Search

Purpose: To provide novel empirical evidence on the role of advice in technological and non-technological innovation uptake decision-making processes from the perspective of European farmers, we develop the microAKIS (farmer microscale knowledge and innovation systems) framework. Design/methodology/approach: The MicroAKIS framework is expanded to gather empirical evidence built on quantitative data from a sample of 675 European farmers. Findings: Different types of innovation lead to different microAKIS, and farmers' involvement with innovation introduces new dynamics in advice supply. MicroAKIS supporting innovations tend to be small in size and diversity, suggesting the anticipated pluralism of advice resulting from advisory services privatisation across Europe did not work as expected, i.e. not translating into pluralistic microAKIS. Practical implications: Pluralism in advice for innovation is needed and could be enhanced by integrating different sources of advice: professional and non-professional, formal and informal, agricultural and cross-sectorial. Theoretical implications: We advance the scope of the AKIS concept by accounting for the temporal dynamics of innovation uptake decision-making and adopting multi-level analysis that combines micro (farm) and meso (region) scales. Originality/value: Empirical evidence at the European level, gathered from the common farmer's perspective on the dynamics of farm-level microAKIS and the role played by farm advisory, accounting for diversity of innovations and regional contexts.

Simple Summary: Sperm cells are specialized cells that are highly susceptible to different kinds of damage, impairing the success of in vitro fertilization and, consequently, of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Oxidative stress plays a significant role in this context causing DNA injury, reduced motility, and compromising the fertilization ability of sperm. The use of antioxidants aims to mitigate the oxidative stress, protect sperm cells from damage, and enhance their fertilization potential. Urolithin A (UA) is a natural compound with proven anti-aging and antioxidant effects in various cells, but its effect on bovine sperm has not been tested yet. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of UA on bovine sperm function and fertilization rate, thus contributing to animal reproductive development. The results showed that UA improved sperm motility quality and reduced oxidative stress levels in a dose-dependent manner. The use of UA as an antioxidant therapy may have a significant impact on the advancement of reproductive biotechnologies. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in the functional competence of sperm cells. Conversely, excessive generation of ROS can impair sperm function, including their fertilization ability. Urolithin A (UA), a gut bacteria-derived metabolite produced from the transformation of ellagitannins, with anti-aging and antioxidant properties, was investigated for the first time in bovine sperm cells in the present study. Firstly, different doses of UA (0, 1, and 10 μM; 8–16 sessions) were used during the capacitation process of frozen-thawed bovine sperm. Sperm motility was assessed using optical microscopy and CASA. Sperm vitality (eosin-nigrosin), ROS, and ATP levels, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (JC1) and oxygen consumption were evaluated. A second experiment to test the effect of different doses of UA (0, 1, and 10 μM; 9 sessions) in both the capacitation medium, as above, and the fertilization medium, was also implemented. The embryonic development and quality were evaluated. UA, at a concentration of 1 μM, significantly improved sperm movement quality (p < 0.03). There was a trend towards an increase in the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of capacitated sperm with 1 μM and 10 μM UA supplementation. Moreover, an increase in ATP levels (p < 0.01) was observed, accompanied by a reduction in ROS levels at the higher UA concentration. These results suggest that UA may enhance spermatozoa mitochondrial function, modifying their metabolic activity while reducing the oxidative stress. Also, the number of produced embryos appears to be positively affected by UA supplementation, although differences between the bulls may have mitigated this effect. In conclusion, presented results further support previous findings indicating the potential therapeutic value of UA for addressing reproductive sub/infertility problems and improving ART outcomes. In addition, our results also reinforce the important bull effect on ART and that male sperm bioenergetic parameters should be used to predict spermatozoa functionality and developmental potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to understand how entrepreneurship education and training programmes (EETPs) influence the development of entrepreneurial competencies and creation of business ventures. Design/methodology/approach: The study included a questionnaire distributed to 103 EETP participants. The data were processed using SmartPLS software to construct a structural equation model. Findings: The results show, first, that the respondents' motivations have a positive impact on participation in entrepreneurship education programmes and company creation. Second, participation in these programmes positively influences individual entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial skills. The findings also include that the entrepreneurship education programme under study has strengthened its participants' capacities and competencies, making these people more autonomous and facilitating their creation of new businesses. Originality/value: This study sought to contribute to a fuller empirical understanding of how EETPs affect their participants' individual entrepreneurship orientation and capacities (human resource development), thereby fostering company formation and regional development. Theoretical and practical implications are presented, with an emphasis on what needs to be done to improve EETPs.