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Urban pearl millet farmers’ perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies in Niamey commune V, the Sahel
Abstract Climate variability in the Niamey region presents a dual-faceted challenge. Yet most studies focus on broader farming systems. This study investigated the climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies developed by urban pearl millet farmers in Niamey Commune V, an area often overlooked in agricultural studies. Using snowball sampling, data were collected on socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics, climate change perception, and adaptation strategies through structured interviews, focus group discussions, and analysis of 30 years of rainfall data (1991–2020). A sample of 150 pearl millet farmers aged at least 40 years was surveyed, and key informant interviews were conducted with the Agricultural Extension Unit. Descriptive statistics, statistical tests, and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify the determinants of adaptation strategy adoption. Findings revealed a high level of climate awareness among farmers over the past 30 years, which led to the adoption of both local and extension-based adaptation measures. Significant disruptions in rainfall were noted. Farmers primarily used soil fertility regeneration techniques, crop diversification, crop defense, improved seeds, organic fertilizers, adjusted planting calendars, water conservation techniques, and prayers or rituals to cope with these changes. Local practices aimed at improving productivity and climate adaptation, while extension-derived practices emphasized the synergy between productivity, adaptation, and mitigation. This research addresses a critical knowledge gap in how urban pearl millet farmers perceive and respond to climate change impacts. The study’s findings are significant for urban agriculture policy, underscoring the need for timely climate information, effective extension services, and the integration of adaptive agricultural practices into urban planning. These steps are crucial for enhancing resilience and fostering sustainable development in urban agriculture.
Older people care increases the gender gap in academia
Abstract Caring for older and for adults with disabilities is nowadays a social challenge for Western societies. However, little research has focused on the role of women as carers of that social group and their personal and professional consequences, particularly in academia. We explore the impact of caring for the older and adults with disabilities on Spanish scholar from a gender perspective. We conducted 36 semi-structured open-ended interviews (24 women, 12 men). Our research finds that, caring for the older and adults with disabilities has costs and implications for scholar on a personal and professional levels, but significantly more for women compared to men. Women often reported more physical and mental health problems than men. In addition, women, reported that their profession was affected by caring for the older people and that they compromised their quality of life mainly in terms of loss of leisure time. Strategies for coping during difficult periods of caregiving differed between genders, whereby women reported reaching out to support networks. At the institutional level, older care is an ‘invisible’ problem, for which interviewees reported not getting any support from their institutions. The study reveals how caring for older people and adults with disabilities adds yet another role and responsibility to women’s dual role as mothers and scholars, leading to “invisible”, often unnamed, impacts on their personal and professional lives: the “triple presence”. Given that the study was conducted in a specific context (Spanish scientists in the fields of environmental science and sustainability), future studies in other geographical areas will be needed to corroborate current findins.
Intravesical Gadoxetic acid enhanced MRI for evaluation of urinary bladder rupture in a mouse model
Characterization of the low-density lipoprotein receptors family and identification of vitellogenin receptors in Mugil cephalus
A dual doubly-fed generator system supplied by a five-phase voltage inverter
Design and analysis of NC-FinFET using Pb(ZryTi1−y)O3 under high ionising radiations
Development and initial clinical application of an early enteral nutrition protocol in oral cancer patients undergoing flap reconstruction surgery
Trends and patterns of work-related cyclist fatalities in Brazil, 2014–2022
Estimating the environmental Kuznets curve for cattle production and environmental degradation in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia
Positional effects of chlorine-substituted polyaniline reinforced with feco2s4 on HER and supercapacitor performance
Analysis of thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys by compositions and tempering process using machine learning
Daily briefing: Rookie researchers boost disruptive science
Soil phosphorus availability as affected by root exudates of cover crop species
Abstract Plant species can modify the phosphorus (P) sorption in soils through the release of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) in their root exudates. These LMWOAs compete with P for adsorption sites on soil minerals and induce dissolution of Fe and Al oxyhydroxides via complexation or ligand promoted dissolution, which could affect P availability for crops and P loss. This study examined the effect of plant species and P input on the P sorption dynamics with respect to LMWOA. A greenhouse study was conducted with ten different plant species, two P fertilizer treatments (0 and 70 kg P ha − 1 ), and two-time intervals (35 and 70 days). All treatments were structured in a 10 × 2 × 2 complete factorial with two controls arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replicates (210 experimental units). Species from Poaceae and Fabaceae exhibited a consistent trend of increased LMWOA release in low P compared to high P conditions whereas Brassicaceae species consistently released higher concentrations of LMWOAs regardless of P. On average, LMWOA release followed the order: Brassicaceae > Fabaceae > Poaceae . In certain circumstances, P availability may be more closely related to specific LMWOAs, particularly oxalic and citric acids, rather than total LMWOA concentration. Their influence on P sorption and water-extractable P is dependent on plant species, growth stage and P status. Our findings suggest that certain cover crop species rye, triticale and crimson clover may have potential to enhance P availability as well as minimize P loss.
DFT analysis of wide band gap TlBaCl3 and CsBaCl3 chloroperovskites for UV applications
Polyurethane composite behavior influenced by the characteristics of the employed bentonite filler
Abstract Bentonite clays are widely used in polymer composites due to their ability to enhance mechanical and thermal properties. This study investigates the impact of various bentonite types on the rheology of polyurethane (PU) foam formulations and the stability of the resulting foams. Seven different bentonite samples, including both raw and activated forms, were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and incorporated into polyurethane premixes. Rheological analysis revealed a significant correlation between bentonite content and viscosity hysteresis, which influenced foam stability. Results showed that certain bentonite types, such as natrium-activated bentonite from Hungary (B3 and B5), improved foam integrity by maintaining low hysteresis values, while others, such as calcium Romanian bentonite (B1), or Na-Ca-bentonite from Slovakia (B2) and standard Wyoming Na-bentonite from USA (B6), led to foam collapse at higher concentrations. Additionally, compressive strength tests demonstrated that small amounts of bentonite enhanced with 250% or more the mechanical properties of the foam. In the case of natrium-activated bentonite from Hungary (B3), catalytic effect is also revealed, decreasing the reaction time with 20%. This research provides insights into the role of bentonites as fillers in polyurethane composites, identifying key factors that determine their compatibility and usability.
Emergency pelvic stabilization in critically unstable patients
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First record of the foraminiferal species Ammonia confertitesta in southeastern Baltic sea
Abstract Early identification of non-indigenous species is important, as they have the potential to disrupt biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem stability, and trophic energy transfer in fragile ecosystems. Non-indigenous species may impact the functioning of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, the largest brackish water body in the world. This study presents the first record of the non-indigenous Asian foraminiferal species Ammonia confertitesta in the southeastern Baltic Sea. The species was recorded at 6 out of 14 sampling stations in the Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland, with one station sampled several times throughout the year, where A. confertitesta was consistently present. The species was also found in Puck Bay, a shallow western branch of the Gulf of Gdańsk. Our finding marks the first modern record of the genus Ammonia in the southeastern Baltic Sea. It provides new evidence for the rapid spread of A. confertitesta in European waters, highlighting its ability to thrive in environments where other calcareous foraminiferal species face difficulties. Morphometric comparisons with a population of the same species found in the western Baltic Sea shows that the Gulf of Gdańsk specimens are smaller. This may indicate that the species has reached its limits of environmental tolerance. However, given the increasing abundance of A. confertitesta in the Gulf of Gdańsk, it is important to monitor its further progression and investigate its long-term ecological impact on native species and the Baltic Sea ecosystem.