The current study investigates farmers’ behavioral intentions toward adopting biopesticides in India, integrating the theory of planned behavior and health belief model. The models were further expanded by the inclusion of a control variable, Government Initiatives. A total of 468 responses from four districts (Patna, Bhagalpur, Purnea, and Saharsa) in Bihar were collected by face-to-face surveys and analyzed using the SmartPLS 4 software by structural equation modeling to assess the correlation between the constructs. The hypothesis testing employs a bootstrapping method with 5,000 iterations. The present study demonstrated a strong positive correlation between all variables derived in the integrated model. Perceived severity strongly influenced farmers’ attitudes toward adopting the use of biopesticide. Furthermore, subjective norms and government initiatives emerged as the most important factors influencing farmers’ intentions toward adopting biopesticide. Premium price, low effectiveness, and reduced crop productivity emerged as significant challenges to the adoption of biopesticides. To address these challenges, this study suggests providing farmers with affordable solutions and resources in collaboration with the government. The proposed study provides significant information and facilitates the understanding of farmers’ inclinations to utilize biopesticides. The government and policymakers can address key barriers to the adoption of biopesticides—such as income inequality—by offering subsidies for organic food production, developing an efficient and dedicated supply chain for input and output organic produce, and formulating strategies to optimize the use of biopesticides in order to promote long-term sustainability.

Reducing methane emissions from livestock is crucial for agricultural sustainability, especially in the dairy sector, which emits high levels of methane. Seaweed-based supplements for livestock, like Asparagopsis taxiformis, offer promise in mitigating emissions from cattle without harming productivity, along with a range of other benefits. Little research to date has been conducted to understand how these supplements are being marketed and sold to dairy farms, and why they are marketed that way: this information can help ensure that these benefits will be realized. This study presents findings from a qualitative analysis of dairy feed suppliers in the Northeast United States, providing insights into their perspectives on seaweed supplements. It explores the differences between organic and conventional feed suppliers, including their perceived benefits and challenges of feeding seaweed. Feed suppliers stated that the benefits of feeding seaweed supplements include micromineral supplementation, reduced somatic cell count, reduced methane emissions, and decreased use of synthetic mineral supplements. Barriers to feeding seaweed include cost, the volume requirements of mills, supply inconsistencies, and a lack of investment from the conventional dairy industry. Feed suppliers also provided insights into what information they need about seaweed supplements to feel comfortable recommending them to their farmer customers, such as more scientific evidence and farmer recommendations. Understanding perceived benefits and barriers lays the foundation for further exploration of supply chain dynamics and stakeholder considerations in promoting sustainable livestock practices.

Zinc supplementation is a critical adjunct therapy for managing acute childhood diarrhoea, particularly in low-income countries (LICs) and lower middle-income countries (LMICs). However, adherence to the recommended zinc regimen remains a major challenge, limiting its effectiveness in real-world settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled adherence rates to zinc supplementation for diarrhoea in children under 5 and identify key determinants of adherence. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and CINAHL was conducted between 2000 and 2024. A total of 10 observational studies were included, with pooled adherence of 63.45% (95% CI: 51.62–75.28) for 10 days regimen and 34.58% (95% CI: 7.08–62.09) for 14 days regimen, along with high heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness of these estimates. Key factors associated with adherence included caregiver education, provider counselling, medication acceptability, and economic constraints related to caregiver buying capacity. Doi plot asymmetry suggested possible publication bias for 10 and 14 days regimen. Overall, adherence to zinc therapy remains sub-optimal, particularly for 14 days regimen compared to 10 days regimen. Targeted interventions addressing behavioural, provider, and formulation related barriers are urgently needed to optimize zinc adherence and improve diarrhoea outcomes globally.

In this study, HFRS data were obtained from China CDC and ECDC, while monthly meteorological data and GDP were extracted from the National Bureau of Statistics of China website. Descriptive epidemiology, time series decomposition, and spatial autocorrelation analyses were employed to evaluate HFRS incidence patterns. A spatial panel data model was used to estimate the effects of meteorological and socio-economic variables on HFRS incidence. The average annual incidence rate of HFRS was 0.90/100000 in China, compared to 29.3/100000 in Finland. The incidence level in China was comparable to that in Belgium and the EU/EEA (excluding the UK), the high-incidence age group was 45–64 years, which was similar to Finland and the EU/EEA. HFRS in China exhibited marked seasonality. Three north-eastern provinces, Shaanxi, Shandong, and Jiangxi reported higher incidence rates. After adjusting for spatial individual effects and spatial autocorrelation, HFRS incidence was negatively associated with precipitation during the same period, per capita GDP showed no significant effect on HFRS incidence. Continued surveillance and prevention of HFRS remain necessary in China, particularly in Shaanxi. Additional disease prevention and control efforts should be directed towards individuals aged 45–64 years during the high-risk period from October to December.

Nutritional status has been compromised by ongoing war and restrictions on food deliveries in the Gaza Strip. We developed a mathematical model that outputs retrospective estimates and scenario-based projections of acute malnutrition prevalence among children given caloric intake and other factors. We present here the model and its application to the crisis in Gaza. We extended an existing mechanistic model for weight change as a function of energy balance, calibrating it to represent variability in growth curves observed in pre-war Gaza. We simulated open cohorts of children exposed to time-varying caloric intake, infant exclusive breast-feeding prevalence, incidence of infectious disease and coverage of malnutrition treatment, while allowing for adult caloric sacrifice to supplement child intake in times of food scarcity. The model accurately replicates growth standards, pre-war growth patterns and expected parameter dependencies. It suggests that a considerable increase in acute malnutrition occurred in northern Gaza during early 2024. Projections for late 2024 include a serious nutritional emergency if relatively pessimistic assumptions are made about food availability. The model may hold considerable promise for informing decisions in humanitarian response but requires further validation and development.

Agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, and there is an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture for mitigation purposes. Modern industrial agriculture has been recognized as a significant source of agricultural GHG emissions, whereas the adoption of regenerative organic agriculture has been proposed as a solution with the potential to reduce GHG emissions from agricultural production. However, there is a lack of on-the-ground studies reporting on the climate impacts of organic agriculture. To remedy this, a carbon footprint (CF) analysis was conducted comparing regionally representative organic and conventional arable cropping systems at Rodale Institute’s Farming Systems Trial in Pennsylvania, USA. Two separate modeling approaches were used to construct CFs for three agricultural systems (two organic and one conventional). The baseline CF analyses used an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Tier 3 model (COMET-Farm) and Tier 2 model (Cool Farm Tool) for comparison purposes. Secondary analyses were conducted on the effects of CO2 emissions from composting manure on CFs. Emission metrics were generally higher (+27%) using the Tier 3 model compared with the Tier 2 model. In the baseline analysis, absolute area-scaled emissions were highest in the conventional system, ranging from 1.25 to 1.72 tons CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1. In comparison, emissions in the organic manure-based system were 25%–37% lower (0.94–1.09 tons CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1), while the organic legume-based system had the lowest emissions, which were 52%–74% lower (0.33–0.83 tons CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1). Yield-scaled emissions of maize in the baseline analyses were highest in the conventional system (0.19–0.26 kg CO2-eq kg−1), followed by the organic manure (0.13–0.16 kg CO2-eq kg−1) and organic legume (0.07–0.17 kg CO2-eq kg−1). Yield-scaled emissions on a feed digestible energy basis were highest in the conventional system (0.014–0.020 kg CO2-eq MJ−1) but were similar between organic manure (0.009–0.010 kg CO2-eq MJ−1) and organic legume (0.006–0.015 kg CO2-eq MJ−1). Including estimates of CO2 emissions due to composting increased emissions for the manure-based organic system substantially (+103%–122%). Our results imply that regenerative organic farming can help mitigate climate change. Future research should focus on more accurately measuring emissions from compost production and other sources of organic fertility, conducting a full life-cycle assessment of these systems, and verifying the results using in-situ field measurements.

Yellow toadflax is an invasive perennial broadleaf weed that negatively affects forage production and wildlife habitat. Few herbicides effectively manage this weed. Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide that can help manage yellow toadflax but is rarely used in pasture/rangeland because it may injure desirable vegetation. The effectiveness of wiper-applied glyphosate followed by (fb) applications of either chlorsulfuron or picloram was evaluated on yellow toadflax grown in a greenhouse. Glyphosate was applied with a wiper at 0% or 50% diluted concentrate. Chlorsulfuron (26 g ai ha−1) was applied alone or immediately after the wiper application of glyphosate. Picloram (560 g ae ha−1) was applied in a similar manner. At 3 mo after herbicide treatments, estimates of injury to yellow toadflax were greatest with glyphosate, glyphosate fb chlorsulfuron, and glyphosate fb picloram (77% to 86%) compared with chlorsulfuron or picloram applied alone (52% to 56%). The response of subsequently harvested biomass was not different after herbicide treatments. One month after treatment, flowering and regrowth of biomass and root biomass were quantified. Flowering, regrowth, and root biomass demonstrated the greatest (>50%) recovery with wiper-applied glyphosate and wiper-applied glyphosate fb broadcast-applied chlorsulfuron or picloram compared with <50% recovery with broadcast applications of chlorsulfuron or picloram. The results of the experiment suggest that wiper-applied glyphosate fb broadcast applications of chlorsulfuron or picloram can help manage yellow toadflax regrowth compared with single herbicide treatments.

Candida auris has emerged as a major nosocomial pathogen due to multidrug resistance (MDR), outbreak potential, and high mortality in critically ill patients. Identifying risk factors for C. auris candidemia is essential for prevention and infection control. In this single-centre, retrospective case–control study, we analysed adults with C. auris candidemia (n = 52) and matched controls (n = 104) hospitalized between February 2019 and October 2024. Matching was based on hospital unit and blood culture timing. Clinical and epidemiological variables were compared, and multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors. Antifungal susceptibility and 14- and 28-day all-cause mortality were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Independent risk factors included recent hospitalization (odds ratio (OR): 7.93), prolonged hospital stay (OR: 1.01), prior broad-spectrum antibiotic use (OR: 46.20), central venous catheter (CVC) (OR: 3.88), sepsis (OR: 9.43), and high Candida Colonization Index (OR: 14.10). All-cause mortality at 14 and 28 days was 30.8% and 46.2%, respectively. Fluconazole resistance was 96%, while 8.7% of isolates were pandrug resistant. C. auris candidemia represents a serious clinical challenge with substantial mortality and modifiable risk factors. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, colonization surveillance, and early recognition in high-risk patients may reduce its impact.

The new genera Aurantiothallia and Hertelaria are proposed for species of saxicolous lichens known only from Tasmania. Aurantiothallia is erected for the species currently known as Poeltiaria tasmanica and the newly described A. riparia, both of which have an orange thallus lacking lichen products but with an amyloid medulla and black apothecia with only brown pigments internally. Hertelaria is based on the new species H. doleritica, which has an atrobrunnea-type thallus and large adnate, red-brown apothecia up to 2.4 mm diam. Phylogenetic analyses based on the markers ITS, mtSSU and RPB1 clearly support the morphological results, each genus forming a strongly supported clade. Also newly described are: Poeltiaria caeruleorubra, with a red-pigmented inner exciple that contrasts strongly with the adjacent bright blue hymenium; Porpidia lutulata, which has small apothecia and a granular thallus with an amyloid (I+ violet) medulla; and Porpidia umbonifera var. sanguinea, which differs from the typical variety in having a reddish pigment in the inner exciple. All the new taxa are known only from silicious rocks, mostly dolerite, in Tasmania. We also report Porpidia albocaerulescens var. polycarpiza and P. hydrophila for the first time from Tasmania, confirm the presence of P. umbonifera var. umbonifera on the island, and provide a provisional key to porpidioid lichens in Tasmania.

A new phylogenetic analysis of Lecanora s. lat. is presented based on a dataset of seven loci, including recently published mitochondrial markers. In this analysis, comprising 136 specimens and 572 sequences, several clades that can be circumscribed taxonomically are recovered as monophyletic with strong support. Lecanora divides into two large monophyletic subclades. The well-supported MPRPS clade sensu Medeiros et al. (2021) combines the genera Lecanoropsis, Myriolecis, Protoparmeliopsis, Rhizoplaca and the Lecanora polytropa- and L. varia-groups. The second unsupported clade contains the genera Bryonora, Palicella, Pulvinora and Vainionora, plus the Lecanora albella/subcarnea-, L. carpinea/rupicola-, L. intumescens-, L. subfusca- and L. symmicta-groups. Japewia, Lecidella, Miriquidica, Ramboldia and members of the Lecanora fuscescens-group are placed outside these two clades. Phylogenetic, morphological and chemical evidence supports the resurrection of three genera: Glaucomaria (for the Lecanora carpinea/rupicola-group), Straminella (for the L. varia-group), and Zeora (for the L. symmicta-group). Descriptions for each of the resurrected genera are provided, including new taxonomic combinations and lists of additional Lecanora species likely to be transferred to the proposed new genera pending further studies. Comments on the nomenclature of the new genera, as well as for Lecanoropsis and Myriolecis, are provided.

The lichen genus Lecanora is one of the largest genera of lichenized fungi. The core part of the genus is the L. subfusca group and within this group, Lecanora hybocarpa (Tuck.) Brodo, initially described from North America and thought to be endemic, has been reported from several European countries. However, the identity of these European specimens has been increasingly questioned. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between North American L. hybocarpa and European collections, including the morphologically similar L. sinuosa Herk & Aptroot. We performed morphological, chemical (TLC) and molecular analyses (nrITS and mtSSU) on a broad collection of specimens from Europe, Macaronesia and North America. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that true L. hybocarpa has not yet been confirmed in Europe. Instead, several genetically distinct European taxa share the L. hybocarpa morphotype. Our findings resulted in the description of three new species: Lecanora cryptosinuosa (differing only genetically from L. sinuosa), L. macaronesica (characterized by quite large apothecia with constricted bases and a finely crenulate margin, and the presence of gangaleoidin) and L. subsinuosa (difficult to separate from L. sinuosa, but may sometimes be recognized by darker apothecial discs with inconsistent pigmentation, the occasional presence of a tiny pruina on young discs, and the usually thicker apothecial margin, dentate in the inner edge). Furthermore, we report L. pseudargentata as a new species for Europe. Due to the high morphological variability and cryptic speciation within this group, reliable identification often requires DNA analysis. Therefore, we propose using the name Lecanora hybocarpa agg. for all species sharing this particular morphotype. A key to the epiphytic esorediate species of the L. subfusca group in Europe and northern Africa is provided.

This paper examines associations between maternal exposure to a radio programme, Bhanchhin Aama (Mother Knows Best), and the programme’s most promoted maternal and child nutrition-related practices, using the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) from 2022. We limited our sample to mothers of children less than 2 years (n = 1,933). The primary exposure variable was whether the mother listened to the Bhanchhin Aama radio programme. The five primary outcomes were: maternal dietary diversity, maternal use of modern family planning methods, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) of children less than 6 months, dietary diversity among children 6 to 24 months, and participation in growth monitoring and promotion among children 0 to 24 months. Descriptive analyses followed by logistic regression models, adjusted for potentially confounding factors and clustering, were conducted. Maternal exposure to Bhanchhin Aama was associated with nearly 70% higher odds of meeting both maternal (OR: 1.67; p: <0.001; CI: 1.26–2.21) and child minimum dietary diversity (OR: 1.70; p: 0.005; CI: 1.18–2.45), as well as 83% higher odds of a child participating in growth monitoring and promotion (OR: 1.83; p: 0.001; CI: 1.28–2.63). No associations were found for use of modern family planning methods and EBF. These findings suggests that radio programmes may be an effective tool to improve some maternal and child nutrition-related practices. Further research is needed to understand why certain behaviours are modifiable from this type of intervention versus others that are not and for which population groups this intervention would be most effective.