@article{zarate_cimadori_jones_roca_barnhill-dilling_2023, title={Assessing agricultural gene editing regulation in Latin America: an analysis of how policy windows and policy entrepreneurs shape agricultural gene editing regulatory regimes}, volume={11}, ISSN={["2296-4185"]}, DOI={10.3389/fbioe.2023.1209308}, abstractNote={This article explores the new developments and challenges of agricultural Gene Editing (GED) regulation in primarily nine countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Region: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru. As Gene Editing technology develops, Latin America and the Caribbean regulatory regimes struggle to keep pace. Developers and regulators face challenges such as consumer perceptions, intellectual property, R&D funding (private and public), training, environmental and social impact, and access to domestic and international markets. Some Latin America and the Caribbean countries (e.g., Argentina) interpret existing legislation to promulgate regulations for biotechnology and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), while others (e.g., Brazil and Honduras) have specific legislation for Genetically Modified Organisms. In both those cases, often a case-by-case approach is chosen to determine whether a Gene Editing organism is subject to Genetically Modified Organisms regulations or not. Other countries such as Peru have opted to ban the technology due to its perceived resemblance to transgenic Genetically Modified Organisms. After presenting the regulatory landscape for agricultural Gene Editing in Latin America and the Caribbean, this article addresses some of the differences and similarities across the region. Some countries have had more foresight and have dedicated resources to increase capacity and develop regulations (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico before 2018) while others struggle with bureaucratic limitations and partisanship of policymaking (e.g., Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico after 2018). We propose that the differences and similarities between these regulatory regimes have emerged in part as a result of policy entrepreneurs (influential individuals actively involved in policy making) taking advantage of policy windows (opportunities for shaping policy and regulation). The third and remaining sections of this study discuss our main findings. Based on 41 semi structured interviews with regulators, scientists, product developers, NGOs and activists, we arrived at three main findings. First, there seems to be a consensus among most regulators interviewed that having harmonized regimes is a positive step to facilitate product development and deployment, leading to commercialization. Second, reducing bureaucracy (e.g., paper work) and increasing flexibility in regulation go hand in hand to expedite the acquisition of key lab materials required by developers in countries with less robust regimes such as Peru and Bolivia. Finally, developing public and private partnerships, fostering transparency, and increasing the involvement of marginalized groups may increase the legitimacy of Gene Editing regulation.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY}, author={Zarate, Sebastian and Cimadori, Ilaria and Jones, Michael S. S. and Roca, Maria Mercedes and Barnhill-Dilling, S. Kathleen}, year={2023}, month={Jun} }
 @article{baltzegar_jones_willcox_ramsey_gould_2023, title={Population genetic structure of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, in southern Mexico}, volume={18}, ISSN={["1932-6203"]}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0264469}, abstractNote={The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, is a ubiquitous pest of maize and other cereal crops worldwide and remains a threat to food security in subsistence communities. Few population genetic studies have been conducted on the maize weevil, but those that exist have shown that there is very little genetic differentiation between geographically dispersed populations and that it is likely the species has experienced a recent range expansion within the last few hundred years. While the previous studies found little genetic structure, they relied primarily on mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite markers for their analyses. It is possible that more fine-scaled population genetic structure exists due to local adaptation, the biological limits of natural species dispersal, and the isolated nature of subsistence farming communities. In contrast to previous studies, here, we utilized genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data to evaluate the genetic population structure of the maize weevil from the southern and coastal Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. We employed strict SNP filtering to manage large next generation sequencing lane effects and this study is the first to find fine-scale genetic population structure in the maize weevil. Here, we show that although there continues to be gene flow between populations of maize weevil, that fine-scale genetic structure exists. It is possible that this structure is shaped by local adaptation of the insects, the movement and trade of maize by humans in the region, geographic barriers to gene flow, or a combination of these factors.}, number={4}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={Baltzegar, Jennifer and Jones, Michael S. and Willcox, Martha and Ramsey, Janine M. and Gould, Fred}, year={2023}, month={Apr} }
 @misc{patterson_pant_jones_taha_jones_bauserman_montaldo_bose_thayyil_2021, title={Informed consent rates for neonatal randomized controlled trials in low- and lower middle-income versus high-income countries: A systematic review}, volume={16}, ISSN={["1932-6203"]}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0248263}, abstractNote={
Objective
Legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements of medical research uniformly call for informed consent. We aimed to characterize and compare consent rates for neonatal randomized controlled trials in low- and lower middle-income countries versus high-income countries, and to evaluate the influence of study characteristics on consent rates.


Methods
In this systematic review, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials of neonatal interventions in low- and lower middle-income countries or high-income countries published 01/01/2013 to 01/04/2018. Our primary outcome was consent rate, the proportion of eligible participants who consented amongst those approached, extracted from the article or email with the author. Using a generalised linear model for fractional dependent variables, we analysed the odds of consenting in low- and lower middle-income countries versus high-income countries across control types and interventions.


Findings
We screened 3523 articles, yielding 300 eligible randomized controlled trials with consent rates available for 135 low- and lower middle-income country trials and 65 high-income country trials. Median consent rates were higher for low- and lower middle-income countries (95.6%; interquartile range (IQR) 88.2–98.9) than high-income countries (82.7%; IQR 68.6–93.0; p<0.001). In adjusted regression analysis comparing low- and lower middle-income countries to high-income countries, the odds of consent for no placebo-drug/nutrition trials was 3.67 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.87–7.19; p = 0.0002) and 6.40 (95%CI 3.32–12.34; p<0.0001) for placebo-drug/nutrition trials.


Conclusion
Neonatal randomized controlled trials in low- and lower middle-income countries report consistently higher consent rates compared to high-income country trials. Our study is limited by the overrepresentation of India among randomized controlled trials in low- and lower middle-income countries. This study raises serious concerns about the adequacy of protections for highly vulnerable populations recruited to clinical trials in low- and lower middle-income countries.
}, number={3}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={Patterson, Jacquelyn K. and Pant, Stuti and Jones, Denise F. and Taha, Syed and Jones, Michael S. and Bauserman, Melissa S. and Montaldo, Paolo and Bose, Carl L. and Thayyil, Sudhin}, year={2021}, month={Mar} }
 @article{rejesus_jones_2020, title={Perspective: enhancing economic evaluations and impacts of integrated pest management Farmer Field Schools (IPM-FFS) in low-income countries}, volume={76}, ISSN={["1526-4998"]}, DOI={10.1002/ps.5912}, abstractNote={AbstractOver the last few decades, the use of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) have been considered one of the best approaches to disseminate integrated pest management (IPM) practices that aim to reduce reliance on and misuse of chemical pest control methods in agriculture. However, the published empirical literature has been decidedly mixed in terms of the effectiveness of the IPM‐FFS approach to improve economic outcomes in the short‐term (e.g. reduce chemical use, improve profits), and the potential for scaling‐up and IPM dissemination in the medium‐term. This article briefly explores the empirical IPM‐FFS literature and draws implications for future research directions that can potentially enhance IPM knowledge diffusion methods (including IPM‐FFS) and increase the economic impact of IPM techniques in low‐income countries. We find that promising research directions to improve understanding of IPM dissemination and IPM impacts will need to involve: (i) interdisciplinary long‐run studies using rigorous evaluation methods; (ii) in‐depth assessments of spillover effects; (iii) careful examination of IPM and IPM‐FFS impact heterogeneity; (iv) evaluation of novel IPM packages with herbicide‐ and genetics‐centered components; (v) piloting and impact assessments of alternative IPM knowledge diffusion structures; and (vi) piloting and impact analysis of IPM dissemination and learning programs with private sector involvement. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry}, number={11}, journal={PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE}, author={Rejesus, Roderick M. and Jones, Michael S.}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={3527–3536} }
 @article{baltzegar_barnes_elsensohn_gutzmann_jones_king_sudweeks_2018, title={Anticipating complexity in the deployment of gene drive insects in agriculture}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2329-9037"]}, DOI={10.1080/23299460.2017.1407910}, abstractNote={Insects cause substantial losses to agricultural crops each year and require intensive management approaches. Genetic pest management has emerged as a viable, non-chemical alternative for managing insect pests. The development of engineered gene drives for agricultural use is promising, though unproven, and has the potential to impact farmers as well as broader socio-ecological systems in several ways. Drawing on lessons from the deployment of other pest control technologies, this paper considers how insects containing gene drives could intersect with some of the complexities that characterize agricultural systems. Gene drives are being developed in a landscape of pest management shaped by past and current approaches, experiences, regulations, public opinion, and pest invasions. Because gene drive insects may spread well beyond their release area, stakeholder groups at different spatial scales need to be engaged in decisions about their deployment. This new paradigm both complicates and offers great promise for future pest management efforts.}, journal={JOURNAL OF RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION}, author={Baltzegar, Jennifer and Barnes, Jessica Cavin and Elsensohn, Johanna E. and Gutzmann, Nicole and Jones, Michael S. and King, Sheron and Sudweeks, Jayce}, year={2018}, pages={S81–S97} }
 @article{jones_alexander_smith_2018, title={Economic consequences of post-harvest insect damage in Rwandan common bean markets}, volume={104}, ISSN={["1873-6904"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.cropro.2017.10.015}, abstractNote={Post-harvest losses have major economic consequences for smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. One significant contributor to economic losses is price penalties for poor quality marketed grain. This study investigates farm-gate level discounts demanded by rural Rwandan bean traders for insect-damaged common beans. We use a simplified contingent valuation methodology with physical bean samples to elicit seasonal damage discount schedules based on data from 270 trader interviews in 25 regionally-diverse rural markets, in periods of both common bean abundance and scarcity. While levels of 5–10% insect damage can generally be sold with a moderate discount, beans with 20–30% insect damage are largely unmarketable. We model the physical and non-physical drivers of buying insect-damaged beans and, if so, the extent of discounts demanded. Results indicate that while insect damage levels play a central role, large volume traders penalize damage less while traders in the seed market, storing before re-sale, or purchasing heavily from farmers (vs. other traders) penalize damage significantly more. Findings help develop more evidence-based extension programming and methods could be adapted as an easily implemented and potentially insightful model for developing country agencies. Additionally, derived discount coefficients help evaluate the cost-effectiveness of technologies throughout the region which prevent post-harvest damage.}, journal={CROP PROTECTION}, author={Jones, Michael S. and Alexander, Corinne E. and Smith, Bruce}, year={2018}, month={Feb}, pages={92–100} }
 @article{jones_mcrea_jairath_jones_bradford_jhaveri_2018, title={Prospective Assessment of Pill-Swallowing Ability in Pediatric Patients}, volume={57}, ISSN={["1938-2707"]}, DOI={10.1177/0009922817724399}, abstractNote={ Difficulty with pill-swallowing ability (PSA) is common in children, yet formal evaluation is rare. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate and compare PSA of inpatient and outpatient children using the Pediatric Oral Medications Screener. We identified children aged 3 to 17 years admitted to a general or subspecialty pediatric service at a university hospital or outpatient clinic. Using the Pediatric Oral Medications Screener, patients were observed swallowing 3 different-sized placebo pills (5 mm tablet, 10 mm tablet, and 22 mm capsule), and subjective measures were assessed from parents and children. We analyzed 47 inpatients and 62 outpatients. Sixteen percent of patients could not swallow any pill, 11% only swallowed the small pill, 14% swallowed up to the medium pill, and 60% swallowed all formulations. After controlling for multiple factors, inpatients had superior PSA compared with outpatients ( P = .004). These results suggest targeted inpatient screening and widespread outpatient screening would likely identify children with reduced PSA. }, number={3}, journal={CLINICAL PEDIATRICS}, author={Jones, Denise F. and McRea, Abigail R. and Jairath, Meera K. and Jones, Michael S. and Bradford, Kathleen K. and Jhaveri, Ravi}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={300–306} }
 @article{jones_house_gao_2015, title={RESPONDENT SCREENING AND REVEALED PREFERENCE AXIOMS TESTING QUARANTINING METHODS FOR ENHANCED DATA QUALITY IN WEB PANEL SURVEYS}, volume={79}, ISSN={["1537-5331"]}, DOI={10.1093/poq/nfv015}, abstractNote={Online survey methods and online access panels are commonly used in both academic and private industry research. However, many industry reviews indicate the presence of fraudulent and inattentive online panel participants who pose a threat to data validity, with estimates of 8–25 percent of the sample being impacted. Although these challenges are not unique to online surveying, the nature of online panels may offer possibilities to improve data quality through real-time filters, rather than in data analysis. In this study, we retain all panel respondents passing and failing common web-survey quarantining methods to directly analyze filtering results on data quality. Through a choice experiment, we build a mathematical model to measure respondent irrationality through the classic strong axiom of revealed preference (SARP), which serves as the primary data-quality metric to test the efficacy of quarantining methods. We show that inattentive respondents failing “trap” or “red herring” questions, as well as fraudulent respondents heavily selecting low-probability screening questions, have significantly lower data quality compared to passing respondents. Removing failing respondents significantly improves data quality when filters are strategically executed. We also simulate the data-quality benefits of real-time filtering techniques during web-data collection. We conclude by advocating the use of low-probability filters as qualifiers, as well as strategic placement of trap questions just before the most crucial sections of a survey}, number={3}, journal={PUBLIC OPINION QUARTERLY}, author={Jones, Michael S. and House, Lisa A. and Gao, Zhifeng}, year={2015}, pages={687–709} }