Collection Points Research Articles

Diet and seasonal distribution of piranha populations in the São Miguel River, Rondônia, Brazil

This study analyzed the spatial and seasonal distribution of piranha species and their respective diets. Samples were collected monthly from August 2020 to July 2021 using various types of fishing gear in different sections of the river. Limnological data were also analyzed to assess correlations with the distribution of piranha species. A total of 326 fish were identified, encompassing nine species and three genera. The most abundant species were Serrasalmus rhombeus (N = 155), Pygocentrus nattereri (N = 89), and Serrasalmus spilopleura (N = 23), which were found in the headwaters, intermediate section and river mouth, respectively. The stomach contents of 56 piranhas were analyzed and revealed that 55.35% of the stomachs were full and 44.65% were empty. The results indicated that fish remains were the most relevant food items at all the collection points. The results demonstrated spatial effects among the fish communities in the headwaters, intermediate section and river mouth, along with variations in water levels, with differences between high- and low-water periods. The redundancy analysis indicated significant effects for temperature, but not for other water parameters. It can be concluded that the piranha populations of the São Miguel River are distributed according to the water levels and the different sections of the river, though they utilize the same type of food resource.

Extracellular vesicles released by ALL patients contain HNE-adducted proteins: implications of collateral damage

Off-target neuronal injury is a serious side-effect observed in cancer survivors. It has previously been shown that pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors have a decline in neurocognition compared to healthy age-matched counterparts. Elevated oxidative stress has been documented to be a mediator in off-target tissue damage in cancer survivors. Early detection of oxidative stress markers may provide an opportunity to prevent off-target tissue damage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have surfaced as a potential diagnostic tool due to molecular cargo they contain. We investigated the potential for EVs to be a sensitive indicator of oxidative stress and off-target tissue damage by isolating EVs from pediatric ALL patients throughout their first 2 months of treatment. EVs were measured throughout the collection points for: 1) number of EV particles generated using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA); 2) markers of neurons (NeuN), astrocyte activation (GFAP), neuronal stability (BDNF), 3) markers of pre-B cell ALL (CD19 and CD22); and ) 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) adducted proteins. HNE protein adductions were measured in the patient sera and CSF. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were also measured in patient sera because of their contribution to oxidative stress and neuronal injury. Our results: 1) demonstrate EVs are a sensitive indicator of oxidative damage; 2) suggest EVs as a marker of a decline in neuronal stability; and 3) show the presence of leukemia has a greater contribution to pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the patient's serum than the cancer treatment. Specifically, we observed a significant decrease in cytokine levels (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) following the initiation of treatment, highlighting the influence of leukemia burden on systemic inflammation. The results support the utilization of EVs as a sensitive marker of oxidative stress and off-target tissue damage.

EVALUATION OF MINE SUMP AT PT. BERKAT ANUGERAH SEJAHTERA, PT. ANTANG GUNUNG MERATUS SITE, SOUTH KALIMANTAN

PT. Berkat Anugerah Sejahtera (PT. BAS) is one of the mining contractors operating at PT. Antang Gunung Meratus in South Kalimantan. In its operations, one of the main challenges is the entry of water into the mining pit and managing surface runoff that flows into the mining front. The water entering the pit needs to be properly managed so it can be controlled and concentrated at a single point, referred to as the lowest point. This water management is carried out by constructing a sump or a collection point at the lowest location. The purpose of this study is to understand the dewatering process and measure the runoff volume entering the mine, assess the actual sump capacity, and evaluate the efficiency of the pumping system. Data collection was conducted to compare the planned sump capacity with the actual sump capacity in the field. Rainfall data from the past 10 years were analyzed to determine rainfall intensity and calculate the catchment area of PT. BAS, which spans 121.18 hectares. From this, the runoff volume was calculated to be 25,230.53 m³/day. The study found that the actual sump capacity is 32,215 m³. However, this capacity is likely insufficient to accommodate the total runoff volume entering the mine, suggesting the need for further evaluation of the current sump capacity to improve water management efficiency at the mining site.

Longitudinal Immunological Analysis of Portuguese Healthcare Workers Across the COVID-19 Pandemic Reveals Differences in the Humoral Immune Response to Vaccines

Background: A vaccination programme against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was initiated in Portugal in December 2020. In this study, we report the findings of a prospective cohort study implemented with the objective of monitoring antibody production in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: The humoral immune response to vaccination was followed up using blood samples collected from 191 healthcare workers. Participants were split into three groups: the Oxford-AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine group (n = 68), the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (Comirnaty) vaccine group (n = 51), and the Post-COVID group (n = 72). The kinetics of anti-spike antibody production were evaluated until 56 days on average after the third dose (booster). Results: We observed that antibody titres peaked approximately one month after full vaccination and declined steadily thereafter. We also found that mRNA vaccination induces higher titres of antibodies than viral vector vaccination, and both generate greater antibody responses than mild or moderate COVID-19. Additionally, whilst the booster for the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech groups led to antibody levels higher than those at any previous sample collection point, the booster for the Post-COVID group (persons with a history of COVID-19 prior to vaccination) led to antibody levels lower than those attained one month after the second dose. Interpretation: Our results indicate that there are different kinetics of antibody production between individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNtech mRNA vaccine and those who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vector vaccine, or individuals who had COVID-19 before being vaccinated. Additionally, we observed that exposure to either natural infection or vaccination modulates the response to subsequent vaccination. This is particularly evident after administration of the third dose to the Post-COVID group, where our findings point to a hindrance in vaccine boosting, probably due to unwanted feedback by high titres of pre-existing antibodies.

Assessment of Domestic Solid Waste Management Status in Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam

The study has applied some traditional research methods to assess the current status of domestic solid waste (DSW) management and suggest solutions for DSW management in Ba Be district, Bac Kan province, Vietnam. The results showed that the total amount of DSW is 10 tons/day The composition of DSW includes organic matter (67.52%), inorganic matter (22.13%) and hazardous waste (0.32%). Ba Be district currently has only 4/16 communes and towns with incinerators, 01 centralized waste treatment area in Banh Trach commune, with a capacity of 500 kg/h, only receiving DSW from Cho Ra town and some villages in neighboring communes. Rural DSW is mainly collected and treated simply by manual burning, or buried in the garden of the household. The rate of collected and treated rural DSW is only 50%. Although the local government has made great efforts in the DSW management, however the DSW management still has many shortcomings such as lack of human resources and equipment for collection and labor protection; many localities do not have DSW collection points and have not yet implemented environmental protection fees for DSW; rural DSW has not been effectively treated. Source-based DSW classification has not been implemented in communes and there is still no mandatory mechanism.

Design of Centralized Collection Points for Plastic Waste Within Reverse Logistics Chain – A Case Study for the Conditions of Waste in the Slovak Republic

Wastes and effective waste management are critical issues in all countries due to massive production and consumption volumes. One of the possible ways to create an effective waste management model is by applying the philosophy of reverse logistics and its processes to the waste management solution. The paper presents the result of a case study oriented to allocating centralized collection points of plastic wastes in the condition of Slovak Republic (SR). The presented results of the case study are a part of general research in the field of waste management according to the processes and activities of reverse logistics realized by the authors of the paper, which analyze and solve the entire problem of waste management in the condition of SR and creates a base for the further solution of the problematic issues of waste management.

Prediction of Oil Palm Plantation Block Productivity Based On Canopy Area And Vegetation Index Using Multispectral Aerial Photographs

The demands of productivity and efficiency of oil palm plantations can be met by implementing Precision Farming (PF), where production analysis is carried out on a narrower area. Currently, yield evaluation or harvest results are carried out based on block area (25-100 Ha). The diverse information in one block is standardized, potentially eliminating detailed information that is useful for management. This study aims to develop an empirical estimation model of oil palm plantation productivity per harvest day through the canopy area approach and oil palm vegetation index with multispectral camera technology. The oil palm productivity estimation method is carried out by comparing the processing results using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index transformation algorithms. The basis for estimation is per Harvesting Collection Point, namely an area of ± 0.3 ha. The results showed: 1) NDVI, NDRE are strongly and very strongly correlated with FFB production; 2) canopy area has a strong relationship to FFB production; 3) NDVI vegetation index values are strongly correlated with FFB production. The productivity estimation equation from NDRE value: y = 3621.9x – 1153.8, the productivity estimation equation based on canopy area: y = 0.5479x – 717.08, and the productivity estimation equation based on NDVI: y = 11.639x – 9709.2

Spectra Analysis of Endocrine Related Compounds and Heavy Metals in Petroleum Hydrocarbon Impacted Soil

There has been increasing influx of noxious pollutants into the ecosystem, these recalcitrant affect all biosphere of life including human progression. Petroleum compounds are the chief source of hydrocarbons and their processing contributes to various fractions of potent poisons into the ecosystem. Petroleum hydrocarbon impacted soil was sampled from spilled sites located within the hinters of Rivers state Nigeria and using a spectroscopic assay method, they were examined for the presence of heavy metals and chemicals associated to bisphenol-A bioaccumulation. The collection point for the control experiment was roughly 1.04 kilometers away from the suburban city. The test and control studies revealed the presence of heavy metals Fe, Pb, and Cu, respectively. However, the concentrations of Fe and Pb were rather high, measuring 14.01±0.05b and 3.52±0.2a mg/ml, respectively. Cu was found at 3.22±025<sup>c</sup> and 1.08±045<sup>c</sup> mg/ml for the test and control experiment respectively while 4.56±0.15<sup>c</sup> mg/g of Pb was identified in the test experiment only Heavy metals of Cd, Ni, As, Pb and Mn were below detectable limit in both experiments, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that sample II's amide I was severely deformed, but all of the damaged soil samples had significant hydroxylation at about 3300 cm-1. The impacted soil sample also exhibited evidence of amide I bending. Because of the population's increasing demand for elite supplies, there is a growing number of oil drilling and exploration businesses in our nation, making the current study of clinical and environmental health vital. The results of this assessment will serve as a suitable manual for monitoring organizations, enabling them to strictly enforce policies for exploration and tighten all departure ports in order to safeguard the ecosystem right away.

Unlocking the Potential of Pick-Up Points in Last-Mile Delivery in Relation to Gen Z: Case Studies from Greece and Italy

Pick-up points (PUPs) have become a very attractive alternative for conventional home deliveries due to the growth of e-commerce. This paper investigates the level of satisfaction of the students (Gen Z) as well as the research, teaching, and administrative staff of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Greece, and the University of Enna “Kore”, Italy, implemented in November 2023. Optimizing the PUP users’ satisfaction is contingent upon various aspects, including but not limited to location accessibility, expedient pick-up procedures, unambiguous communication, and ensured item availability. The research recorded information about the users’ knowledge about the specific service, their level of satisfaction, their preferences on when and how they use the service, and information about the types of goods they order using the PUPs as their point of collection. The analysis of the collected data revealed very interesting findings that could be useful to the providers of this service, especially when taking into consideration that the majority of the poll’s participants are familiar with the existence of the PUPs in the Municipality of Thessaloniki, that they use this service mainly occasionally, and that the majority are quite pleased with the level of the provided services (accessibility, availability, safety, and security). For the case of Enna in Sicily, similar trends are shown: a high percentage of respondents are familiar with PUPs, and they use pick-up points occasionally and are pleased with the provided level of service. The comparative statistical analysis makes it possible to compare two contexts located in areas of the Mediterranean, i.e., two urban areas with different population sizes but with similar habits on the part of the university student cluster.

A longitudinal study on within-person developmental relations between bullying and cyberbullying with substance use in adolescents

Bullying, cyberbullying and substance use are prevalent problem behaviors in adolescents, with adverse consequences. Although previous research has provided important insights into their connections, it remains to be established if there are directional relations in which bullying and cyberbullying are predictors of substance use or whether their relation primarily reflects a common dependence on individual difference factors that tend to be stable within people but vary across people. The current study thus delineated between-individual and within-individual longitudinal relations between bullying, cyberbullying, and substance use in adolescents using a prospective longitudinal study with three data collection points. The sample included 1,481 students enrolled in primary and secondary schools in Spain. Data were collected through a survey with validated questionnaires. Analyses were performed using ALT-SRs to examine the within-person reciprocal longitudinal relations between bullying/cyberbullying and substance use. Regarding the within-person relations between substance use, bullying, and cyberbullying, only bullying perpetration in 10–17-years olds predicted substance use in 11–17-years olds. We also found a between-person relation between cybervictimization and substance use, and significant cross-sectional and longitudinal correlations among bullying, cyberbullying and substance use in most waves. These results should be taken into account for policy and practice against bullying, cyberbullying, and substance use. Comprehensive interventions that target all these problem behaviors should be designed, implemented and evaluated. More longitudinal research on the relation between these and other problem behaviors should be conducted.

Effects of Fish Waste Management Practice on Environmental Pollution in Tanzania: A Case Study of Kivukoni Ferry Fish Market

Globally, waste arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid and are discarded as useless or unwanted are broadly defined as solid waste. It includes municipal garbage, industrial and commercial wastes, sewerage slug, waste of agricultural and animal husbandry, demolition waste and mining residues. The study aimed to identify strategies deployed by the management at Kivukoni Ferry Fish market. The study adopted case study research design with mixed approaches. The study used purposive and probability sampling techniques. The study used Slovenes formulae to obtain sample size of 160 respondents from target population of 213 respondents. The study used questionnaire and interview to obtain data needed. The study findings indicates that 77.1% of respondents agreed that management of Kivukoni Ferry fish market provide clean water for fish processing and fish waste collection bins. The study concluded that, Kivukoni fish market provide clean water for fish processing, also inadequate provision tools for fish waste collection and poor logistics for fish waste transportation from Kivukoni Ferry fish market to Pugu damp. In additional to that, poor market infrastructure led the market to produce odor smell, immediately in hot weather condition, this situation threaten the environment and the safety of workers and community at large. The study recommended that, Kivukoni Ferry fish market management should establish designated waste collection points within the market to streamline the disposal process and should develop a reliable logistics system for the timely transportation of fish waste from the market to Pugu dump.

Increase The Percentage of Coal Conservation Deposited in ROM Drainage Areas

The research aims to increase the conservation percentage of trapped coal in the ROM A1 drainage area from February to June 2024 by improving fine coal management and adding value to the conservation of PJP. This study also seeks to reduce penalties from fine coal blending into sellable products and minimize environmental pollution in the ROM A1 area. The study employs a descriptive method, focusing on implementing coal conservation in drainage areas by determining the scope of each conservation object. Root cause analysis using a Fishbone diagram was used to identify key improvement strategies for increasing coal conservation percentages. Initial observations in the ROM A1 drainage area revealed 6,829 tons of unpreserved fine coal, primarily due to rainwater runoff. The results showed that with proper implementation of conservation techniques, including the installation of fine coal traps and the centralization of fine coal in collection points, the conservation rate improved from 0% to 62% by April 2024. In tangible terms, 83 tons of fine coal, worth IDR 26,434,928, were saved, contributing to both environmental conservation efforts and economic benefits for the company. This study highlights the importance of continuous coal conservation efforts, especially in mining operations where environmental and financial impacts can be significant.

The fate of atenolol in wastewater treatment plants of representative densely urban agglomerations in China.

Atenolol (ATL) that can decrease heart rate and reduce renin release is extensively used in the treatment of hypertension, angina, and other diseases. ATL's popularity has therefore drawn attention to its environmental behavior and potential impacts. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the main collection point for ATL entering the water environment, highlighting the necessity of studying its fate in the environment. In this study, five WWTPs with different processes in China's representative densely urban agglomerations (Pearl River Delta [PRD] region) were selected as certain representative sampling sites to investigate the fate of ATL in the WWTPs over four seasons. Results showed that ATL concentration in the influent of these WWTPs was 146.5-918.6ng/L and the corresponding concentration in the effluent was 43.0-534.1ng/L, achieving a certain degree of removal. The seasonal ATL removal performance varied greatly among these WWTPs, Liede, Tai Po, and Sha Tin WWTPs showed better removal stability. Meanwhile, the average ATL removal rates in Tai Po (83.36%) and Sha Tin (81.67%) were higher than those in the Futian (71.24%), Liede (55.44%), and Stonecutters Island WWTPs (44.96%). The primary treatment capacity of Futian WWTP was better than that of Tai Po and Sha Tin WWTPs in removing ATL, while the performance of secondary treatment was opposite. Moreover, Zahn-Wellens test demonstrated that ATL could be almost completely degraded after 30 days and some protonated molecules (e.g., m/z 145 and m/z 190) metabolites were formed, indicating that degradation may play a role in ATL removal in WWTPs.

Early Effects of Information Revolution Interventions on Health Information System Performance in Ethiopia.

Health information systems (HISs) are essential to a country's health system as they provide critical support to health policymaking, management, financing, and service delivery. A well-functioning HIS should produce timely and reliable data that are available and easily accessible to decision-makers throughout the health system. Ethiopia has transitioned from a fragmented, paper-based health management information system (HMIS) to a harmonized, digital system used at points of collection and service delivery.In 2016, the Federal Ministry of Health (MOH) launched the Information Revolution (IR), a transformative agenda aimed at enhancing the culture of data use, scaling priority HIS tools and systems, and strengthening HIS governance. Between 2016 and 2022, the MOH, Data Use Partnership, and other partners implemented a series of IR interventions that supported this agenda. These interventions included deploying and harmonizing digital HIS systems; strengthening HIS leadership, coordination, and governance; implementing the IR pathway strategy; enhancing capacity through supportive supervision, mentorship, and training; and improving performance monitoring teams. This article aims to synthesize the key HIS interventions implemented in Ethiopia as part of the IR and document the effects of these interventions on HIS performance.Early studies indicate promising improvements in HIS performance across health facilities in Ethiopia. However, challenges remain. To ensure sustainable progress, it is essential to continue addressing key challenges, such as system interoperability, HIS workforce, and capacity for data use at all levels. By building on the successes of the first Health Sector Transformation Plan and addressing these gaps, Ethiopia can advance its vision of a robust, data-driven health system capable of improving health outcomes and driving evidence-based decision-making.

Optimizing Attended Home Delivery: Multiple recovery options and customer availability profiles to face synchronization failures

In the growing sector of Attended Home Delivery, unsynchronized deliveries between couriers and recipients affect both customers’ satisfaction and companies’ costs. Hence, reducing such failures improves companies’ service quality and logistics efficiency. To address this issue, we study an Attended Home Delivery Problem with Recovery Options (AHDPRO) in which customers specify their probability of being at home during different timeslots of the day and their preferred recovery option in case of a synchronization failure. The options include leaving the package in a predefined safe location, bringing it to a generic collection point, or scheduling a second delivery attempt. Each alternative involves different costs and, in most cases, additional operational decisions. The AHDPRO aims to complete all customer deliveries while minimizing overall routing times as well as the overall penalty due to the recovery actions implemented and weighted by the probability of a synchronization failure to occur. We propose a branch-and-cut algorithm, including valid inequalities and heuristic procedures, to solve a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming model based on an expanded graph. Using the developed method as a tool for evaluating costs and operations, we conduct an experimental campaign on scenarios adapted from the literature involving lexicographic-based optimization procedures able to address the multiple attributes of the solutions. The results obtained allow us to assess the impact of the different recovery options on the optimal solutions and their values. Additionally, the results yield several managerial insights for companies operating in the Attended Home Delivery sector, such as the timeslot length, perceived service quality, and other key operational factors contributing to efficient planning and improved customer satisfaction.

Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste of the Karwi

Abstract: Due to rapid increasing population, urbanization and industrialization waste generation rate also increases but, Municipal authorities are not able to collect all waste and they are not having advance technology for treating such waste it gives result in form of pollution. The paper aims to characterize the waste generated in municipality of Karwi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Municipal Solid waste(MSW) is a heterogeneous waste and composition of the waste varied from place to place. First of all, the entire study area was surveyed to obtain essential information regarding waste generation areas and collection points. On the basis of information, representative sample were selected in each point. Collected samples were thoroughly mixed and segregated into different categories and data represented in percentage. The characteristics of the municipal solid waste were determined in terms of the components, average mass (kg) and percentage .Characterization of municipal solid waste shows Karwi waste comprise maximum plastic (29.01%), Metal (0.025%), Wood(0.0215%), Cardboard(3.77%), Rubber(1.9%), Paper(5.1%), Rags(3.22%), Packaging Material (11.02%), Glass (8.42%), Compost (8.025%). Thus, on the basis of this study we may conclude that solid waste management and recycling is major issue of Varanasi district. We can reuse various types of waste depending upon the nature of waste. We can also make alternate use of that waste like energy production. Community participation in solid waste management may be a better option

Monitoring of mosquito breeding sites in the municipality of Cascais, Portugal

Abstract Culex pipiens is the primary West Nile Virus vector in Portugal. Additionally, in 2017, Aedes albopictus, vector of various arboviruses, was detected in Northern Portugal. To mitigate viral transmission risks, effective surveillance is crucial, including monitoring egg, larva, and pupa stages. Located on the west of Lisbon, Cascais implemented a surveillance based on monitoring invasive species at Points of Entry and, complementarily, on detecting and intervening in breeding sites. Active searches for new breeding sites and monitoring those that were already identified are conducted weekly during the peak mosquito season (May to October) and biweekly during the colder season (November to April), following the methodology outlined below: • Upon detection, samples of immature stages are collected for submission to the National Institute of Health (INSA); • Corrective measures are requested to the managing entities of the locations where the sites are found; • Date of action, location, collection point, date of report, and status (pending or intervened) are recorded on a database; • Locations with pending status undergo continuous monitoring. In 2023, 16 artificial breeding sites were identified. These findings resulted from 23 actions conducted across 8 locations. 35 samples of immatures were collected, followed by their submission and notification to the respective managing entities. Recurrent detections were noted in 9 breeding sites. The managing entities implemented measures at 13 of the identified sites, leaving 3 with pending intervention. The identification of breeding sites demands continuous monitoring efforts and requires an effective coordination between the Public Health services and the management entities. Based on the achieved outcomes, it is evident that the implementation of corrective measures has been successful, making a significant contribution to reducing mosquito density. Key messages • Effective surveillance and intervention strategies are crucial in mitigating West Nile Virus and arbovirus transmission risks in Portugal. • Continuous monitoring and coordination between public health services and management entities are key for maintaining effective vector control measures.

Mental health trajectories among Syrian refugees in Norway: A longitudinal cohort study

Abstract Background Refugees encounter various risk factors that can affect their mental health throughout the migration process. However, while most studies focus on mental health challenges at the time of resettlement, only a few explore these changes over an extended period. This study aims to explore changes in mental health among Syrian refugees in Norway and to identify influencing factors. Methods This is a prospective cohort study using data from CHART and Integration for Health studies, which followed Syrian refugees granted settlement in Norway. Data collection took place in Lebanon between 2017-2018 (baseline), and at one- and four-years post-arrival in Norway. Assessments for anxiety/depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were conducted using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-10) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, respectively. Mixed-effects logistic regression analyzed temporal changes, with results presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The study also explored the effect modification of outcomes by the following baseline factors: age, gender, education. Results A total of 132 participants were included in all three data collection points. There was a decrease in the proportion of participants reporting anxiety/depression (from 30% to 28%, OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.1 - 0.2) four years post-settlement. The proportion of participants reporting PTSD symptoms decreased one year after settlement (from 4% to 3%, OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1 - 0.7), but increased to 4% four years after arrival, showing no improvement from baseline (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.4 - 2.0). No interactions were observed between changes over time and baseline variables. Conclusions After four years in Norway, Syrian refugees reported improvement in anxiety/depression, but PTSD symptoms worsened. This highlights the need for ongoing support that extends beyond the initial phases of resettlement. Key messages • Refugees face various risk factors that affect their mental health throughout the migration process. • Ongoing mental health support for refugees is essential, beyond the initial resettlement phase.

A self‐cooling self‐humidifying mosquito carrier backpack for transporting live adult mosquitoes on foot over long distances under challenging field conditions

AbstractIt is often necessary to use motorised transport to move live mosquitoes from distant field collection points into a central insectary, so that their behavioural and/or physiological phenotypes can be assessed under carefully controlled conditions. However, a survey of heritable insecticide susceptibility traits among wild‐caught Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes, collected across an extensive study area composed largely of wilderness in southern Tanzania, necessitated that live mosquitoes were carried on foot over distances up to 25 km per day because most of the area was impassable by car, motorcycle or even bicycle during the rains. A self‐cooling, self‐humidifying carrier backpack was therefore developed that allows live adult mosquito specimens to be transported across rugged miombo woodland and floodplain terrain throughout the year. This wettable backpack was fabricated from stitched Tanzanian kitenge cotton fabric and polyvinyl chloride–coated fibreglass netting that allows easy circulation of air in and out. An outer cover flap made of cotton towelling embedded inside a kitenge envelope overhangs the fibreglass netting upper body of the bag, to protect mosquitoes from direct sunlight, and can be soaked with water to maintain low temperature and high humidity inside. Mean survival of insectary‐reared female An. arabiensis transported through nine different mobile camps inside the 509 km2 Ifakara‐Lupiro‐Mang'ula wildlife management area (ILUMA WMA), over up to 143 km and 25 days, was statistically indistinguishable from those left in the field insectary over the same period. Although considerable variance of survival was observed between different batches of mosquitoes from the insectary and between individual cups of mosquitoes, the different levels and positions inside the backpack had no influence on this outcome. Temperature and humidity inside the backpack were maintained at standard insectary conditions throughout, despite much more extreme conditions immediately outside. When the backpack was used to transport wild An. arabiensis and Anopheles quadriannulatus across a much larger study area of >4000 km2, encompassing the ILUMA WMA, some nearby villages and adjacent parts of Nyerere National Park (NNP), it achieved a mean survival rate of 58.2% (95% confidence interval 47.5–68.2). Encouragingly, no difference in survival was observed between ILUMA WMA and NNP even though transport back from NNP involves much longer distances, sometimes involving lengthy journeys by car or boat. Overall, this mosquito carrier backpack prototype appears to represent a viable and effective method for transporting live wild‐caught mosquitoes on foot across otherwise impassable terrain under challenging weather conditions with minimal detrimental impact on their survival.

“If it can be done, it will be done:” AI Ethical Standards and a dual role for public relations

This research reports a five-year study with different types of participants to examine questions related to ethics in artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of AI in public relations and professional communication. AI specialists from computer engineering and closely related fields, as well as CCOs, communication directors/managers, public affairs officers, and CEOs participated in this research, explaining and assessing the role of ethics in AI. Through numerous points of data collection, the topic of AI ethics in public relations was examined through a mixed method approach. This study offers insight into the ethics and design of AI systems that communication professionals must not only use in practice but also understand, advise upon, ethically oversee, and occasionally defend in the public sphere when used (or commissioned) by our organizations. After a review of broad literature and longitudinal data from hundreds of sources, recommendations for a more robust framework for AI ethics in public relations are proposed. Ethical considerations and quantum and neuromorphic computing are posed as means to avoid technocracy, and base use of these advanced systems on moral values.