 Visual Q methodology techniques have been adapted to explore smallholder rice farmers' propensity to adopt technologies to improve productivity based on their production goals.  The analysis revealed Lao farmers view their productivity largely through two key viewpoints: 'labour saving productivity maximization' and 'traditional labour productivity using improved techniques'; two positions that represent an array of issues currently guiding production decisions among farmers.  Substantial increases in rice production and agricultural sector transformations require inputs of specialized support for farmers, tailored to their livelihood and production goals.  Scientists, extension workers, farmers and policy makers could all benefit from shifting the focus of attention away from conventional preoccupations with introduced technologies towards users' dispositions, perceptions and preferences.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how a systemic view of democracy can provide insights into the myriad ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic affects democracies worldwide. This enables the authors to offer practical suggestions for strengthening democracy through meaningful participation in the spaces where deficits are most apparent. Design/methodology/approach The authors use the systems approach that has emerged from the deliberative and participatory democracy literature in recent years to map out the impacts of COVID-19. In this paper, the authors set out this approach as an agenda for future, more comprehensive research. Findings The authors’ preliminary overview suggests that democratic spaces are reconfigured during COVID-19, with participatory spaces shrinking, overlapping and invading each other. Based on the systemic overview, the authors suggest participatory interventions to address particular points of weakness such as accountability. Originality/value Taking a systemic approach to analysing COVID-19’s impacts on democracy enables the authors to understand the pressure points where democratic values and participation are under strain and where citizens’ participation is essential not only for strengthening democracy but also addressing the public health challenge of COVID-19.

Summary Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare genetic condition, characterized by ciliary protein dysfunction, leading to multi‐organ damage. People with BBS can develop early‐onset severe obesity and associated problems including the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Weight management can be challenging with the lack of effective medical therapies so far. We report a patient with BBS who underwent successful weight reduction through the use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists.