To holistically understand the biology of animals, we must unravel the complexities and specificities of host-microbe interactions across animal taxa. Birds represent enigmatic and scientifically compelling hosts in which to understand these interactions. Here, we present a brief summary of a series of conversations among avian microbiome researchers regarding methodological challenges facing the avian microbiome field, where most research to date has focused on bacterial communities of the gut. Collectively, we acknowledged a commonly shared but underreported issue facing the avian microbiome field: that of difficulty in obtaining high-quality and high-yield microbial DNA from avian fecal samples. We discuss some of the potential reasons underlying low DNA yields, such as inhibitory compounds and rapid DNA degradation, and provide recommendations for how researchers in the avian microbiome field might cope with these methodological challenges. Collective and dedicated efforts to address these challenges will be required for a robust understanding of host-microbe interactions in avian systems.
PurposeDrawing on legitimacy theory, this study examines whether UK NGOs have improved the quality and quantity of their environmental disclosures over a decade, in line with societal expectations for transparency and accountability.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a manual content analysis of annual reports from 35 leading UK NGOs, comparing environmental disclosures from 2013 to 2023. Drawing on established literature, we identified relevant keywords to assess disclosure quality. Consistent with prior studies, disclosure quality was coded into four categories: narrative (NAR), numerical (NUM), policy/targets (P/T) and operational activities (OA). Each disclosure was further classified as internally or externally oriented. To evaluate changes over time, we applied t-tests to examine the statistical significance of variations in disclosure patterns. The analysis compared hand-collected data from 2013 with matched data from 2023. This approach enabled a robust assessment of periodic shifts in environmental reporting practices within the UK NGO sector.FindingsResults show a significant increase in both the volume and quality of environmental disclosures over time. Numerical and operational disclosures, deemed to be of higher quality, rose more than narrative and policy disclosures. Internal-facing disclosures also grew to a higher degree, compared to external-facing, highlighting NGOs' commitment to organisational environmental accountability.Originality/valueThis study provides the first evidence that over the passage of time, NGOs, like publicly listed firms, are adopting high-quality environmental reporting practices. It advances legitimacy theory and contributes to the understanding of NGO accountability.
Purpose Based on the assertion that audit hours/effort enhances audit quality, we posit that as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings increase, shareholders have an incentive to secure increasing levels of audit hours as an ESG rating assurance strategy (audit demand theory). Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of South Korean listed client-firms over the 2011–2019 period, the study captures the association between ESG, (1) audit hours, (2) audit fees and (3) fees per hour. Findings Empirical results show that clients with higher ESG ratings secure increasing levels of audit effort/hours. Moreover, based on ESG status, no fee premium is imparted by audit firms. Results are robust to various forms of additional analysis, including Big4/NonBig4 division, endogeneity tests, amongst others. Originality/value The study contributes to policymaking by reporting that in a rare instance of audit hour information availability on annual reports, a basis exists for clients to secure increasing levels of audit hours, as an ESG rating assurance strategy. The study therefore extends the ESG assurance and audit literatures.
The concept of the ‘landscape of fear’ assumes that animals perceive predation risk and adjust their behaviour to minimize it. If species share the same predator, the presence of one species displaying calm behaviour, may be perceived as a cue indicating a ‘landscape of safety’. We evaluated whether rodents (bank vole, Myodes glareolus, and yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis) can detect landscapes of fear and safety, by using camera traps to monitor covered and uncovered feeders, and emitting sounds of a shared predator (tawny owl, Strix aluco) as well as a possible sentinel species (thrush nightingale, Luscinia luscinia). Additionally, we examined whether interspecific competition could have influenced the behaviour of both rodent species. We found that mouse visitation probability and the number of visits within each 1-hour period were lower at higher risk sites (uncovered feeders) than at safer sites (covered feeders), and the visitation probability was higher when sentinel species calls were played than when predator calls were emitted. Likewise, bank voles visited feeders more often on nights following sentinel species song being played than when predator calls were played on the previous night. The number of vole visitations was on average equal when nightingale song was played and when there was no sound, but was lower when tawny owl calls were played. Vole visitation probability decreased with the increasing number of past visits of a competitor (mouse) when the feeder was covered, but previous presence of a competitor had no effect on vole visitation probability at uncovered feeders. Voles visited feeders less as the number of previous visits of their competitor increased. These results imply that interactions within a community are often more complex than assumed, even if there are no apparent links between prey and sentinel species. Animals may perceive the landscape as continuously transitioning over time, ranging from one invoking fear, through neutral, and to a safe one and this continuous gradient may shape the behavior and distribution of individuals and species. We evaluated whether two rodent species respond to landscapes of fear and safety, created through the use of playback of predator calls (tawny owl) and the song of a possible sentinel species (thrush nightingale). We found that rodent foraging activity depended on the gradient of danger, neutral, and safety cues, but both species exhibited distinct responses, as the behavior of the subordinate species was influenced by the presence of the dominant competitor. Our results confirm that species may eavesdrop on other community members within the habitat and adjust their behavior in response to direct cues of landscape safety.
This paper explores the development of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) over the past two decades and its potential contribution to enhancing participation and engagement in adventure education and outdoor learning (AEOL). We examine the theoretical and conceptual advancements within SDT and pinpoint avenues for future exploration in AEOL. In linking SDT with AEOL, we aim to invigorate both fields and stimulate collaborative research. SDT's focus in understanding human motivation (i.e., competence, autonomy, and relatedness) aligns with the essence of AEOL. Through establishing the distinction between the core constructs of the bright and dark motivational pathways, we address the optimisation of motivation and experiences in AEOL. The increased prominence of the dark pathway within the research literature has signified a pivotal progression in SDT. Moreover, the evolving nature of SDT underscores its adaptability to contemporary complexities in understanding human motivation; solidifying its relevance in ongoing practice and research endeavours.
