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1. Global spectra of plant litter carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and returning amounts

   https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.14250  

   Yuan, Ji; Wu, Fuzhong; Peng, Changhui; Peñuelas, Josep; Vallicrosa, Helena; Sardans, Jordi; Peng, Yan; Wu, Qiqian; Li, Zimin; Heděnec, Petr; et al (April 2024, Journal of Ecology)

   Abstract Litter decomposition is a key ecological process that determines carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The initial concentrations of C and nutrients in litter play a critical role in this process, yet the global patterns of litter initial concentrations of C, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are poorly understood.We employed machine learning with a global database to quantitatively assess the global patterns and drivers of leaf litter initial C, N and P concentrations, as well as their returning amounts (i.e. amounts returned to soils).The medians of litter C, N and P concentrations were 46.7, 1.1, and 0.1%, respectively, and the medians of litter C, N and P returning amounts were 1.436, 0.038 and 0.004 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively. Soil and climate emerged as the key predictors of leaf litter C, N and P concentrations. Predicted global maps showed that leaf litter N and P concentrations decreased with latitude, while C concentration exhibited an opposite pattern. Additionally, the returning amounts of leaf litter C, N and P all declined from the equator to the poles in both hemispheres.Synthesis: Our results provide a quantitative assessment of the global concentrations and returning amounts of leaf litter C, N and P, which showed new light on the role of leaf litter in global C and nutrients cycling. 

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2. Towards More Inclusive Promotion and Tenure Criteria, Policies, and Processes

   https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v14n4p66  

   Schonberg, William (July 2025, International Journal of Higher Education)

   Promotion and tenure (P&T) criteria at research-focused universities typically emphasise research scholarship and productivity. Unfortunately, ‘research’ is often narrowly defined as activities specific to a particular discipline. Rarely does ‘research’ include other activities, even when they are supported by external funding or have archival journals dedicated to their subject. These other activities promote professional development of faculty while advancing university goals; however, despite their importance, these activities are rarely acknowledged in P&T criteria. This paper presents the results of a study that investigates how some universities have diversified P&T paths to be inclusive of broader faculty accomplishments. Recommendations are offered regarding steps to update or develop P&T policies and procedures that give credit for a wider spectrum of faculty activities. 

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3. Biosensor Development and Innovation in Healthcare and Medical Applications

   https://doi.org/10.3390/s23052717  

   Mills, David K.; Nestorova, Gergana G. (March 2023, Sensors)

   The pandemic necessitated a change to the historical diagnostics model [...] 

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4. Photon and Particle Impact Spectroscopy and Dynamics of Atoms, Molecules and Clusters

   https://doi.org/10.3390/atoms11120156  

   Chakraborty, Himadri S; Varma, Hari R (December 2023, Atoms)

   Atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics is a vastly important sub-discipline [...] 

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5. Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Food Acquisition Behavior, and Food Insecurity Before and After the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

   https://doi.org/10.1097/PHH.0000000000001946  

   Hosler, Akiko S; Chen, Jiacheng; Arroyo, Mariana Torres; Neff, Roni A; Bozlak, Christine T; Romeiko, Xiaobo X; Feingold, Beth J (January 2024, Journal of Public Health Management & Practice)

   Objectives:To assess changes in food acquisition behavior, food insecurity, and dietary behavior and identify factors associated with fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption during the transitional period (before and after the initial vaccine rollout for all adults) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design:Successive independent samples design. Online surveys were conducted from October 2020 to February 2021 (time 1, before the vaccine rollout) and from October 2021 to December 2021 (time 2, after the vaccine rollout). Descriptive analysis examined changes in food sources, food security, and daily FV consumption in cup equivalents (CEs) from time 1 to time 2. A multivariable logistic regression analysis examined factors associated with FV consumption. Setting:The Capital Region of New York State. Participants:1553 adults 18 years of age and older. Main Outcome Measure:Meeting the 2020-2025 MyPlate daily FV consumption recommendations. Results:There were statistically significant (P< .05) increases in the use of supermarkets, eat-in restaurants, farmers’ markets, and convenience stores from time 1 to time 2. Food insecurity (40.1% vs 39.4%) and FV consumption (2.6 CE vs 2.4 CE) slightly declined but not significantly. Home food procurement such as gardening and foraging (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.08-2.37) and shopping at food co-op/health food stores (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.07-2.49) were significantly associated with the FV outcome, and these relationships were not modified by food security status. Conclusions:The present study highlights the importance of food sources in understanding adult dietary behavior during the transitional period of the pandemic. Continuing efforts to monitor access to food sources, food insecurity, and dietary behavior are warranted as various COVID-related emergency food assistance measures have expired. 

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