Dicamba-resistant soybean was developed and commercialized by Monsanto in 2016, and in recent years, barnyardgrass has become more troublesome for growers who use residual herbicides with dicamba technology. Field studies were conducted from 2019 to 2021 in Stoneville, Mississippi, to evaluate barnyardgrass control after applications of glyphosate or glyphosate + dicamba, when mixed with residual herbicides, and when applied sequentially. In the first field study, glyphosate (1,120 g ae ha−1) and glyphosate + dicamba (560 g ae ha−1) were applied in combination with common residual herbicides. The second field study included an initial treatment with glyphosate (1,120 g ha−1), glyphosate + dicamba (560 g ha−1), and glyphosate + dicamba + S-metolachlor (1,064 g ai ha−1) followed by a sequential treatment of glyphosate or glyphosate + dicamba at 3 and 7 d after an initial herbicide treatment. Results indicated that glyphosate alone provided greater barnyardgrass control than glyphosate + dicamba. Additionally, at 28 d after treatment, pyroxasulfone, pyroxasulfone + fluthiacet, dimethenamid-P, and S-metolachlor did not affect postemergence control of barnyardgrass after glyphosate + dicamba treatments. Furthermore, sequential herbicide treatments of glyphosate or glyphosate + dicamba led to no difference in barnyardgrass control 28 d after the sequential treatment. These results indicate that options exist for adding residual herbicides to glyphosate + dicamba treatments and that sequential treatments of glyphosate or glyphosate + dicamba are important for optimizing barnyardgrass control.

The Malvaceae is the 12th largest angiosperm family with ten subfamilies, 243 genera and c. 4000 species of trees, shrubs, herbs and a few climbers. Subfamilies originated in the Upper Cretaceous-Palaeocene, and their divergence times range from 71.6 to 33.0 Ma. Seeds have a folded, investing or spatulate embryo, and they may be nondormant (ND) or have physical (PY) and/or physiological (PD) dormancy. Of the 365 species for which dormancy/germination data were found, 34.0% had ND seeds and 46.6% PY; 1.6%, PD&ND; 13.1%, PY&ND; and 4.7% PY+PD. Seeds with PY have a palisade layer of Malpighian cells (with a light line) in the outer epidermis of the inner integument, and a chalazal plug is the water gap. Seeds of 168 species of wet tropical trees, in all ten subfamilies, were ND (57.2%) or had PY (19.7%), but seed collections of many species were a mixture of ND & PY (20.2%); 2.9% had PD&ND. We found 13 tree species in wet tropics with recalcitrant seeds and 57 species in 28 genera in seven subfamilies in various habitats with persistent soil seed banks. Malvoideae is the most species rich and widely distributed subfamily and is found in tropical and temperate regions but rarely in subalpine/boreal or Arctic/alpine tundra vegetation. Few if any Malvaceae, in particular Malvoideae, grow as herbaceous perennials in tundra vegetation; possible reasons for this are considered.

Invasive non-native species proceed through the Invasion Process upon introduction to a new location, with stages comprising establishment, growth, spread, and invasive impact. High fecundity, driven by fast growth, short lifespan, and a long reproduction period, can lead to high population densities, facilitating stage progression. The Asian date mussel (Arcuatula senhousia) is a marine intertidal–subtidal species, recently established in the UK. Given its potential to impact ecosystem services in Northern Europe, understanding the Invasion Process stage it has reached is imperative for assessing potential invasiveness and informing management. Therefore, population parameters of subtidal A. senhousia in the UK were evaluated from April 2021 to March 2022 to assess invasion stage. Specimens were collected (n = 1,029) via dredging and processed for condition index, gonadosomatic index, gonad index, length-frequency distribution, and electronic length-frequency analyses. While densities were low (<1 individuals per m2), maximum lifespan was high (23 months) and growth rate was high (1.8 mm per month), relative to other populations within the species’ global range. Results confirmed June to October spawning as previously reported in the UK and France but also evidenced secondary spawning (in November) for the first time in Northern Europe. Successful recruitment from primary and secondary spawning in 2020 was also apparent. Findings indicate A. senhousia has reached the Growth stage, and that further spread within the UK and Northern Europe is likely. Climate change will likely increase larval survivorship and individual and population fecundity, facilitating progression to invasive impact, potentially within the next decade.

Studies on tillering dynamics are essential to understand the aspects underlying the persistence and adaptation pathways of grass communities, especially in more complex multispecific pastures. This study aimed to assess the tillering dynamics and population stability of Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina (PG), Megathyrsus maximus cv. Massai (MG) and Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã (PP) grown as monocultures and as a mixture. The treatments corresponded to three grasses described above. Sixteen 180 m2 plots were randomly assigned and managed intermittently under manual harvest at pre- and post-harvest heights of 35 and 17.5 cm, respectively, for two years. During autumn/winter/early spring, when resource availability is limited by abiotic factors, pasture population stability was ensured by the conservation strategy of all species, mainly through the high tiller survival rate (85.5 ± 0.32). In late spring and summer, the capture strategy was prioritized for all species, with stability ensured through high tiller appearance rates (30.3 ± 0.80 and 40.4 ± 1.47, respectively), which compensated for the high tiller death rate (28.7 ± 1.10) and resulted in greater species turnover during these both seasons. The association among PG, MG and PP in a mixture allows species to coexist with relatively stable populations and tillering dynamics, similar to their monocultures. These findings represent a step forward in our understanding of mixed swards stability and indicate that such associations could be viable alternatives to palisadegrass monocultures in tropical regions. Further research should test this mixed sward under grazing, during medium to long-term.

This article argues that a pervasive but confused theory of free will is driving unwarranted resistance to behavioral genetic research and undermining the concept of personal responsibility enshrined in our moral and legal conventions. We call this the theory of ‘free-will-by-subtraction’. A particularly explicit version of this theory has been propounded by the psychologist Eric Turkheimer, who has proposed that human agency can be scientifically quantified as the behavioral variation that remains unexplained after known genetic and environmental causes have been accounted for. This theory motivates resistance to research that suggests genetic differences substantially account for differences in human behavior because that is seen to reduce the scope of human freedom. In academic philosophy, free-will-by-subtraction theory corresponds to a position called ‘libertarian incompatibilism’, which holds that human beings are not responsible for behavior that has antecedent causes yet maintains that free will nonetheless exists because some fraction of human behavioral variation is self-caused. However, this position is rejected by most professional philosophers. We argue that libertarian incompatibilism is inconsistent with a secular materialist outlook in which all human behavior is understood to have antecedent causes whether those causes are known to science or not — an outlook Turkheimer shares. We show that Turkheimer sustains this contradiction by adopting an untenable position we call ‘epistemic libertarianism’, which holds that antecedent causes of our behavior only infringe on our freedom if we know about them. By contrast, the overwhelming majority of secular materialist philosophers support a position called ‘compatibilism’, which maintains that free will is compatible with the comprehensive causation of human behavior. We show that compatibilism neutralizes the threat that genetic explanation poses to human agency and rescues a generous conception of personal responsibility that aligns with our moral intuitions.

Nutrition plays a key role in shaping children’s eating behaviours, which can be influenced by environment and social interactions, making careful management essential at home and school. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of caregivers in these settings regarding the consumption and eating behaviours of children aged 3–6 years. Food preferences and frequency questionnaires were administered to children, and their teachers and caregivers, supplemented by free drawing and colouring activities. The results revealed discrepancies between parents and teachers, with parents recognising the importance of fruits and vegetables for health and reporting that children have access to these foods at home. Although parents recognised the importance of vegetable consumption, teachers did not share this perception, as they observed limited access to these foods among children and even reported difficulties in introducing them into the school environment. The most consumed foods during main meals were rice, beans, vegetables and meats, while fruits and dairy products were predominant in breakfast and snacks. Children frequently mentioned fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, and apple using free drawing and colouring activities. These findings highlight significant differences in perceptions between parents and teachers regarding children’s access to healthy foods, underscoring the need for improved communication to promote healthier eating habits.

An understanding of bird movement and habitat use in breeding and non-breeding areas is critical for the conservation of migratory birds. Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii breeds in Japan and Russia then migrates more than 6,000 km to its non-breeding sites in Australia. It is at risk because it favours areas under pressure from urban development. We investigated the movement patterns of Latham’s Snipe at a key non-breeding site – Jerrabomberra Wetlands, in Canberra, Australia. We tracked 32 Latham’s Snipe using GPS telemetry devices in the 2022/3 and 2023/4 seasons. The tracked birds remained at Jerrabomberra Wetlands for their non-breeding season and formed distinctive and predictable patterns of roosting and foraging. The distance range between roosting and foraging sites was similar across both the 2022/3 and 2023/4 seasons, with 75% of birds travelling less than 2.5 km and the majority of birds travelling <6 km. Approximately one third (31%) of birds travelled up to 30 km overnight before returning to the wetlands, and two birds (6%) travelled up to 140 km for up to three days. Home range sizes averaged 19 ha and did not significantly differ among individuals in either season. The relatively small size of the home ranges and short foraging trip distances suggest that conservation of non-breeding habitat in urbanised areas can be achieved through the protection of small areas, providing the habitat is suitable. However, individuals varied in their use of the broader landscape and therefore their susceptibility to threats may vary. From an urban planning perspective, habitat protection should prioritise roost sites while ensuring a diversity of foraging habitat within 6 km.

Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most serious pests of rice. The variations in phytoconstituents of rice cultivars (Miniket, Cottondora Sannalu, Gobindobhog, Swarna, and Tulaipanji) that led to differences in population growth of S. cerealella were studied. Fitness of the moth was approximated in terms of mean generation time (Tc), net reproductive rate (NRR or R0), intrinsic rate of population increase (rm), etc. Considering potential fecundity (Pf), growth rates, mortality coefficient (MC), and expected population size in the second generation (PF2), we classified the susceptibility of the rice cultivars to S. cerealella in the order as M > C > G > S > T. This was despite the higher concentrations of all the tested primary metabolites (PMs) in C and T. The least susceptibility of T and lower susceptibility of C than M can be attributed to their higher levels of secondary metabolites (SMs). M was highly susceptible due to its lowest SM content and sufficient levels of PMs. Now, G and S contained lower amounts of SMs, but they were moderately susceptible owing to the lower PM content. This emphasises the role of SMs, such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phytates, and oxalates, in determining the susceptibility of crop cultivars. Although none of the rice cultivars were entirely resistant, it can be stated that Miniket requires more protection measures against S. cerealella during storage than the others.

The crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), and the striped flea beetle, P. striolata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), are invasive pests to canola, Brassica napus (Linnaeus) (Brassicaceae), in North America. Understanding how temperature and predators influence flea beetle damage in canola is critical for improving current management strategies, yet these factors are rarely studied. We examined the prevalence (proportion of plants damaged), intensity (defoliation of damaged plants), and overall damage (mean defoliation = prevalence × intensity) caused by flea beetles on canola seedlings at different temperatures, plant densities, and with or without generalist predators. Flea beetles preferred to feed on the abaxial (undersides) of cotyledons rather than the typically assessed adaxial (top) side, regardless of temperature, and produced more stem and cotyledon damage at higher temperatures, regardless of the species. Predators Pardosa spp. (Araneae: Lycosidae) and Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) reduced flea beetle abundance and the intensity of cotyledon defoliation. Pterostichus melanarius also reduced overall stem damage, whereas Pardosa spp. reduced stem damage intensity. Under constant flea beetle densities, canola sustained less damage at a higher plant density. These results suggest that reducing the number of flea beetles per seedling, through predation or higher plant density, may help reduce Phyllotreta damage to canola.

Obesity is characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in the development of obesity-related co-morbidities. Intake of n-3 long-chain PUFAs is associated with anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies suggest that also n-11 long-chain MUFAs may reduce the concentrations of inflammatory markers, possibly by increasing the biosynthesis of EPA. The primary aim was to investigate if diets added herring oil containing cetoleic acid (CA, C22:1n-11) or a CA concentrate (CECO) affected the fatty acid composition in tissues from obese rats with chronic inflammation. Secondary aims included investigating the effects on inflammatory markers. Thirty male obese Zucker fa/fa rats were fed diets containing herring oil (HERO) or a CECO, containing 0·70 or 1·40 wt% CA, respectively, with a comparable content of EPA (0·17 and 0·20 wt%, respectively), or a control diet with soyabean oil for 5 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA. CA from HERO and CECO diets were recovered in liver, adipose tissue, muscle and blood cells. The EPA concentration was similar between HERO and CECO groups in tissues, whereas the hepatic concentrations of fatty acid desaturases were lower or similar to Controls. The concentrations of TNFα, matrix metalloproteinase-3, IL6, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and integrin α M in adipose tissue, and the hepatic concentration of CD68 were lower after CECO intake but were not affected by the HERO diet. To conclude, rats fed the CECO diet had lower concentrations of inflammatory and macrophage infiltration markers, but this effect was probably not mediated through increased EPA biosynthesis.

There is growing evidence that optimising dietary quality and engaging in physical activity (PA) can reduce dementia and cognitive decline risk and improve psychosocial health and quality of life (QoL). Multimodal interventions focusing on diet and PA are recognised as significant strategies to tackle these behavioural risk factors; however, the cost-effectiveness of such interventions is seldom reported. A limited cost consequence based on a 12-month cluster-randomised Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and walking controlled trial (MedWalk) was undertaken. In addition, QoL data were analysed. Programme costs ($AUD2024) covered staff to deliver the MedWalk programme and foods to support dietary behaviour change. The primary outcome measure of this study was change in QoL utility score, measured using the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL-8D). Change scores were compared for the groups using general linear models while controlling for demographic factors associated with baseline group differences and attrition. Change in QoL (decreased, maintained or improved) was determined using a cross-tabulation test. MedWalk programme costs were estimated at $2695 AUD per participant and control group cost at $165 per person – a differential cost of $2530. Mean change in utility scores from baseline to 12 months was not statistically significant between groups. Nevertheless, the MedWalk group was significantly less likely to experience a reduction in their QoL (20·3 % MedWalk v. 42·6 % control group) (P = 0·020). A MedDiet and walking intervention may have a role in preventing decline in QoL of older Australians; however, longer-term follow-up would be beneficial to see if this is maintained.

In the summer of 2016, a case of potentially herbicide-resistant redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) was reported in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague (QC, Canada) in an identity-preserved soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] field where imazethapyr and chlorimuron-ethyl were applied preemergence, two active ingredients that inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS). A few years earlier, several A. retroflexus populations resistant to ALS-inhibiting herbicides were reported in Manitoba (MB). Amaranthus retroflexus samples from these fields were collected and analyzed to characterize the presence of a resistance mechanism and the associated level of resistance. Sequencing of the ALS gene revealed a mutation resulting in a serine to asparagine substitution at amino acid position 653. Dose–response experiments indicated resistance factors of 27.7 to 194.0 to imazethapyr (imidazolinones) among these populations, but susceptibility to members of all other ALS inhibitor families that were tested. In one MB population, a serine to isoleucine substitution at position 653 was observed for the first time in A. retroflexus in some of the plants, and this contributed to the detection of resistance to thifensulfuron-methyl when compared with most susceptible control population. The response of the two MB control populations to thifensulfuron-methyl differed, and resistance factors were influenced by the level of susceptibility of the control populations to thifensulfuron-methyl. The same was not observed with imazethapyr. Non–target site resistance (NTSR) was not detected in the MB populations when they were exposed to malathion before exposure to the herbicide. We identified two new mutations on the ALS gene in A. retroflexus that result in ALS inhibitor–specific cross-resistance patterns. Further investigation into NTSR and the mechanism behind the differential response of the control populations to thifensulfuron-methyl are warranted.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of incorporating group-based nutritional education into usual care on adherence to nutritional counselling among outpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This parallel-group, randomised controlled superiority trial was conducted with outpatients diagnosed with T2DM and poor glycaemic control. The control group received individual usual care, while the intervention group received usual care plus group-based nutritional education, which included three sessions: ‘Let’s Go Shopping,’ ‘Healthy Plate’ and ‘Hunger and Satiety.’ Baseline and four-month follow-up assessments were conducted, and outcome measures included adherence to nutritional counselling, glycaemic control, weight and physical activity. A total of 213 participants were included: 61·9 % were women, aged 60 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 53–65), 67·6 % with low socio-economic status, 67·3 % had obesity and the glycated Hb (HbA1c) was 9·3 % (IQR = 8·3–10·2 %). The intervention did not result in superior glycaemic control; however, short-term reductions in HbA1c were observed across all participants (–0·3 % (IQR = –0·7–0·3 %)). The intervention group demonstrated an increase in physical activity levels between visits (262 metabolic equivalent tasks (IQR = 99–257); P = 0·038), but no significant difference between the groups. Participants in the intervention group adhered to 67 % of combinations, compared with 50 % in the control group (P = 0·012), and adherence to the diabetes plate method was significantly higher in this group (75·9 % v. 62·2 %; P = 0·05). In conclusion, no significant between-group differences in glycaemic control were found, although both groups improved HbA1c short-term. Group-based nutritional education increased dietary adherence, particularly to the diabetes plate method and physical activity. Long-term effects on metabolic outcomes warrant further study.

Sepsis affects 50 million people globally, contributing to 20 % of all deaths and significantly increasing healthcare costs due to intensive care needs. Although the role of n-3 fatty acids in reducing sepsis mortality remains debated, recent studies suggest their potential in modulating immune responses and improving outcomes. This umbrella review aims to clarify the benefits of n-3 supplementation on mortality rate, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stays and days on mechanical ventilation in patients with sepsis. Following Cochrane and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodologies, a systematic search was conducted across multiple databases up to February 2025. After independent screening, data extraction and critical appraisal, meta-analyses were reassessed using the DerSimonian and Laird model. Evidence was graded using the GRADE approach, categorising outcomes based on strength and quality. A comprehensive search identified 934 records, of which thirty-four randomised controlled trials (RCT) from twenty-one systematic reviews and meta-analyses focused on n-3 supplementation in sepsis patients. n-3 significantly reduced mortality (risk ratio: 0·79, 95 % CI 0·69, 0·90), length of ICU stays (mean difference (MD): −3·6 d, 95 % CI −4·39, −2·81) and ventilation days (MD: −2·86 d, 95 % CI −4·46, −1·26). Parenteral nutrition showed slightly better outcomes than enteral nutrition, and EPA and DHA provided superior results compared with mixed oils. These findings suggest n-3 supplementation could improve mortality, ICU stays and ventilator dependency in patients with sepsis. However, the certainty of the evidence ranges from low to very low, emphasising the need for further high-quality RCT to validate these benefits. Also, clinicians should prescribe n-3 supplements cautiously in this regard.