Best Management Practices Research Articles

Chlorfenapyr poisoning: a systematic review

Introduction Chlorfenapyr, a N-substituted halogenated pyrrole, is a broad-spectrum insecticide. The insecticidal activity of chlorfenapyr depends on its biotransformation by hepatic cytochrome P450 monooxygenases to tralopyril, which uncouples mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and disrupts adenosine triphosphate production. Neither the metabolism of chlorfenapyr nor the mechanism of tralopyril is completely elucidated. Acute human chlorfenapyr poisoning is not well characterized, and best practice in management following acute exposure is unclear. The purpose of this review is to characterize acute human chlorfenapyr poisoning by its clinical course, laboratory investigations, and imaging findings and propose a management plan for acute human chlorfenapyr exposure. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and EMBASE from inception to April 2024 across all languages for human chlorfenapyr and tralopyril cases, with descriptions of exposure, clinical manifestations, and clinical course included. Only manuscripts and abstracts from scientific conferences with sufficient clinical data following acute human exposures were included. In vitro studies, animal studies, agricultural studies, environmental impact studies, and non-clinical human studies were excluded. We then reviewed citations of included studies for additional eligible publications. Non-English publications were translated using Google Translate or primarily translated by our authors. The study adhered to Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. Results We identified 3,376 publications of which 48 met study inclusion criteria, describing 75 unique cases of human poisoning from ingestion, inhalation, dermal exposure, and intra-abdominal injection of chlorfenapyr. No cases of tralopyril exposure were identified. The median time from exposure to symptom onset was six hours (interquartile range 1–48 hours). The most frequent initial or presenting signs/symptoms included diaphoresis, nausea and/or vomiting, and altered mental status. While hyperthermia (≥38 degrees centigrade) was less common at presentation, hyperthermia developed in 61 percent of all patients and was temporally associated with clinical deterioration and death. Most common laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood creatine kinase activity, hepatic aminotransferase activities, and lactate concentration. Imaging studies of the central nervous system often showed extensive symmetrical white matter abnormalities with swelling. Case fatality was 76 percent, and survivors commonly experienced sustained neurological sequelae. Management strategies were highly varied, and the effectiveness of specific medical interventions was unclear. Discussion Acute human chlorfenapyr poisoning is characterized by a latent period as long as 14 days, deterioration over hours to days, and can result in serious morbidity and mortality. Development of hyperthermia, likely driven by oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling by tralopyril, is an ominous clinical sign and is temporally associated with clinical decompensation and death. Laboratory abnormalities, particularly elevated creatine kinase activity, hepatic aminotransferase activities, and lactate concentration, were common, but only creatine kinase activity differed amongst survivors and fatalities. Best clinical practice in the management of patients exposed to chlorfenapyr is unclear, and we opine that a conservative approach with close clinical monitoring and supportive care is prudent. Limitations The limitations of all reviews include their inherent retrospective and observational nature as well as publication bias that emphasizes severe outcomes, thus impacting the spectrum of illness and skewing mortality percentage. In addition, we interrogated a finite number of databases for publications on human chlorfenapyr exposure and there were limited cases with laboratory testing to confirm chlorfenapyr poisoning. Analysis of our systematic review was not powered to detect differences between groups, comparative statistics were not performed, and significance is not reported. Conclusions Acute human chlorfenapyr toxicity is characterized by a latent period following exposure, development of new or progression of established signs/symptoms, potential for critical illness, rapid deterioration, serious morbidity, and mortality. A conservative approach to patient management is prudent.

The suicides among the Romanian police and public safety personnel in the period 2016-2021

"There is an important concern of public and professional organizations in the police and public safety sector to identify the best practices for suicide risk management, especially in USA. The suicide phenomenon from 2016 to 2021 at the level of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania2, captured through the annual suicide rates, varied positively or negatively compared with the annual suicide rates from Romania and with those at the level of institutions with a similar activity profile from the international level, from the USA and Italy. Based on the socio-demographic data available, the self-murderers’ profiles at the level of MIA were created, but in their use, the particular aspects of the suicidal phenomenon must be considered. The self-murderers from the Romanian police and public safety institutions used firearms in 45.7% of the cases during the analyzed period. The algorithm used to predict the annual suicide numbers in the period 2022-2025 at the MIA level revealed that they will follow an increasing trend. In the period 2016-2021, the annual number of suicides among Romanian police and public safety personnel was higher than the number of deaths among the same personnel caused by accidents during service and assaults. Keywords: suicide, police and public safety institutions, suicide prevention"

A Framework of Best Practice by Upstream Oil and Gas Contractors in Malaysia

Due to unstable global economic conditions, Malaysia’s oil and gas industry encounters numerous challenges and uncertainties. Consequently, effective contract management has become a critical factor in ensuring the success of oil and gas projects. Projects undertaken by contractors are often exposed to various risks that can hinder project performance, cause financial instability, and lead to disputes, impacting all parties involved. Furthermore, many industrial practitioners overlook this issue and are unaware of the potential serious consequences. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to establish a theoretical framework for best practices in contract management for oil and gas contractors in Malaysia. A survey was conducted using questionnaires and a quantitative correlational research approach that employed a multistage cluster sampling method, targeting Malaysia’s oil and gas contractors. The study aimed to gauge the respondents' level of understanding and assess the effectiveness of their current contract management approaches. The collected data underwent analysis through descriptive methods, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and theoretical integration. The goal was to develop a novel framework comprising six core modules: staff accountability and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), risk management, tender and award processes, cost management, contract awareness and review, and contractual record-keeping. This framework equipped oil and gas contractors with the tools and practices necessary to navigate the global crisis. The oil and gas sector, particularly contractors, stands to gain substantial benefits from the framework introduced in this study. It is a valuable resource that contractors can leverage to enhance their methodologies, procedures, and contract management tools, enabling them to operate effectively amid the persisting global challenges.

Proposal of good management practices to improve academic results in two educational institutions in Colombia

Cada uno de los participantes de una comunidad educativa asume un rol o múltiples roles que buscan generar acciones tendientes a la mejora continua y al fortalecimiento de los procesos de evaluación. Un ejemplo es el directivo docente, cuya función busca el mejoramiento continuo y altos estándares de calidad. Por lo anterior, hay que determinar las buenas prácticas de la gestión directiva que permitan fortalecer los resultados académicos de los estudiantes de último grado escolar. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa de método fenomenológico, aplicando una entrevista semiestructurada a 20 profesores de las instrucciones educativas Liceo Caucasia y Santo domingo ubicadas en Antioquia Colombia, con el objetivo de establecer las prácticas de los directivos docentes en sus instituciones. Se identificó que la calidad educativa, la eficiencia de los procesos institucionales, el liderazgo, la realización de una evaluación efectiva e integral, el desarrollo curricular y académico, la gestión de recursos educativos, la planeación, el mejoramiento continuo y las alianzas interinstitucionales, son actividades que un directivo docente debiera apropiar, comprender y realizar para consolidar los resultados académicos de los alumnos, las cuales deberían surgir como propuesta y consolidación de buenas prácticas directivas procesuales y conducentes a mejorar los resultados finales de la evaluación.

Public health importance of brucellosis: a review

Members of the genus Brucella are the source of the infectious bacterial disease known as brucellosis which is characterised by abortion, retained fetal membranes, orchitis, infection of the male accessory sex glands, and decreased fertility. Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, camels, and occasionally horses are the animals most commonly affected by the disease. It affects sexually mature animals and its preferred site is the reproductive tract of both male and female animals. Animals may acquire the infection by licking the genitalia of infected female animals shortly after parturition or abortion, or by consuming contaminated pastures, feedstuffs, and water. Because there are insufficient domestic animal health programs, adequate diagnostic facilities, and effective public health measures, brucellosis is common and seen as an important public health concern in developing countries. Due to its association with abortion storm in newly infected herds, a high rate of retained placenta, endometritis or metritis which lowers milk production, and infertility, the disease is important economically. Additionally, the contagious nature of the disease has an impact on public health. In humans, brucellosis is an acute or subacute condition that can last for weeks or months. It is typically characterized by an intermittent or remittent fever, malaise, anorexia, and prostration. Humans can become infected by consuming contaminated animal products such as milk. These and control strategies of brucellosis that include good farm management practices, surveillance, culling of infected animals, use of proper vaccination protocols and public awareness were the subject matter of this review.

Public health importance of brucellosis: a review

Members of the genus Brucella are the source of the infectious bacterial disease known as brucellosis which is characterised by abortion, retained fetal membranes, orchitis, infection of the male accessory sex glands, and decreased fertility. Cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs, camels, and occasionally horses are the animals most commonly affected by the disease. It affects sexually mature animals and its preferred site is the reproductive tract of both male and female animals. Animals may acquire the infection by licking the genitalia of infected female animals shortly after parturition or abortion, or by consuming contaminated pastures, feedstuffs, and water. Because there are insufficient domestic animal health programs, adequate diagnostic facilities, and effective public health measures, brucellosis is common and seen as an important public health concern in developing countries. Due to its association with abortion storm in newly infected herds, a high rate of retained placenta, endometritis or metritis which lowers milk production, and infertility, the disease is important economically. Additionally, the contagious nature of the disease has an impact on public health. In humans, brucellosis is an acute or subacute condition that can last for weeks or months. It is typically characterized by an intermittent or remittent fever, malaise, anorexia, and prostration. Humans can become infected by consuming contaminated animal products such as milk. These and control strategies of brucellosis that include good farm management practices, surveillance, culling of infected animals, use of proper vaccination protocols and public awareness were the subject matter of this review.

Survey of Strongyloides infection in Maiduguri cattle abattoir, Nigeria

Gastro-intestinal infection constitutes major constraint to viable livestock industries. The study revealed information on the prevalence of Strongyloides infection in cattle in Maiduguri and environs with reference to sex, age and breeds of cattle in the study area. The result revealed the prevalence of 51 (25.5%) cases after examining 400 faecal samples using faecal sedimentation technique. The result of Strongyloides species infection recorded according to sex of cattle was higher in females with a prevalence of 40 (20.0%) compared to males with a prevalence of 11 (5.5%). The prevalence of infection based on age of cattle revealed higher percentage of 14 (7.0%) after examining 48 cattle in the age bracket of seven (7) years. A lower prevalence of 5 (2.5%) was recorded in cattle within the age bracket of 4 years after examining 36 samples. Breed-wise distribution of infected cattle indicated that Abore was more susceptible, followed by Ambala and Bakoloji breeds with prevalence of 20.5%, 4.5% and 0.5% respectively after examining 150, 36 and 11 faeces from respective breeds. Wadara appeared non-susceptible and therefore had no records of infection after examining low number of three samples from the breed. Bovine Strongyloides infection in Maiduguri and environs was established as a common finding and farmers should therefore be educated on proper use of antihelmintics and with emphasis on strategic antihelmintic medication. Good management practices including improved general hygiene and supplementary feeding of animals during periods of low grazing will have immunity boosting role in control of the parasite.

The Purpose of Sister City Collaboration between Malang and Fuqing, China

This study aims to explore the motifs behind the collaboration between Malang and Fuqing, China. Through the MRQ approach, this research analyzes how the motif of education emerges as a response to Fuqing's best practices in effective educational management. Furthermore, the study also identifies agricultural motifs driven by the significant potential of Fuqing as a soybean producer, aligning with Malang's characteristics as a tempeh producer. The results of the study indicate that the collaboration between Malang and Fuqing is driven by the real needs and potentials in both cities. This study successfully addresses research question (MRQ) number 3 regarding intercity cooperation through the lens of collaboration motifs. The implications of this research have a significant impact on strengthening the understanding of the dynamics of intercity cooperation, as well as providing a broader perspective on the importance of cross-regional collaboration in advancing local development.

Predicting the Impacts of Land Use/Cover and Climate Changes on Water and Sediment Flows in the Megech Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin

This study assessed the impacts of the land use/cover (LULC) and climate changes on the runoff and sediment flows in the Megech watershed. The Geospatial Water Erosion Prediction Project (GeoWEPP) was used to assess LULC and climate changes’ impact on runoff, soil loss, and sediment yield. The QGIS 2.16.3 plugin module for land use change evaluation (MOLUSCE) tool with the cellular automata artificial neural network (CA-ANN) was used for LULC prediction based on historical data and exploratory maps. Two commonly used representative concentration pathways (RCPs)—4.5 and 8.5—were used for climate projection in the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s. The LULC prediction analysis showed an expansion of cropland and settlement areas, with the reduction in the forest and rangelands. The climate projections indicated an increase in maximum temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, particularly with increased wet months and reduced dry periods. The average annual soil loss and sediment yield rates were estimated to increase under both the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, with a more noticeable increase under RCP8.5. By integrating DEM, soil, land use, and climate data, we evaluated runoff, soil loss, and sediment yield changes on only land use/cover, only climate, and the combined impacts in the watershed. The results revealed that, under all combined scenarios, the sediment yield in the Megech Reservoir was projected to substantially increase by 23.28–41.01%, showing a potential loss of reservoir capacity. This study recommends strong climate adaptation and mitigation measures to alleviate the impact on land and water resources. It is possible to lessen the combined impacts of climate and LULC change through implementing best-management practices and adaptation strategies for the identified scenarios.

Can the best management practices resist the combined effects of climate and land-use changes on non-point source pollution control?

Climate and land-use changes have an overlying impact on non-point source (NPS) pollution in river basins. However, the control effect of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for NPS pollution is not yet clear under future scenarios. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was coupled with the entropy-weighted method, global climate patterns and land-use data to explore the dynamic variations in total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) loads in the Jing River Basin during the baseline (2000−2020) and future periods (2021–2065), evaluate the pollution reduction effectiveness of individual and combined BMPs, and propose practical BMP configurations. Results indicate that a future trend of urban land expansion, particularly in the economic scenario (LU_SSP585), leads to weakened environmental ecosystems, while the sustainable scenario (LU_SSP126) exhibits more balanced land development. The MIROC-ES2L model demonstrates higher Taylor skill scores, forecasted significant increases in precipitation, maximum, and minimum temperatures under the SSP585 scenario. Spatial heterogeneity in TN and TP loads is notable, showing an upward trajectory in the future. The interaction between land-use and climate change has complex effects on TN and TP loads, with land-use-induced TN changes being relatively small (4.6 %) and TP changes substantial (24.3 %). The spatial distribution, under overlying effects, leans towards the influence of climate change, emphasizing its dominant role in TN and TP load variations. Distinct differences exist in the reduction of NPS pollution loads among different BMPs, with combined BMPs demonstrating superior effectiveness. The environmental-cost effectiveness trends of BMPs remain consistent across various future scenarios. RG (Return agricultural land to grass), RG + TT (Terracing), and RG + FR10 (Fertilizer reduction: 10 %) + GW (Grassed waterway) + FS (Filter strip) + TT emerge as the most effective single, double, and multiple BMP combinations, respectively. The results offer valuable insights for preventing and mitigating future NPS pollution risks, optimizing land-use layouts, and enhancing watershed management decisions.

Combined gonadotropin therapy to replace mini-puberty in male infants with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Infants born with severe central disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis leading to gonadotropin deficiency not only lack pubertal development in adolescence, but also lack infantile mini-puberty. This period of mini-puberty, where infants have gonadotropin and sex steroid concentrations up into the adult range, is vital for future reproductive capacity, particularly in boys. At present, there is no consensus on the diagnosis or management of infants with gonadotropin deficiency due to congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. Case series suggest that gonadotropin treatment in male infants with absent mini-puberty is effective in promoting both testicular descent in those with undescended testes and also facilitating increased penile size. Moreover, replacement with follicle-stimulating hormone increases the testicular Sertoli cell population, measurable as an increase in testicular volume and inhibin B, thus hypothetically increasing the capacity for spermatogenesis in adult life for these patients. However, long-term follow-up data is limited for both outcomes pertaining to fertility and nonreproductive sequelae, including neurodevelopment and psychological well-being. The use of international registries for patients with gonadotropin deficiency is a key element in the collection of high-quality, geographically widespread data to inform best-practice management from birth to adulthood.

An expert consensus on prevention, diagnosis, and management of hemorrhagic cystitis in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation, on behalf of the Infectious Disease and Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Working groups of Italian Pediatric Hematology Oncology Association (AIEOP).

The optimal management of hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is debated, both for early onset HC (EOHC) secondary to chemotherapy toxicity and BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV)-related HC, due to the lack of controlled trials, particularly referred to pediatric setting. Actually, clinical practice is mainly based on guidelines of the European Conference on Infections in Leukemia, 6th edition, which considers both adult and pediatric populations but concludes that, despite much progress in understanding the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and risk factors, this complication still represents a disabling unmet clinical need with limited prophylactic and therapeutic options. Additionally, the Guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology define the management of chemotherapeutic toxicity independently from the patients' population. A panel of experts belonging to the Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Infectious Disease Working Group (WG) of Associazione Italiana di Emato-Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP) developed a consensus to define the best practices in prevention, diagnosis, and management of HC in pediatric HCT setting.

Enhancing Islamic Education: The Role of Madrasah-Based Management in Islamic Boarding Schools

This study aims to analyze the contribution of madrasah-based Islamic education management, focusing on planning, organizing, implementing, supervising, and assessing. The research highlights the potential of effective management practices within madrasahs to enhance the quality of education, particularly in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). Using a qualitative approach and a case study design, this research seeks to reveal empirical facts objectively and scientifically, supported by strong methodology and theory. Data collection methods include observations, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis follows a systematic process involving data collection, analysis, and conclusion drawing. The findings underscore the significant role of madrasah-based management in improving education quality at Madrasah Aliyah in the Darussalam Bermi Islamic Boarding School. Key contributions include the proactive leadership of boarding school authorities, collaboration with stakeholders, integration of a dual curriculum (government and pesantren-specific), and the resulting high quality of graduates. The collaboration between stakeholders and the dual curriculum system significantly impacts educational outcomes, as evidenced by the alumni's quality. The study indicates that madrasah-based management practices, particularly the dual curriculum, do not present significant issues within pesantren. Instead, these practices positively impact educational quality. Effective management strategies, leadership, and stakeholder collaboration are crucial to this success. The integration of the Ministry of Religion’s curriculum with the boarding school’s specific curriculum demonstrates adaptability and effectiveness. This study provides a foundational understanding of madrasah-based Islamic education management’s contribution to improving educational quality. The successful implementation of a dual curriculum and stakeholder involvement are key factors. These findings offer a framework for further research into the contributions and best practices of madrasah-based management in Islamic education.

Urban Stormwater Phosphorus Export Control: Comparing Traditional and Low-impact Development Best Management Practices.

Data from the International Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Database were used to compare the phosphorus (P) control performance of six categories of stormwater BMPs representing traditional systems (stormwater pond, wetland basin, and detention basin) and low-impact development (LID) systems (bioretention cell, grass swale, and grass strip). Machine learning (ML) models were trained to predict the reduction or enrichment factors of surface runoff concentrations and loadings of total P (TP) and soluble reactive P (SRP) for the different categories of BMP systems. Relative to traditional BMPs, LIDs generally enriched TP and SRP concentrations in stormwater surface outflow and yielded poorer P runoff load control. The SRP concentration reduction and enrichment factors of LIDs also tended to be more sensitive to variations in climate and watershed characteristics. That is, LIDs were more likely to enrich surface runoff SRP concentrations in drier climates, when inflow SRP concentrations were low, and for watersheds exhibiting high impervious land cover. Overall, our results imply that stormwater BMPs do not universally attenuate urban P export and that preferentially implementing LIDs over traditional BMPs may increase TP and SRP export to receiving freshwater bodies, hence magnifying eutrophication risks.

Postharvest evaluations of soil erosion, ground cover, and best management practice implementation on integrated biomass and conventional clearcut harvest sites

As demand for wood energy rises, it’s vital to understand the environmental impact of various harvest types, considering different best management practices (BMPs) and site conditions, for sustainable forest management. This study provides a comparative analysis of postharvest site characteristics between biomass and conventional harvest sites located in the Coastal Plain region of the southeastern US. A total of 30 recently harvest sites (15 each for biomass and conventional) were selected from the Coastal regions of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Erosion rates were estimated using the USLE-Forest method and ground cover was assessed as a percentage of the area covered by bare soil, litter, light slash, heavy slash, and piles. BMP implementation (%) was based on state-specific BMP surveys. The findings show that stream management zones (SMZs) and harvest areas were less prone to soil erosion, while forest roads, skid trails, and stream crossings were more prone to erosion, regardless of the harvest type. Conventional harvest sites had an overall weighted average erosion rate of 0.35 Mg/ha/year, with an average BMP implementation of 92.70 %, while biomass harvest sites had an overall weighted average erosion rate of 0.22 Mg/ha/year, with an average BMP implementation rate of 97.91 %. Average erosion rate (Mg/ha/year) from the harvest area (biomass=0.11, conventional=0.06) and SMZs (biomass=0.05, conventional=0.02) were not significantly different (p>0.05). Conversely, average erosion rate from roads (biomass=4.17, conventional=6.44), skid trails (biomass=2.15, conventional=3.73), decks (biomass=0.39, conventional=0.72), and stream crossings (biomass=1.53, conventional=5.31) were significantly higher in conventional harvest sites (p<0.05). BMP implementation rates for roads (biomass=98.09 %, conventional=93.71 %), stream crossings (biomass=95 %, conventional=71 %), and timber harvest (biomass=96.44 %, conventional=93.33 %) were significantly higher in biomass harvest sites, while waste management BMP (biomass=89.91 %, conventional=100 %) was significantly higher in conventional harvest sites. Regarding ground cover, conventional harvest sites had significantly larger areas covered by light slash, heavy slash, and piles than biomass harvest sites, while biomass harvest sites had significantly larger areas covered by green growth. Our research shows a significant negative correlation between overall BMP implementation and erosion rates (r=-0.67, p=0.0002), as well as site size (r=-0.38 p=0.0400), indicating that larger sites tend to have lower BMP implementation and increased erosion risk. In conclusion, biomass harvest sites in our study did not yield higher erosion rates in comparison to conventional harvest sites, provided that the current BMP recommendations were implemented properly and in adequate amounts. This study emphasizes the importance of site-specific management strategies to mitigate erosion in all harvest sites, irrespective of harvest type used.

Evaluation of best management practices for mitigating harmful algal blooms risk in an agricultural lake basin using a watershed model integrated with Bayesian Network approach

Lake eutrophication caused by nitrogen and phosphorus has led to frequent harmful algal blooms (HABs), especially under the unknown challenges of climate change, which have seriously damaged human life and property. In this study, a coupled SWAT-Bayesian Network (SWAT-BN) model framework was constructed to elucidate the mechanisms between non-point source nitrogen pollution in agricultural lake watersheds and algal activities. A typical agricultural shallow lake basin, the Taihu Basin (TB), China, was chosen in this study, aiming to investigate the effectiveness of best management practices (BMPs) in controlling HABs risks in TB. By modeling total nitrogen concentration of Taihu Lake from 2007 to 2022 with four BMPs (filter strips, grassed waterway, fertilizer application reduction and no-till agriculture), the results indicated that fertilizer application reduction proved to be the most effective BMP with 0.130 of Harmful Algal Blooms Probability Reduction (HABs-PR) when reducing 40% of fertilizer, followed by filter strips with 0.01 of HABs-PR when 4815ha of filter strips were conducted, while grassed waterway and no-till agriculture showed no significant effect on preventing HABs. Furthermore, the combined practice between 40% fertilizer application reduction and 4815ha filter strips construction showed synergistic effects with HABs-PR increasing to 0.171. Precipitation and temperature data were distorted to model scenarios of extreme events. As a result, the combined approach outperformed any single BMP in terms of robustness under extreme climates. This research provides a watershed-level perspective on HABs risks mitigation and highlights the strategies to address HABs under the influence of climate change.

Perspectives on forestry management: How do bats fit in?

AbstractIn the last decade, bat conservation guidance has received increasing attention, as many United States bat species are in decline due to white‐nose syndrome and have been listed or considered for federal endangered species status. Research on how these species are impacted by forestry management decisions has advanced to provide specific conservation actions for these imperiled species. We set out to better understand the level of knowledge land managers had in relation to forestry techniques and their impact on wildlife conservation in order to more effectively strategize how we can efficiently provide educational resources. We surveyed 78 land managers in Illinois to identify their priorities for management and how familiar they were with forestry management guidelines for bat conservation. We followed up with a subset of voluntary participants with semistructured phone interviews to generate more in‐depth responses. Using these tools, we reveal that a top priority for most managers in Illinois is invasive species management. Most have some familiarity with bat conservation actions, but few were confident in their knowledge of threatened and endangered species. Thirteen of the twenty phone interviews identified a preference for talking to/hearing from experts to receive information on bat conservation. These results highlighted where there are information gaps on best practices for forestry management from a conservation perspective, and identified how we can best address these through partnerships with land managers. Implementation of these practices is likely how recovery of these vulnerable species will happen—through protection of their basic needs, including availability of roosts, abundance of prey, and access to uncontaminated water resources.

Alloimmunization and autoimmunization among multitransfused thalassemia and sickle cell disease patients

Blood transfusion is the mainstay for management of hemoglobinopathies, including thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). Apart from other transfusion related adverse effects, immunization is a significant complication, particularly in multitransfused recipients. Alloimmunization rates vary widely, both in thalassemia and SCD patients. Alloimmunization complicates the management in form of hemolytic transfusion reactions, difficulty in finding compatible units, delays in transfusion and increasing costs. Exact pathogenesis and prevention modality have not been elucidated. Apart from antigenic differences, immunomodulatory effects and inflammation also play a role in pathogenesis. Ethnic heterogeneity between donors and recipients predisposes to higher alloimmunization.Transfusion management of hemoglobinopathies across the globe is fragmented, with different levels of care. Guidelines propose red cell antigen profiling, transfusion of leucoreduced red cells, preferably matched for Rh and Kell antigens, over and above ABO-D matching. For alloimmunized patients, corresponding antibody negative red cells need to be transfused. However, patients from different backgrounds are variably transfused with whole blood/red cells, which may or may not be leukoreduced. Prophylactic antigen matching reduces the risk of alloimmunization, however, has limitations. RH variants may not be picked up by phenotyping alone. Moreover, the approach of prophylactic antigen matching is expensive, labour intensive, time consuming and may cause delays in transfusions. There is limited, low quality evidence on best practices for transfusion management of SCD and thalassemia. The review analyses the magnitude of problem, factors contributing and modalities for prevention and management of immunization.

Socio-economic and sharecropping influence on the adoption of practices beneficial to soil quality and nitrogen retention in Nepal

Soil degradation is a pressing issue in Nepal. The interrelation between soil degradation and nitrogen deficiency often creates feedback loops that exacerbate both problems. Further, there are debates as to whether sharecropping poses challenges to sustainable soil management. This study examines the comparative likelihood of sharecroppers and non-sharecroppers to adopt minimum or no-till, use of crop residues, incorporate fertiliser in the soil or deep placement of fertiliser, use compost and organic fertiliser, and adopt good water management practices. This study also investigates whether there are differences between adoption drivers/barriers of sharecropper and non-sharecroppers Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) models are estimated. The results show that being a sharecropper is associated with a decrease in the likelihood of adopting no-tillage/minimum tillage and incorporating fertiliser rather than broadcasting. However, being a sharecropper is associated with a greater likelihood of adopting organic fertiliser, compost and crop residues. The main differences between the determinants of adoption among sharecroppers and non-sharecroppers are that older farmers were more likely to adopt certain practices for sharecroppers but not for non-sharecroppers. There are also differences in the adoption of no-tillage/minimum tillage and incorporation of fertiliser for non-sharecroppers between male and female farmers. However, for sharecroppers, male-headed farms were less likely to adopt most practices. Labour size, subsidy for synthetic fertiliser, and awareness of the soil/environment linkages also influenced adoption differently across sharecroppers and non-sharecroppers. Contrary to assertions that sharecropping acts as a barrier universally, the findings suggest that Nepalese sharecroppers' adoption of soil management practices is more context-dependent than uniformly hindered.

Milking to 2030: Economic and sustainability prospective of the Mexican dairy sector

Objective: This study aims to assess the productive and economic performance of the Mexican milk sector, particularly focusing on small and medium-scale dairy farms, and examining pessimistic, base, and optimistic scenarios. Design/methodology/approach: Employing a statistical univariate method with time series analysis (ARIMA), we analyzed productive efficiency and price behavior in Mexican dairy systems. Deterministic and stochastic estimations for production volume, milk price, and cattle inventory from 2021 to 2030 were established using confidence intervals to construct pessimistic (lower interval), base (mean), and optimistic (upper interval) scenarios. Results: The evaluated period witnessed an estimated 10.27% increase in production, equivalent to 576 million liters of milk, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0922%. Milk prices displayed an upward trend, with average prices of $0.66, $0.69, and $0.72 under pessimistic, base, and optimistic scenarios, respectively. In 2030, a 22% price increase compared to 2021 was observed. Considering a base price of $0.45 USD per liter in 2030, costs under pessimistic, base, and optimistic scenarios were $1,658.21, $1,756.43, and $1,855.31, resulting in profits of $1,160.75, $1,229.50, and $1,022.45 from milk sales. Cattle inventory exhibited an upward trend, paralleling milk volumes and prices. Limitations on study/implications: The study's use of a univariate method may incompletely capture market dynamics complexity, potentially underestimating the impact of external market forces and global economic conditions on milk prices. Findings/conclusions: To secure forecasted milk volumes in base and optimistic scenarios, maintaining and enhancing good management practices is crucial. Additionally, addressing the imperative to augment production efficiency and improve environmental sustainability and animal welfare is essential.