bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agricultural extension in Papua New Guinea: the challenges facing demand-driven extension from the perspective of practitioners
Authors: Hainzer Kirt , O'Mullan Catherine , Brown Philip Hugh 
Published: April 2023

PurposeAgricultural extension has played a central role in building the capacity of smallholders for decades. In efforts to improve extension outcomes, demand-driven approaches have emerged to better align extension content with smallholder context. The aim of this paper is to explore the challenges facing demand-driven extension in Papua New Guinea.Design/methodology/approachExploratory case study methodology was used to explore the challenges facing demand-driven extension from the perspectives of 11 practitioners experienced in community engagement in Papua New Guinea.FindingsAlthough there is great potential for demand-driven extension, this research found extension services in Papua New Guinea are ill-equipped to introduce and sustain a resource-intensive approach like demand-driven extension. It further found that rural farmers who extension organisations have long neglected lack the necessary skills and trust to gain from these services.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this research is that it only reflects the opinions of practitioners working in Papua New Guinea. Further research featuring a broader sample of value chain actors connected to extension would provide a more complete understanding of the potential challenges to demand-driven engagement in this context.Originality/valueWith a growing interest among development projects to utilise demand-driven engagement with farmers, this research is the first study to explore the challenge facing this promising approach in Papua New Guinea.
Building artificial intelligence enabled resilient supply chain: a multi-method approach
Authors: Singh Rohit Kumar , Modgil Sachin , Shore Adam 
Published: April 2023

PurposeIn the uncertain business environment, the supply chains are under pressure to balance routine operations and prepare for adverse events. Consequently, this research investigates how artificial intelligence is used to enable resilience among supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThis study first analyzed the relationship among different characteristics of AI-enabled supply chain and how these elements take it towards resilience by collecting the responses from 27 supply chain professionals. Furthermore, to validate the results, an empirical analysis is conducted where the responses from 231 supply chain professionals are collected.FindingsFindings indicate that the disruption impact of an event depends on the degree of transparency kept and provided to all supply chain partners. This is further validated through empirical study, where the impact of transparency facilitates the mass customization of the procurement strategy to Last Mile Delivery to reduce the impact of disruption. Hence, AI facilitates resilience in the supply chain.Originality/valueThis study adds to the domain of supply chain and information systems management by identifying the driving and dependent elements that AI facilitates and further validating the findings and structure of the elements through empirical analysis. The research also provides meaningful implications for theory and practice.
Use of mobile phone technologies for accessing agricultural marketing information by grape smallholder farmers: a technological acceptance model (TAM) perspective
Authors: Nyagango Alex I. , Sife Alfred S. , Kazungu Isaac 
Published: April 2023

PurposeFactors influencing the use of mobile phone technologies for agricultural market information access remain a mixed debate, and there are contradictive views among studies. This study examined factors influencing the use of mobile phone technologies for agricultural marketing information access. The study is anchored on the technological acceptance model (TAM).Design/methodology/approachA descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted with a sample size of 400 grape smallholder farmers. A structured questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to gather data. Descriptive, ordinal logistic regression and thematic approaches were used in data analysis.FindingsThe study confirmed grape smallholder farmers generally considered mobile phone technologies as an appropriate communication channel to stay informed about agricultural marketing information. It was found that reliable electricity supply, relevance, timeliness, perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) of mobile phone technologies influenced the level of agricultural marketing information access.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to a selected number of grape smallholder farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania, and leaves out those without mobile phones. Also, the study was cross-sectional in nature, so it may not be necessarily capable of consistently providing critical and consistent information about the same population over a series of times.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge by integrating the use of mobile phone technologies to access marketing information in informing policy and decision-making processes to promote grape marketing.
Drought neutralizes positive effects of long‐term grazing on grassland productivity through altering plant–soil interactions
Authors: Duan Dongdong , Tian Zhen , Wu Nana , Feng Xiaoxuan , Hou Fujiang , Nan Zhibiao , Kardol Paul , Chen Tao 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Livestock grazing is among the most intensive land‐use activities in grasslands, and can affect plant communities directly or indirectly via grazing‐induced soil legacies. Under climate change, grasslands are threatened globally by recurrent drought. However, the extent to which drought influences grazing‐induced soil legacy effects on plant biomass production and community composition remains largely unexplored.

We grew five naturally co‐occurring plant species (three dominants and two subordinates) in mixed communities in a glasshouse experiment in live and sterilized soil that had or had not been subjected to 19 years of grazing; these plant communities were then exposed to a subsequent drought. We tested the treatment effects on plant community biomass, proportional above‐ground biomass of individual species, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal root colonization, and soil nutrient availability.

Under drought‐free conditions, soils from grazed plots produced significantly higher plant above‐ground and total community biomass compared to soils from ungrazed plots. In contrast, plant above‐ground and total community biomass were similar between grazed and ungrazed soils under drought conditions. Similarly, soils from grazed plots increased the proportional biomass of dominant species but decreased the proportion of subordinate species; however, the proportional biomass of dominant and subordinate species was similar between grazed and ungrazed soils under drought conditions. Soil NO3−‐N in grazed soil was significantly higher compared to ungrazed soil. Drought dramatically increased soil NO3−‐N in sterilized soil and had a more pronounced increase in grazed soil than in ungrazed soil. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal root colonization from grazed soil was lower compared to ungrazed soil. Drought significantly increased the soil available phosphorus concentration, as well as plant community AM fungal root colonization.

Synthesis. Our study suggests that drought can neutralize positive grazing effects on plant community biomass production via altered plant–soil interactions. Also, we found that drought can alleviate the negative effects of grazing legacies on subordinate species by reducing competitiveness of dominant species. Our study provides new insights for understanding the underlying mechanisms of grazing effects on grassland productivity under climate change.

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Heterosis and reselection for pyrethroid resistance trait maintenance in the lady beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar)
Authors: Nascimento Deividy V. , Lira Rogério , Torres Jorge B. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractExposure of Eriopis connexa (Germar) to pyrethroid residues in agroecosystems has resulted in selection for resistance (R). Pyrethroid resistance allows E. connexa to survive lambda‐cyhalothrin applications. Following a field release of E. connexa, development of resistance in an incipient population may depend on three major factors such as the maintenance of: (i) selection pressure, (ii) frequency of mating with susceptible phenotypes (S) and (iii) differential reproductive performance due to the fitness costs associated with resistance. To investigate the potential effects of these three factors on the development of pyrethroid resistance by progeny of field released E. connexa, our experiments included panmictic mating between R and S phenotypes, followed by descendant rearing with and without insecticide selection pressure, reselection and determination of resistance levels. In addition, we measured the reproductive performance of the parental R and S phenotypes and their descendants to assess the cost of resistance after crossing and reselection. Survival of R × S descendants exposed to lambda‐cyhalothrin was reduced across successive generations in the absence of selection pressure, but still enhanced after four generations indicating the persistent presence of resistant phenotypes in the population. Under selection pressure with exposure to lambda‐cyhalothrin applied at label rates, descendant survival was >50%. Fecundity and survival were higher in the first‐generation of crossed R × S females, but higher fecundity was not sustained after reselection. Adults of the R population exhibited a fitness cost, reduced longevity, when compared to S phenotypes and R × S crossed populations. Therefore, resistance maintenance in E. connexa after release will depend on selection pressures imposed by insecticide exposure. In the absence of selection pressure, the phenotype for resistance was reduced, but not completely lost. Further, resistant phenotypes can be reselected following insecticide exposure and this can explain, in part, the high frequency of field‐evolved resistance to lambda‐cyhalothrin in E. connexa.
The intertransverse process block single‐ or multiple‐injection? A study protocol
Authors: de la Fuente Birkebæk Amanda , Tanggaard Katrine , Bojesen Sophie , Therkelsen Anne Sofie , Klementsen Cecilie H. , Hansen Christian K. , Vazin Mojgan , Poulsen Troels Dirch , Børglum Jens , Nielsen Martin V. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsIntertransverse process (ITP) blocks are applied on the posterior side of the thoracic paravertebral space. The modality is described as being a paravertebral block by proxy, possibly providing a similar analgesic effect as the thoracic paravertebral block. However, systematic evidence on anaesthetised dermatomes and the extent of cutaneous sensory loss following ITP blocks is sparse. This study aims to test the single‐ versus the multiple‐injection ITP block. The primary outcome is the number of anaesthetised thoracic dermatomes for each block type.MethodsTwelve healthy male volunteers will participate in this randomised, procedure‐related, double‐blinded, non‐inferiority crossover trial after informed consent. Blinded participants will receive either a unilateral single‐injection ITP block with 21 mL ropivacaine 7.5 mg/mL including two sham blocks or a unilateral multiple‐injection ITP block with 3 × 7 mL ropivacaine 7.5 mg/mL on study Day 1, and the other modality on study Day 2. Block applicants will be blinded from outcome assessment and vice versa. Following block application sensory test by mechanical pinprick and temperature discrimination will be performed. Anterior truncal thermography will be measured three times after block application to compare skin temperature in the mid‐clavicular line between the blocked and the contralateral non‐blocked hemithorax. In addition, blood pressure changes are measured three times non‐invasively.DiscussionThe current study will provide substantial knowledge regarding the cutaneous sensory loss of the ITP block. Furthermore, the study might provide insight regarding the possible clinical usage of thermography as a reliable instrument for measuring nerve block efficacy.
Do we need to unfriend a few friends? Free‐ranging dogs affect wildlife and pastoralists in the Indian Trans‐Himalaya
Authors: Mahar N. , Habib B. , Hussain S. A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDogs Canis lupus familiaris, among canids, have emerged as the most successful predators and facultative scavengers, and have prevented other carnivores from approaching human habitats through intraguild competition. Over time with increasing population and livestock predation, they have become a matter of concern for pastoralists. The present study was conducted to understand the patterns of free‐ranging dogs' predation on livestock and wildlife, from 2015 to 2017 in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS), Ladakh, India. Information was collected on (a) dog populations in 10 sites using polygon search in Spatially Explicit Capture‐Recapture framework and block count, (b) their diet using scat analysis (n = 205) and (c) perceptions of pastoralists towards dogs through questionnaire‐based interviews (n = 210). Dog densities varied between 10 and 310 individuals/100 km2 and were high in and around human habitations. A major part of their diet constituted of livestock (74.29%) and wild species (13.06%). Among wild prey species, birds (4.49%), lagomorphs (3.67%), rodents (2.45%) and Tibetan wild ass (1.63%) had high occurrence in dog diet. The local people admitted that dogs pose a threat to livestock and wildlife. As unowned free‐ranging dogs harm livestock and wildlife, about 40% of the respondents had negative perceptions towards them. The perception varied with occupation and pastoralists were more negative than non‐pastoralists (P < 0.001). We suggest that effective mechanisms need to be identified or developed to manage dog populations in ecologically and economically sensitive areas to minimise the threats and safeguard the endangered wildlife and local livelihoods.
Sex pheromone of Nearctic Agriotes mancus and its similarity to that of three Palearctic Agriotes invasive in North America
Authors: Singleton Kendal , van Herk Willem G. , Saguez Julien , Scott Ian , Gries Regine , Gries Gerhard 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The wheat wireworm, Agriotes mancus (Coleoptera: Elateridae), is a predominant elaterid pest species in the Nearctic region, with a life history and morphology similar to those of Agriotes obscurus, Agriotes lineatus and Agriotes sputator, three Palearctic pest elaterids invasive in North America. Here, we report the identification and field testing of the sex pheromone of A. mancus.
We collected headspace volatiles from female beetles on Porapak Q, and analysed aliquots of Porapak extract by gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD) and by GC‐mass spectrometry. In GC‐EAD recordings, two esters—geranyl butanoate and geranyl hexanoate—elicited antennal responses from A. mancus males. In field experiments, trap lures containing both geranyl butanoate and geranyl hexanoate afforded large captures of A. mancus males, which were—on average—approximately 30‐fold higher than captures in traps baited with a single ester.
Traps baited with geranyl butanoate as a single‐component lure captured a significant number of Palearctic A. sputator, indicating the establishment of A. sputator in its invaded Nearctic range.
With the A. mancus sex pheromone now known, it can be included in the development of pheromone‐based programmes to monitor and manage native and invasive Agriotes pests in North America.
Exposure to weak opioids and risk of gastrointestinal tract cancers: A series of nested case‐control studies
Authors: Houston Martin G. , McMenamin Úna , Johnston Brian , McDowell Ronald D. , Hughes Carmel M. , Murchie Peter , Cardwell Chris R. 
Published: April 2023

AimsThere is evidence gastrointestinal (GI) motility may play a role in the development of GI cancers. Weak opioids (codeine and dihydrocodeine) decrease GI motility, but their effect on GI cancer risk has not been assessed. We aim to assess the association between weak opioids and cancers of the GI tract.MethodsA series of nested case‐control studies was conducted using Scottish general practice records from the Primary Care Clinical Informatics Unit Research database. Oesophageal (n = 2432), gastric (n = 1443) and colorectal cancer (n = 8750) cases, diagnosed between 1999 and 2011, were identified and matched with up to five controls. Weak opioid use was identified from prescribing records. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant comorbidities and medication use.ResultsThere was no association between weak opioids and colorectal cancer (adjusted OR = 0.96, CI 0.90, 1.02, P = 0.15). There was an increased risk of oesophageal (adjusted OR = 1.16, CI 1.04, 1.29, P = 0.01) and gastric cancer (adjusted OR = 1.26, CI 1.10, 1.45, P = 0.001). The associations for oesophageal cancer, but not gastric cancer, were attenuated when weak opioid users were compared with users of another analgesic (adjusted OR = 1.03 CI 0.86, 1.22, P = 0.76 and adjusted OR = 1.29 CI 1.02, 1.64, P = 0.04 respectively).ConclusionsIn this large population‐based study, there was no consistent evidence of an association between weak opioids and oesophageal or colorectal cancer risk, but a small increased risk of gastric cancer. Further investigation is required to determine whether this association is causal or reflects residual confounding or confounding by indication.
Analysing the impact of green consumption values on brand responses and behavioural intention
Authors: Risitano Marcello , Romano Rosaria , La Ragione Giuseppe , Quintano Michele 
Published: April 2023

AbstractEnvironmental sustainability is an increasingly important issue for many business and social actors. This has led many scholars to research the effects of this phenomenon from various points of view trying to understand whether green attitudes can influence consumer behaviours in sustaining consumer–brand relationships. Accordingly, this paper aims to explore the impact of green consumer values on consumer–brand relationships in driving intentional behaviour. The authors developed an empirical study based on a research framework with six latent variables and 43 manifest variables using a partial least squares‐structural equation (PLS‐SEM). A survey was given to a sample of Italian consumers (n = 661) to explore mobility choices from a sustainability perspective (i.e. car and motorcycle users). The main findings show that green consumption values positively impact offline and online brand responses. Moreover, the research outcomes are discussed and evaluated in terms of theoretical, managerial and policy implications. Finally, we present the main limits and future research opportunities.
Predicting short‐term and long‐term mortalities from sepsis in patients who receive allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wu Ye‐Jun , Liu Hui‐Xin , Zhu Xiao‐Lu , Fu Hai‐Xia , He Yun , Wang Feng‐Rong , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Mo Xiao‐Dong , Han Wei , Wang Jing‐Zhi , Wang Yu , Chen Huan , Chen Yu‐Hong , Zhao Xiang‐Yu , Chang Ying‐jun , Xu Lan‐Ping , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Zhang Xiao‐Hui 
Published: April 2023

SummaryPatients who receive allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) may develop sepsis, which result in a highly intensive care unit admission rate and mortality. Therefore, short‐term and long‐term prognostic models for sepsis after allo‐HSCT are urgently needed. We enrolled patients receiving allo‐HSCT who developed sepsis after allo‐HSCT at Peking University People's Hospital between 2012 and 2021, including 287 patients who received allo‐HSCT in 2018–2021 in the derivation cohort, and 337 patients in 2012–2017 in the validation cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors, and these identified factors were incorporated into two scoring models. Seven independent factors (acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), chronic GVHD (cGVHD), total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and organ dysfunction [renal, lung and heart]) were included in the 6‐month prognostic model, and six factors (cGVHD, C‐reactive protein, LDH, organ dysfunction [lung, neurologic and coagulation]) were included in the 14‐day prognostic model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration plots and decision curve analysis demonstrated the robust predictive performance of the models, better than the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. Early identification of patients with high risk of 6‐month and 14‐day death may allow clinicians to provide timely treatments and improve the therapeutic effects.
Clinical predominance of whole‐exome sequencing to evaluate microsatellite instability status
Authors: Takamatsu Reika , Nakamura Kohei , Suzuki Okihide , Okada Chihiro , Mori Ryo , Kawano Ryutaro , Hayashi Hideyuki , Ishikawa Marin , Aimono Eriko , Nohara Sachio , Tanishima Shigeki , Ueki Arisa , Ishida Hideyuki , Nishihara Hiroshi 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe microsatellite instability (MSI)/mismatch repair (MMR) status is one of the critical genomic biomarkers for predicting patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In this study, we aimed to investigate the concordance among the MSIsensor score obtained from whole‐exome sequencing (WES), which could be a futuristic clinical cancer sequencing method, using only tumor tissues, MSI‐PCR results, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results to analyze various solid cancer types. We first endeavored to set the cut‐off value of MSIsensor to determine functional deficient mismatch repair (f‐dMMR) status. The MSI status of 1054 patients analyzed using WES was evaluated using MSIsensor. In addition, 87 of these patients were further analyzed using MSI‐PCR and MMR IHC to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the MSIsensor cut‐off score. Our results showed that score 12.5 was an adequate cut‐off score equivalent to PCR‐confirmed MSS/MSI‐low and MSI‐high statuses, with sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values of 95.2%, 100%, and 0.998, respectively. Moreover, we identified false‐positive cases of tumors with high mutational burden with an MSIsensor score <12.5, and optional IHC examination could rescue these cases. In conclusion, the MSIsensor score obtained using WES with tumor tissue showed a high clinical validity, with a cut‐off value of 12.5 for f‐dMMR detection, in combination with optional IHC analysis for MMR. Our novel algorithm will provide insights into the development of ICIs for cancer treatment, particularly when WES becomes a more common cancer genomic test in the near future.