Despite global progress in prevention, rabies continues to cause preventable deaths in both humans and animals worldwide. In Bhutan, the disease remains a significant public health concern in high-risk regions such as Sarpang Dzongkhag, where recent outbreaks have resulted in animal infections and a human fatality. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to rabies prevention and control among residents of Sarpang. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a one-month period, employing a simple random sampling technique among 294 residents from Tareythang, Chhuzaggang, and Umling Gewogs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using univariate binary logistic regression and Pearson’s Chi-square test to examine associations between socio-demographic variables and KAP outcomes. Results showed that 86.4% of respondents possessed adequate knowledge, 99.3% demonstrated positive attitudes, and 90.5% reported good preventive practices. Education level, age, profession, and history of animal bites were significantly associated with higher levels of knowledge (p < 0.05). However, despite the overall high level of awareness, 45.9% of respondents were unaware that rabies is 100% fatal, some relied on traditional treatment methods, and 56.8% had not participated in any rabies awareness programs. These findings underscore the need for strengthened, targeted community-based interventions to enhance rabies prevention and control efforts. Moreover, the findings identify key gaps to guide policy and programs in Bhutan, particularly in strengthening risk communication, community engagement, and equitable access to rabies prevention services in high-risk areas.

BackgroundSevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a tick-borne Phlebovirus with high fatality rates in humans and expanding geographic distribution in East Asia. Companion animals, including dogs and cats, are increasingly recognized as susceptible hosts that may contribute to viral maintenance and spillover. However, genomic information on SFTSV strains circulating in companion animals in Korea remains limited.Methodology/principal findingsBetween April 2023 and June 2024, 63 SFTSV-positive clinical specimens from dogs and cats were collected across the Republic of Korea. Whole-genome sequencing using a multiplex tiling RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing approach yielded 39 complete viral genomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most viruses clustered within genotype B, including 10 viruses classified as the highly virulent B2 subtype. Five reassortant viruses (12.8%) were identified, comprising four intra-genotypic (B1/B2/B2) and one inter-genotypic (B2/C/B2) reassortants. Multiple amino acid substitutions linked to increased human case fatality, such as RdRp-T1433A (94.9%) and Gn-Q341P (97.4%), were prevalent among companion animal viruses. In addition, mutations within neutralizing antibody epitopes (Y83F, K113R, G218S, P222A, F225L, V323I, and S340N) were detected, several of which significantly reduced antibody binding affinity in silico (G218S, P222A, F225L, and S340N).Conclusions/significanceThis study provides nationwide genomic characterization of SFTSV in companion animals in Korea. The detection of highly virulent subtypes, frequent reassortment, and epitope-altering mutations highlights the evolutionary potential of SFTSV in non-human hosts. The close genetic relationship between animal- and human-derived viruses underscores the risk of cross-species transmission. These findings emphasize the need for integrated One Health surveillance systems linking veterinary and human health sectors to enable early detection, risk assessment, and mitigation of emerging SFTSV threats.

Avoiding human fatalities during wildfires is a key public policy objective. Outward road access, or the number of egress routes, is widely assumed to influence wildfire fatalities, yet few studies have quantified if or when this factor becomes critical. To address this gap, we assembled a dataset on community-level wildfire fatality counts and combined it with nationally consistent community egress for the United States, finding that cumulative fatalities are sharply concentrated in communities with very few exits, declining steeply to roughly six nonresidential roads, beyond which additional routes confer minimal further risk reduction. Extending this analysis nationally, we mapped all small communities (<50,000 residents) to identify geographic confluence of limited egress and high wildfire hazard, highlighting regions where road constraints could directly amplify fatalities. Across the United States, 17.7 million people live in communities below this critical egress threshold, including 2.5 million in high wildfire hazard areas. Although most high-risk communities are in the western United States, unexpected hotspots appear in Oklahoma, Florida, and Hawai'i. As wildfire hazard continues to expand with climate change, fuel accumulation, and development in the wildland-urban interface, even more communities may be at risk. Targeted investment in road infrastructure, improved evacuation communication and preparedness, and development of preplanned refuge options together offer complementary and actionable pathways to reduce wildfire fatalities and build nationwide resilience.

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) presents an escalating conservation and socio-economic challenge across Assam, India, where a dense human population overlaps with critical elephant habitats. This study investigates human mortality patterns linked to HEC over 23 years (2000–2023), analysing 1,806 incidents, including 1,468 human fatalities and 337 human injuries. The data for this study were collected from 21 forest divisions of Assam and included detailed information (with gender specific details). Using spatial analyses, kernel density mapping, and generalised linear modelling (GLMs), this study identified key ecological and anthropogenic drivers of conflict. Conflict hotspots were predominantly located near fragmented forests, elephant reserves, and agricultural landscapes adjoining forests, with more incidents occurring during the monsoon and post-harvest seasons. Villages with limited or reduced forest connectivity and expanding built-up areas exhibited higher conflict intensity. Fragmentation metrics such as the Largest Patch Index and the Edge Density of the forest were significantly associated with the probability of HEC occurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating ecological restoration, seasonal risk forecasting, and community-driven mitigation strategies such as buffer cropping and early warning systems. This study provides critical insights for prioritising high-risk areas and proposes practical interventions to promote coexistence between humans and elephants in a rapidly transforming landscape.

Human rabies cases in Northwestern Iran: Lessons on prevention, diagnosis, and public health response.

Abstract This study evaluates the performance of two deep learning architectures, U-Net and convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM), for predicting cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning probability in the central Amazon basin. Utilizing data from S-band weather radar and very low-frequency (VLF) lightning detection networks, we explored nowcasting capabilities at 12- and 6-min intervals. Various data configurations were tested, specifically examining the integration of volumetric radar reflectivity (dB Z ) and echo-top 35-dBZ (ET35). The evaluation encompassed objective skill metrics and spatial error analyses, accounting for sensor uncertainties. Results reveal a critical divergence in multimodal data assimilation. While the U-Net struggled with volumetric inputs, the ConvLSTM architecture successfully leveraged dB Z data, achieving the highest critical success index (CSI) of 0.546 and an effective spatial scale of 6 km, notably outperforming persistence baselines. Conversely, U-Net performed best using only quality-controlled lightning data or lightweight ET35 inputs. Furthermore, 6-min experiments demonstrated that extending the temporal lookback window notably enhances the skill of recurrent models. Spatial error analyses indicated well-collocated clusters with average centroid errors below 6 km at optimal probability thresholds. These findings suggest that while U-Net provides a robust baseline, ConvLSTM is superior for integrating high-dimensional radar variables in very short-term lightning nowcasting. Significance Statement This exploratory study evaluates and compares emerging computational approaches for meteorological forecasting, specifically examining the effectiveness of U-Net and convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) architectures in predicting cloud-to-ground lightning probabilities in the central Amazon basin. By integrating data from weather radar and lightning detection networks, the research investigates methodological solutions for very short-term lightning prediction (6–12 min) in one of Earth’s most climatically complex regions. The comparative analysis reveals a critical distinction in data assimilation capabilities. While the ConvLSTM successfully leverages volumetric radar reflectivity to achieve effective spatial scales of 6 km, the U-Net performs optimally with simplified inputs like echo tops. This work identifies robust configurations that surpass traditional persistence baselines, laying the foundation for next-generation early warning systems capable of mitigating the socioeconomic impacts and risks of human fatalities caused by lightning.

East African human-wildlife conflict: Policy challenges and proposed solutions from Kenya.

Over recent decades, devastating earthquakes have frequently struck Iran, causing substantial damage upon its existing infrastructure. These seismic events have tragically resulted in extensive human casualties and severe economic losses, thereby underscoring the critical importance of assessing the impact of single or multiple seismic occurrences on various building types. This imperative has consequently garnered significant attention from the research community. The occurrence of a seismic event inherently carries the potential for widespread damage to infrastructure, particularly to existing buildings, which can subsequently lead to injuries and fatalities. It is therefore incumbent upon structural and earthquake engineers to minimize the extent of such damage, injuries, and human fatalities. Therefore, the assessment of the seismic resilience of critical structures assumes a pivotal role in comprehensive disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. Among societal cohorts, students and educational staff represent some of the most vulnerable populations susceptible to both natural and human-caused disasters. Ensuring the continuity and safety of their educational processes thus requires rigorous attention to the resilience of their educational environments. For the current case study, a school building situated in Tehran, with a total floor area of 1390 square meters, was selected as the representative sample. The objective was to thoroughly assess its seismic resilience, serving as a sample for educational facilities across the city. Initially, the structural performance was evaluated through nonlinear static analysis. Upon the identification of structural inadequacies, a comprehensive seismic retrofitting initiative was undertaken. After a thorough review of various structural strengthening methodologies, two distinct methods were ultimately adopted for the seismic upgrade of this school: Special Concentric Braced Frames (SCBF) and Reinforced Concrete (RC) Shear Walls. After retrofitting with these two methods, IDA, fragility, and vulnerability curves were drawn based on the results from both scenarios. Also, an estimate of implementation costs was made using PACT software. In this study, to verify the effectiveness and performance level of the retrofitting methods, the FEMA P-58 methodology was employed across various seismic risk levels (2%, 10%, 20%, and 50% in 50 years). The results of this process demonstrate a significant reduction in financial losses and recovery time for the structure retrofitted using the two mentioned scenarios. Furthermore, the overall resilience index has improved. However, retrofitting with reinforced concrete shear walls showed superiority compared to special concentric braced frames. Furthermore, a damage assessment was carried out in this research. This assessment utilized the FEMA P-58 methodology, with the PACT software serving as a key tool for its execution.

The role of atmospheric rivers (ARs) in 119 major flood events across 50 global river basins was investigated. The ARs were linked to 74% of the flood areas and 89% of the full basins. Their contributions were evident during and before floods, with influences spanning mid-latitudes to tropical regions, causing human fatalities and population displacements. These findings underscore ARs as dominant and widespread drivers of extreme flood events worldwide.

Computational Structural Analysis Predicts Host-Range Promiscuity and Antiviral Resistance in North American H5N1 Lineages.

IntroductionRabies, a neglected tropical disease, causes about 59,000 annual human fatalities globally, the majority of which result from dog bites. Although rabies is preventable by vaccinating dogs and providing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to humans, dog vaccination coverage in Uganda remains low at approximately 10% and not all human dog bite cases receive PEP. This study sought to understand barriers to dog bite case management and dog rabies vaccination.MethodsThis study, conducted between September 2022 and March 2023, involved 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) with dog owners and eight key informant interviews (KIIs) with opinion leaders, veterinary and health professionals. Participants were purposively selected based on their experience with dog vaccination and bite case management. Data was collected from Soroti Municipality (peri-urban) and Kamuda sub-county (rural) using structured interview guides premised on the socio-ecological model. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically using NVivo software (version 12.0).ResultsAt the individual level, limited first aid knowledge, few available PEP doses and high PEP costs were major barriers to proper dog bite case management. Community level barriers included poor management of roaming dogs and insufficient knowledge on managing biting dogs. Organizational barriers included frequent PEP stock-outs, improper cold-chain system in health facilities and poor communication between relevant health sectors. Regarding dog rabies vaccination, individual level barriers were, uncertainty about vaccination frequency, high vaccine costs and irresponsible dog ownership. Community level barriers centered on inadequate communication about dog vaccination campaigns and poor communication between the dog owners and veterinary officers, while organizational barriers included inaccurate data on dog population, inadequate staffing and logistical constraints.DiscussionThe study’s findings revealed that effective rabies prevention is constrained by interrelated individual, community and systemic factors. To address these gaps, district health authorities should provide continuous community education on dog bite first aid and timely seeking of care, ensure consistent availability of PEP through improved supply chain management, and implement subsidized or free mass dog vaccination campaigns. In addition, local governments should improve dog registration systems and enforce responsible dog ownership, while strengthening coordination between human and animal health sectors through One Health approaches.

Background:Heterometrus laoticus and Lychasmucronatus are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, yet theirpathophysiological effects of both venoms remain poorly characterized due tolow human fatality rates. This study compared their venom compositions andacute cardiovascular and renal effects.Methods: Anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits were monitored for bloodpressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and renal clearance following intravenousadministration of crude venom (0.5 mg/kg). Venom components were identifiedvia LC-MS/MS, and hematological/biochemical parameters were assessed.Results:H. laoticus venom induced a rapid, transient hypotension(p < 0.05), followed by a mild, prolongedhypotensive phase (up to 120 min). Conversely, L.mucronatus venom elicited a biphasic response: initialtransient hypotension followed by significant hypertension(p < 0.05) and a subsequent terminal hypotensivestage. Renal hemodynamic changes in both groups were secondary to thesesystemic cardiovascular fluctuations.Conclusions: LC-MS/MS revealed that the neurotoxin-rich profile (KTx and NaTx) ofL. mucronatus drives vasoconstriction and hypertension.In contrast, the higher PLA₂ content in H. laoticusmediates cytotoxic-like effects, resulting in vasodilation and hypotension.These distinct molecular mechanisms suggest that clinical management shouldbe species-specific, even for venoms traditionally considered “mild.”

Objectives: Human-elephant conflict in India, intensified by habitat loss and encroachment, threatens biodiversity. This study assesses conflict patterns and intensity over five years (2018–2023) in Wayanad, Kerala. Methods: Data was collected from forest department compensation records and mitigation structures from January 2018 to November 2023. The mitigation structures established in Wayanad to address human–elephant conflict were systematically mapped through detailed field surveys. Findings: Results indicate a high prevalence of human-elephant conflict in Wayanad, with 9989 reported incidents, primarily involving crop depredation (94.69%), property damage (3.16%), and human injuries and fatalities. South Wayanad Division recorded the highest number of incidents (43.50%). Compensation totaling ₹ 690.012 lakhs was disbursed, predominantly for crop loss. The Kerala Forest Department has implemented various mitigation strategies, including solar fencing, elephant-proof trenches, and rapid response teams, which have contributed to stabilizing conflict incidences. Despite these efforts, underreporting of conflict incidents and delays in compensation persist, indicating a need for improved management strategies. The study underscores the importance of a landscape-level approach to conflict management, integrating early warning systems and media training for accurate reporting. Enhanced habitat restoration, fair compensation mechanisms, and increased employment opportunities for fringe communities are recommended to foster coexistence and reduce conflict. Novelty: Despite several studies conducted in the area, there is a lack of quantitative data on the spatial and temporal patterns of HEC, its ecological drivers, and its broader impacts on biodiversity and habitat quality in Wayanad. This study addresses the existing gap in quantitative data on the spatial and temporal dynamics of Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Wayanad by analyzing compensation records from January 2018 to November 2023. It also examines the spatial distribution of mitigation structures, identifying key locations where elephants frequently breach barriers to access human settlements. Keywords: Wildlife conflict, Wayanad, Property damage, Crop loss, Compensation mechanisms

In this research paper, I have thoroughly described the topic “Human-Wildlife Conflict and its Impact on Tourism in Manas and Kaziranga National Parks.” Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in Assam’s Manas and Kaziranga National Parks—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—poses a significant threat to biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. These parks, home to endangered species like the one-horned Rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and Asian elephant, face escalating conflicts due to habitat fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and climate-induced flooding. Such conflicts result in crop damage, livestock predation, and human fatalities, triggering retaliatory killings and strained community relations. The tourism sector, a vital economic driver, suffers due to safety concerns, declining wildlife visibility, and infrastructure damage. Data reveals a 15% drop in Kaziranga’s peak-season tourism and a 20% decline in foreign visitors to Manas over five years, leading to annual revenue losses of INR 2 cr. and INR 80 lakh, respectively. Poaching exacerbates the crisis, with Kaziranga reporting 25+ incidents in five years, while infrastructure damages cost INR 1.5 cr. (Kaziranga) and INR 50 lakh (Manas) in 2022 alone. Mitigation strategies—such as eco-tourism zones, drone surveillance, and community compensation (INR 4 lakh per fatality)—show promise but require scaling. Effective solutions demand integrated approaches: habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and participatory conservation programs. Balancing ecological integrity with tourism growth is critical to safeguarding these parks’ global significance, ensuring economic stability 1 for local communities, and preserving India’s natural heritage. Without urgent intervention, persistent conflicts risk further tourism decline, undermining both conservation and livelihoods in these ecologically fragile regions.

ABSTRACTHuman–Elephant Conflict (HEC) is a major issue in South Asia, especially in India, where rapid development and increased human–elephant overlap intensify the problem. We analyzed human fatality and injury patterns over 23 years (2000–2023) in Jharkhand, identified influencing factors, and prioritized villages for targeted mitigation. We collected data from 22 Forest Divisions, comprising 1740 incidents, including 1340 fatalities and 400 injuries, predominantly in Ranchi, Khunti, and East Singhbhum. The rise in conflict incidents during the monsoon season could be associated with poor visibility. Spatial analysis revealed that conflict hotspots are concentrated near protected areas and fragmented forest habitats. High‐conflict villages exhibit greater cropland and built‐up areas, while medium‐ and low‐conflict villages show variability in land use patterns. Landscape fragmentation metrics, such as forest patch density, are significantly associated with conflict intensity, emphasizing the role of habitat degradation and fragmentation. Proximity to forests, water sources, roads, and elephant reserves strongly influences conflict risks. While urbanization disrupts elephant corridors, forest‐edge areas near agricultural zones are critical conflict zones. Therefore, mitigation strategies must prioritize high‐conflict villages, including villages Ramua, Chatambari, Gerapokhar, Gagi, Bhatin, and Koderma, through targeted interventions. Our study highlights the necessity of integrating ecological and socio‐economic dimensions into conflict mitigation, emphasizing habitat restoration, land use, and targeted infrastructure planning, and community engagement. By implementing such measures, it is possible to reduce the underlying drivers of HEC, thereby safeguarding human lives while ensuring elephant conservation and contributing to broader biodiversity and ecosystem health goals.

Dengue virus infected patients can generate false positives in the 'gold standard' Leptospira spp. microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and IgG-and IgM-antibody specific immunofluorescence and protein (Western) immunoblot assays due to cross-reactions with their outer surface membrane proteins: Public health concern.

Recent tailings dam failures underscore the need for better tools to understand and mitigate the potential impacts of such events. The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), introduced in response to catastrophic tailings dam failures, is an aspirational standard that defines credible failure modes as technically feasible failure mechanisms. This is an excellent first step, however, GISTM does not state which methodology to assess these failure modes. A commonly employed approach that would be considered as industry standard is the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). The FMEA applies rigour to decision making but is still subject to subjectivity, relying on engineering judgement to inform risk. A tool that can be utilised to understand tailings dam failure further and supplement the FMEA process is the Material Point Method (MPM). A numerical method which allows for large strain, as required in breach analysis, with commonly accepted constitutive soil models and relatively limited computational power requirements in comparison to alternative large strain modelling methodologies. Six case studies utilising MPM is presented. The case studies incorporate an array of tailings facility design, location, complexity, lifecycle and regulatory environments, demonstrating how MPM can enhance understanding of the complex challenges. The benefits of utilising MPM with existing guidelines and current industry practices is highlighted, providing lessons learned and recommendations for implementation of MPM into projects. MPM is a tool that can reduce risk and promote better-informed decision-making, furthering the GISTM goal of ‘zero harm to people and the environment with zero tolerance for human fatality.’

Abstract Human–elephant conflict has become a conservation challenge in Asia and Africa resulting in considerable human fatalities annually. We deployed an AI‐embedded camera‐alert system in a conflict hotspot in West Bengal, India to determine if AI algorithms could accurately detect elephants and if real‐time alerts that triggered a rapid response could prevent serious incidents. The system successfully detected elephants near villages (266 events) and transmitted real‐time alerts () permitting quick response by field personnel to prevent conflict (, SD = 12.4 min to arrival). Matriarch herds of elephants were detected mostly at night when human traffic was minimal; lone adult bulls, the class most prone to conflict, were detected day and night. Frequent detections of humans (33,217 events) on routes used by elephants highlighted the value of real‐time monitoring especially during daytime. Twelve human fatalities and eighteen serious injuries occurred in the study area between 2019 and 2023 but none during deployment of the AI system, supporting the hypothesis that alerts integrated with rapid response can reduce conflict. Loss of lives and livelihoods underscore the urgency of applying this approach to other elephant ranges and adapting AI models to conflict‐prone species to provide early warning and promote coexistence.

Abstract Recently, Iraq has experienced more earthquakes, notice that its increased about 62% in 2024 in comparison with same period of 2023, the main aims of this study are to detect the causes and contributing factors of the earthquakes in Iraq. Natural disasters like earthquakes contributes to about 61 %. Also, they are responsible for 94% of all human deaths from natural disasters. The fundamental reasons of earthquakes occur in Iraq due to geological location, which lies on the boundary of the Arabian plate and the Iranian-Eurasian plate. There is much seismic activity in Iraq’s east and north because of the collision of the above plates. Another cause of earthquakes are faults and fractures in the earth. In addition, oil extraction and groundwater withdrawal on land also causes seismic activity in some places. Earthquakes can lead to both short and long-term risks, they can be classified into the several types as damage of structures and destruction of infrastructure like buildings, bridges, and highways can collapse, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life. Also, essential infrastructure such as power lines, water pipes, and communication lines can be cut with human fatalities and injuries. Considering the sudden increase in seismic activity in Iraq during 2024, there is a need to implement active measures to avert or mitigate earthquake hazards via using suitable foundation. This can be achieved by adopting scientific engineering, and administrative measures such as enhancing monitoring and early warning systems, improved earthquake-resilient infrastructure, community awareness and training and sustainable urban planning.

The captive bolt gun is a tool for stunning animals in the meat industry and is not considered a firearm under the Swedish firearm legislation. This study aimed to explore the involvement of such devices in human fatalities, with an emphasis on suicides. Epidemiological characteristics from a longitudinal perspective, as well as risk factors and injury patterns were analyzed. Suicides involving captive bolt guns in Sweden 2009-2023 were studied. Data, including demographics, circumstances of the incident, and autopsy reports, were collected from the National Board of Forensic Medicine. During the 15-year study period, there were 39 suicides involving captive bolt guns, accounting for an annual average of 2.6 suicides, or 0.3 suicides/1,000,000 living people. The incidence was relatively stable over the period. The county-level suicide rate increased with decreasing population density. Older males with mental health issues represented a high-risk group. Four cases were complex suicides, and in two cases, a victim sustained two separate bolt gun injuries in consecutive attempts. Injuries caused by modern captive bolt guns exhibited typical characteristics and could be distinguished from those involving older devices with projectiles. Brain injuries predominated as cause of death. Suicides involving captive bolt guns are rare. Older males in rural areas, especially those with mental health issues and access to such devices, represented a high-risk group. Since access to these devices is unrestricted, prevention efforts should address individual risk factors, restriction of means and systemic measures aimed at promoting better mental health in rural communities.