Indirect Losses Research Articles

E-commerce and air pollution: Evidence from China

E-commerce serves as an important link between the digital economy and the real economy, and contributes positively to income growth. In the face of resource constraints and serious environmental pollution, it is equally relevant to examine the environmental effects of e-commerce. Based on county panel data for China from 2011 to 2018, this study uses a difference in differences (DID) model to investigate the impact of Rural E-Commerce Demonstration County (REDC) policy on air pollution. This study reveals that the demonstration policy exacerbates air pollution in counties and the pollution effect is regionally heterogeneous. Additionally, the increase in temperature and precipitation weakens the pollution effects of the demonstration policy. Mechanism analysis indicates that the demonstration policy can promote the development of the secondary industry and digital financial inclusion at the county level, which subsequently leads to the deterioration of local air quality. Further analysis of costs and benefits reveals that the significant positive economic effects resulting from the demonstration policy far outweigh the indirect economic losses caused by air pollution. Therefore, when local governments actively promote the development of e-commerce in rural areas, they should also attach great importance to its potential negative environmental externalities.

Study of direct and indirect risk assessment of landslide impacts on ultrahigh-voltage electricity transmission lines

Ultrahigh-voltage electricity systems are a vital part of energy networks, often across wide regions passing through mountainous terrains. The instability of slopes forming tower foundations along transmission lines poses a large risk to the entire energy network. Moreover, the tower foundations along extra-high-voltage electricity transmission lines are a very special type of element that are also highly vulnerable to landslides. In this study, an integrative risk assessment framework, including a hazard assessment, vulnerability analysis for the specified element at risk, and consequence estimation, is proposed to quantify the direct and indirect risks of landslides to power transmission lines. The Yanzi landslide, where a tower of the major ultrahigh-voltage transmission line from Sichuan (western China) to Shanghai (eastern China) has just been constructed, is taken as a case study. The correlation between landslide displacement and tower structure tilting is studied. In terms of the precipitation return period, factors of safety, failure probability, and deformation are simulated. A physical vulnerability curve is fitted by assuming a Weibull relationship between the horizontal deformation (hazard intensity) of the landslide and the tower inclination ratio. The total risk is calculated as the sum of the direct and indirect losses, among which the potential indirect risk due to tower damage is much greater than the direct risk. This work demonstrates the importance of landslide treatment strategies along electricity transmission lines by considering the potential indirect risks. The risk assessment model of landslides affecting ultrahigh-voltage electricity transmission lines proposed in this study could be useful for other types of indirect landslide risk evaluations.

Energy, environmental footprints and economic benefit of substituting inorganic fertilizer with organic manure for winter wheat in Huanghuaihai Plain

Manure substitution shows promise for nitrogen (N) management, food security, energy balance and environmental costs reduction. However, there is limited research on this practice in the Huanghuaihai Plain. This study aimed to investigate the energy use efficiency, economic benefits, carbon and nitrogen footprint under two types of N fertilizer (U, urea and M, organic manure), two application rates of N (180 kg N ha−1, U1 for 100 % urea and M1 for 100 % organic manure; 90 kg N ha−1, U2 for 50 % urea and M2 for 50 % organic manure) and no fertilizer application treatment (CK) for winter wheat from 2017 to 2019. Results showed that grain yield and agricultural input cost under N application rate of 90 kg N ha−1 was 15.5 % and 7.8 % lower than that of 180 kg N ha−1, respectively, leading to a significant decrease in economic benefit. Under the same N rate, M1 obtained higher grain yield than U1, grain yield of M2 did no differ in that of U2. Total energy inputs and agricultural input costs of M were 9.5 % and 3.6 % lower than U, resulting in higher energy use efficiency and economic benefit. The reduced agricultural input for M was primarily due to a decrease in the application of inorganic fertilizer. Compared with other treatments, U2+M2 obtained higher grain yield, energy use efficiency, and economic benefit. The carbon and nitrogen footprint on unit grain yield of U1 was increased by 13.7 %-24.1 % and 3.9 %-19.6 %, which was attributed to the increase in direct N2O emissions, indirect carbon emission and losses of reactive N from agricultural inputs. Overall, U2+M2 sustained high productivity and reduced the environmental impact. Substituting inorganic fertilizer with organic manure was a promising strategy to improve agricultural production with less agricultural inputs and environmental footprints in the Huanghuaihai Plain.

Демографічні втрати балканських країн унаслідок воєн

Looking at the current state in which Ukraine found itself due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, many questions arise regarding the possibility of estimating demographic losses resulting from this war. A study of the demographic losses of the Western Balkan countries during the most recent wars in this region is a useful preparation for approbation of a methodological basis for future calculations. Therefore, it is currently relevant to study the specifics of the use of general methodological approaches for determining losses under the conditions of a specific social disaster; to assess the demographic losses of the republics of the former Yugoslavia resulting from the Balkan wars, taking into account the specifics of the course of the crisis and the available information base; to determine the possibility of applying the used approaches to the assessment of demographic losses resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war. The purpose of the article is an attempt to estimate the demographic losses of the republics of the former Yugoslavia resulting from the Balkan wars. The tasks are the analysis of available data and research on demographic losses and obtaining authors’ own assessment of them. The scientific novelty is the generalized information from various sources and the study of the specifics of its formation, the authors’ assessment of the excess mortality and the birth deficit in some republics of the former Yugoslavia. For the purposes of the analysis, the authors provided a chronology of events in the Western Balkans of the late 20th and early 21st centuries and identified sources of information on losses for each former Yugoslav republic. However, despite the fact that many sources can be found in open access, they differ in the diversity of data, calculation methodology, and completeness of presentation. The article presents generalized information on the number of dead as a result of military conflicts based on several analytical sites. The authors defined two approaches, according to which demographic losses can be calculated: the first is the assessment of direct and indirect losses; the second is the use of the demographic balance equation, when excess mortality and birth deficit are estimated. In all the resources cited in the article, the determination of losses is carried out according to the first approach, the authors of the article made an attempt to estimate demographic losses according to the second approach. Using this approach, based on Eurostat data, it was possible to determine losses for only three countries: Serbia, Slovenia, and Croatia. For two regions, Eurostat does not provide demographic data for the years of active military operations: for Bosnia and Herzegovina for 1992—1995, for Kosovo for 1998—2001. In Macedonia, the number of casualties was small, which makes it impractical to build a hypothetical model, while Montenegro managed to avoid war altogether. So, both approaches have one common problem — the lack of a reliable information base. However, differences in loss estimates between the two approaches are natural due to the use of different methodological tools. Nevertheless, the magnitude and causes of large differences require additional research. It should be noted that there are quite a lot of estimates of direct losses, but at the time of the study, the authors were not aware of attempts to estimate excess mortality in individual republics of the former Yugoslavia. The obtained estimates require critical analysis and, if necessary, adjustments. The direction is the reconstruction (or clarification) of demographic dynamics (especially for Bosnia and Herzegovina) taking into account long-term demographic trends.

U.S. livestock producer interest in alternatives to compensation programs for wolf depredation

ABSTRACT Interest in financial compensation programs for wolf-livestock conflict in the United States is growing, yet we know little about livestock producer perceptions concerning existing programs or potential alternatives. We surveyed producers to ask about challenges they perceive in applying for compensation and/or concerns about program rules and procedures. We then looked at whether they would choose alternatives like cost sharing for conflict management and habitat leasing rather than compensation. We found mixed levels of satisfaction with existing compensation, with about 75% of respondents believing that indirect losses caused from predator-induced stress are as, or more, financially damaging than when wolves kill livestock (depredation). Commonly selected perceptions included dissatisfaction with the depredation reporting and confirmation processes, inadequate compensation, and a lack of trust and satisfaction surrounding depredation confirmations. We found compensation was preferred to cost sharing and habitat leases.

Effects of wire rope isolators on seismic life-cycle cost of UHV bypass switch

The seismic isolation devices reduce the seismic vulnerability of the electrical equipment. Accurately assessing the seismic life-cycle cost (SLCC) of the electrical equipment is beneficial in guiding the design and enhancing the seismic resilience of electrical substations and converter stations. To evaluate the effects of the isolator devices on the seismic life-cycle cost of electrical equipment, a SLCC evaluation model was proposed in this study, and the evaluation was conducted on an ultra-high voltage (UHV) bypass switch (BPS) with wire rope isolators (WRI). The model takes into account equipment purchase, maintenance, transportation and installation costs and indirect losses caused by power outages. Afterward, the SLCC and break-even time of the UHV BPS with and without WRIs in different regions were analyzed. The results indicate that beyond the break-even time, the BPS with WRIs becomes more economically viable. Moreover, its economic viability increases as the service life extends. Therefore, in high seismic cost risk areas, it is recommended to adopt seismic isolation devices to ensure the secure and economically efficient operation of electrical equipment.

Life-Cycle Cost Assessment of the Base-Isolated-Reinforced Concrete Structure

Seismic isolation structures have excellent seismic mitigation effects, but implementing isolation measures may increase the initial cost of the structure. This paper presents a method to calculate the seismic loss and assess the life-cycle cost of isolated structures, which is convenient for owners to make decisions. The life-cycle cost assessment model is divided into two parts: initial cost assessment and seismic loss assessment over life-cycle period. Among them, the assessment method of the isolation layer is proposed, including the cost assessment of isolation bearings and dampers. The assessment method of seismic loss considers direct loss, indirect loss, casualties and integrating casualties into a unified assessment system. Direct loss includes building loss, indirect loss includes rental loss, relocation loss, income loss, personal property loss and business inventory loss. The seismic loss model is associated with seismic damage probability, which is obtained through seismic vulnerability and seismic probability risk assessment. The 8-story base-isolated-reinforced concrete structure illustrates the feasibility of the life-cycle-cost assessment model. The example shows that the initial cost of the isolated structure exceeds that of the nonisolated structure, however, the rental loss, income loss, personal property loss and casualties are much lower than those of nonisolated structures. The income loss of the isolated structure is the maximum proportion in life-cycle cost, and the casualty loss is the minimum proportion in the seismic loss, due to its excellent seismic mitigation effects.

Prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and direct financial losses in cattle slaughtered in Bamenda and Bafoussam abattoirs, Western Highlands, Cameroon.

Bovine fascioliasis is a parasitic disease that affects cattle. It leads to direct and indirect great economic loss due to animal mortalities, growth retardation and expenditure on anthelmintics, reduction livestock productivity and essentially condemnation of infected liver by inspection service. The study was carried out to determine the seasonal prevalence and estimated financial losses of fascioliasis in cattle in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. A total of 2167 cattle were selected. Later, the cattle, have being the carcasses, were dissected, and the livers were dissected and carefully examined for adult liver flukes. Faeces were collected immediately after the cattle were killed and examined using the formol-ether concentration technique. Condemned livers were weighted to estimate the financial losses using the average price of a kilogram of liver. A total 428 of cattle were found with infected livers or egg in the faeces giving a total prevalence of 19.75%. Among the infected carcass, 18.64% had both the Fasciola eggs in the faeces and flukes in the liver while 1.10% had only flukes in the liver. Results revealed that prevalence of Fasciola spp. was significantly higher during the rainy season (23.48%) than 16% in the dry season (p=0.00). A significantly (p=0.000) higher prevalence was also observed in females (33.9%) than in males (13.1%). Age range showed significant (p=0.000) influence with the animals of 8-10 years old recorded the highest prevalence of 39.3%. Furthermore, 433.1kg of liver was condemned giving a direct financial loss of 1221,550 FCFA (2049.64 USD) and an annual financial loss due to liver condemnation estimated to 1814,775 (3045.01 USD). Findings of this study indicated that bovine fascioliasis is prevalent in cattle in the Western Highlands of Cameroon, and it leads to an important financial loss particularly in the rainy season.

Оценка экономического влияния массовых ложных сообщений на сферу торговых центров

The article examines the economic impact of mass false bomb threat calls faced by shopping centers in Russia. The causes, prevalence of this phenomenon, and its impact on shopping center businesses are analyzed. Attention is given to direct and indirect losses, such as lost revenue, evacuation and inspection costs, and decreased trust from tenants and visitors. Estimates of damage to Moscow shopping centers' economy are provided, reaching tens of billions of rubles annually. Mechanisms for minimizing losses and the influence of these events on the sector's stability in a transforming market are discussed.

Role of Side Reaction Involving PbOx in Soluble Lead Redox Flow Battery: Effect on Cyclability

Soluble lead redox flow battery (SLRFB) has been an active subject of investigation in the past two decades because of its high energy efficiency (~70%) and charge efficiency (~90%) [1]. During charging, Pb2+ ions deposit as solid lead dioxide (PbO2 ) on anode and solid lead (Pb) on cathode, respectively. These features permit a membrane-less single-compartment design, making SLRFB a cost-effective electrochemical energy storage device. Discharge occurs by electro-dissolution of these solids, regenerating the electrolyte. The limited cycle-life of SLRFB is its current deployment challenge (best achieved about 100 cycles [2]). The shedding of solid lead dioxide over cycling is an indirect irreversible loss of active material from the electrolyte, the reason for SLRFB’s limited cyclability.Mathematical models link the deposit formation and the two-step charging potential profile through a side reaction involving PbO and PbO2 [3-5]. Morphological changes in deposit during cycling have been reported and presented as an alternate justification to the two-step potential profile [6]. To clarify these, we tested the role and feasibility of re-oxidation of solid PbO on cycling under varied conditions using an in-house prepared Nafion membrane-divided cell. We show that the charging through side reaction does not occur without the availability of Pb2+ near the electrode. We also show that the observations are independent of the electrodes’ age, the amounts of PbO and PbO2 present, and the applied current density. We obtained FESEM images of anode after short re-charging in a single-compartment design. We observed the formation of a new phase, plausibly lead dioxide from Pb2+ ions, leaving the solid residue almost unaffected. These findings challenge the idea of charging sustained in part by the oxidation of PbO through the side reaction. The deposit, constituted by whisker-like particles (thickness~200 nm), appears weak and layered. Gas evolution reactions known to occur under the limited availability of Pb2+ ions may promote residue disintegration. These observations lead us to hypothesize that cycling leads to irrecoverable residue accumulation, which may negligibly participate in further re-oxidation through the side reaction. These cumulative effects, accompanied by formation of a new phase at every charging, appear to contribute significantly to restricting SLRFB to a short cycle-life. These features raise concerns about the prevailing hypotheses about SLRFB dynamics and suggest need for strict design and operational controls to avoid residue buildup.

Loss of production and animal health costs in assessing economic burden of animal disease.

This article focuses on identifying the loss of production and costs (or lack thereof) associated with livestock health as well as animal disease externalities, with the intent to estimate economy-wide burden. It limits its scope to terrestrial livestock and aquaculture, wherein economic burden is predominately determined by market forces. Losses and costs are delineated into both direct losses and costs and indirect losses and costs, as well as ex post costs and ex ante costs. These costs include not only private expenditures but also public expenditures related to the prevention of, treatment of, and response to livestock disease. This distinction is important because a primary role of government is to mitigate externalities. The article then discusses market impacts and investments. Finally, it provides selected examples and illustrative observations and discusses future directions for research and application.

Comprehensive economic losses assessment of storm surge disasters using open data: a case study of Zhoushan, China

ABSTRACT As climate change continues to worsen, coastal areas are increasingly vulnerable to more frequent and severe storm surges. This poses a significant risk to economic entities, particularly in areas that have undergone rapid development. However, quantitative assessment of economic losses from storm surge disasters in China has been challenging due to limited exposure and vulnerability data. This study proposes a framework for comprehensive economic losses assessment of storm surge disasters using open data, focusing on Zhoushan City as an example. The study quantifies economic loss ratios caused by storm surges by identifying essential urban land use/cover (EULUC) and considering the water depth of different EULUC types for quantitative vulnerability assessment. The study then calculates direct economic losses using the loss ratio maps and gridded gross domestic product data and quantifies indirect economic losses (IEL) using an input–output model to account for inter-industry correlation. Results show that under the scenario of a super typhoon intensity (915 hPa), the total economic loss can reach 131 million CNY, with IEL accounting for 60% of the total. The construction and industrial sectors experience higher IEL due to excessive dependence on upstream and downstream industries, with IEL accounting for approximately 70%.

Total financial and avoidable losses due to lameness in Turkish dairy herds

This study aimed to estimate the total financial (direct and indirect) and avoidable losses related to lameness in Turkish dairy herds. Official and previous published data were used for determining the mean (12.9%) and target prevalence (6.6%) values. Direct financial losses due to lameness were calculated as treatment costs, involuntary culling, and milk yield losses. Indirect losses consisted of extended calving intervals and extra insemination losses. As a result, the average financial loss of lameness per case on dairy farms was $153.8 ($116.8 for mild and $264.7 for severe forms) in Türkiye. Avoidable losses ($75.1) were calculated to be equivalent to 187 liters of cow's milk with current prices for the 2023 year. The share of direct and indirect financial losses was 49.6% and 50.4%, respectively. Total annual losses related to lameness in Türkiye are calculated at $130.5 million (326 million Lt. milk eq.), although $63.7 million (159 million Lt. milk eq.) of the losses could be avoided by farmers. The milk equivalent of avoidable losses corresponds to 0.77% of Türkiye's total annual milk production. In conclusion, lameness causes significant financial losses in Turkish dairy herds. However, almost half of these losses (48.8%) may be avoidable with better management practices which help to increase the productivity and profitability of dairy farmers.

Healthcare resource utilization and economic burden of multiple sclerosis in Chinese patients: results from a real-world survey

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is uncommon in China and the standard of care is underdeveloped, with limited utilization of disease-modifying treatment (DMT). An understanding of real-world disease burden (including direct medical, non-medical, and indirect costs, such as loss of productivity), is currently lacking in this population. To investigate the overall burden of managing patients with MS in China, a cross-sectional survey of physicians and their consulting patients with MS was conducted in 2021. Physicians provided information on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU; consultations, hospitalizations, tests, medication) and associated costs. Patients provided data on changes in their life, productivity, and impairment of daily activities due to MS. Results were stratified by disease severity using generalized linear models, with a p value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Patients with more severe disease had greater HCRU, including hospitalizations, consultations and tests/scans, and incurred higher direct and indirect costs and productivity loss, compared with those with milder disease. However, the use of DMT was higher in patients with mild disease severity. With the low uptake and limited efficacy of non-DMT drugs, Chinese patients with MS experience a high disease burden and significant unmet needs. Therapeutic interventions could help save downstream costs and lessen societal burden.

Association between heatwaves and risk and economic burden of injury related hospitalizations in China

BackgroundPublic health is greatly affected by heatwaves, especially as a result of climate change. It is unclear whether heatwaves affect injury hospitalization, especially as developing countries facing the impact of climate change. ObjectivesTo assess the impact of heatwaves on injury-related hospitalization and the economic burden. MethodsThe daily hospitalizations and meteorological data from 2014 to 2019 were collected from 23 study sites in 11 meteorological geographic zones in China. We conducted a two-stage time series analysis based on a time-stratified case-crossover design, combined with DLNM to assess the association between heatwaves and daily injury hospitalization, and to further assess the regional and national economic losses resulting from hospitalization by calculating excess hospitalization costs (direct economic losses) and labor losses (indirect economic losses). To determine the vulnerable groups and areas, we also carried out stratified analyses by age, sex, and region. ResultsWe found that 6.542% (95%CI: 3.939%, 9.008 %) of injury hospitalization were attributable to heatwaves during warm season (May to September) from 2014 to 2019. Approximately 361,447 injury hospitalizations were attributed to heatwaves each year in China, leading to an excess economic loss of 5.173 (95%CI: 3.104, 7.196) billion CNY, of which 3.114 (95%CI: 1.454, 4.720) billion CNY for males and 4.785 (95%CI: 3.203, 6.321) billion CNY for people aged 15–64 years. The attributable fraction (AF) of injury hospitalizations due to heatwaves was the highest in the plateau mountain climate zone, followed by the subtropical monsoon climate zone and the temperate monsoon climate zone. ConclusionsHeatwaves significantly increase the disease and economic burden of injury hospitalizations, and vary across populations and regions. Our findings implicate the necessity for targeted measures, including raising public awareness, improving healthcare infrastructure, and developing climate resilience policies, to reduce the threat of heatwaves to vulnerable populations and the associated disease and economic burden.

Quantification of losses in agriculture production in eastern Ukraine due to the Russia-Ukraine war

The ongoing war in Ukraine has seriously impacted the agricultural sector, yet its exact effects on agricultural production are not well understood. Here we combine satellite imagery, machine learning, and statistical regression approaches to present a spatially detailed assessment of agricultural losses for five high-risk provinces in eastern Ukraine (Crimea, Donets’k, Kherson, Luhans’k, and Zaporizhzhya). Our findings indicated that approximately 18.11 ± 2.47% of croplands were left unplanted following the war. Among the cultivated areas, wheat, sunflower, and rapeseed experienced average production losses of 36.39–37.19% in 2022 compared to pre-war levels during 2019–2021. Economically, the indirect losses resulting from decreased production, corresponding to $520.36 ± 22.52, $427.59 ± 24.62, and $205.02 ± 11.53 million USD for wheat, sunflower, and rapeseed crops, respectively, were 1.31–2.16 times higher than direct losses due to unplanted. We also found that reductions in crop production were primarily affected by war intensity indicated by changes in nighttime lights. This methodology offers a comprehensive framework for quantifying agricultural damages from wars, which can be applicable beyond the Russia-Ukraine context.

Critical role of CD206+ macrophages in promoting a cDC1-NK-CD8 T cell anti-tumor immune axis.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are frequently categorized as being M1 or M2 polarized, even as substantial data challenges this binary modeling of macrophage cell state. One molecule consistently referenced as a delineator of a putative immunosuppressive M2 state is the surface protein CD206. We thus made a novel conditional CD206 (Mrc1) knock-in mouse to specifically visualize and/or deplete CD206+ M2-like TAMs and assess their correspondence with pro-tumoral immunity. Early, but not late depletion of CD206+ macrophages and monocytes (here, Mono/Macs) led to an indirect loss of a key anti-tumor network of NK cells, conventional type I dendritic cells (cDC1) and CD8 T cells. Among myeloid cells, we found that the CD206+ TAMs are the primary producers of CXCL9, and able to differentially attract activated CD8 T cells. In contrast, a population of stress-responsive TAMs (Hypoxic or Spp1+) and immature monocytes, which lack CD206 expression and become prominent following early depletion, expressed markedly diminished levels of CXCL9. Those NK and CD8 T cells which enter CD206-depleted tumors express vastly reduced levels of the corresponding receptor Cxcr3, the cDC1-attracting chemokine Xcl1 and cDC1 growth factor Flt3l transcripts. Consistent with the loss of this critical network, early CD206+ TAM depletion decreased tumor control by antigen specific CD8 T cells in mice. Likewise, in humans, the CD206Replete, but not the CD206Depleted Mono/Mac gene signature correlated robustly with CD8 T cell, NK cell and stimulatory cDC1 gene signatures and transcriptomic signatures skewed towards CD206Replete Mono/Macs associated with better survival. Together, these findings negate the unqualified classification of CD206+ M2-like macrophages as immunosuppressive by illuminating contexts for their role in organizing a critical tumor-reactive archetype of immunity.

Examining direct and indirect flood damages in residential and business sectors through an empirical lens.

Investment to reduce flood risk for social and economic wellbeing requires quantitative evidence to guide decisions. Direct and indirect flood damages at individual household and business building levels were assessed in this study using multivariate analysis with three groups of flood damage attributes, i.e., flood characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, and building types. A total of 172 and 45 respondents from residential and commercial buildings were gathered through door-to-door interviews at areas in Peninsular Malaysia that were pre-identified to have frequently flooded. Two main findings can be drawn from this study. First, flood damage is greatly contributed by high-income households and businesses, despite them being less exposed to floods than low-income earners. This supports the current use of mean economic damage in engineering-based flood intervention analysis. Second, indirect damages increase with the increase in family size, indicating the importance of strengthening preparedness and social support to those with great social responsibility. Overall, the study highlights the importance of holistic flood management accounting for both direct and indirect losses.

Experimental recreationist noise alters behavior and space use of wildlife

Providing outdoor recreational opportunities to people and protecting wildlife are dual goals of many land managers. However, recreation is associated with negative effects on wildlife, ranging from increased stress hormones1,2 to shifts in habitat use3,4,5 to lowered reproductive success.6,7 Noise from recreational activities can be far reaching and have similar negative effects on wildlife, yet the impacts of these auditory encounters are less studied and are often unobservable. We designed a field-based experiment to both isolate and quantify the effects of recreation noise on several mammal species and test the effects of different recreation types and group sizes. Animals entering our sampling arrays triggered cameras to record video and broadcast recreation noise from speakers ∼20m away. Our design allowed us to observe and classify behaviors of wildlife as they were exposed to acoustic stimuli. We found wildlife were 3.1-4.7 times more likely to flee and were vigilant for 2.2-3.0 times longer upon hearing recreation noise compared with controls (natural sounds and no noise). Wildlife abundance at our sampling arrays was 1.5 times lower the week following recreation noise deployments. Noise from larger groups of vocal hikers and mountain bikers caused the highest probability of fleeing (6-8 times more likely to flee). Elk were the most sensitive species to recreation noise, and large carnivores were the least sensitive. Our findings indicate that recreation noise alone caused anti-predator responses in wildlife, and as outdoor recreation continues to increase in popularity and geographic extent,8,9 noise from recreation may result in degraded or indirect wildlife habitat loss.

Profile of cattle breed sensitivity to the tick Rhipicephalus microplus

Among cattle, Bos taurus breeds and their crosses are more sensitive to tick infestations than Bos indicus breeds that are more resistant to infestation and more adaptable to tropical climates. The presence of susceptible individuals in herds and inadequate tick control lead to direct and indirect losses in the meat production chain, in addition to increased mortality due to cattle tick fever. The objective of this study was to describe, compare and rank the sensitivity of different breeds of stabled cattle to the tick Rhipicephalus microplus and to present, as an innovative result, a scale called the Tick Ruler. Secondary data on the number of retrieved engorged females, engorged female ticks’ weight, egg mass weight and number of larvae were extracted from research reports of experiments conducted over 18 years with eight breeds to describe and report the sensitivity of the breeds to artificial infestation by R. microplus larvae. For analyses, the recovery rate of engorged female ticks and the percentile of dispersion of individuals in their respective races were calculated, and comparison of these percentiles between races was performed. The ranking of the percentiles resulted in the organization of the breeds by their susceptibility to R. microplus; we call this scale the “Tick Ruler.” The ruler is a simple, easy-to-understand tool that can be used by technicians and producers to evaluate the tick sensitivity of a breed of interest and can assist producers in decision-making to find a balance between increased production gains and the risk of economic losses depending on the breed composition in a cattle herd.