Shifts In Patterns Research Articles

Assessing pest control treatments from phenology models and field data.

Efficacy of insecticides is often determined from apparent yield loses due to a target pest. However, pests can affect yields even when controls work as expected. Further, most pest populations are monitored through adult counts without procedures to assess dynamics of immature stages. Here, we propose a framework to assess the efficacy of control treatments from adult counts in non-experimental setups based on the shifts in temporal patterns of adult emergence caused during the residual period of treatments applied to kill immatures. We use phenology models scaled to field counts to track the stage structure of pest populations across a season and produce reference population trajectories with and without the treatment. Field-collected trajectories are then classified as with or without an effective control through a time-sequential probability ratio test. The method was evaluated using pheromone trap captures of codling moth, Cydia pomonella, and four of the most widely implemented treatment programs in apple and pear orchards. Simulations revealed that when field-collected trajectories are classified as treated with a control, there is 70% chance that the treatment program is > 50% effective, or that the program is < 66% effective when field-collected trajectories are classified as untreated, provided the trajectories are made of ≥ 15 pheromone traps. This framework is a powerful, evidence-based tool to optimize the selection of inputs and application protocols for pest control and could be applied to virtually any pest that can be sampled regularly and whose phenology can be modeled as a function of degree-days. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Disentangled Dynamic Graph Attention Network for Out-of-Distribution Sequential Recommendation

Sequential recommendation, leveraging user-item interaction histories to provide personalized and timely suggestions, has drawn significant research interest recently. With the power of exploiting spatio-temporal dynamics, Dynamic Graph Neural Networks (DyGNNs) show great potential in sequential recommendation by modeling the dynamic relationship between users and items. However, spatio-temporal distribution shifts naturally exist in out-of-distribution sequential recommendation, where both user-item relationships and temporal sequences demonstrate pattern shifts. The out-of-distribution scenarios may lead to the failure of existing DyGNNs in handling spatio-temporal distribution shifts in sequential recommendation, given that the patterns they exploit tend to be variant w.r.t labels under distribution shifts. In this article, we propose Disentangled Intervention-based Dynamic graph Attention networks with Invariance Promotion ( I-DIDA ) to handle spatio-temporal distribution shifts in sequential recommendation by discovering and utilizing invariant patterns , i.e., structures and features whose predictive abilities are stable across distribution shifts. Specifically, we first propose a disentangled spatio-temporal attention network to capture the variant and invariant patterns. By utilizing the disentangled patterns, we design a spatio-temporal intervention mechanism to create multiple interventional distributions and an environment inference module to infer the latent spatio-temporal environments, and minimize the invariance loss to leverage the invariant patterns with stable predictive abilities under distribution shifts. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of our method over state-of-the-art sequential recommendation baselines under distribution shifts.

Shifts in seasonal influenza patterns in Australia during and after COVID-19: A comprehensive analysis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal influenza virus circulation was heavily suppressed worldwide. In Australia, since the virus re-emerged in 2022, shifts in seasonal influenza patterns have been observed. Both the 2022 and 2023 seasons started earlier than pre-pandemic norms and were categorised as moderate to severe, highlighting the renewed importance of prevention strategies for seasonal influenza. We analysed influenza notification data from the Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (2012-2022) and virological surveillance data from the FluNet database (2012-2023). Using generalised additive models, we compared predicted weekly influenza case counts during 2020-2022 with observed counts. Epidemic weeks were detected using a negative binomial threshold, and epidemic onset was estimated with a Bayesian Poisson count detection algorithm. Trends in epidemic magnitude and onset timing across influenza virus types and subtypes were compared for pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 periods. Seasonal influenza activity was nearly absent in 2020 and 2021 but rebounded significantly in 2022 and 2023. Epidemic detection confirmed suppressed seasonal influenza circulation during the pandemic. While influenza A subtypes returned to pre-pandemic onset timings in 2022, influenza B exhibited a significantly delayed onset. The 2022 and 2023 seasons were moderate to severe, with earlier-than-average season starts, underscoring the ongoing changes in influenza dynamics post-pandemic. This study provided a detailed analysis of the disruptions and subsequent shifts in seasonal influenza patterns in Australia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid resurgence of influenza activity in 2022 and 2023, combined with altered onset timings, highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and adaptive forecasting models to address the evolving complexity of influenza epidemiology in the post-pandemic era.

Significant trends and structural shifts in rainfall patterns in Nigeria

Significant trends and structural shifts in rainfall patterns in Nigeria

The revised remote area nurse model of consultation.

The aim of this revision was to update the Remote Area Nurse (RAN) Model of Consultation (MoC) and was prompted by publication of the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework (2013-2018), shifts in RAN workforce patterns, community health patterns and technology use. Rural and remote residents face higher rates of hospitalisations, deaths and poorer access to health care with a significant burden of avoidable fatal conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Health care is mostly provided by RANs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners (ATSIHPs), addressing diverse health needs, a mobile population and navigating cross-cultural situations. Despite challenges such as clinician shortages, RANs manage a significant portion of non-emergency consultations. The RAN MoC was developed to ensure comprehensive, systematic and person-centred care and to mitigate risk to the client, the nurse and the health service. The 11 expert panel members, all authors, revised the RAN MoC through a series of Microsoft Teams meetings, one face-to-face meeting and an exchange of emails. The principles were reorganised under the four domains of the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework and mapped against the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Health Care Standards. The revised RAN MoC is designed to provide evidence based culturally informed care, standardise RAN consultation best practice and improve the health outcomes of their clients. With the increased turnover and number of nurses 'new' to remote, more innovative approaches to education and dissemination of the model is necessary.

Changes in the Work Patterns of Hospitalists in South Korea Following Medical School Expansion

Backgrounds/Aims: The recent increase in medical school admissions has potentially altered the working conditions of hospitalists in South Korea. This study investigated how these changes have affected the work patterns and responsibilities of hospitalists, particularly in light of the ongoing exodus of medical trainees that began on February 22, 2024.Methods: We surveyed members of the Korean Society of Hospital Medicine and the Korean Society of Surgery Hospital Medicine Study Group working as hospitalists from April 2 to 30, 2024. The survey was conducted via email and excluded personally identifiable information. Respondents’ characteristics, work types, hours, patient loads, support staff availability, and changes in job scope post-policy were analyzed.Results: Sixty-three hospitalists responded, with an equitable gender distribution and a median age of 39 years. A significant shift in work patterns was noted, with full-day shifts increasing from 22.2% to 39.7%, and a corresponding decrease in weekday daytime shifts. Work hours also significantly increased from a median of 40 to 45 hours per week. Changes in patient distribution were observed, with fewer hospitalists managing mid-range patient numbers and more handling smaller or larger loads. Despite the increased demands in the latter case, more than 50% of hospitalists reported a lack of support staff and a significant portion did not receive overtime compensation.Conclusions: The increase in medical school admissions and subsequent shifts in hospitalist workloads and hours indicate a strained healthcare system. Hospitalists are taking on more intensive and extended roles. The absence of adequate support staff and adjustments in compensation suggest that further systemic changes are necessary to sustain the efforts of hospitalists, thereby ensuring patient safety and care quality.

Memory: Using the past to anticipate the future

Memories can be decoded from brain responses and eye movements. A combined electroencephalogram-eyetracking study now shows that learning is marked by dynamic shifts in brain patterns and eye movements that go from remembering the past to anticipating the future.

Vulnerability of Global Pine Forestry's Carbon Sink to an Invasive Pathogen-Vector System.

The substantial contribution of northern forest growth to the global increase of biomass carbon stock is well documented. However, the ecological consequences of pest- and disease-related losses in these forests have not received comparable attention. This study highlights that pine species are major contributors to carbon stocks in Northern Hemisphere. The total carbon storage of Pinus in the Northern Hemisphere was estimated at 70,726 teragrams of carbon (TgC; 17.7% of the total forest carbon 478,012 TgC), accounting for 4.9%, 28.4%, and 12.5% of the total carbon storage in the forests of Asia, Europe, and North America, respectively. However, pine trees were under threat from an invasive complex involving the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and Japanese pine sawyer beetle (Monochamus spp.). Since 1977, this complex resulted in a carbon sink deficit of 1857 TgC (18% of the carbon currently stored in Europe's live tree biomass) in northern pine ecosystems. The carbon losses attributed to B. xylophilus exceeded those caused by wildfires, which are typically regarded as the primary factor of forest disturbances. Furthermore, the contributions of environmental variables indicate that the expected northward shift in precipitation patterns will exacerbate B. xylophilus threats, endangering 78% of the boreal forests across Eurasia by 2100. Among these high-risk areas, 62% contributed significantly to global carbon sink, and 42% was protected forests. Following the present trend, carbon losses caused by the B. xylophilus complex could exceed 39% of the total carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems. This study provides comprehensive datasets that detail the global distribution and high-risk habitats of pine species and B. xylophilus vector beetles in affected countries. Our findings underscore the substantial risk of carbon losses posed by B. xylophilus to northern pine forests, with potential implications for global carbon dynamics and the achievement of international goals related to "carbon peak" and "carbon neutrality."

Mining and Climate Change Alters Water Storage and Streamflow Dynamics of Northern Peatland‐Dominated Catchments

AbstractThe Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL) of northern Ontario, a globally significant carbon store, are characterized by expansive peatland complexes of patterned bogs and fens, which play a vital role in regional water regulation. These peatlands are threatened by disturbance from large‐scale resource extraction and projected climate change, both of which have the potential to compromise their ecohydrological function. Field measurements and numerical modeling were used to investigate the hydrological responses of peatlands and downgradient streamflow as a consequence of disturbance from mining and shifts in climate, individually and in combination. Mine dewatering reduced groundwater storage by as much as 150 mm, equivalent to a water table lowering of 75 cm, thereby decreasing annual streamflow by 66% in impacted tributaries. Although the projected increases to precipitation and evapotranspiration due to climate change were approximately balanced, resulting in minor changes to storage, there were pronounced shifts in the temporal patterns of streamflow, with a diminished snowmelt and spring freshet occurring a month earlier. When considering the cumulative impacts of climate change coupled with mining, a potential shift in peatland ecohydrology toward new equilibria is plausible, implying altered water movement across the landscape and compromised ecosystem function. This study emphasizes the critical need for further monitoring and modeling efforts to characterize the thresholds and mechanisms driving these ecohydrological changes. This research will guide future investigations on the implications of disturbance on local and regional hydrologic connectivity and facilitate the protection of peatland ecosystems in the HBL and other northern peatland‐dominated landscapes.

Diversity analysis, nutrition, and flavor evaluation of amino acids in Chinese native geese germplasms.

As living standards improve and consumption patterns shift, the market for goose meat continues to grow because of its exceptional dietary quality and distinctive flavor. The composition and content of amino acids are critical for determining the nutritional value and flavor of meat. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value and flavor of 10 Chinese native geese germplasms based on their amino acid content and composition. A total of 568 geese from 10 Chinese native geese germplasms reared under identical conditions were slaughtered at 10 weeks of age. The pectoralis and thigh muscles (thighs) were collected to determine the amino acid content using an amino acid analyzer. Subsequently, diversity, variance, cluster, and principal component analyses were performed to identify superior germplasm with improved nutrition and flavor. The results revealed 17 amino acids in goose meat, with Glutamate and Aspartate being the most abundant. The amino acid scores of goose meat exceeded the values recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (1.72-2.07) indicated a high degree of diversity in amino acid content among geese germplasms. The pectoralis exhibited significantly higher amino acid content (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) than the thigh, except for the essential amino acids to total amino acids ratio (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The 10 germplasms were categorized into four clusters, with Wanxi (WX) and Taizhou (TZ) geese grouped in Cluster I, displaying significantly higher nutritional value and flavor (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) than other germplasms. Germplasms with superior nutritional value and flavor (WX and TZ) were identified among 10 Chinese native geese germplasms, providing valuable insights for the conservation of existing germplasms and the cultivation of new goose breeds with improved meat quality.

The physician payments Sunshine Act and medical oncology: a seven-year financial analysis.

The integration of pharmaceutical and medical device companies with clinical practice is under scrutiny due to financial incentives that may influence oncology care. The Physician Payments Sunshine Act mandates transparency in these financial relationships. This study examines the trends in non-research payments to oncology specialists between 2017 and 2023, analyzing amounts, reasons, and variations by subspecialty and region. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments database, focusing on U.S.-based hematology, medical oncology, and hematology-oncology specialists. Payments were categorized by amount, purpose, and payment type, with temporal and geographic comparisons. Data analysis was conducted in Rstudio (version 2022.07.0) with Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests to assess statistical significance across specialties, regions, and payment periods. Between 2017 and 2023, 2,158,140 payments totaling $601,567,196.10 were made to 19,585 U.S.-based hematology, medical oncology, and hematology-oncology specialists. Hematology-oncology received the highest total payment amount ($393,169,915.10) and transaction count (1,700,202), while hematology had the highest median payment ($23.05) compared to hematology-oncology ($18.12) and medical oncology ($19.5). Payment patterns demonstrated seasonal peaks, particularly in Q1 and Q4, and increased markedly during major oncology conferences (ASCO, ASH). Analysis by geographic region revealed that the South consistently received the highest total payments, peaking at $36.8 million in 2023, while the Northeast had the highest median payment values, reaching $22.87 in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic corresponded with lasting shifts in payment patterns, with median payment values rising significantly during the pandemic period and remaining elevated post-COVID across all specialties. Additionally, the distribution of payments by type revealed that direct cash payments and consulting fees were the most prominent, with hematology-oncology showing the greatest reliance on high-value cash transactions, while stock payments featured prominently in hematology. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these patterns as robust, with minimal variance observed when excluding extreme values, further validating consistent trends across specialties, regions, and periods. This study reveals specialty- and region-specific variations in oncology-related payments, with significant increases during key conferences and the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of continued transparency and scrutiny in industry-oncology financial interactions to mitigate potential conflicts of interest in oncology care.

Food and Livestock Sustainability in the Modern Era

The article delves into the intricate relationship between food security and livestock sustainability in today's world. With the global population on the rise and evolving consumption patterns, the livestock sector is tasked with the dual challenge of meeting the growing demand for animal protein while minimizing environmental impacts. By conducting a thorough review of literature and analyzing recent case studies, this research investigates the crucial role of livestock farming in global food security and the sustainability hurdles it confronts. Key findings indicate that technological advancements like precision livestock farming, integrated food system approaches, and circular economy concepts hold promise as solutions to enhance production efficiency and decrease environmental impacts. Additionally, the article underscores the significance of effective policies, good governance, and shifts in consumer consumption patterns in propelling the transition towards more sustainable livestock systems. In conclusion, achieving a balance between food security and livestock sustainability necessitates a comprehensive approach that integrates technological innovation, appropriate policies, and collaborative efforts across sectors. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers as they work towards establishing a sustainable, fair, and resilient food system in the modern era.

Post-COVID-19 Publication Opportunities for Medical Academics in Top Indian Medical Institutes: An Investigation into Productivity, New Venues, and Collaborations

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped research dynamics in Indian medical academia, prompting shifts in publication patterns. Using data from 2017 to 2022 from Scopus, encompassing pre- and post-pandemic periods, the study focuses on the top six medical institutes in India. Despite pandemic challenges, using scientometric analysis, this study reveals increased research productivity, albeit with a decline in book-based scholarly communication. Notably, there’s been a significant rise in unique publication venues post-COVID-19, indicating a shift in publishing preferences. Additionally, medical academics have initiated collaborations with new countries, signaling proactive responses to the pandemic. These findings have crucial implications for medical institutes’ libraries. Libraries, as pivotal information hubs, must adapt to support researchers amidst evolving publication trends. Understanding these shifts enables libraries to tailor services, facilitate access to resources, and foster scholarly communication effectively.

Understanding COVID-19 pandemic-related shifts in active commute patterns: Insights from employees of a Canadian university

IntroductionIt is well established that the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the commute patterns of people worldwide. Yet, little is known about how commuting by active transportation (AT) has shifted since COVID-19 restrictions lifted. This quasi-experimental study aimed to: 1) compare AT mode share pre-versus post-COVID-19 pandemic; and 2) identify key post-pandemic correlates of transport mode. MethodsA survey of employees from a Canadian university was conducted annually from 2013 to 2017 and in 2022. There were 644 valid participants who completed at least one of the surveys pre-COVID-19 pandemic and in 2022. Participants were categorized as using AT, passive transportation (PT), or mixed transportation (MT) as their primary transport mode between home and workplace. The mode share of each transport type pre-versus post-COVID-19 was analyzed. Additionally, shifts in individual-level transportation modes and related sociodemographic correlates were evaluated. ResultsCompared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic, AT decreased from 27.0% to 23.4%; however, PT increased from 52.0% to 60.7% in the post-pandemic era. Household income, age, and sex/gender were key correlates of transport mode shifting. Only the lowest income group showed an increase in AT (18.8%–20.3%); all other groups showed no change or a decrease, with the greatest decline observed in those earning $90,000 to $119,999 (20.5%–13.5%). AT use decreased in all age groups under 50 years with the clearest change in the 20- to 29-year-old age range (24.3%–8.1%). Females/women used AT at half the rates of males/men, both pre- and post-COVID-19. ConclusionsQueen's university's employees demonstrated changes in transport mode use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in AT coupled with an increase in PT shown in this sample emphasizes the importance of organizational- and/or municipal-level interventions to encourage transportation modes that are both sustainable and health-promoting in the post-pandemic era.

Spontaneously Immortalised Nonhuman Primate Müller Glia Cell Lines as Source to Explore Retinal Reprogramming Mechanisms for Cell Therapies.

Cell replacement therapies for ocular diseases characterised by photoreceptors degeneration are challenging due to poor primary cell survival in culture. A stable retinal cell source to replace lost photoreceptors holds promise. Müller glia cells play a pivotal role in retinal homoeostasis by providing metabolic and structural support to retinal neurons, preventing aberrant photoreceptors migration, and facilitating safe glutamate uptake. In fish and amphibians, injured retinas regenerate due to Müller-like glial stem cells, a phenomenon absent in the mammalian retina for unknown reasons. Research on Müller cells has been complex due to difficulties in obtaining pure cell population and their rapid de-differentiation in culture. While various Müller glia cell lines from human and rats are described, no nonhuman primate Müller glia cell line is currently available. Here, we report spontaneously immortalised Müller glia cell lines derived from macaque neural retinas that respond to growth factors and expand indefinitely in culture. They exhibit Müller cells morphology, such as an elongated shape and cytoplasmic projections, express Müller glia markers (VIMENTIN, GLUTAMINE SYNTHASE, glutamate-aspartate transporter, and CD44), and express stem cell markers such as PAX6 and SOX2. In the presence of factors that induce photoreceptor differentiation, these cells show a shift in gene expression patterns suggesting a state of de-differentiation, a phenomenon known in reprogrammed mammalian Müller cells. The concept of self-renewing retina might seem unfeasible, but not unprecedented. While vertebrate Müller glia have a regeneration potential absent in mammals, understanding the mechanisms behind reprogramming of Müller glia in mammals could unlock their potential for treating retinal degenerative diseases.

Climate variability and its long-term trends in central Taraba, Nigeria: implications for local ecosystems and rural livelihoods

This study examines the long-term trends of climate variability in Central Taraba, Nigeria, with a focus on analyzing temperature and rainfall patterns from 1980 to 2020. Central Taraba has witnessed notable shifts in climate patterns, characterized by increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged periods of drought and excessive rainfall. These climatic changes pose significant threats to local ecosystems and rural livelihoods, which rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources. The research highlights significant fluctuations in both rainfall and temperature, underscoring the challenges posed by climate variability to the region’s ecological and socio-economic systems. The primary objectives of this study are to examine the extent of climate variability on key ecosystem services, assess its impacts on local livelihoods, and identify sustainable management strategies to address these effects. Results show a clear upward trend in both minimum and maximum temperatures across the study area, with some towns experiencing more pronounced increases in minimum temperatures. Rainfall patterns reveal an erratic trend with periods of both drought and excessive rainfall, though a slight but statistically insignificant downward trend in rainfall was observed in most towns. These climatic shifts have profound implications for agriculture, water resources, and rural livelihoods, as communities in the region heavily depend on rain-fed farming and natural ecosystems for sustenance. The study also underscores the pressing need for adaptive strategies such as climate-resilient agriculture and improved water resource management to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability. Recommendations emphasize strengthening community resilience and integrating climate data into regional development policies to safeguard local livelihoods and ecosystems from future climate-related risks.

Pre- & post-vaccine trends in pneumococcal serotypes & antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Background & objectives The Pneumococcal vaccines were introduced under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 2021 in India. Drawing from the collective experience of various nations, it is anticipated that there will be a substantial shift in serotype patterns following the introduction of this vaccine. The available data is limited to years until 2018 when the vaccine was introduced in only five States. The present study was carried out to estimate the changes in serotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns pre- and post-vaccine introduction from a tertiary care centre. Methods All isolates from various clinical specimens in the pre-vaccine era (January 2015-July 2021, except for 2019) and post-vaccine era (August 2021- March 2023) were included. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using disc diffusion or VITEK2, and serotyping was performed using the Quellung test (post-vaccine introduction) or sequential multiplex PCR (pre-vaccine introduction). The Chi-square or Fisher exact test was used to identify associations between antimicrobial resistance and serotypes. The z-test for proportions was used to identify significant changes in serotype frequencies between the pre- and post-vaccine era; P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Results Overall, the resistance rates increased for most of the antibiotics in the post-vaccine era, and there was no significant increase in the non-vaccine serotypes. The proportion of serotypes 19F and 15B/C increased, and serotypes 23F and 14 reduced in the post-vaccine era. The majority of the 19F and 19A isolates (89.7% and 80%, respectively) were multidrug resistant in the post-vaccine era. Interpretation & conclusions Introducing pneumococcal vaccination reduced the burden of many vaccine serotypes, while the burden of non-vaccine serotypes slightly increased. Most of the vaccine serotypes (like 19F and 19A) that persisted in the post-vaccine era were drug resistant.

From responsibility ping-pong to shared responsibility for 1.5° lifestyles? Examining European stakeholder perspectives

We are currently witnessing a paradox in climate governance (CG): despite growing awareness of the socio-biophysical impacts of current lifestyles, there remains a persistent commitment to high-consumption habits with large carbon footprints. Around this paradox, a debate on responsibility for change has developed. Which actor can and should do what to solve the problem? Simultaneously, however, scholars depict trends towards ‘organised irresponsibility’ (Beck, 1988) and individual responsibilisation bound to be ineffective in the context of existing structural challenges. The most likely result of such dynamics is a responsibility ping-pong with actors assigning responsibility to each other, which, in turn, invites the question of how it might be overcome. What other forms of talking about and organising responsibility might exist that could provide an actual basis for transformation change? Disentangling discourses around responsibility in CG, thus, is crucial for enabling a shift in consumption patterns and lifestyles that are compatible with the 1.5° Paris climate target. The present article pursues this objective. Building on a multi-method research approach, including stakeholder laboratories, expert interviews, and Delphi workshops across several European countries, it explores to whom and how European stakeholders in CG, specifically governments, businesses and citizens, assign responsibility, what risks and opportunities are involved, and what indications of a potential for game change exist. The findings uncover a complex web of pre-empted responsibility, which frequently leads to pessimism or ineffective strategies. However, the research also identifies some opportunities for organising a shared, justice-oriented and comprehensive notion of responsibility (Young, 2006).

Strategic Management Practices and Climate Change Mitigation of Total Energies Kenya Limited

Climate change is a major challenge to humanity’s existence as it leads to potential shift of weather patterns accelerating the vulnerability of the ecosystems. Realization of Climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives requires effective strategic management practices. Successful strategic management practices guarantee effective reduction of climate change impact and improved environmental sustainability. Failure to incorporate strategic management in the company’s short and long-term goals may result in lack of vision and failure to meet set environmental sustainability objectives within the set timelines. The aim of this study was to determine how strategic management practices has influenced the climate change mitigation within the oil sector in Kenya. The study was anchored on four theories; Triple Bottom Line Theory, Resource Based View Theory, Strategic Leadership Theory and Balanced Score Card Model. Descriptive research design was used for this study with a target populations of 360 employees of TEMK. Proportionate random sampling design was applied with 20% target sample size. Structured questionnaires with close ended question questions was employed as data collection instruments. Cronbach’s alpha measure was used to gauge the reliability of the questionnaire with result above 0.7 considered acceptable. The collected data was analyzed through coding of the questionnaire in SPSS. Multicollinearity test was done to show the occurrence of relationships among two or three independent variables. Variance Inflation (VIF) score was used for multicollinearity test and Normality test was done to ascertain the normality of error terms. A multiple regression equation was developed to show the connection between dependent and independent variables. Further analysis was done through percentages, means, standards deviations, regression and correlations. The analyzed data was presented through graphs, bar charts, histograms, pie charts and tables for easy and quick understanding. The study found out that climate financing, technological investments and climate change policies implementation have significant positive impact on the mitigation of climate change within the oil sector. The study concludes that factors such as climate financing, technological investments and climate change policies implementation have positive impact on the mitigation of climate change in the oil sector in Kenya. The study recommends that, in order to enhance climate financing, the government should establish enabling economic conditions through favorable tax regimes on projects related to climate change mitigation. Also, the study recommends that the oil sector should lobby for green financing by local banks to support investments on climate change. Further, the study recommends that in order to exploit the use of technological investments, the oil sector should enhance investment in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

Effects of cashew nutshell extract inclusion into a high-grain finishing diet on methane emissions, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in beef steers.

By 2050, the U.S. beef industry must produce an extra 40 million tons of beef to satisfy the global demand. Such an increase in inventory will undoubtedly enhance methane (CH4) production from livestock, which should be reduced by over 20%. The addition of plant secondary metabolites, such as anacardic acid present in cashew nutshell extract (CNSE), has shown promising results in reducing CH4 yield, although its effects seemed to be diet dependent. This study evaluated the addition of CNSE to a high-grain diet (85:15 Grain: forage) on in vivo CH4 emissions, nutrients digestibility, performance, feeding behavior, and ruminal fermentation parameters of beef steers. Sixteen Angus crossbred steers [599 ± 40kg of bodyweight (BW)] and six ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (490 ± 51kg of BW) were utilized in a crossover design with 2 experimental periods of 56 d each, composed by 14 d of adaptation, 35 d of measurement, and 7 d of washout. Following adaptation, steers were sorted by BW, and assigned to receive no additive (CON) or CNSE at 5g/steer/d. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Inclusion of CNSE increased (P < 0.05) propionate concentration and molar proportion (MP; mol/100mol), tended to decrease acetate MP (P = 0.10), reduced the acetate: propionate (A:P) ratio (P = 0.05), and MP of branched chain volatile fatty acids (P < 0.01). Neither in vitro organic matter digestibility nor in vitro CH4 yield were affected by CNSE inclusion (P > 0.05). Steers receiving CNSE exhibited greater (P < 0.05) final BW, dry matter intake (DMI), and average daily gain (ADG) but lesser (P < 0.05) in vivo CH4 emission rate (g/d), yield (g/kg of DMI), and intensity (g/kg of ADG). Meal length, bunk visit duration, and apparent total tract digestibility of DM increased (P < 0.05) after CNSE addition. Considering CNSE-supplemented steers spent more time in the feedbunk and exhibited higher DMI, CH4 mitigation was unlikely associated with intake reduction. The addition of CNSE to a high-grain diet in beef steers demonstrated significant improvements in animal performance and reduced CH4 emissions, as the result of shifts in ruminal fermentation patterns, favoring propionate instead acetate concentration, leading to a reduction in the A:P ratio. CNSE shows promise as a strategy to enhance beef industry sustainability.