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Culturally Informed Knowledge Transfer Toward Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption: Insights from Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe
Get PDFSub-Saharan Africa has been identified as having the potential to experience a swift and impactful increase in the adoption of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices. However, it is important to recognize that cultural factors among social groups modulate and influence knowledge dissemination processes and adoption patterns. This study seeks to provide insight to these perspectives by examining the relationship between knowledge transfer and culture among sub-Saharan African smallholder farmers’ adoption of CSA. We implemented the case study methodology to analyze 12 cases from Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. The results indicated that high power distance in both regions affects the efficacy of top-down approaches, indicating a necessary shift towards more participatory methods that involve diverse smallholder farmers in the diffusion of CSA practices. In addition, when the regional culture is predominantly collectivist, it facilitates the diffusion of knowledge among smallholder groups, but it also limits the diffusion of innovation when the initial adoption experience is negative. The findings highlighted the significant role of cultural dimensions in the knowledge transfer process related to adopting CSA practices. Future research and practice should be designed with culture in mind, including direct measurement of culture within adoption contexts to accelerate the adoption rate of CSA
Effect of Corn Row Spacing on Herbicide Effectiveness for Weed Control
Get PDFCultural weed control practices, such as narrow row spacing, can be an essential component of successful weed management. In 2022 and 2023, experiments were conducted in the Kansas River Valley to evaluate the interactions of herbicide programs and corn row spacings on weed control and grain yield. There were no differences in weed control at a site with low weed density in either year. However, at a site with a greater density of Palmer amaranth, Resicore + Acuron resulted in the greatest weed control, in either 15- or 30-inch row spacing. Degree + Callisto applied in 30-inch rows provided the best performance in both locations
Wheat Yield Response to Fungicide Application and Nitrogen Management in Kansas during 2023-2024
Get PDFNitrogen (N) and fungicide are among the more important management tools to increase wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield in Kansas. However, there is limited information on whether hard red winter wheat grain yield is impacted by the interaction of nitrogen rates and foliar fungicide application. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effects of different N rates with or without a fungicide application at Feekes 10.5 on grain yield of two winter wheat genotypes with contrasting disease resistances to leaf and stripe rust. Seven field experiments were established in Kansas using a factorial structure of two fungicide management (either absence of fungicide or 13 oz of Nexicor per acre), five N rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 pounds of N per acre), and two genotypes (Larry and Zenda) in a split-split plot design during the 2023-2024 growing season. Depending on the environment, grain yield varied from less than 18 bushels per acre to more than 88 bushels per acre, likely due to differences in initial soil NO₃-N levels and in-season precipitation. A significant interaction was observed between fungicide application and location, with mean yields ranging from 14.0 bushels per acre in Hoisington (with fungicide) to 87.9 bushels per acre in Leoti (without fungicide). Fungicide had a significant effect in half of the locations, with the greatest yield response observed in Ashland Bottoms (8.6 bushels per acre), which also received the highest precipitation during the growing season. Nitrogen rate increased the yield of variety Zenda from 55.1 bushels per acre at the zero nitrogen rate, to 62.5 bushels per acre at the highest rate, and of the wheat variety Larry from 51 to 54 bushels per acre. Results suggested that the management of nitrogen and fungicide were varietyand environment-specific, respectively, supporting the notion of adaptive management based on seasonal conditions
Environmental & Architectural Phenomenology Cumulative Index, Vols. 1–35 (1990–2024)
Get PDFThis index includes EAP entries except reference items listed in “citations received.” Entries have been identified in the following order: volume number, issue number, and page(s). Thus 3,2:10, for example, refers to volume 3, issue 2, page 10. Volume numbers by years are as follows: vol. 1—1990; vol. 2—1991; vol. 3—1992; vol. 4—1993; vol. 5—1994; vol. 6—1995; vol. 7—1996; vol. 8—1997; vol. 9—1998; vol. 10—1999; vol. 11—2000; vol. 12—2001; vol. 13—2002; vol. 14—2003; vol. 15—2004; vol. 16—2005; vol. 17—2006; vol. 18—2007; vol. 19—2008; vol. 20—2009; vol. 21—2010; vol. 22—2011; vol. 23—2012; vol. 24—2013; vol. 25—2014; vol. 26—2015; vol. 27—2016; vol. 28—2017; vol. 29—2018; vol. 30—2019; vol. 31—2020; vol. 32—2021; vol. 33—2022; vol. 34—2023; vol. 35—2024; vol. 36—2025 [note EAP became digital-copy-only in 2016 and shifted from three to two issues per year]
Dungeons & Dragons in the Classroom: Roleplaying, Gaming, and the Future of Education
Get PDFThe use of instructional games in teaching has long been used in traditional educational settings as well as across varied disciplines and careers as a meaningful training strategy. Typically, however, these games are specifically designed to focus upon an exact facet of learning. Examples include the replication or simulation of certain scenarios, establishing focus upon an affective objective, or presenting content in an alternative manner. Rather than utilize a game for a predetermined purpose, this article explores two unique possibilities. First, by using an established role-playing game (RPG) as a learning activity, it is possible to reinforce key social learning constructs desired in educational settings that can regularly only be taught in non-optimal settings. Second, the game itself can serve as a platform for the new type of learning desired in the future of education. In the discussion, the author theorizes if these two possibilities are evident, the future of education may be at a crossroads where it is necessary to reconsider our educational objectives
Systems Thinking for In-Depth Insect Pest Identification in Vegetable Farming through Collaborative Diversity Initiatives with Farmers
Get PDFThis paper addresses the ongoing challenge of vegetable pest management in Sub-Saharan Africa by offering a comprehensive framework for farmers to effectively identify, manage, and control pests. It enhances agricultural sustainability and productivity by applying systems thinking principles and proposing a holistic training program. The methodology emphasizes continuous assessment, using performance tasks and diverse evidence sources to ensure farmers acquire and apply knowledge effectively in real-world agricultural settings. Through integrating multimedia tools, field demonstrations, and participatory evaluations, the training is designed to be engaging and adaptable to various learning styles. To meet the diverse needs of farmers, the program uses the backward design approach and the Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives framework, promoting inclusive, context-sensitive agricultural development. This ensures that training is both practical and accessible, fostering sustainable pest management practices that can be scaled and adapted to different regions. Researchers, extension professionals, and educators will find this paper valuable for its focus on innovative, hands-on training models. It aligns with contemporary agricultural goals, emphasizing adaptable and scalable solutions for sustainable farming. The integration of practical learning, multimedia, and participatory evaluations ensures that the program is versatile and effective, making it a relevant resource for those working to improve agricultural education in SSA and beyond
The Effects of Aging Time on Eating Quality of Semimembranosus Steaks
Get PDFObjective: The objective of this study was to evaluate consumer palatability, instrumental tenderness, and objective color of semimembranosus steaks aged 14 to 70 days.
Study Description: Beef semimembranosus subprimals were aged for 14, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, and 70 days, then cut into 1-in steaks. Color readings were taken before and after cooking. Steaks were cooked to 160°F then analyzed by consumers for overall liking, flavor, juiciness, and tenderness liking and acceptability. Color readings were used to calculate the percentage of oxymyoglobin (OMb), deoxymyoglobin (DMb), metmyoglobin (MMb), chroma, and hue angle. Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) tests were conducted.
Results: Consumer sensory results showed 28, 56, and 70 day steaks rated higher (P \u3c 0.05) for tenderness and overall liking scores compared to 14 day steaks. There was also a higher (P \u3c 0.05) percentage of 70 day steaks rated as acceptable for tenderness compared to 14 day steaks. There were no other sensory differences (P \u3e 0.05) found for flavor liking and juiciness liking. Moreover, WBSF values for 14 and 35 day steaks were higher (P \u3c 0.05) than all other treatments. Conversely, 49, 56, and 63 day steaks had higher (P \u3c 0.05) raw L* (lightness) values than 14 and 28 day steaks. Furthermore, 14, 28, 35, and 49 day steaks resulted in higher a* (redness) values (P \u3c 0.05) compared to the 70 day treatment. Also, 70 day steaks had a higher (P \u3c 0.05) percentage of MMb than the 28 day treatment, as well as a higher (P \u3c 0.05) OMb percentage than both 49 and 56 day steaks.
The Bottom Line: This research indicates extended aging improves tenderness and overall liking while not decreasing flavor for consumers, which supports using extended aging periods for historically tough muscles
The Impact of Degree of Doneness, Muscle Source, and Bloom Time on Cooked Color and Cooked Color Stability
Get PDFObjective: This study examined the differences in color stability between three different muscles cooked to varying degrees of doneness by taking color readings at four different time points.
Study Description: longissimus lumborum (LL), psoas major (PM), and semitendinosus (ST) were cooked to medium rare (MR), medium (MED), or well done (WD) degree of doneness (DOD). Color was measured at 0, 3, 6, and 9 minutes to observe color stability changes.
Results: There was an interaction (P \u3c 0.05) between DOD and muscle for L* (lightness) readings. The ST had the highest L* reading within the MR and MED DOD followed by the LL; however, there were no differences between muscles (P \u3e 0.05) within the WD DOD. The 0-minute readings had a lower (P \u3c 0.05) L* reading in comparison to 9 minutes, while not being different (P \u3e 0.05) from 3 or 6 minutes. Similar to the L* readings, there was an interaction (P \u3c 0.05) between DOD and muscle for a* readings. Within the MED DOD, the ST had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) a* reading followed by the LL, while the LL had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) a* reading within the MR and WD DOD. There was an interaction (P \u3c 0.05) between DOD and muscle and DOD and time for the oxymyoglobin (OMb) percentage. Within the MR samples, the LL and ST muscles resulted in similar (P \u3e 0.05) OMb percentage. The MR DOD had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) OMb percentage for 3, 6, and 9 minutes while the 0-minute readings for MR and MED were similar (P \u3e 0.05) and higher (P \u3c 0.05) than all-time points for the WD DOD.
The Bottom Line: : Muscle influences cooked color and its stability, so if there are significant differences among muscles, it might be necessary to provide consumers with specific cooking instructions for each muscle
Influence of Degree of Doneness on the Alpha-Gal Content of Striploins and its Relationship with Red Meat Allergy
Get PDFObjective: Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an acquired sensitivity to galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose (⍺-Gal) after exposure to a bite from the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum). Affected individuals can experience a range of symptoms from mild itching to potentially fatal anaphylaxis after consuming products containing mammalian tissues that contain ⍺-Gal. Little research has been done to examine the ⍺-Gal content of different products; thus, the objective of this study was to establish the ⍺-Gal content of striploin steaks cooked to varying degrees of doneness to evaluate if heat treatment reduces the ⍺-Gal content of red meat.
Study Description: Ten beef striploins were collected from a Midwest beef processing plant and transported under refrigeration to the Kansas State University Meat Laboratory (n = 10). Striploins were cut into four steaks each and either left raw or cooked to medium rare (MR; 130°F), medium (MED; 140°F), or well done (WD; 160°F). Whole muscle proteins were extracted, and proteins were separated by gel electrophoresis, transferred to a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane, and tested by immunoblot against a primary anti-⍺-Gal antibody. Each gel contained a reference sample of ⍺-Gal conjugated human serum albumin with known ⍺-Gal content.
Results: Striploins that were cooked to WD had the greatest ⍺-Gal concentration among all cooking treatments, followed by steaks cooked to MR and MED, while steaks that were left raw had the lowest ⍺-Gal concentration (P \u3c 0.01).
The Bottom Line: Our results are consistent with other studies, which indicated that cooking seems to concentrate ⍺-Gal glycans to a higher degree than that of the raw striploins. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of other interventions to improve the care and management of AGS patients
