There are significant welfare concerns regarding the plight of working donkeys (Equus asinus) in developing countries. To-date, however, there has been limited work assessing the welfare of donkeys in many parts of Africa, including Kenya. This study aimed to characterise the unique welfare concerns of working donkeys in Meru County, Kenya. Baseline information was gathered, concerning challenges with feeding, working conditions and disease faced by owners and drivers with differences between pack and cart donkeys investigated. To this end, 102 donkeys underwent evaluation using a Standardised Equine Based Welfare Assessment Tool (SEBWAT) and 58 owners were surveyed. Important welfare concerns, including low body condition scores (BCS) (median [IQR] 2 [1.5, 2.5 out of 5]), hobbling (81/102; 79%) and mutilation wounds (49/102; 48%) were identified in all donkeys. The following categories registered significant physical differences between cart and pack donkeys: signalment (cart 100% male, pack 21% male); BCS (median cart 2.0, pack 1.5); and presence of skin wounds on the neck (cart 30%, pack 0%). Behaviour was assessed with differences noted in chin contact avoidance (cart 56%, pack 97%), tail tuck presence (cart 46%, pack 97%), number of donkeys owned (median cart 2, pack 1), reported administration of de-worming medication by owners (cart 95%, pack 17%), and occurrence of reported illness (cart 81%, pack 38%). This initial survey addresses welfare concerns related to the Meru County donkey population and will serve as a useful benchmark for future assessments as well as targeted interventions, including the introduction of modified carts to the region.

Selectivity, the ability to kill weeds without killing the crop, is a challenge for in-row mechanical cultivation, especially in slow-growing crops like carrots [Daucus carota L. ssp. sativus Hoffm. ‘Bolero’]. To gain insight into the optimal tool type and timing for in-row cultivation of different weed species, we adapted an existing model (“Kurstjens model”) to predict “potential efficacy” (PE)—the greatest weed mortality attainable at a given level of crop mortality—based on weed anchorage force and height data, which serve as proxies for tolerance to uprooting and burial. We parametrized the baseline model using data for carrots and five weed species at early growth stages and used the model to predict the PE of idealized tools that bury or uproot in combination with various cultural practices. Under baseline model assumptions, tools that bury had greater PE for grass weeds, and tools that uproot had greater PE for broadleaves. Combining or “stacking” tools that uproot with those that bury had minimal impact on predicted PE for individual weed species, but increased PE on mixed grass–broadleaf weed communities compared with single-tool mechanisms of action. Cultural practices (e.g., stale seedbedding and cultivar choice) that increased carrot anchorage force and height relative to weeds at the time of cultivation greatly increased PE for both mechanisms of action. Our model provides a useful method for predicting the optimal tool mechanism of action and timing for any weed–crop combination.

In Wisconsin, herbicide resistance in waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] has been confirmed to five herbicide sites of action, including protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors. Following a report of a suspected PPO inhibitor–resistant A. tuberculatus population (A92 accession), our objective was to characterize resistance to PPO inhibitors applied preemergence or postemergence to this accession, along with two PPO inhibitor–susceptible control accessions (A66 and A82). We hypothesized that PPO-inhibitor resistance in A92 was driven by target site–resistance mechanisms. According to our results, the A92 accession is resistant to sulfentrazone (3.1-fold; P-value = 0.0278) and fomesafen (3.1-fold; P-value = 0.0745) preemergence and to lactofen (18.6-fold; P-value = 0.0003) and fomesafen (5.9-fold; P-value <0.0001) postemergence. Resistance to PPO inhibitors was not explained by the presence of any known target-site mutations in PPX1 or PPX2 genes. Our study represents the first confirmed case of an A. tuberculatus accession resistant to PPO inhibitors applied preemergence in Wisconsin. Consistent with previous research, our results demonstrate that the A92 accession, compared with control accessions, is less sensitive to fomesafen regardless of the application timing. Further research is necessary to identify other potential PPO-inhibitor resistance mechanisms in the A92 accession, including potential non–target site resistance mechanisms associated with cytochrome P450 monooxygenases or glutathione S-transferases.

This study compared red meat, white meat and vegetable consumption before, during and after COVID-19 pandemic among older adults in regional China. Data were collected from urban individuals aged 60+ years in Nanjing municipality in 2018, 2021 and 2023. Differences in food intake frequencies between participants and survey years were examined. Logistic regression models were employed to identify influencing factors of meat, and vegetable consumption. Totally, 13 792 participants were analysed, with 4355, 4622 and 4815 from 2018, 2021 and 2023 surveys, respectively. The mean weekly intake frequency (sd) in 2018, 2021 and 2023 was, separately, 3·85 (sd 2·83), 3·21 (sd 2·90) and 4·71 (sd 3·94) for red meat; 1·38 (sd 1·21), 2·08 (sd 1·90) and 2·73 (sd 2·55) for white meat; and 10·98 (sd 4·84), 10·00 (sd 5·04) and 10·34 (sd 5·04) for vegetable. Moreover, 23·2, 32·6 and 52·3 % of participants met the recommendation for meat intake, while 53·7, 46·8 and 49·6 % reached vegetable intake recommendation before, during and after COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Meat intake was positively associated with education, marital status and drinking, but negatively associated with age. Additionally, education and marital status were in negative relation to vegetable consumption, while smoking and drinking were positively associated with vegetable intake. The older residents consumed less red meat and vegetable but more white meat during COVID-19 pandemic, and their consumption levels of meat and vegetable went up after the pandemic. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support older adults’ dietary habits during emergency events.

Dengue is an arboviral infection that poses a substantial public health concern, with early diagnosis being a critical factor in effective management. However, limited diagnostic expertise in developing countries contributes to the under-reporting of dengue cases. This review compares the accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and the tourniquet test (TT) in diagnosing dengue fever (DF) in non-laboratory-based settings. Relevant original articles on the use of RDTs and TT for dengue diagnosis were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The STARD and QUADAS-2 tools were employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. Search terms included combinations of ‘fever’, ‘dengue’, and ‘“diagnosis’. In total, 23 articles were eligible for inclusion. The RDTs demonstrated mean sensitivities and specificities of 76.2% (SD = 13.8) and 91.5% (SD = 10.3), respectively, while the TT showed mean sensitivity and specificity values of 48.6% (SD = 24.9) and 79.5% (SD = 14.9), respectively. Overall, RDTs exhibited superior diagnostic performance compared to the TT. Our findings suggest that the TT is an inadequate stand-alone diagnostic tool for dengue. RDTs should be prioritized for dengue diagnosis in resource-limited settings. However, in situations where RDTs are unavailable, the TT may serve as a supplementary option.

Previous studies demonstrated that ultra-processed foods (UPF) affect overall diet quality. However, none have yet examined this relation across different age groups in Brazil. This study assessed the relationship between diet quality and the consumption of UPF in a Brazilian population according to age groups. This was a cross-sectional study that analysed food consumption data from 46 164 Brazilians aged ≥10 years who participated in the 2017–2018 National Dietary Survey. Food and beverages consumed were recorded by two 24-h recalls. All food items were classified as UPF or non-UPF according to the Nova system. Diet quality was evaluated using nutritional density and the prevalence of inadequate nutrient consumption, according to the quintiles of energy contribution of UPF. The association between diet quality and UPF consumption was evaluated by linear and Poisson regressions, with adjustment for sociodemographic variables, stratified by age groups (adolescents, adults and older adults). The consumption of UPF increased the densities of carbohydrates, free sugar, saturated fat and Na and decreased the densities of proteins, fibres and potassium in three age groups. Higher prevalence ratios (PR) of inadequate consumption of free sugar and fibre among the lower and higher quintiles of energy contribution of UPF among adolescents (PR = 2·02, 95 % CI = 1·82, 2·25; PR = 1·88, 95 % CI = 1·68, 2·10), adults (PR = 1·86, 95 % CI = 1·75, 1·98; PR = 1·70, 95 % CI = 1·60, 1·80) and older adults (PR = 1·48, 95 % CI = 1·30, 1·69; PR = 1·24, 95 % CI = 1·09, 1·40). UPF consumption was negatively associated with diet quality across different age groups. Thus, interventions targeting UPF consumption should be implemented across life stages to improve overall diet quality.

The study aimed to translate the Eating-Related Eco-Concern (EREC) questionnaire into Turkish, adapt it cross-culturally, and evaluate its psychometric properties. EREC is a ten-item scale measuring how adults consider ecological impact in food choices due to climate change concerns. The study was conducted in Mersin between November 2023 and February 2024 with 442 adults (18–65 years) through face-to-face interviews. The Turkish version was adapted using the Translation–Back Translation method, and language validity was ensured. Face validity was evaluated through a pilot study with forty participants. Construct validity was initially assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with data from 200 participants, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) conducted on an independent sample of 242 participants to verify the factor structure. The reliability of the scale was assessed by test-retest analysis with 106 participants from the main sample (n 442), and consistency was measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The factor structure and model fit were evaluated using indices such as Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). 68·3 % of the participants were female, whereas 31·7 % were male. The group’s median BMI value was 24·3 (21·6–27·1), with 52·9 % classified as ‘normal’ according to the BMI classification. Factor 2 had a low score, but it was found to be adequate for other factors and the total scale score. The Turkish adaptation of the EREC questionnaire has been found to be a valid and reliable scale, as confirmed by comprehensive evaluations.

Small-leaf spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis Vell.) is a low-growing perennial ground cover that has become increasingly problematic in Florida due to its ability to quickly spread vegetatively over large areas and outcompete native vegetation. Prior research has identified several herbicides that can be used to manage T. fluminensis, but the effect of application timing on herbicidal efficacy is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected postemergence herbicide applications and to understand differences in the efficacy of these timings (i.e., spring and fall), including on the rate of regrowth of target plants. Specific herbicides evaluated in this study included 2,4-D, 2,4-D + triclopyr amine, aminopyralid, glyphosate, and triclopyr (as acid and amine). An additional aspect of this study was to reapply treatments when coverage ratings exceeded 25% to assess the impact of sequential applications when using less efficacious herbicides that might provide greater selectivity to non-target plants. Overall, the data showed that initial treatment timing had little to no impact on efficacy for most of the herbicides evaluated. Triclopyr (acid or amine) tended to provide the highest level of control and required no retreatment over a 12-mo evaluation period. Other effective options included glyphosate and 2,4-D + triclopyr amine, which provided results similar to triclopyr on most evaluation dates. The 2,4-D and aminopyralid treatments were in general the least efficacious options, requiring retreatment at either 3, 6, or 9 mo following the initial application to achieve less than 25% T. fluminensis coverage. Results indicate that practitioners would likely achieve similar levels of T. fluminensis control regardless of application timing. Data also suggest triclopyr would be the most effective option, while a low level of control would be expected with 2,4-D, even following multiple applications.

The European Green Deal (EGD) provides a strategic framework for the European Union’s (EU) transition to climate neutrality by 2050. Yet, limited integration of socio-economic dimensions may hinder its long-term success and fairness. This study investigates the indirect impacts of socio-economic factors on EGD performance by constructing a Green Deal Performance Index (GDPI) using a multi-criteria decision-making approach for 22 EU countries over 2010–2020. We then apply an instrumental variable regression approach to estimate how emissions, shaped by structural socio-economic conditions, affect the GDPI. Our results show that the negative impact of emissions is nearly 47 times larger when socio-economic dynamics are ignored. These findings underscore the necessity of inclusive policymaking for achieving carbon neutrality, contributing to discussions on ensuring a just transition by highlighting the critical role of socio-economic dynamics. We also present implications for policymakers developing fair and equitable strategies promoting sustainability and social justice in this context.

Carbon credits have become increasingly important for supporting sustainable forest management and mitigating climate change. However, carbon projects can be challenging for local communities and smallholders to implement due to high expenses and complicated protocols. Forest projects often suffer from inefficiency, lack of transparency, and uneven benefit distribution. This study suggests a blockchain-based framework for aggregating forest carbon projects. This framework is the first in the forest sector to provide a reward mechanism for local communities or smallholders with a direct integration into an accredited registry protocol of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification. The system combines digital identities, smart contracts, and automated incentives to improve transparency, responsibility, and trust among stakeholders. Two types of tokens are introduced: (i) Carbon Coin represents verified carbon credits within the system; and (ii) Forest Coin functions as a security token used to proportionally distribute project revenue among stakeholders. The revenue distribution was demonstrated in scenarios of afforestation, reforestation, and conservation. In addition, a web application was developed so that users can monitor project details. Unlike most blockchain carbon platforms that focus on investment and trading, this framework addresses upstream challenges, prioritising equitable benefit-sharing. The framework supports project aggregation and prioritises community ownership, advancing inclusive access to the carbon market. This study demonstrates how technological advantages can be transferred to community-driven ecological conservation.

Small mammals are particularly dependent on owner-provided housing and husbandry yet are frequently kept in conditions that do not meet their welfare needs. This study used the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation = Behaviour) to identify behavioural drivers influencing housing provision among 723 UK small mammal pet owners. This model of human behaviour proposes that behaviour occurs when individuals have the capability, opportunity, and motivation to act. Owners of the eight most commonly kept small mammal species were surveyed: rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), hamsters (Cricetinae), gerbils (Gerbillinae), rats (Rattus norvegicus), mice (Mus musculus), chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), and degus (Octodon degus). Opportunity, particularly the availability of suitable enclosures, emerged as the primary barrier, while Capability and Motivation were identified as facilitators, with most pet owners willing and able to provide good levels of welfare. Owner approaches to assessing health and welfare at home were examined through qualitative word frequency analysis, with responses mapped to the Five Domains model. This analysis focused on rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and hamsters due to limited data availability for other species. Overall, behavioural indicators were most commonly used to identify positive health and welfare, while nutritional and physical signs were cited most frequently for negative states. Changes in eating behaviour were the most frequently cited indicators of ill health or poor welfare across all four species, suggesting this may serve as a practical health and welfare indicator for owners. Improving access to suitable housing and further exploring eating behaviour as an early health and welfare indicator may together support better husbandry for small mammal pets.

Common milkweed is a creeping perennial weed that is problematic in row crops and pastures. Its ability to readily reproduce via adventitious root buds enables it to persist, and full control often requires several growing seasons of management. Although it is a troublesome agricultural weed, common milkweed is ecologically important due to its use as a food source for many arthropod species. Declines in common milkweed populations in North America have been correlated with and blamed for declines in monarch butterfly populations. This review summarizes available information on the biology, ecology, and management of common milkweed, as well as its potential uses and provisioning of ecosystem services.

A new species of Blastulospongia Pickett and Jell, 1983 from the middle Cambrian Devoncourt Limestone, Georgina Basin, Australia exhibits distinct perforation patterns characteristic of sphinctozoans. Recognition as a sphinctozoan-grade sponge confirms the poriferan affinity of this enigmatic genus, which appeared prior to the development of other hypercalcified sponge forms of chaetetids and stromatoporoids. Blastulospongia bouliaensis new species occurs together with four species of primitive spicular radiolarians: Echidnina irregularis Won in Won and Iams, 2002, Parechidnina aspinosa Won in Won and Below, 1999, Palaeospiculum reedae Won in Won and Below, 1999, and Palaeospiculum devoncourtensis Won in Won and Below, 1999. Micro-computed tomographic (MCT) analysis of Parechidnina aspinosa reveals its skeletal construction through the fusion of unirayed spicules, indicating a close phylogenetic link with archeoentactinids. Blastulospongia bouliaensis n. sp. and Palaeospiculum devoncourtensis represent promising Miaolingian accessory species for biostratigraphy during the Drumian-Guzhangian interval.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/a74cdd4d-6bc3-427b-bf4c-d4f0b79a5c91

This article aims to further our understanding of the mechanics of physical weed control, specifically the mechanism of using a cutting blade to cut weeds. Research on weed stem cutting is sparse, so this paper draws on examples of plant stem cutting. It reviews the factors that affect the plant stem cutting process. Among the, Cutting speed, blade sharpness, and moisture content, factors that can easily be controlled, are discussed. The indicators for evaluating the cutting process and the methods for measuring the influencing factors are introduced as well. Finally, different blade designs, examples of the application of mechanisms that affect the cutting process of plant stems are provided. This review argues that, under conditions of high cutting speed, high blade sharpness, and high moisture content, plastic deformation would be reduced and the stems would exhibit brittle material characteristics. This would help to reduce the cutting force and energy, but excessive brittleness can cause stem fragmentation and degrade cutting quality. This paper also lists some possible future research directions. First, friction behavior during the cutting process of fresh plant stems. Another, cutting blade design based on the comprehensive application of cutting speed, blade wedge angle, and sliding cutting angle on the cutting process. At present, the mechanism of plant stem cutting process is still not clear. Further research is needed.

The Llandoverian (Telychian) Schoolcraft Formation of Schoolcraft County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan includes several intervals of exceptional preservation marked by abundant specimens of the noncalcified macroalga Thalassocystis striata Taggart and Parker, 1976. Here, two new noncalcified macroalgal species are described from one of these algal-Lagerstätten intervals. The monopodial thallus of Archaeobatophora gulliverensis new species resembles that of the living dasycladalean green alga Batophora Agardh, 1854 and consists of a cylindrical main axis bearing whorls of branched laterals. It is the second species to be assigned to Archaeobatophora Nitecki, 1976, the type species of which is known only from the Upper Ordovician of neighboring Delta County and the diagnosis of which is emended herein. The thallus of Earltonella swinehartii new species consists of a horizontal stolon that bears a series of upright pinnate fronds. This taxon broadly resembles the living bryopsidalean green alga Caulerpa Lamouroux, 1809 and is the second species to be assigned to Earltonella LoDuca in LoDuca et al., 2023, a genus otherwise known only from approximately age-equivalent strata in the Lake Timiskaming area of Ontario. Additionally, a new Thalassocystis striata occurrence is reported from the Schoolcraft Formation in neighboring Mackinac County, extending eastward the geographic range of this Codium-like bryopsidalean taxon within the Michigan Basin. Viewed in broader terms, the two new species show complex thallus morphologies consistent with a previously documented large-scale morphological pattern in the early Paleozoic evolutionary history of macroalgae and contribute to an emerging understanding of major early Paleozoic radiations of both dasycladalean and bryopsidalean algae that produced, by the mid-Silurian, diverse floras of siphonous green macroalgae broadly similar to those that thrive today in Florida Bay and the Bahama Banks.

Italian ryegrass is a troublesome weed species commonly found across the United States. In North Carolina, biotypes resistant to herbicides from Groups 1, 2, and 9 have been confirmed. In fall 2020, multiple growers reported unsatisfactory control of Italian ryegrass after sequential burndown applications of paraquat in the Southern Piedmont region of the state. The objectives of this study were to confirm the presence of a paraquat-resistant Italian ryegrass biotype in the state through a whole-plant dose–response bioassay and to characterize the response of Italian ryegrass accessions from the same region to commonly used burndown herbicides. Greenhouse studies were conducted at the North Carolina State University weed science laboratories to evaluate the response of three putative paraquat-resistant Italian ryegrass biotypes (B, H, SB) and four putative susceptible biotypes (S1, S2, S3, and S4) to paraquat rates ranging from 52.5 to 26,880 g ai ha−1 and the response of 38 accessions to clethodim (271 g ai ha−1), glyphosate (1,260 g ae ha−1), glufosinate (880 g ai ha−1), nicosulfuron (34 g ai ha−1), and paraquat (840 g ai ha−1). The effective paraquat dose required to reduce biomass by 50% (GR50) for the putative paraquat-resistant biotypes ranged from 570 to 1,729 g ai ha−1, equivalent to 19- to 58-fold more resistant to paraquat compared to the average GR50 of susceptible biotypes. This study confirms the presence of paraquat-resistant Italian ryegrass in North Carolina. Results from the accessions study reveal that 29% of biotypes tested were resistant to paraquat, all of which also exhibited resistance to glyphosate and nicosulfuron. Additionally, a wide distribution of multiple herbicide–resistant biotypes was observed in the Southern Piedmont region, with 97% and 74% of accessions tested resistant to ≥1 and ≥2 sites of action, respectively.