cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28093149
title: Profitability and resource use efficiency of rice seed production: A case of Chitwan, Nepal

description: Nepal’s food security is predominantly sustained by the production of cereal crops, with rice serving as the principal staple. Despite its socio-economic importance, the rice seed sub-sector remains underdeveloped and fragmented, resulting in a growing dependence on imported seeds. This situation underscores the need for a better understanding of the resource use efficiency and profitability of the domestic rice seed sub-sector, which was explored through semi-structured interviews conducted with 223 growers across two major rice seed production clusters in the Chitwan district, Nepal. For this, a purposive sampling approach was initially employed to select the district and clusters, followed by a simple random sampling of growers within each cluster. Profitability was assessed using cost-benefit analysis, while resource use efficiency (RUE) was evaluated through Cobb-Douglas regression. The results revealed a benefit-cost ratio of 1.85, indicating rice seed production is a profitable enterprise. The RUE analysis revealed that increasing the seed rate and agro-chemicals use by 98% and 90%, respectively, could improve efficiency, also reducing human labor, tillage, and irrigation by 16%, 209%, and 113%, respectively also optimizes the resource use. The study recommends increasing the use of quality seeds and agrochemicals while at the same time minimizing costs related to labor, tillage, and irrigation to enhance efficiency in the rice seed sector. The findings from this study can play a pivotal role in increasing profitability and optimizing resource use in the rice seed sub-sector of Nepal by providing an important policy guideline which can increase the domestic seed production and reduce the reliance on imported rice seeds. Further research is recommended to identify constraints to efficient resource use and to conduct a comparative economic analysis of adopting alternative technologies.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28093149.v1
title: Profitability and resource use efficiency of rice seed production: A case of Chitwan, Nepal

description: Nepal’s food security is predominantly sustained by the production of cereal crops, with rice serving as the principal staple. Despite its socio-economic importance, the rice seed sub-sector remains underdeveloped and fragmented, resulting in a growing dependence on imported seeds. This situation underscores the need for a better understanding of the resource use efficiency and profitability of the domestic rice seed sub-sector, which was explored through semi-structured interviews conducted with 223 growers across two major rice seed production clusters in the Chitwan district, Nepal. For this, a purposive sampling approach was initially employed to select the district and clusters, followed by a simple random sampling of growers within each cluster. Profitability was assessed using cost-benefit analysis, while resource use efficiency (RUE) was evaluated through Cobb-Douglas regression. The results revealed a benefit-cost ratio of 1.85, indicating rice seed production is a profitable enterprise. The RUE analysis revealed that increasing the seed rate and agro-chemicals use by 98% and 90%, respectively, could improve efficiency, also reducing human labor, tillage, and irrigation by 16%, 209%, and 113%, respectively also optimizes the resource use. The study recommends increasing the use of quality seeds and agrochemicals while at the same time minimizing costs related to labor, tillage, and irrigation to enhance efficiency in the rice seed sector. The findings from this study can play a pivotal role in increasing profitability and optimizing resource use in the rice seed sub-sector of Nepal by providing an important policy guideline which can increase the domestic seed production and reduce the reliance on imported rice seeds. Further research is recommended to identify constraints to efficient resource use and to conduct a comparative economic analysis of adopting alternative technologies.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30366451
title: Implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for optimized crop management: a systematic review on data-driven approach to enhancing resource use and agricultural sustainability

description: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming agriculture by enabling data-driven decisions that elevate productivity and sustainability. This review synthesises 95 studies published between 2013 and 2023 that evaluate applications across crop monitoring, yield prediction, and resource optimisation. Reported model accuracies for neural networks, decision trees, and deep learning reached up to 93 percent; deep learning was most accurate but least interpretable. Reported benefits include a 25 percent increase in yield, a 28 percent reduction in costs, 40 percent efficiency gains, 22 percent water savings, 28 percent fertilizer savings, and 35 percent lower nitrogen runoff. Adoption barriers persist, including poor data quality, expensive infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and ethical concerns around data ownership and bias. Integrated, enterprise-scale platforms favor large farms, while mobile AI applications yield 15-30 percent gains for smallholders. Converging technologies blockchain, IoT, and robotics enable integration, and automation can lower labor and input requirements by 35 percent. The review points to the importance of inclusion policies, transparent systems, and global governance. Overall, AI/ML are drivers of socio-technical transition consistent with Sustainability Transitions Theory, necessitating multidisciplinary strategies for sustainable, climate-resilient food systems.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30366451.v1
title: Implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for optimized crop management: a systematic review on data-driven approach to enhancing resource use and agricultural sustainability

description: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming agriculture by enabling data-driven decisions that elevate productivity and sustainability. This review synthesises 95 studies published between 2013 and 2023 that evaluate applications across crop monitoring, yield prediction, and resource optimisation. Reported model accuracies for neural networks, decision trees, and deep learning reached up to 93 percent; deep learning was most accurate but least interpretable. Reported benefits include a 25 percent increase in yield, a 28 percent reduction in costs, 40 percent efficiency gains, 22 percent water savings, 28 percent fertilizer savings, and 35 percent lower nitrogen runoff. Adoption barriers persist, including poor data quality, expensive infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and ethical concerns around data ownership and bias. Integrated, enterprise-scale platforms favor large farms, while mobile AI applications yield 15-30 percent gains for smallholders. Converging technologies blockchain, IoT, and robotics enable integration, and automation can lower labor and input requirements by 35 percent. The review points to the importance of inclusion policies, transparent systems, and global governance. Overall, AI/ML are drivers of socio-technical transition consistent with Sustainability Transitions Theory, necessitating multidisciplinary strategies for sustainable, climate-resilient food systems.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30797821
title: Postharvest bioassay of mandarin fruits against blue mold (<i>Penicillium italicum</i>) using sustainable management approaches

description: Blue mold is a major postharvest disease of mandarin, causing substantial losses during storage. This study evaluated the efficacy of GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) salts, botanical extracts, and physical methods to manage blue mold in Doti Local mandarin at Tikapur, Kailali. <i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, with carbendazim as the chemical check. Five botanical extracts (lemongrass, sweet flag, lantana, garlic, and neem oil) and six GRAS salts (potassium metabisulfite, sodium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, sodium salicylate, sodium sulfite, and copper sulfate) were tested <i>in vitro</i> using the poisoned food technique. <i>In vivo</i>, these treatments, along with UV radiation and hot water, were assessed for disease reduction. All treatments significantly suppressed radial mycelial growth <i>in vitro</i> by day 7. Carbendazim (50 and 100 ppm) completely inhibited mycelial growth, while neem oil (100 ppm) showed over 60% inhibition. Lantana (10%), sodium salicylate (25 mM), and sodium sulfite (25 mM) recorded over 50% inhibition. <i>In vivo</i>, neem oil, garlic extract, and sodium carbonate recorded 24-31% disease inhibition, while carbendazim showed the highest (47.13%). Garlic extract and neem oil consistently reduced pathogen growth, showing their potential as safer, sustainable pre-storage management options for blue mold.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30797821.v1
title: Postharvest bioassay of mandarin fruits against blue mold (<i>Penicillium italicum</i>) using sustainable management approaches

description: Blue mold is a major postharvest disease of mandarin, causing substantial losses during storage. This study evaluated the efficacy of GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) salts, botanical extracts, and physical methods to manage blue mold in Doti Local mandarin at Tikapur, Kailali. <i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, with carbendazim as the chemical check. Five botanical extracts (lemongrass, sweet flag, lantana, garlic, and neem oil) and six GRAS salts (potassium metabisulfite, sodium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, sodium salicylate, sodium sulfite, and copper sulfate) were tested <i>in vitro</i> using the poisoned food technique. <i>In vivo</i>, these treatments, along with UV radiation and hot water, were assessed for disease reduction. All treatments significantly suppressed radial mycelial growth <i>in vitro</i> by day 7. Carbendazim (50 and 100 ppm) completely inhibited mycelial growth, while neem oil (100 ppm) showed over 60% inhibition. Lantana (10%), sodium salicylate (25 mM), and sodium sulfite (25 mM) recorded over 50% inhibition. <i>In vivo</i>, neem oil, garlic extract, and sodium carbonate recorded 24-31% disease inhibition, while carbendazim showed the highest (47.13%). Garlic extract and neem oil consistently reduced pathogen growth, showing their potential as safer, sustainable pre-storage management options for blue mold.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28148662
title: Comparative analysis of the profit efficiency levels among the major actors in broiler value chain in Ghana

description: The Broiler value chain (BVC) is made up of activities that offer business opportunity to the private sector, stimulate economic growth, and provide animal protein for the populace. This study assessed the profitability of major economic activities along the BVC. The quantitative research method was used to collect cross-sectional data. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 345 broiler producers in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Bono Regions. A census was employed to take data from 40 poultry processors, and 123 live bird sellers (marketers). Data collection was done with structured interview schedules, and analysed with translog profit function, Gross margin and ANOVA using R and IBM SPSS statistical packages. Broiler producers had a gross margin (GM) of GH¢ 28.4 per bird and a profit efficiency level of 62.9%; a live bird seller’s GM per bird was GH¢ 28.2 and a profit efficiency level of 34.4%; and a poultry processor had a GM per bird of GH¢ 20.9 and a profit efficiency level of 79.9%. The results of ANOVA analysis also showed a statistically significant difference in the GM per bird received and profit efficiency levels obtained by the BVC actors. It is recommended that live bird sellers and broiler producers endeavour to reduce inefficiencies in their marketing and production activities. Government and other development partners should make available the appropriate technologies and training to build the capacity of BVC actors to adequately combine productive resources available to them in order to reduce profit inefficiency and increase production.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28148662.v1
title: Comparative analysis of the profit efficiency levels among the major actors in broiler value chain in Ghana

description: The Broiler value chain (BVC) is made up of activities that offer business opportunity to the private sector, stimulate economic growth, and provide animal protein for the populace. This study assessed the profitability of major economic activities along the BVC. The quantitative research method was used to collect cross-sectional data. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 345 broiler producers in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Bono Regions. A census was employed to take data from 40 poultry processors, and 123 live bird sellers (marketers). Data collection was done with structured interview schedules, and analysed with translog profit function, Gross margin and ANOVA using R and IBM SPSS statistical packages. Broiler producers had a gross margin (GM) of GH¢ 28.4 per bird and a profit efficiency level of 62.9%; a live bird seller’s GM per bird was GH¢ 28.2 and a profit efficiency level of 34.4%; and a poultry processor had a GM per bird of GH¢ 20.9 and a profit efficiency level of 79.9%. The results of ANOVA analysis also showed a statistically significant difference in the GM per bird received and profit efficiency levels obtained by the BVC actors. It is recommended that live bird sellers and broiler producers endeavour to reduce inefficiencies in their marketing and production activities. Government and other development partners should make available the appropriate technologies and training to build the capacity of BVC actors to adequately combine productive resources available to them in order to reduce profit inefficiency and increase production.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29469229.v1
title: Morphometric characterization of invasive <i>Diaphorina citri</i> infesting citrus and orange jasmine in Ghana

description: Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and classification of insect pests, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies. The Asian citrus psyllid (<i>Diaphorina citri</i> Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species and a known vector of <i>‘Candidatus</i> Liberibacter asiaticus<i>’</i> and <i>‘Ca.</i> Liberibacter americanus<i>,’</i> the bacterial pathogens associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), has recently emerged as a pest of concern in Ghana. Despite its significance, little is known about the biological traits of field populations in the region. In this study, we examined morphometric variation in <i>D. citri</i> populations infesting citrus and orange jasmine (<i>Murraya paniculata</i>) across different regions, agroecological zones, and host plants in Ghana. Our results show that several morphometric traits varied significantly by region, agroecological zone, and host plant. These findings suggest that host plant species and environmental conditions may influence the morphological traits of ACP, potentially affecting its dispersal and adaptability. Importantly, this study also documents the infestation of citrus orchards in Ghana by <i>D. citri</i>, following its initial detection on ornamental plants. This highlights a critical and urgent threat to Ghana’s citrus industry and the need for coordinated surveillance and management efforts to prevent the establishment and spread of HLB in the region.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29469229
title: Morphometric characterization of invasive <i>Diaphorina citri</i> infesting citrus and orange jasmine in Ghana

description: Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and classification of insect pests, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies. The Asian citrus psyllid (<i>Diaphorina citri</i> Kuwayama; Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species and a known vector of <i>‘Candidatus</i> Liberibacter asiaticus<i>’</i> and <i>‘Ca.</i> Liberibacter americanus<i>,’</i> the bacterial pathogens associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), has recently emerged as a pest of concern in Ghana. Despite its significance, little is known about the biological traits of field populations in the region. In this study, we examined morphometric variation in <i>D. citri</i> populations infesting citrus and orange jasmine (<i>Murraya paniculata</i>) across different regions, agroecological zones, and host plants in Ghana. Our results show that several morphometric traits varied significantly by region, agroecological zone, and host plant. These findings suggest that host plant species and environmental conditions may influence the morphological traits of ACP, potentially affecting its dispersal and adaptability. Importantly, this study also documents the infestation of citrus orchards in Ghana by <i>D. citri</i>, following its initial detection on ornamental plants. This highlights a critical and urgent threat to Ghana’s citrus industry and the need for coordinated surveillance and management efforts to prevent the establishment and spread of HLB in the region.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30651575
title: Meat supply in mitigating food insecurity, undernourishment, and anemia among women: a study of selected countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa

description: Anemia in women (AiW), food insecurity (FiS), and the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) remain major global health concerns that undermine productivity and increase healthcare costs. This study analyzed trends and interactions among the supply of meat (SoM), PoU, FiS, and AiW across eight countries using data from the Food System Dashboard (2010–2022). Trend and regression analyses (p&lt;0.05) revealed that SoM rose significantly in Pakistan, Indonesia, Georgia, Egypt, and Bangladesh, with Pakistan’s supply increasing by 16.72% (2010–2013 to 2014–2017) and 18.54% (2014–2017 to 2018–2021). However, FiS in Pakistan sharply rose by 54.62% (2016–2017 to 2018–2019) and 94.55% (2018–2019 to 2020–2021). Afghanistan exhibited the highest PoU and FiS, while Pakistan and Iran showed similar PoU levels in 2010–2013 and 2018–2021. Between 2007 and 2019, Pakistan had the second-highest AiW prevalence (42.18%). Regression analysis indicated strong positive associations between PoU and AiW in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and between FiS and AiW in Afghanistan, Georgia, and Nigeria. Significant correlations also occurred between FiS and PoU in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. Notably, SoM was strongly and positively related to AiW reduction in Pakistan (R²=0.91) and Afghanistan (R²=0.87). Strengthening sustainable meat supply chains could thus mitigate undernutrition and improve women’s health.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30651575.v1
title: Meat supply in mitigating food insecurity, undernourishment, and anemia among women: a study of selected countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa

description: Anemia in women (AiW), food insecurity (FiS), and the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) remain major global health concerns that undermine productivity and increase healthcare costs. This study analyzed trends and interactions among the supply of meat (SoM), PoU, FiS, and AiW across eight countries using data from the Food System Dashboard (2010–2022). Trend and regression analyses (p&lt;0.05) revealed that SoM rose significantly in Pakistan, Indonesia, Georgia, Egypt, and Bangladesh, with Pakistan’s supply increasing by 16.72% (2010–2013 to 2014–2017) and 18.54% (2014–2017 to 2018–2021). However, FiS in Pakistan sharply rose by 54.62% (2016–2017 to 2018–2019) and 94.55% (2018–2019 to 2020–2021). Afghanistan exhibited the highest PoU and FiS, while Pakistan and Iran showed similar PoU levels in 2010–2013 and 2018–2021. Between 2007 and 2019, Pakistan had the second-highest AiW prevalence (42.18%). Regression analysis indicated strong positive associations between PoU and AiW in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and between FiS and AiW in Afghanistan, Georgia, and Nigeria. Significant correlations also occurred between FiS and PoU in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. Notably, SoM was strongly and positively related to AiW reduction in Pakistan (R²=0.91) and Afghanistan (R²=0.87). Strengthening sustainable meat supply chains could thus mitigate undernutrition and improve women’s health.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30206554
title: Molecular epidemiology, virulence gene profile and antibiogram of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> from foods of animal origin and ovines in Kashmir, India

description: The present investigation describes the prevalence, virulence gene profile, molecular epidemiology and antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes (<i>L. monocytogenes</i>) from mutton (40), chicken (40), raw milk (40), pasteurized milk (40), and clinical cases of ovines (45) from the Kashmir Valley, India. The overall prevalence of L. monocytogenes from all sources was 6.34%, with the highest prevalence observed in ovine clinical cases (13.33%) followed by mutton (7.5%), chicken (5%) and raw milk (5%). Notably, no isolates were recovered from pasteurized milk. PCR targeting virulence genes (<i>hlyA, plcA, plcB,</i> and <i>actA</i>) identified <i>hlyA</i> in 13 (100%) isolates, <i>plcA</i> and <i>actA</i> in 11 (84.62%) isolates each, and <i>plcB</i> in 10 (76.92%) isolates. Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) PCR was used to understand genetic relationships among the isolates. The results revealed that isolates from clinical cases formed a distinct cluster compared to food isolates. The antibiogram of the isolates revealed a high sensitivity to ampicillin (92.31%) and streptomycin (92.31%), while considerable resistance was observed against ceftriaxone (92.31%) and nalidixic acid (84.61%). The recovery of antimicrobial resistant <i>L. monocytogenes</i> from animal-derived foods and ovine clinical cases suggests its ubiquitous nature and potential link between the environment and animal/human infections, posing a significant public health concern.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30206554.v1
title: Molecular epidemiology, virulence gene profile and antibiogram of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> from foods of animal origin and ovines in Kashmir, India

description: The present investigation describes the prevalence, virulence gene profile, molecular epidemiology and antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes (<i>L. monocytogenes</i>) from mutton (40), chicken (40), raw milk (40), pasteurized milk (40), and clinical cases of ovines (45) from the Kashmir Valley, India. The overall prevalence of L. monocytogenes from all sources was 6.34%, with the highest prevalence observed in ovine clinical cases (13.33%) followed by mutton (7.5%), chicken (5%) and raw milk (5%). Notably, no isolates were recovered from pasteurized milk. PCR targeting virulence genes (<i>hlyA, plcA, plcB,</i> and <i>actA</i>) identified <i>hlyA</i> in 13 (100%) isolates, <i>plcA</i> and <i>actA</i> in 11 (84.62%) isolates each, and <i>plcB</i> in 10 (76.92%) isolates. Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) PCR was used to understand genetic relationships among the isolates. The results revealed that isolates from clinical cases formed a distinct cluster compared to food isolates. The antibiogram of the isolates revealed a high sensitivity to ampicillin (92.31%) and streptomycin (92.31%), while considerable resistance was observed against ceftriaxone (92.31%) and nalidixic acid (84.61%). The recovery of antimicrobial resistant <i>L. monocytogenes</i> from animal-derived foods and ovine clinical cases suggests its ubiquitous nature and potential link between the environment and animal/human infections, posing a significant public health concern.
DOI: 10.3535/br2-5yr-fpg
title: †Catopygus L. Agassiz, 1835

description: Digital Specimen for the physical specimen hosted at Naturalis Biodiversity Center.