Evaluation of the impact of pre- and post-harvest maize handling practices on mycotoxin contamination on smallholder farms in Guatemala

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
A. Garsow ◽  
D. Mendez ◽  
O. Torres ◽  
B. Kowalcyk
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Pest Damage ◽  
Subsequent Exposure ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Negative Health Outcomes

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi including Aspergillus and Fusarium that commonly contaminate crops, such as maize, resulting in economic losses and food insecurity. Mycotoxins can contaminate crops during pre- and post-harvest stages. Consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated foods has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes including liver cancer, stunting, and neural tube defects. In countries such as Guatemala where maize constitutes a major portion of the diet, mycotoxins can be a significant contributor to disease burden. This review describes maize pre- and post-harvest practices in Guatemala that can lead to the development of mycotoxins and subsequent exposure to humans and animals, current information gaps, and opportunities for future research. There are specific challenges to minimising fungal growth and subsequent mycotoxin production during storage of maize in Guatemala, including reducing moisture content, minimising pest damage, and controlling temperature. Research on maize-handling practices that are associated with the greatest mycotoxin exposure in Guatemala is needed to prioritise allocation of resources and reduce exposure.

scholarly journals Biological Control of Thielaviopsis paradoxa and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by the Extracellular Enzymes of Wickerhamomyces anomalus

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Luis Fernando Zepeda-Giraud ◽  
Dario Rafael Olicón-Hernández ◽  
Juan Pablo Pardo ◽  
Minerva Georgina Araiza Villanueva ◽  
Guadalupe Guerra-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Enzymes ◽  
Colletotrichum Gloeosporioides ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Antagonistic Effect ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Wickerhamomyces Anomalus ◽  
Yeast Peptone Dextrose

An alternative to chemical fungicides in post-harvest diseases are the use of biocontrol agents and their extracellular products against phytopathogens. Two relevant agents in post-harvest infections are Thielaviopsis paradoxa and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, causing large economic losses in cacao, pineapple, and avocado during storage. In this work, we evaluated the effect of Wickerhamomyces anomalus, an effective biocontrol agent, against these filamentous fungi, focusing on the production of extracellular enzymes and their effect on fungal growth and germination. Moreover, we evaluated the use of inactivated fungal biomass as an inducer in complete (Potato Dextrose Agar and Yeast Peptone Dextrose) and minimal culture media. The antagonistic effect of W anomalus on the growth of both phytopathogens was also studied. The extracellular enzymes in YPD cultures, using T. paradoxa inactivated biomass as the best inducer, were capable of inhibiting the germination of both phytopathogens. In minimal media, only the production of a 30 kDa glucanase with activity against laminarin was observed. The enzyme was effective against the spore germination of T. paradoxa. In post-harvest crop protection tests, growth inhibition of T. paradoxa was observed using the cell-free enzyme extract, which is a promising system to protect cocoa fruits from T. paradoxa during post-harvest.

scholarly journals Pilot Educational Intervention to Promote Safe Pesticide Use Practices Among Farmworkers in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (8) ◽  
pp. 866-875
Author(s):  
Pramesh Koju ◽  
Prabin R Shakya ◽  
Archana Shrestha ◽  
Biraj M Karmacharya ◽  
Sudip Shrestha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health And Environmental Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Hands And Feet ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The misuse of pesticides among farmworkers in Nepal is commonplace. To address this, we implemented a pilot educational intervention (three modules delivered over 3 days and lasting approximately 3 h each) in Kavre District of Nepal. Modules included: (i) health and environmental effects of pesticides, (ii) use of personal protective equipment, and (iii) label literacy and behavioral factors that influence pesticide exposure. In addition, 10 posters with key messages from each of the modules were hung throughout communities. Methods Surveys were administered to cross-sectional convenience samples of farmworkers at baseline (n = 106) and 1 year later (n = 98). Practices relating to pesticides at baseline and endline were compared using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics between the samples. Results Compared with the baseline sample, farmworkers in the endline sample were significantly more likely to report: getting information regarding the amount of pesticides to use from experts or pesticide labels (versus personal judgment); wearing gloves while mixing pesticides; wearing boots while working in the field; using personal hygiene practices after handling pesticides such as bathing or washing hands and feet; changing clothes after handling pesticides; checking the wind direction before spraying; and delaying entry for a longer period of time after spraying. Conclusions These results suggest that a simple educational intervention can improve pesticide handling practices among farmworkers in Nepal. Future research should explore the impact of such interventions on pesticide exposure levels and health outcomes, and the potential to scale up these programs nationally.

scholarly journals Modifications of Grapevine Berry Composition Induced by Main Viral and Fungal Pathogens in a Climate Change Scenario

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Rienth ◽  
Nicolas Vigneron ◽  
Robert P. Walker ◽  
Simone Diego Castellarin ◽  
Crystal Sweetman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Grape Berry ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Change Scenario ◽  
Berry Quality ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Grapevine Berry ◽  
The Impact

The grapevine is subject to high number of fungal and viral diseases, which are responsible for important economic losses in the global wine sector every year. These pathogens deteriorate grapevine berry quality either directly via the modulation of fruit metabolic pathways and the production of endogenous compounds associated with bad taste and/or flavor, or indirectly via their impact on vine physiology. The most common and devastating fungal diseases in viticulture are gray mold, downy mildew (DM), and powdery mildew (PM), caused, respectively by Botrytis cinerea, Plasmopara viticola, and Erysiphe necator. Whereas B. cinerea mainly infects and deteriorates the ripening fruit directly, deteriorations by DM and PM are mostly indirect via a reduction of photosynthetic leaf area. Nevertheless, mildews can also infect berries at certain developmental stages and directly alter fruit quality via the biosynthesis of unpleasant flavor compounds that impair ultimate wine quality. The grapevine is furthermore host of a wide range of viruses that reduce vine longevity, productivity and berry quality in different ways. The most widespread virus-related diseases, that are known nowadays, are Grapevine Leafroll Disease (GLRD), Grapevine Fanleaf Disease (GFLD), and the more recently characterized grapevine red blotch disease (GRBD). Future climatic conditions are creating a more favorable environment for the proliferation of most virus-insect vectors, so the spread of virus-related diseases is expected to increase in most wine-growing regions. However, the impact of climate change on the evolution of fungal disease pressure will be variable and depending on region and pathogen, with mildews remaining certainly the major phytosanitary threat in most regions because their development rate is to a large extent temperature-driven. This paper aims to provide a review of published literature on most important grapevine fungal and viral pathogens and their impact on grape berry physiology and quality. Our overview of the published literature highlights gaps in our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions, which are valuable for conceiving future research programs dealing with the different pathogens and their impacts on grapevine berry quality and metabolism.

scholarly journals Economic component in the causes and consequences of emergencies

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 126-135
Author(s):  
Oleksandr Olegovich Trush ◽  
Dmytro Anatoliiovich Gorovyi
Keyword(s):  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Emergency Situation ◽  
Economic Factor ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – to elucidate the «economic nature» of an emergencies, to expand the list of reasons for the formation and consequences of the emergencies, taking into account the economic component, and to provide a description of their interrelation in this process. Design/Method/Approach. This work evaluates and summarizes studies that provide economic characteristics and assess the causes and consequences of a emergencies. Findings. An analysis of previous studies on emergencies pointed to a limited focus on economic issues associated. In this paper, the authors substantiated the feasibility and proposed to highlight the economic component in the  management of prevention of emergencies,  in the management of minimizing negative consequences and to consider this component in the classification of types of emergencies. This work focuses on the causal link between economic costs for the prevention, elimination and elimination of the effects of emergencies (economic losses) in the emergency management system. The examples have proved that all of the emergency preceding processes are economical, that emergency actions are limited to an economic factor, and that emergency situations can have economic consequences. An economic component can be both a cause and a consequence of an emergency. At the same time, the economic causes of emergencies directly affect only the economic consequences (inflation - impoverishment of the population), and their impact on the remaining consequences - indirect, due to the impact of other factors-consequences. Theoretical implications. This research identifies a new classification group "economic circumstances" in the classification of types of emergencies for the causes of the emergence and spheres of manifestation of the consequences. Practical implications. The isolation and systematization of the economic component of emergencies allows us to take into account the economic factor in the development of appropriate prevention algorithms, actions in emergencies or actions to eliminate the negative effects of these events. Originality/Value. The originality of the work is to illustrate the connection between the cause of emergencies and each of its manifestations with the help of the fan matrix. This approach has allowed a clearer outline and a clear indication of the causal relationship in the processes associated with the emergency situation. For example, a causal relationship with the types of emergencies based on the economic component is illustrated with the aid of a fan matrix. Research limitations/Future research. This research is the basis for further improvement of approaches to the estimation of economic indicators of emergencies taking into account the proposed classification groups of types of emergencies. Paper type – theoretical.

Coupling a Pest and Disease Damage Module with CSM-NWheat: A Wheat Crop Simulation Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 2061-2071
Author(s):  
Thiago Berton Ferreira ◽  
Willingthon Pavan ◽  
José Maurício Cunha Fernandes ◽  
Senthold Asseng ◽  
Fabio Augusto Antunes de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yield Loss ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Wheat Crop ◽  
List Type ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Pest Damage ◽  
Dssat Model ◽  
Disease Damage ◽  
The Impact

HighlightsCSM-NWheat, a DSSAT wheat crop model, was coupled with a pest module named PEST.The coupled model can simulate the impact of pest and disease damage on wheat crops.Pest damage is expressed in daily steps by communication links called coupling points.Coupling points are linked with state variables at which pest damage can be applied.Field pest-scouting reports and linear interpolation are used to compute damage rates.Abstract. Wheat is one of the most important global staple crops and is affected by numerous pests and diseases. Depending on their intensity, pests and diseases can cause significant economic losses and even crop failures. Pest models can assist decision-making, thus helping reduce crop losses. Most wheat simulation models account for abiotic stresses such as drought and nutrients, but they do not account for biotic stresses caused by pests and diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to couple a dynamic pest and disease damage module to the DSSAT model CSM-NWheat. Coupling points were integrated into the CSM-NWheat model for applying daily damage to all plant components, including leaves, stems, roots, and grains, the entire plant, and to the assimilate supply. The coupled model was tested by simulating a wheat crop with virtual damage levels applied at each coupling point. Measured foliar damage caused by tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) was also simulated. The modified model accurately estimated the reduction in leaf area growth and the yield loss when compared with observed data. With the incorporation of the pest module, CSM-NWheat can now predict the potential impact of pests and diseases on wheat growth and development, and ultimately economic yield. Keywords: Biotic stress, Decision support, DSSAT, Model coupling, Yield loss.

scholarly journals The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Insect Pests

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 440
Author(s):  
Sandra Skendžić ◽  
Monika Zovko ◽  
Ivana Pajač Živković ◽  
Vinko Lešić ◽  
Darija Lemić
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Interspecific Interaction ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pest Population ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Climate change and global warming are of great concern to agriculture worldwide and are among the most discussed issues in today’s society. Climate parameters such as increased temperatures, rising atmospheric CO2 levels, and changing precipitation patterns have significant impacts on agricultural production and on agricultural insect pests. Changes in climate can affect insect pests in several ways. They can result in an expansion of their geographic distribution, increased survival during overwintering, increased number of generations, altered synchrony between plants and pests, altered interspecific interaction, increased risk of invasion by migratory pests, increased incidence of insect-transmitted plant diseases, and reduced effectiveness of biological control, especially natural enemies. As a result, there is a serious risk of crop economic losses, as well as a challenge to human food security. As a major driver of pest population dynamics, climate change will require adaptive management strategies to deal with the changing status of pests. Several priorities can be identified for future research on the effects of climatic changes on agricultural insect pests. These include modified integrated pest management tactics, monitoring climate and pest populations, and the use of modelling prediction tools.

Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2097-2108
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Croft ◽  
Courtney T. Byrd
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Adults Who Stutter ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

Pengaruh Lintas Budaya Pada Pemasaran Internasional Dengan Pendekatan Perilaku Konsumen

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-176
Author(s):  
Endy Gunanto ◽  
Yenni Kurnia Gusti
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Consumer Culture ◽  
International Organization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Cross Culture ◽  
Several Variables ◽  
Cultural Orientations ◽  
The Impact

In this article we present a conceptual of the effect of cross culture on consumer behavior incorporating the impact of globalization. This conceptual idea shows that culture inûuences various domains of consumer behavior directly as well as through international organization to implement marketing strategy. The conceptual identify several factors such as norm and value in the community, several variables and also depicts the impact of other environmental factors and marketing strategy elements on consumer behavior. We also identify categories of consumer culture orientation resulting from globalization. Highlights of each of the several other articles included in this special issue in Asia region. We conclude with the contributions of the articles in terms of the consumer cultural orientations and identify directions for future research.

Aviation and the Microbiome

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. 651-661
Author(s):  
Joshua T. Davis ◽  
Hilary A. Uyhelji
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Aviation Safety ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aerospace Medicine ◽  
Medical Certification ◽  
Physical Disorders ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION: Although the impact of microorganisms on their hosts has been investigated for decades, recent technological advances have permitted high-throughput studies of the collective microbial genomes colonizing a host or habitat, also known as the microbiome. This literature review presents an overview of microbiome research, with an emphasis on topics that have the potential for future applications to aviation safety. In humans, research is beginning to suggest relationships of the microbiome with physical disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The microbiome also has been associated with psychological health, including depression, anxiety, and the social complications that arise in autism spectrum disorders. Pharmaceuticals can alter microbiome diversity, and may lead to unintended consequences both short and long-term. As research strengthens understanding of the connections between the microbiota and human health, several potential applications for aerospace medicine and aviation safety emerge. For example, information derived from tests of the microbiota has potential future relevance for medical certification of pilots, accident investigation, and evaluation of fitness for duty in aerospace operations. Moreover, air travel may impact the microbiome of passengers and crew, including potential impacts on the spread of disease nationally and internationally. Construction, maintenance, and cleaning regimens that consider the potential for microbial colonization in airports and cabin environments may promote the health of travelers. Altogether, the mounting knowledge of microbiome effects on health presents several opportunities for future research into how and whether microbiome-based insights could be used to improve aviation safety.Davis JT, Uyhelji HA. Aviation and the microbiome. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):651–661.

INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURAL IDEAS OF THE FUTURE DWELLINGS

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-75
Author(s):  
Dzhyhil Yu. ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Housing Design ◽  
Residential Architecture ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
National University ◽  
Methodological Principles ◽  
The Impact

Residential architecture has one of the most conservative styles based on its specifics. However, today this type of architecture seeks to actively respond to changes in the modern world. These changes are caused by multiple factors, among them are: technological and information progress; lack of resources and environmental pollution; military conflicts and population migration etc. The purpose of this article is to summarize the experience of the Department of Architectural Environment of Lviv Polytechnic National University over housing issues and outline the methodological principles of innovation in designing both individual houses and the architectural environment of residential formations. While writing this article, we analyzed the 15-year experience of Architectural Environment's Department diploma projects. The unique feature of these projects is the priority on the design of the environment. The evolution of diploma project topics is revealed on multiple distinctive examples such as the reconstruction of old buildings in Lviv and the construction of prefabricated homes and container-type housing. Futuristic settlements are represented in projects such as “The Ocean Settlements” and “Prykarpatsk - the City of Future”. Research projects were developed to study current trends in housing design and the impact of innovative technologies on planning decisions. These projects discoursed the protection of housing from traffic noise and issues related to environmental preservation. Innovative architectural ideas of future housing, developed by students in these projects, are based on a combination of aesthetic, technical, and social components of architecture. The conclusion indicates that when educating future architects, it is important to teach them the basics of the craft, as well as the ability to defend their innovative ideas. The emphasis is placed on the importance of educating the architect's personal responsibility for their own design solutions. It is stated that professional motivation and the ability to constantly renew previously acquired knowledge and skills will be among the main tasks in training future architects.

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