- Oct 2024
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Green infrastructure plays an important role in both mitigating climate change and also adapting to changing climatic conditions and events, and any assessment of how climate change will affect health must include the alterations that humans make to the landscape
The sentence underscores the dual role of GI in public health and environmental management, emphasizing the need to consider human-induced landscape changes when evaluating health impacts related to climate change. Investing in GI not only promotes public health by reducing disease risk but also provides ecological benefits, such as enhanced biodiversity and improved air quality, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of such initiatives
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Hunting and sale of wild animals, or bushmeat, is an important source of income and protein for many rural communities in the tropics, with estimates exceeding five million tons of meat extracted annually
The socio-economic aspects of zoonotic disease transmission, illustrating how cultural practices and livelihoods can contribute to increased human contact with potential disease reservoirs. The bushmeat trade has been linked to several zoonotic outbreaks, including Ebola, promoting discussion on sustainable alternatives that balance economic needs and health safety.
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Infectious disease ecology is a rapidly evolving field focused on understanding how hosts, pathogens, vectors, and their environment evolve, respond, and interact with one another in ways that influence the spread of disease
This establishes the core focus of infectious disease ecology, highlighting its dynamic nature and the interplay among various biological and environmental factors that contribute to disease transmission. This field has gained increased attention due to the rise of emerging infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary research in predicting and controlling outbreaks
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www.tandfonline.com www.tandfonline.com
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neophobia
the term is defined as fear of new things or experiences. From my understanding of reading an article on this, it is a form of anxiety that can manifest in individuals as an aversion to trying new foods, or adapting to changes in their environment. In psychological research, neophobia is often studied in the context of behavioral ecology, particularly in relation to food choices and habitat selection. Animals that exhibit neophobia may avoid unfamiliar food sources, impacting their foraging behavior and overall survival
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Further research is currently being undertaken to compare the relative effects on long-tailed bats of warmer colour temperatures with those most commonly used in New Zealand
Colour temperature refers to the perceived warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvins (K). Warmer color temperatures, typically around 2700K to 3000K, emit a yellowish hue, while cooler temperatures (5000K and above) produce a bluish light. Research indicates that different color temperatures can influence animal behavior, including foraging and roosting patterns in bats. In New Zealand, the common use of cooler light sources in urban environments may have implications for bat ecology, potentially affecting their activity levels and interactions with prey. This research contributes to understanding how artificial lighting impacts nocturnal wildlife and informs strategies for minimizing light pollution
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Changes in the number of nightly detections in response to periodic illumination were measured using acoustic monitoring and compared to a nearby unlit control site.
Ultrasonic acoustic monitoring is a method that employs microphones capable of detecting sounds above the frequency of human hearing, typically above 20kHz. This technology is crucial in studying bat populations, as many species, including long-tailed bats (Chaerephon pumilus), communicate and navigate using echolocation, producing ultrasonic calls that can inform researchers about their behavior, habitat use, and population dynamics.
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www.scielo.sa.cr www.scielo.sa.cr
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Debate continues over the effectiveness of transplantation in conserving threatened coral species, increasing coral abundance, and accelerating reef restoration
Some argue that while transplantation can help, it may not address the root causes of coral decline, such as water quality degradation or rising ocean temperatures. Without mitigating these broader issues, coral transplants may simply fail over time. However, others see transplantation as a crucial stopgap measure to preserve key species and habitats while long-term solutions are developed
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there is a deepening awareness that no habitat, once damaged or degraded, can be restored to its original condition
The reality is that restoration efforts, while beneficial, may never fully return coral reefs to their pristine state. This is due to the complex interactions between species, environmental conditions, and historical degradation. As a result, conservationists now focus on creating resilient reefs that can survive in future conditions rather than merely replicating past ecosystems
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Continuing declines and the lack of recovery on coral reefs worldwide have sparked renewed calls for action by the scientific, conservation, and reef management communities
Coral reefs are known as the "rainforests of sea", these are the biodiversity hotspots that support a vast range of marine species. However, their rapid decline due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution has created an urgent need for restoration strategies. Scientists and conservationists now face the challenge of reversing damage to these ecosystems, which are vital for both marine life and coastal human populations.
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www.frontiersin.org www.frontiersin.org
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Pet owners had lower PTSD scores 4.4 years after the disaster than non-pet owners (p = 0.0035)
The long term emotional benefits ofpet oeneership became evident in the lower PTSD scores among pet owners over time. This suggests that pets may serve as a critical source of emotional support during the long-term recovery phase. Pets provide companionship, a sense of routine, and an emotional outlet, all of which contribute to reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety. The act of caring for a pet may also help restore a sense of purpose and normalcy in a post-disaster context. Moreover, interacting with pets has been shown to increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with reducing stress and promoting feelings of well-being. In the context of prolonged recovery, where survivors may struggle with ongoing challenges like housing instability, financial difficulties, and rebuilding their lives, pets can offer consistency and unconditional love, which may buffer against the development of long-term psychological disorders like PTSD. This effect highlights the potential role of animal-assisted therapy or pet ownership as part of mental health interventions in disaster recovery programs.
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Pet ownership did not have an association with PTSD score 1 month after the disaster (p = 0.337)
The psychological. trauma and shock are so overwhelming that specific factors like pet ownership may not show a measurable impact on mental health outcomes. One potential explanation for the lack of a significant association between pet ownership and PTSD scores one month after the disaster is that all evacuees, regardless of whether they owned pets, were dealing with a similar level of acute stress and disruption. The chaos of the evacuation, uncertainty about future, and loss of property or loved ones likely overshadowed the nuanced emotional benefits that pets might offer. Furthermore, the conditions in evacuation shelters could have been so challenging for both humans and animals that any potential comfort a pet could provide was mitigated by the logistical difficulties of caring for them in such an environment. The delay in showing a positive effect on mental health suggests that pets may play a more substantial role in long-term recovery rather than in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
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Acceptance of animals at human evacuation shelters depended on the discretion of shelter's chief operating officer
The fact that pet acceptance was left to the discretion of individual shelter managers reveals the absence of a national or regional policy for handling animals in emergency situations. This lack of standardized protocol created a highly inconsistent experience for evacuees. In some shelters, animals were allowed but kept in separate areas, while in others, pets were outright refused. This inconsistency led to frustration, as many pet owners felt forced to make difficult choices between their own safety and their responsibility to their pets. The emotional toll on evacuees was exacerbated by the uncertainty of not knowing if their shelter would accept pets, causing additional anxiety during an already traumatic situation. This scenario highlights the need for comprehensive disaster planning that explicitly addresses pet welfare, ensuring uniformity and reducing the stress on pet owners during evacuations.
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- Sep 2024
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www.sciencedirect.com www.sciencedirect.com
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monoxenous life cycle
A monoxenous life cycle occurs when a parasite completes its development within a single host species, typical of certain protozoa and helminths. This life cycle is significant for understanding disease transmission and control, as it allows for targeted measures based on the host's ecology. Additionally, this relationship may lead to adaptations that enhance the parasite's survival and reproduction within that specific environment
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monoclonal antibody
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-made molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can enhance or mimic the immune system's attack on cancer cells, viruses, and other pathogens. They are created by creating identical immune cells (clones) that produce a single type of antibody, targeting a specific antigen. This specificity allows monoclonal antibodies to be used in various therapeutic applications, including cancer treatment, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Their ability to target precise markers on cells makes them powerful tools in diagnostics and targeted therapies, significantly improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects compared to traditional therapies
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Whole genome sequencing and metabolomics
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) provides a comprehensive view of an organism's genetic makeup, allowing researchers to identify variations in DNA that may influence traits, diseases, and responses to environmental factors. When combined with metabolomics, which analyzes small molecules (metabolites) produced during metabolic processes, researchers can gain insights into the functional consequences of genetic variations. This integrated approach enables a deeper understanding of biological systems by linking genotypes to phenotypes, revealing how genetic information translates into metabolic profiles. This is crucial for advancing personalized medicine, enhancing agricultural practices, and improving our understanding of complex biological interactions.
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journals.plos.org journals.plos.org
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As is the case for any statistical distribution, the tails of a KDE are more prone to estimation error. For this reason, we used a Bayesian framework to identify the KDE percentile that best represented the divide between core and non-core portions of the KDEs
It is acknowledged that the tails of a Kernel Density Estimate (KDE) are particularly susceptible to estimation errors, which can lead to inaccurate interpretations. To address this issue, a Bayesian framework was employed to pinpoint the KDE percentile that most accurately distinguishes between core and non-core areas of the distribution. This approach enhances the reliability of the analysis by providing a more robust method for evaluating the significance of different habitat areas, ultimately improving our understanding of species distribution patterns
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Necropsies included inferring the cause of death from field sign (e.g., blood on snow and trees, signs of a chase, and signs of struggle including broken branches).
Necropsies involved determining the cause of death by examining field signs such as blood on snow and trees, signs of a chase, and indications of struggle, like broken branches. This process is significant because it helps researchers understand predator-prey interactions, the health of wildlife populations, and the impact of environmental factors on species survival, ultimately contributing to better conservation and management practices
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Variation in habitat features should be an important component of sites where wolves kill moose by life history stage
Variation in habitat features refers to the differences in environmental characteristics, such as vegetation type, terrain, and food availability, in areas where wolves hunt moose. Understanding how habitat features vary is crucial for identifying sites where wolves successfully kill moose, particularly as it relates to different life history stages of both species. This knowledge can inform wildlife management strategies and help maintain balanced predator-prey dynamics in ecosystems
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conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
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Oil pollution through shipwrecks and oil spills is pos-sibly the major anthropogenic-induced cause of deathamong penguins worldwide (Garc´ıa-Borboroglu et al.2008).
Marine pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances, such as oil, plastics, and chemicals, into ocean waters, significantly impacting marine ecosystems. Oil pollution, particularly from shipwrecks and oil spills, is a leading anthropogenic cause of death among penguins and other marine wildlife. It disrupts habitats, contaminates food sources, and leads to severe health issues in affected species, thereby threatening biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems
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bycatch
Bycatch refers to the unintended capture of non-target species. Bycatch poses serious ecological and economic challenges, as it can deplete vulnerable species, disrupt marine ecosystems, and negatively impact fishing communities by reducing target species availability and increasing operational costs. Efforts to mitigate bycatch are essential for promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting biodiversity
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Habitat degradation
Habitat degradation is the deterioration of natural habitats, resulting from human activities such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and climate change. Habitat degradation threatens biodiversity by reducing the quality and availability of essential resources for wildlife, leading to species decline and loss. It disrupts ecosystems, diminishes resilience to environmental changes, and ultimately affects human well-being by impairing ecosystem services like clean water, air, and food production
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Bycatch refers to the unintended capture of non-target species. Bycatch poses serious ecological and economic challenges, as it can deplete vulnerable species, disrupt marine ecosystems, and negatively impact fishing communities by reducing target species availability and increasing operational costs. Efforts to mitigate bycatch are essential for promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting biodiversity
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