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Climate change and variability pose a challenge to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Previous studies on climate change in the context of smallholder farming have mainly focused on the influence of socio-economic factors in understanding farmers' responses to climate change. However, little is known about the effect of psychological capital on climate change adaptation. There are calls for better empirical models and transdisciplinary approaches to understand the underlying drivers of climate change adaptation in smallholder farming systems. This study draws from behavioural decision research to assess psychological factors influencing climate change adaptation in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal. This study adopted the Theory of Planned Behaviour to understand the effect of psychological capital on climate change adaptation. Data were collected from a sample of 400 smallholder farmers who were randomly selected from the uMkhanyakude district. Survey data were analysed using a multivariate probit regression model. The results of the multivariate probit regression model indicated that psychological capital (attitudes towards climate change, subjective norms, and trust) played an important role in influencing climate change adaptation. Climate change adaptation is also influenced by the gender of the farmer, education level, household size, and Tropical Livestock Units. These findings underscore the role of psychological capital in shaping climate change adaptation. This study recommends using transdisciplinary approaches (i.e., combining economics and psychology) in evaluating farmers' responses to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe US government considers veterans to have been exposed to Agent Orange if they served in Vietnam while the carcinogen was in use, and these veterans are often deemed at high risk of prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we assess whether presumed Agent Orange exposure is independently associated with increased risk of any metastatic or fatal PCa in a diverse Veteran cohort still alive in the modern era (at least 2011), when accounting for race/ethnicity, family history, and genetic risk.Patients and methodsParticipants in the Million Veteran Program (MVP; enrollment began in 2011) who were on active duty during the Vietnam War era (August 1964-April 1975) were included (n = 301,470). Agent Orange exposure was determined using the US government definition. Genetic risk was assessed via a validated polygenic hazard score. Associations with age at diagnosis of any PCa, metastatic PCa, and death from PCa were assessed via Cox proportional hazards models.Results and interpretationOn univariable analysis, exposure to Agent Orange was not associated with increased PCa (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.04, p = 0.06), metastatic PCa (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.91-1.05, p = 0.55), or fatal PCa (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.79-1.09, p = 0.41). When accounting for race/ethnicity and family history, Agent Orange exposure was independently associated with slightly increased risk of PCa (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09,

Introduction: Vault particles are large cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles that participate in inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of major vault protein (MVP) in patients with inflammation, in order to determine whether MVP could be used as a biomarker for infection or inflammation. We also aimed to compare the diagnostic impact of MVP compared to other conventional measurements, such as CRP or white blood cell (WBC) counts. Methods: CRP and MVP levels were measured in 111 sera samples from 85 patients with inflammation admitted to a tertiary-care hospital and 26 healthy individuals during an 18-month period (2019–2020), using nephelometry and a custom MVP sandwich ELISA assay, respectively. In addition, WBC counts were measured using a commercial assay. Results: MVP levels were found to be elevated in patients with inflammation compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.0001). Moreover, MVP levels were higher in patients with inflammation due to an infectious etiology compared to those with non-infectious etiology (p = 0.0006). MVP levels significantly decreased during the first four days of infection in response to antibiotic treatment, while CRP levels showed a less-sensitive decline. An ROC curve analysis demonstrated that MVP and CRP have similarly high diagnostic accuracy, with AUCs of 0.955 and 0.995, respectively, followed by WBCs with an AUC of 0.805. Conclusions: The ROC curves demonstrated that MVP has the potential to serve as a diagnostic biomarker for inflammation and infection. Additionally, MVP levels may reflect the efficacy of antibiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customers are looking for suppliers to deliver complex systems at faster rates, targeting three year cycle. This timeframe is challenging for low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) developments, increasing requirements engineering effort, leaving engineers little time and scope for innovation. Test and Evaluation (T&E) activities are often performed in Australia near the end of the process diminishing their value , compensating for a lack of modelling and simulation in early stages. Waterfall Project Management dominates where capability is hardware focused, leading to overruns and deliver capability that falls short of customer expectations in some areas. The Agile approach has been successfully used in software-focused developments. Project managers have been slow to adopt Agile for developments in areas like Defence where the safety is hardware dominant claiming the Agile process lacks necessary governance , increasing risk in the development. This paper examines the extant developmental process in a Defence context and proposes a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)-based framework using Agile to accelerate the development and mitigate risk escalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation examines the various factors that impact the decision-making process of small-scale farmers in utilizing agricultural information outlets within the designated research area. A total of 403 farmers was surveyed, and the obtained data were meticulously analyzed through the implementation of a multivariate probit model. The model's analysis reveals a significant and positive correlation between farm size, membership status, credit accessibility, market proximity, extension services, total income, and willingness to share information in relation to the farmers' preference for electronic information channels. Moreover, the projected Most Valuable Player for the selection of printed outlets is favorably influenced by the level of education, farm size, total income and membership status. Conversely, frequency of market visits and proximity to development centers all adversely impact the preference for electronic outlets. Furthermore, membership status exerts a beneficial influence on the choices pertaining to outlets centered around human interaction, while family size has a detrimental effect on such choices. In addition, membership status, total income, distance to market, and extension services all exert positive influences on the selection of outlets associated with organizational entities, whereas marital status and educational attainment levels exert negative influences. Consequently, if farmers are provided with access to multiple information outlets, they are able to selectively choose the most advantageous combination of information sources to optimize their agricultural outputs. It is therefore recommended that equitable access to information outlet choices be enhanced in potential production sites, as well as in the development of rural-urban infrastructure.

Abstract The constant changes experienced in agricultural activities due to climate change pose a great challenge to melon production. Hence, this research examined the determinants of melon farmers’ adaptation strategies to cope with climate change hazards in southern–southern Nigeria. The research ultimately depended on primary data collected by using a set of questionnaires and interviews. The data were obtained from 260 samples retrieved from melon farmers by using multistage sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using the multivariate probit (MVP) model and partial eta squared test. The results of the MVP model showed that age (− 0.009), marital status (0.200), access to information on climate change (0.567) and crop insurance (0.214) were significant at the 0.01 level, while household size (− 0.030) was significant at the 0.05 level and determined the adoption of crop diversification. Educational level (0.012), extension contact (0.138) and access to credit (0.122) were significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.415) was significant at the 0.01 level and determined the adoption of change in planting dates. Age (− 0.010) and access to information on climate change (0.381) were significant at the 0.01 level, while sex (− 0.139), marital status (0.158) and off-farm income (− 2.3E-7) were significant at the 0.05 level and determined the adoption of mixed farming. Farming experience (0.005) is significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.529) and crop insurance (0.272) are significant at the 0.01 level and determine the adoption of drought-tolerant crop species. Access to information on climate change (0.536) is significant at the 0.01 level, indicating the adoption of improved crop species. Age (− 0.010), farm size (− 0.085) and crop insurance (0.206) were significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.353) was significant at the 0.01 level and determined the adoption of off-farm job opportunities. The study recommends the availability and accessibility of credit, climate-smart agricultural practices, and the establishment of public‒private partnerships, among others.

The constant changes experienced in agricultural activities due to climate change pose a great challenge to melon production. Hence, this research examined the determinants of melon farmers' adaptation strategies to cope with climate change hazards in southern–southern Nigeria. The research ultimately depended on primary data collected by using a set of questionnaires and interviews. The data were obtained from 260 samples retrieved from melon farmers by using multistage sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using the multivariate probit (MVP) model and partial eta squared test. The results of the MVP model showed that age (− 0.009), marital status (0.200), access to information on climate change (0.567) and crop insurance (0.214) were significant at the 0.01 level, while household size (− 0.030) was significant at the 0.05 level and determined the adoption of crop diversification. Educational level (0.012), extension contact (0.138) and access to credit (0.122) were significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.415) was significant at the 0.01 level and determined the adoption of change in planting dates. Age (− 0.010) and access to information on climate change (0.381) were significant at the 0.01 level, while sex (− 0.139), marital status (0.158) and off-farm income (− 2.3E-7) were significant at the 0.05 level and determined the adoption of mixed farming. Farming experience (0.005) is significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.529) and crop insurance (0.272) are significant at the 0.01 level and determine the adoption of drought-tolerant crop species. Access to information on climate change (0.536) is significant at the 0.01 level, indicating the adoption of improved crop species. Age (− 0.010), farm size (− 0.085) and crop insurance (0.206) were significant at the 0.05 level, while access to information on climate change (0.353) was significant at the 0.01 level and determined the adoption of off-farm job opportunities. The study recommends the availability and accessibility of credit, climate-smart agricultural practices, and the establishment of public‒private partnerships, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a formidable challenge in oncology research, with a complex pathogenesis that requires to be explored. Major Vault Protein (MVP) is the principal structural component of the vault complex, and its expression level is remarkably upregulated in various cancers. Extensive investigations have been conducted to explore the role of MVP in specific cancer contexts, yet the potential molecular mechanisms and biological functions of MVP in PAAD still remain considerably elusive. This study aims to explore the role of MVP as a novel immune-related biomarker in the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of PAAD. Methods: Gene expression data and clinical information were collected from TCGA, GTEx and GEO databases. Survival, prognostic and functional enrichment analysis were employed with R software. Immunological correlation analysis was performed using TIMER2.0, TIDE scores, TISIDB and TISCH. Epigenetic analysis was implemented by MethSurv, CPTAC, UALCAN, and cBioPortal. Drug analysis was conducted using Enrichr and CellMiner. Moreover, cellular experiments, like RNA interference, qRT-PCR, Western blot, cell cycle analysis, cell apoptosis analysis, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and wound healing assay, were performed for verifying the functional properties of MVP in the PAAD progression. Results: We demonstrated an abnormally upregulated expression of MVP in PAAD tissues, which notably correlated with an adverse prognosis in PAAD patients. Functional analysis suggested the conceivable involvement of MVP in immune modulation, and immunotherapy. Additionally, we identified genetic alterations, reduced promoter methylation, and heightened phosphorylation in MVP. We also clarified Suloctidil and Tetradioxin as the most notable potential drugs targeting MVP in PAAD. Moreover, our experimental observations consistently highlighted the significant impact of MVP deficiency on impeding PAAD cell proliferation, inhibiting cell migration, and accelerating cell apoptosis. Interestingly, a potential link between MVP and ERK or AKT pathways was displayed, which opens new avenues for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of MVP-targeted therapies in PAAD. Conclusions: This study systematically describes MVP as an immune-related biomarker with remarkable potential for predicting the prognosis, tumor progression and immunotherapeutic efficacy in PAAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the profitability and resource use efficiency of maize seed production in the Rolpa district of Nepal. Primary data were collected from a sample of 67 maize growing farmers involved in maize seed production, selected randomly from the sampling frame with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%, using Raosoft. Additionally, secondary information was obtained through a review of relevant literature. Descriptive statistics and the Cobb-Douglas production function were employed for data analysis. The results indicated that maize seed production in the study area was profitable, evidenced by a gross margin of 17,160.6 NRs/ha and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.12. The productivity level was estimated at 15.46 quintal/ha. Moreover, the return to scale of maize seed production was calculated to be 0.79, suggesting a decreasing return to scale. The analysis of allocative efficiency indices highlighted the need for optimizing resource allocation. Specifically, increasing costs on seed, chemical fertilizers, and management by 94.03%, 99.30%, and 60.25% respectively would lead to optimal resource allocation. Conversely, costs related to human labor, farmyard manure (FYM), and tillage should be reduced. This research contributes to a better understanding of the profitability and resource utilization in maize seed production in the Rolpa district of Nepal. The findings provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of maize seed production in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The US government considers veterans to have been exposed to Agent Orange if they served in Vietnam while the carcinogen was in use, and these veterans are often deemed at high risk of prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we assess whether presumed Agent Orange exposure is independently associated with increased risk of any metastatic or fatal PCa in a diverse Veteran cohort still alive in the modern era (at least 2011), when accounting for race/ethnicity, family history, and genetic risk. Patients and Methods: Participants in the Million Veteran Program (MVP; enrollment began in 2011) who were on active duty during the Vietnam War era (August 1964-April 1975) were included (n = 301,470). Agent Orange exposure was determined using the US government definition. Genetic risk was assessed via a validated polygenic hazard score. Associations with age at diagnosis of any PCa, metastatic PCa, and death from PCa were assessed via Cox proportional hazards models. Results and Interpretation: On univariable analysis, exposure to Agent Orange was not associated with increased PCa (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.04, p = 0.06), metastatic PCa (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.91–1.05, p = 0.55), or fatal PCa (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.79–1.09, p = 0.41). When accounting for race/ethnicity and family history, Agent Orange exposure was independently associated with slightly increased risk of PCa (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04–1.09,

The purpose of this study was to examine subjective cognitive and psychiatric functioning in post-deployed military Veterans who underwent the Veterans Health Administration's Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Screening and Evaluation Program and enrolled in the VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP). Veterans (N = 7483) were classified into three groups based on outcomes from the TBI Screening and Evaluation Program: (1) negative TBI screen ('Screen-'), (2) positive TBI screen but no TBI diagnosis ('Screen+/TBI-'), or (3) positive TBI screen and TBI diagnosis ('Screen+/TBI+'). Chi-square analyses revealed significant group differences across all self-reported cognitive and psychiatric health conditions (e.g., memory loss, depression), and ANCOVAs similarly showed a significant association between group and subjective symptom reporting. Specifically, the relationship between TBI group and clinical outcome (i.e., health conditions and symptoms) was such that the Screen+/TBI+ group fared the worst, followed by the Screen+/TBI- group, and finally the Screen- group. However, evaluation of effect sizes suggested that Veterans in the two Screen+ groups (Screen+/TBI+ and Screen+/TBI-) are faring similarly to one another on subjective cognitive and psychiatric functioning, but that both Screen+ groups are faring significantly worse than the Screen- group. Our results have meaningful clinical implications and suggest that Veterans who screen positive for TBI, regardless of ultimate TBI diagnosis, be eligible for similar clinical services so that both groups can benefit from valuable treatments and therapeutics. Finally, this research sets the stage for follow-up work to be conducted within MVP that will address the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive and psychiatric distress in this population.

Introduction: Vault particles are large cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles that participate in inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of major vault protein (MVP) in patients with inflammation, in order to determine whether MVP could be used as a biomarker for infection or inflammation. We also aimed to compare the diagnostic impact of MVP compared to other conventional measurements, such as CRP or white blood cell (WBC) counts. Methods: CRP and MVP levels were measured in 111 sera samples from 85 patients with inflammation admitted to a tertiary-care hospital and 26 healthy individuals during an 18-month period (2019–2020), using nephelometry and a custom MVP sandwich ELISA assay, respectively. In addition, WBC counts were measured using a commercial assay. Results: MVP levels were found to be elevated in patients with inflammation compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.0001). Moreover, MVP levels were higher in patients with inflammation due to an infectious etiology compared to those with non-infectious etiology (p = 0.0006). MVP levels significantly decreased during the first four days of infection in response to antibiotic treatment, while CRP levels showed a less-sensitive decline. An ROC curve analysis demonstrated that MVP and CRP have similarly high diagnostic accuracy, with AUCs of 0.955 and 0.995, respectively, followed by WBCs with an AUC of 0.805. Conclusions: The ROC curves demonstrated that MVP has the potential to serve as a diagnostic biomarker for inflammation and infection. Additionally, MVP levels may reflect the efficacy of antibiotic treatment.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are critical in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Major vault protein (MVP) mediates multidrug resistance, cell growth and development, and viral immunity. However, the relationship between MVP and TAMs polarization has not been clarified in HCC. We found that MVP significantly increased M2-TAMs infiltration levels in tumor tissues of HCC patients. MVP promoted HCC proliferation, metastasis, and invasion by regulating M2 polarization in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, MVP associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and enhanced STAT6 phosphorylation. STAT6 translocated from the cytosol to the nucleus and regulated M2 macrophage-associated gene transcription. These findings suggest that MVP modulates the macrophage M2 transcriptional program, revealing its potential role in the TAMs of TME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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AbstractDiversifying rural livelihoods plays a significant role for rain feed-dependent economy of the rural households like in Ethiopia. Hence the objective of the study was to investigate the determinants of rural households’ livelihood diversification strategies choice in north wollo zone of Ethiopia. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 384 rural household heads as a sample in study areas. Primary data was collected from sample rural household heads using an interview schedule. Multivariate Probit Model was employed to identify the factors influencing the rural household heads’ decision to choose livelihood strategies. The model result showed that agriculture livelihood strategy was positively and significantly associated with male headed household, land holding, cooperative membership, and participation in rural productive safety net program; while it is negatively and significantly affected by distance to market. Non-farm livelihood strategy was positively and significantly affected by dependency ratio, education level, total income, and remittance; while it is negatively and significantly affected by the sex of household head and participation in rural productive safety net program. Off-farm livelihood strategy was positively and significantly influenced by sex of household head; while it is negatively and significantly affected by the land holding, total livestock unit, cooperative membership, credit use, participation in rural productive safety net program. Therefore, the study recommends that local government should attempt to promote the above significant determinants of rural households’ livelihood diversification strategies choice to build more profitable and sustainable livelihood strategies.

This article examines the profitability and resource use efficiency of cucumber production in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study collected data from 100 cucumber farmers and used the Cobb-Douglas production function to estimate resource use efficiency. The study found that marginal farms had higher profitability compared to small and medium-sized farms, and identified factors such as human labor, machinery charges, and seed as significant contributors to output on marginal farms. The article emphasizes the importance of the horticulture sector in the Indian economy and highlights the nutritional and medicinal properties of vegetables like cucumbers. The findings suggest that certain variables can be adjusted to increase profitability in cucumber production. [Extracted from the article]

Adequate grading of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in the presence of mid‐late systolic jets can represent a major challenge. In this entity, jets are commonly overestimated by echocardiography. Correct quantification is crucial and highly relevant for the further management and prognosis of these oftentimes young patients. This case points out potential pitfalls and underlines the importance to systematically include qualitative, quantitative, and semi‐quantitative parameters into the echocardiographic assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the mid of the 19th-century chemical fertilizers were introduced into Bangladesh as an additional source of plant nutrients. After that the use of fertilizer in crop production increases. However, the extreme use of chemical fertilizers can create hazardous environmental degradation, which in turn can lower yields. So, the optimum level should maintain that can help in turn increase production. In this current study, 150 groundnut farmers in the research areas were taken based on their fertilizer application methods. It shows that the number of chemical fertilizer users constituted a major share of the total almost 44.67%. Among all the farmers, chemical fertilizer users incurred the highest return on investment by 1.48. Land area, cost of irrigation and chemical fertilizer affect the adoption of chemical fertilizer usage positively. The higher cost of production due to the application cost of inorganic fertilizer also increases the yield simultaneously. The study shows that farmers who avoid using fertilizer result in lower production compare to others. In that case, age and education were identified as factors that pushed the farmers towards chemical fertilizer and enjoying higher production.

This research is motivated by determining the best athlete in a competition not based on clear criteria. The purpose of this study was to select the best volleyball athletes in a district level competition event. Descriptive research method with survey technique. The research subjects were 14 athletes, consisting of 6 female athletes and 8 male athletes. The research sample used purposive random sampling. The research instrument uses an observation rubric by looking at several aspects, both skills and also psychological aspects, namely attitude and leadership or leadership in the team.Data collection techniques using observation sheets. Observations are made only during the peak match or grand final. The points (+) that are collected in each set are combined and added up with the most points, then the athlete is selected as the best athlete (MVP) in the competition. Data analysis used quantitative descriptive techniques. The results showed that: one of the male athletes from the Rajawali volleyball club with a total of 16 points consisting of (spike: 10 points, serve: 3 points, block: 1point, and recive: 2 points) became the best athlete (MVP). The men's average point per set is 5 points, and the Women's MVP from Baja 78 with a total of 15 points (spike: 8 points, serve: 3 points, block: 0 points, and recive: 4 points) is the best athlete ( MVP) women in the 2022 Bhayangkara Cup event with an average of 3 points per set. The best athlete (MVP) obtained from observation of skills and psychology is able to determine ideally the best player in a volleyball event. The conclusion of the studywas that the best athlete in an event was selected based on the number of points obtained from the athlete's skills during the grand final match and psychologically the attitude of the athlete in his team.

Simple Summary: The vault complex, consisting of a major vault protein (MVP), two minor vault proteins (VPARP and TEP1), and small untranslated vault RNA molecules, is considered the largest intracellular ribonucleoprotein particle. Although in recent years vaults were believed to be involved in multidrug resistance (MDR), the exact function of this complex has remained unclear. Our findings reveal a so far unexplored role of the vault complex that is closely linked to the therapeutic responsiveness of endocrine tumors. Cancers display dynamic interactions with their complex microenvironments that influence tumor growth, invasiveness, and immune evasion, thereby also influencing potential resistance to therapeutic treatments. The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes cells of the immune system, the extracellular matrix, blood vessels, and other cell types, such as fibroblasts or adipocytes. Various cell types forming this TME secrete exosomes, and molecules thereby released into the TME have been shown to be important mediators of cellular communication and interplay. Specific stressors in the TME, such as hypoxia, starvation, inflammation, and damage, can furthermore induce autophagy, a fundamental cellular process that degrades and recycles molecules and subcellular components, and recently it has been demonstrated that the small non-coding vault RNA1-1 plays a role as a regulator of autophagy and the coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation (CLEAR) network. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that intra-tumoral damage following effective therapeutic treatment is linked to specific intracellular synthesis and subsequent exosomal release of vault RNAs in endocrine tumors in vitro and in vivo. While we observed a subsequent upregulation of autophagic markers under classical chemotherapeutic conditions, a downregulation of autophagy could be detected under conditions strongly involving inflammatory cascades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a common valvular abnormality accounting for 2% of the population. There is a reported association between pes planus (PP) and MVP in some syndromes such as Marfan. However, this association has not been tested in non-syndromic cases. The primary outcome of this study is to measure the prevalence of MVP in a population of patients with PP. The secondary outcome parameter is to determine if the Meary angle (MA), a measure of the severity of flat foot, can be effectively used in the prediction of the presence of MVP. Forty-one patients with PP were screened using a lateral x-ray foot to determine MA while echocardiography was utilized to identify the presence and grade of MVP. Results 88% of screened patients were diagnosed with MVP. MA was correlated with the grade of MVP and showed high diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 100% and specificity 90%) in predicting MVP risk when higher than 5. Children with PP are at a higher risk for MVP than the general population. Accordingly, the utilization of MA in such a specific population for the determination of patients at a higher need for echocardiography seems to be a worthwhile strategy in diagnosing MVP.

This study examined the socio-economic factors influencing choice of climate change adaptation practices and the effects of these practices on cassava productivity in Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, structured questionnaire was used to survey 100 cassava farmers. The result was analyzed with a multivariate probit and generalized linear regression models. The result showed male dominance (78%) in cassava farming and the mean age of the cassava farmers was 45.46 ± 9.36 years. About 66% of the farmers belonged to cooperative associations and 67% had access to credit facilities. The multivariate model revealed that age of farmers, gender, education qualification, primary occupation, total income, membership of cooperative associations, farming objectives, farming experience, access to extension visit, access to credit, type of land ownership, farm size and climatic conditions significantly influenced choice of climate change adaptation practices among cassava farmers. The generalized linear model identified farming system, multiple crop types/improved crop varieties used, crop diversification, organic manuring, multiple planting dates, use of alternate fallowing, education and credit access to significantly affect cassava productivity. The study concluded that, eco-friendly methods for adapting to climate change increase cassava productivity. Thus, cassava farmers should be trained on the use of best climate change adaptation practices that can boost cassava productivity. In order to practice climate smart farming, it is important to stress the usage of organic manure and alternate fallowing.

Background: Pectus anomalies constitute 95% of chest anomalies. Pectus carinatum (PC) and excavatum (PE) are often asymptomatic in childhood. However, symptoms and signs such as chest pain, dyspnea, and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) can be seen in pectus anomalies. Demographic characteristics and accompanying cardiac signs in children with pectus deformity were investigated. Methods: In this study, the clinical findings for children with pectus deformity, and the incidence of MVP and other concomitant heart diseases detected in echocardiographic examinations were evaluated. Results: Eighty‐two children with PE, 27 with PC, and 107 healthy children were included in this study. In the echocardiographic examination of PE, PC patients, and healthy children, MVP was detected with frequencies of 25%, 33%, and 2% respectively. Conclusions: The study showed that pectus anomalies were associated with an increased incidence of MVP. All patients with pectus deformity should therefore undergo a screening echocardiogram in adolescence to assess for the presence of MVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversifying rural livelihoods plays a significant role for rain feed-dependent economy of the rural households like in Ethiopia. Hence the objective of the study was to investigate the determinants of rural households' livelihood diversification strategies choice in north wollo zone of Ethiopia. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 384 rural household heads as a sample in study areas. Primary data was collected from sample rural household heads using an interview schedule. Multivariate Probit Model was employed to identify the factors influencing the rural household heads' decision to choose livelihood strategies. The model result showed that agriculture livelihood strategy was positively and significantly associated with male headed household, land holding, cooperative membership, and participation in rural productive safety net program; while it is negatively and significantly affected by distance to market. Non-farm livelihood strategy was positively and significantly affected by dependency ratio, education level, total income, and remittance; while it is negatively and significantly affected by the sex of household head and participation in rural productive safety net program. Off-farm livelihood strategy was positively and significantly influenced by sex of household head; while it is negatively and significantly affected by the land holding, total livestock unit, cooperative membership, credit use, participation in rural productive safety net program. Therefore, the study recommends that local government should attempt to promote the above significant determinants of rural households' livelihood diversification strategies choice to build more profitable and sustainable livelihood strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We report a case of a pediatric patient developing a delayed-onset scalp arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and pseudoaneurysm managed with a new technique. Technique: A 10-year-old boy presented to the outpatient clinic complaining of a growing pulsatile mass in the right side of the skull after head trauma 6 months ago. He had no neurological deficits. Imaging studies revealed scalp AVF with pseudoaneurysm. The arterial feeding was from the right temporal artery, while the blood was drained into the superior sagittal sinus and the facial vein. The fistula was occluded successfully by a microvascular plug (MVP). Follow-up angiography 1 year later showed that the AVF was no longer seen with complete embolization of pseudoaneurysm, total occlusion of the abnormal vessels, and the absence of MVP migration. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of successfully using MVP to treat scalp AVF. The MVP is a novel technique with its unique ability to achieve rapid, safe, effective, and permanent vascular occlusion through a single device. Besides, the possibility of delayed-onset traumatic vascular injuries should be considered in a patient with head or facial trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beekeeping offers income-generating opportunities for rural households but is threatened by climate change and variability. Adaptation strategies are assessed through semi-structured interviews focus groups, key informants and personal observation: in Ada Berga District, beekeepers have adopted supplementary feeding, modern hives, planting and hive shading to mitigate climatic impacts. A multivariate probit model (MVP) suggests that choices made in combining various adaptation strategies depend on socio-economic, institutional and demographic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]