Amoxicillin DT and non-compliance of health service providers to follow IMCI guideline by using Amoxicillin DT for treating a child with pneumonia, in Bangladesh. We conducted desk review of relevant strategy and policy documents, key informant interviews with 19 key individuals from Ministry of Health and national / international NGOs. Collected information were analyzed and interpreted using thematic analysis method. Identified barriers through this study pointed to inadequate policy level focus on IMCI implementation, non-inclusion of Amoxicillin DT in the national essential drug list, single source of Amoxicillin DT producing pharmaceutical in the country coupled with bureaucracy and procurement procedural complexity, lack of training of health service providers and abundant availability of antibiotic over the counter. Study respondents recommended for policy level strengthening of IMCI program, increasing coverage of training for health care provider, including practicing pediatricians both at public and private sectors, facilitating production and procurement procedures and prohibiting antibiotic sell over the counter.

Key messages

• Facilitation of production and procurement procedure coupled with enforcement of law prohibiting antibiotics availability over the counter are urgent needs.

• Policy level support emphasizing full compliance of service providers for quality of implementation of IMCI program in Bangladesh (and similar other settings) is also important.

Distribution and Pattern of Anti-Tubercular Drug Resistance in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Mymensingh Region of Bangladesh

Globally, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an increasing problem that adversely affects patient care and public health. This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College from January 2010 to December 2010 to isolate M. tuberculosis from smear-positive sputum samples by Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media and investigate the drug resistance pattern. Among 101 smear-positive cases 80(79.20%) yielded growth of Mycobacteria, 5(4.95%) were contaminated and 16(15.84%) showed no growth. Among 80 isolates 76(95.0%) were M. tuberculosis and the remaining 4(5.0%) were Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). Out of 76 M. tuberculosis 27(35.52%) were resistant to at least one drug, 4(5.26%) to Isoniazid (INH), 1(1.32%) to Rifampicin (RMP), 8(10.53%) to Streptomycin (SM) and 0(0.0%) to Ethambutol (EMB) and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was 9(11.84%). The present study creates the impression that fairly high rate of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance among the tuberculosis cases and also high MDR-TB (Resistant to both Rifampicin and Isoniazide). The emergence of MDR-TB poses significant trouble to TB control activities throughout the world. The complexity of MDR-TB operation makes it essential to produce new skills to design, plan, application and monitor interventions for the management of MDR-TB. More surveillance and immediate remedial interventions should be performed to combat the trouble of MDR-TB to the general population.

Status and challenges for sustainable billfish fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean

Billfish species (families Istiophoridae and Xiphiidae) are caught in artisanal, recreational, and commercial fisheries throughout the Western Indian Ocean region. However, data and information on the interactions among these fisheries and the ecology of billfish in the WIO are not well understood. Using an in-depth analysis of peer-reviewed articles, grey literature, observation studies, and authors' insider knowledge, we summarize the current state of knowledge on billfish fisheries in 10 countries. To describe historical and current trends, we examined fisheries statistics from governmental and non-governmental agencies, sportfishing clubs' reports, diaries of sportfishing captains, and the catch and effort databases of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission. We highlight two key points. First, billfish fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean are highly diverse, comprising two distinct segments-coastal and oceanic. However, data are poor for most countries with significant gaps in information especially for sport and artisanal fisheries. Second, the evidence assembled showed that billfish species have immense social, cultural, and economic value. Swordfish are targeted by both large-scale and semi-industrial fisheries, while other billfish species, particularly marlin, are highly sought after by sport fisheries in most countries. Our paper provides a comprehensive review of billfish fisheries and available information in the context of the WIO underscoring the need to strengthen data collection and reporting, citizen science, and collaborative sustainable development and management of billfish.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11160-022-09725-8.

First Observation of the Direct Production of the χ_{c1} in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation

We study the direct production of the J^{PC}=1^{++} charmonium state χ_{c1}(1P) in electron-positron annihilation by carrying out an energy scan around the mass of the χ_{c1}(1P). The data were collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. An interference pattern between the signal process e^{+}e^{-}→χ_{c1}(1P)→γJ/ψ→γμ^{+}μ^{-} and the background processes e^{+}e^{-}→γ_{ISR}J/ψ→γ_{ISR}μ^{+}μ^{-} and e^{+}e^{-}→γ_{ISR}μ^{+}μ^{-} is observed by combining all the data samples. The χ_{c1}(1P) signal is observed with a significance of 5.1σ. This is the first observation of a C-even state directly produced in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation. The electronic width of the χ_{c1}(1P) resonance is determined to be Γ_{ee}=(0.12_{-0.08}^{+0.13})  eV, which is of the same order of magnitude as theoretical calculations.