Protection Coverage Research Articles

The impact of climate change on the distribution of Castanopsis (Fagaceae) species in south China and Indo-China region

Forests are already and will continue to experience a rapid and extreme change in climatic conditions in the future. The distributions of forests are expected to shift northward and to higher altitudes based on the results of species distribution modelling (SDM). Although SDM is criticized for lack of biotic interactions and natural migration mechanisms, it is still an important tool for understanding the influence of climate change on forest distributions at a landscape scale. We hypothesize that based on extant forest cover, distribution of protected areas and understanding on seed dispersal mechanisms, the suitable range of forest tree species will decline, and certain species might be driven to extinction in the absence of suitable space for migrations in a rapidly changing climate. To assess this scenario, we modelled the current and future potential distribution of 18 Castanopsis species in Asia using MaxENT. Mild (RCP-4.5) and severe (RCP-8.5) climate change scenarios from 17 climate change models were assessed. Three groups of current Castanopsis distribution were identified and they responded differently under climate change. One-third of the species will experience potential range reductions while two-third will have potential range expansions. However, when we overlaid the results with forest cover and protected area coverage, range expansions are unlikely to happen due to fragmented forest cover and lack of efficient seed dispersal mechanisms. Natural species migrations and local adaptation are not likely to happen for Castanopsis and therefore immediate adaptive strategies should be considered in forest management. This situation was particularly severe in the marginal tropical zones across coastal South China and the Northern Indo-China region.

Increasing protected area coverage mitigates climate-driven community changes

Climate change has ubiquitous impacts on ecosystems and threatens biodiversity globally. One of the most recognized impacts are redistributions of species, a process which can be hindered by habitat degradation. Protected areas (PAs) have been shown to be beneficial for preserving and reallocating species occurrences under climate change. Yet, studies investigating effects of PA networks on species' range shifts under climate change remain scarce. In theory, a well-connected network of PAs should promote population persistence under climate change and habitat degradation. To study this, we evaluated the effects of PA coverage on avian communities in Finland between two study periods of 1980–1999 and 2000–2015. Climate-driven community impacts were investigated by using community temperature index (CTI). We used linear models to study the association of PA coverage and the CTI changes in southern, central and northern Finland. In northern and central Finland, higher PA coverage was associated with lower changes in CTI and 45% PA coverage in northern and 13% in central Finland corresponded with complete mitigation of CTI increase. These results indicate that higher PA coverage strongly increases community resilience to warming climate. However a similar association between PA coverage and changes in CTI was not apparent in southern Finland. The PA coverage in southern Finland was much lower than in the two other sections and thus, may be too sparse to favour community resilience against climate change. The results provide empirical evidence for the international need to rapidly expand PA networks and halt biodiversity loss.

Factors associated with willingness to pay for health insurance and pension scheme among informal economy workers in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the main factors influencing willingness to pay for health insurance and pension schemes among informal workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Historically, informal economy workers have been excluded from social protection coverage. There is a growing need, interest and policy discourse in LMICs to extend social security to informal economy workers. However, little is known about informal workers' willingness to pay (WTP) for social security services in different LMIC settings.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a systematic review and searched five databases from 1987 to 2017. Included papers focused on “social security”, “social insurance”, “pension”, “informal economy”, “informal sector” and “informal workers” in LMICs. Authors conducted independent data appraisal and data extraction. A total of 1790 papers were identified. After exclusion, 34 papers were included in the analysis. Given the heterogeneous results, the authors performed a narrative synthesis to consolidate the findings of the different studies.FindingsIn total, 34 studies from 17 countries were included in the review, out of which 23 studies focused on health insurance, 7 studies on pension schemes and 4 studies on social security in general. The study showed that income and trust were associated with WTP for both health insurance and pension schemes. In addition, family size, age, education and residential area were common factors for both forms of social security. For health insurance, experience of sickness, attitude and presence of medical doctors as well as distance from the healthcare facility all played a role in determining WTP. For pension schemes, low and flexible contribution rates, benefit package, government subsidies and quality of administration of the schemes influenced enrolment and contributions.Research limitations/implicationsMore evidence is needed for WTP for pensions among informal workers.Practical implicationsThe findings show that socio-economic differences, scheme-type (health or pension) and level of trust influence WTP for health insurance or pension among informal sector workers. The review results suggest that the factors influencing WTP for health insurance and pensions interplay in a complex web of relations. More evidence is needed on WTP for pensions among informal workers.Social implicationsFurther studies are particularly needed on the interrelationship of the influences to WTP, including gender issues, access barriers and socioeconomic factors, among program design issues for social security.Originality/valueThis paper is based on a systematic review methodology and contributes to the discourse on extending social security to informal economy workers based on evidence from various countries.

Conservation status of native tree species in British Columbia

We assess the conservation status of all tree species in order to identify conservation gaps and prioritize genetic conservation efforts. A thorough assessment would consider genetic variation in each species across the species range, but for most tree species, such information is simply not available. For this reason, we used spatial variation associated with Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification zones (BEC zones) representing different macroclimates as a proxy for adaptive genetic variation. We re-assessed the 2005 conservation status calculated in this manner using updated datasets collected in 2017, considered both in situ and ex situ conservation, and used an adjusted criterion for small-stature tree species. Results of our gap analysis revealed that overall, the native tree species in 89% of the conservation units (defined as species-by-biogeoclimatic-zone combinations) were well protected in situ. Of the 43 native tree species in the province, 12 species had conservation gaps in one or more biogeoclimatic zones. When in situ and ex situ conservation were considered jointly, the overall percentage of conservation units that were adequately protected improved to 91%. Needs for additional ex situ collections or in situ protection are discussed in terms of both BEC zones and individual species. In most cases, we recommend seed collection as the most feasible short-term option to cover gaps in protected area coverage.

Insights for protection of high species richness areas for the conservation of Mesoamerican endemic birds

AbstractAimTo assess the representativeness values of Mesoamerican endemic birds within the current network of protected areas (PAs) to determine high‐priority and complementary conservation areas to maximize the long‐term protection of species.LocationFrom central Mexico to southern Panama.MethodsWe selected 180 bird species that are geographically restricted to Mesoamerica and estimated their potential ranges using species distribution models. Then, using two different removal rules in ZONATION software, we assessed the species’ representativeness levels within the current PA network. We also defined forest remnants that could be used to strategically expand PAs (to reach Aichi biodiversity targets) and maximize the species protection, explicitly considering anthropic pressures.ResultsCurrent PAs cover ~13% of the land area of Mesoamerica, representing an average of ~19% of the total potential distribution for the endemic bird species considered. We also observed that there is <30% overlap between current PAs and the priority areas we define. Our prioritization analyses showed that strategically increasing protection coverage to 17%, as stipulated in the Aichi targets, would substantially increase the representativeness values of PAs (regardless of the removal rule used) and would increase the range by >35% for all species and >29% for threatened species. The consensus priority conservation areas identified were mainly distributed in Costa Rica (~48%), Mexico (~28%), and Panama (~10%).Main conclusionsConsistent with the global picture, Mesoamerican PAs showed low representativeness of their vulnerable endemic avifauna; therefore, well‐informed decisions to guide conservation strategies are imperative. We provide insights about where future conservation efforts should focus to accomplish a representative and well‐connected regional PA network.

Gaps and biases in the protection of transnational lakes: a global assessment

National borders remain an impediment to efficient preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. For transboundary water resources, conservation planning becomes more challenging, as competitive interests make these sensitive and productive systems focal points of interstate conflicts. This global study aims to explore the patterns of protection coverage for transnational lakes and their catchments, highlighting gaps and inconsistencies at the protection observed among countries sharing the same lake. Identifying 793 transnational lakes globally, we initially investigated protection coverage at their water bodies. Next, we explored protection coverage patterns across each lake’s catchment, in which we also quantified human pressures’ extent and intensity. Socio-economic and political parameters were examined as potential predictors of the observed patterns. Only half of the world’s transnational lakes are fully or partly covered by existing protected areas. Our analysis demonstrated that in only 37% of the protected transnational lakes, the extent of protection coverage was similar in the neighboring counties sharing the same lake. Protection patterns were not driven by the relative area of the transnational lakes found in the neighboring countries. Moreover, protection cover focuses mainly on lakes’ water surface ignoring the terrestrial surroundings, while more than 75% of the catchments are subjected to intense human pressures. Providing the first overview of the protection gaps of transnational lakes globally, we highlight a failure of policy responses to cross-border conservation of sensitive freshwater ecosystems. Consequently, such limitations are likely to loom risks for human well‐being and for the initiation of intense conflicts.

Closely related species show species-specific environmental responses and different spatial conservation needs: Prionailurus cats in the Indian subcontinent

Phylogenetically closely related species are often assumed to have similar responses to environmental conditions, but species-specific responses have also been described. These two scenarios may have different conservation implications. We tested these two hypotheses for Prionailurus cats (P. rubiginosus, P. bengalensis, P. viverrinus) in the Indian subcontinent and show its implications on species current protected area coverage and climatic suitability trends through time. We fitted ecological niche models with current environmental conditions and calculated niche overlap. In addition, we developed a model for the Jungle Cat Felis chaus to compare species responses and niche overlap estimates within Prionailurus with those for a related sympatric small cat species. Then we estimated the proportion of current suitable environment covered by protected area and projected climatic models from past (last interglacial) to future (2070; RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) conditions to show implications on population management and conservation. The hypothesis of a similar response and niche overlap among closely related species is not supported. Protected area coverage was lowest for P. viverrinus (mean = 0.071, SD = 0.012) and highest for P. bengalensis (mean = 0.088, SD = 0.006). In addition, the proportion of the subcontinent with suitable climate varied through time and was species-specific. For P. bengalensis, climatic suitability shrunk since at least the mid-Holocene, a trend that can be intensified by human-induced climate warming. Concerning P. viverrinus, most predictions show stable future climatic suitability, but a few indicated potential loss. Climatic suitability for P. rubiginous was predicted to remain stable but the species exhibited a negative association with intensive agriculture. Similar responses to environmental change by phylogenetically closely related species should not be assumed and have implications on protected area coverage and natural trends of species climatic suitability over time. This should be taken into account during conservation and management actions.

Different pathways of social protection reforms: An analysis of long-term institutional change in Kenya

• Theoretically, diversity in institutional change is explained by the interplay between preferences, institutions and uncertainty. • In Kenya, cash transfer reforms show a pattern of cumulative incremental change, change in social health protection is obstructed. • Contributing factors are stronger conflicting interests and institutional legacies within the area of social health insurance. • Private information and the presence of focal points facilitated decision-making on cash transfers and fee waivers. • Ambiguity and complexity sharpened the focus on cash transfers and exacerbated critical views on social health insurance. The potential of social protection to contribute to inclusive growth has been increasingly recognized throughout the last two decades. Social protection reforms involve comprehensive processes of long-term institutional change. Dynamics differ not only across but also within countries across social protection pillars reflecting multiple institutional trajectories and equilibria ranging from rapid and comprehensive shifts over processes of gradual change to situations of blocked reforms or reform reversals. This paper seeks to understand why reforms aiming at extending social protection coverage to the poor might differ across different pillars of social protection within the same country. Being embedded within comparative institutional analysis the paper aims at providing a systematic framework for defining and explaining variations in reform dynamics highlighting the role of uncertainty. The framework is applied to the Kenyan case. The empirical methodology employs a process tracing approach including primary and secondary data covering the time period between 2001 and 2017. The case of Kenya is one example for multiple institutional trajectories within a country: Whereas cash transfer reforms follow a pattern of cumulative incremental change, social health protection reforms reflect patterns of non-cumulative change including blocked reforms and reform reversals. The results suggest that those differences are partly explained by differences in preferences among agents or the institutional legacies within each domain. In addition, behavioral responses to uncertainty matter: Stronger information asymmetries within the cash transfer and fee waiver reform domains opened space for discretionary decision-making. Interpretations of the concept of social protection and complexity of 'insurance' facilitated processes related to cash transfers whereas providing impediments to social health insurance. Lastly, the international and socio-economic context provided focal points facilitating coordination on targeted or vertical interventions such as cash transfers or fee waivers.

Assessing the impact of liberalisation policies on the Greek labour market: an insider–experts' view from the perspective of the varieties of liberalisation

AbstractDuring the recent Great Recession (2008–2018), Greece has become the prototype example of the implementation of austerity policies in Europe. Contrary to public discourse, these austerity policies were complemented by substantial labour market reforms that promoted employment and wage flexibility. This article aims to present a theory‐driven understanding of the implementation and the effects of these reforms. For this purpose, we employ a qualitative study consisting of semi‐structured interviews with 50 labour market experts—government officials and labour lawyers, academics, labour union representatives and employer association representatives. Using Thelen's framework on the Varieties of Liberalization, we conclude that, contrary to the initial aims of the reforms, Greece followed a trajectory of direct deregulation, reducing considerably the level of both coordination between employers and workers, and coverage of employment protection. The interviews show that the dismantling of collective bargaining system was the most decisive move in this path.

Wildlife resistance and protection in a changing New England landscape.

Rapid changes in climate and land use threaten the persistence of wildlife species. Understanding where species are likely to occur now and in the future can help identify areas that are resistant to change over time and guide conservation planning. We estimated changes in species distribution patterns and spatial resistance in five future scenarios for the New England region of the northeastern United States. We present scenario-specific distribution change maps for nine harvested wildlife species, identifying regions of increasing, decreasing, or stable habitat suitability within each scenario. Next, we isolated areas where species occurrence probability is high (p > 0.7) and resistant to change across all future scenarios. Resistance was also evaluated relative to current land protection to identify patterns in and out of Protected Areas (PAs). Generally, species distributions declined in area over the 50-year assessment period (2010–2060), with the greatest average declines occurring for moose (-40.9%) and wild turkey (-22.1%). Species resistance varied considerably across the region, with coyote demonstrating the highest average regional resistance (91.81% of the region) and moose demonstrating the lowest (0.76% of the region). At the state level, average focal species resistance was highest in Maine (the largest state) and lowest in Massachusetts. Many of the focal species showed high overlap in resistance and land protection. Coyote, white-tailed deer, and black bear had the highest probability of resistance, given protection, while moose and wild turkey had the highest probability of protection, given resistance. Overall, relatively small portions of New England—ranging between 0.25% and 21.12%–were both protected and resistant for the focal species. Our results provide estimates of resistance that can inform conservation planning for commonly harvested species that are important ecologically, economically, and culturally to the region. Expanding protected area coverage to include resistant areas may provide longer term benefits to these species.

Kebijakan Kriminalisasi Pengguguran Kandungan dalam Kajian Perbandingan Hukum Berbagai Negara serta Dampaknya bagi Kesehatan Ibu dan Anak (KIA)

Indonesia is a country where religion occupies a central position and the elements must exist in the national and character building. Although has been setting in Criminal Code, but still found many cases of abortions. This paper is about to dig up how the rule of law of abortions. That there is something more profound that abortion is not only about removal of the fetus but also moral and psychological impact for youth of Indonesia. This artice aims to answer the questions: how the criminalization policy of abortion in the positive law at the future? In preparing this thesis, using a normative juridical approach, the author examines library materials is a secondary data and using the comparative law method also of the several foreign countries. The conclusion of this study is the criminalization of abortion policy set out in the positive law is not enough to guarantee protection for public health. Criminalization policy of abortion in the positive law at the future can be done by considering the arrangement of the Criminal Code abortion in some foreign as an ingredient to make legal reforms and especially considering the meaning of the precepts contained in the second sila in Pancasila. Advice can be delivered are abortions is not the best choice, but in conditions harmful should settings that give protection and health coverage of pregnant women; should have arrangements to sell the drug/vehicle used to perform abortions; about the naming of the chapter should considered using the chapter on offenses against the moral; rules should be formulated to provide legal certainty for doctors and patients: the criminalization policy of abortion settings should be based on Pancasila and national development goals.

THE SOCIAL PROTECTION RIGHTS FROM PRE & POST-PLACEMENT WOMEN MIGRANT WORKERS PERPECTIVE

Migrant workers’ social protection rights include the rights to access healthcare services, medication, social services, and social security. Social security branch applicable for migrant workers are for instance social insurance, universal coverage, provident funds, individual private accounts, employer-liability schemes, and social assistance. Indramayu as the highest migrant workers sender district until April 2019, is also a district with the highest complaint in 2018 and several cases related to social protection. With 148 total cases reported from Indramayu leads to the question of whether women migrant workers from Indramayu understand social protection and its function to protect them and prevent them from poverty. Therefore, this study aims at providing an overview pertaining social protection rights to migrant workers based on the perspective of pre and post-placement women migrant workers from Indramayu District with Hongkong, China as the host country. This is historical-comparative qualitative study with purposive sampling to 10 pre and post-placement women migrant workers. The findings demonstrated that social security obtained by the women migrant workers from Indramayu is social insurance from the home country and healthcare insurance for workers from the host country. At the host country, women migrant workers are protected with healthcare insurance from the employer while at the home country, women migrant workers are protected with social insurance for migrant workers known as BPJS Ketenagakerjaan TKI, whose occupational injury and death insurance schemes are mandatory for all migrant workers. For women migrant workers, healthcare insurance in the host country is much more crucial than BPJS for TKI. It is expected from the findings of this study could be considered by the stakeholders of migrant workers to enhance and to extend the coverage of protection for migrant workers especially woman migrant workers.

The Self-Seeding of Anthemis arvensis L. for Cover Crop in Olive Groves under Intense Rabbit Grazing

Cover crops can be an effective means to protect soil and reduce risks of erosion in olive groves. However, for this protection to be significant, the vegetation must attain a significant amount of ground cover, which is estimated to be at least 30% during the rainy season. In olive groves on degraded soils, which occupy large surface areas in the olive-growing areas of the Mediterranean region, the establishment of cover crops may be an arduous challenge, particularly in areas with a high density of rabbits. In this study, we have selected two olive orchards with scarce natural vegetation located in Andalusia (southern Spain), in which rabbit populations intensively forage the cover crops, to test whether the self-seeding of an unpalatable species corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis L.; A. arvensis for short) could achieve sufficient coverage for soil protection, in the year following that in which the broadcast-seeding was carried out for the implementation of cover crops. The hand broadcast-seeding of A. arvensis was carried out on sixteen elementary plots in the lanes of the two olive orchards in the autumn of 2015, and seed germination in the subsequent self-seeding took place in the autumn of 2016. The plant height and A. arvensis ground cover in these plots were measured throughout the two growth cycles, and aerial biomass was measured at maturity. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the maximum plant height between the two growth cycles (mean ± SD of 21.2 ± 1.6 cm), while the ground cover was significantly greater in the case of self-seeding, especially during the winter (37.2 ± 8.1 and 9.3 ± 6.7% for self-seeding and broadcast-seeding, respectively), and aerial biomass at maturity had more than doubled (99.7 and 43.9 g m−2, respectively). These data suggest that this unpalatable species could establish an effective herbaceous cover by means of self-seeding in olive groves on degraded soils that are being overgrazed owing to the high pressure of rabbits. Despite the poor establishment in the broadcast-seeding year, our findings indicate that A. arvensis might be an alternative cover crop that could help the sustainability of these threatened olive groves. Its high seed production (2000 to 4000 seeds per plant), and an early emergence just after the first autumn rains, should result in an increased ground cover by A. arvensis during the rainy season in the subsequent years of self-seeding. This, therefore, could contribute to soil conservation, in addition to providing other benefits of increased biodiversity and improvement for agricultural landscapes.

Global correlates of terrestrial and marine coverage by protected areas on islands

Many islands are biodiversity hotspots but also extinction epicenters. In addition to strong cultural connections to nature, islanders derive a significant part of their economy and broader wellbeing from this biodiversity. Islands are thus considered as the socio-ecosystems most vulnerable to species and habitat loss. Yet, the extent and key correlates of protected area coverage on islands is still unknown. Here we assess the relative influence of climate, geography, habitat diversity, culture, resource capacity, and human footprint on terrestrial and marine protected area coverage across 2323 inhabited islands globally. We show that, on average, 22% of terrestrial and 13% of marine island areas are under protection status, but that half of all islands have no protected areas. Climate, diversity of languages, human population density and development are strongly associated with differences observed in protected area coverage among islands. Our study suggests that economic development and population growth may critically limit the amount of protection on islands.

Herbal medicine use and its associated factors in the region of Sousse (Tunisia)

Abstract Background Patients use medicinal plants as the first-line treatment for many chronic and acute medical conditions. The lack of access to conventional health care, historical, cultural and economic considerations contributes to the important use of these plants. The purpose was to identify medicinal plants used by primary Health Care Centers' visitors in the region of Sousse (Tunisia) and to assess its associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among Primary health care centers' visitors of the region of Sousse (Tunisia) in 2018. We randomly selected 18 primary health centers and 50 participants were chosen from each center. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire, filled through a direct interview with participants which explores: socio-demographic variables and medicinal plants' use (name of plants, symptoms, methods of preparation, routes of administration, plant source, tolerance and side effects). Results 900 persons were included with a female predominance (72.4%). The median age of participants was 48 years ranging from 18 to 93. 65.2% (n = 587) of them report using medicinal plants to heal. The most common sources of information were family (90.5%), beliefs and traditions (56.4%). Fifty-three (53) plants were used to treat different disorders. The most used plants are: verbena (81.6%), rosemary (53.3%), mint (52%) and thyme (45.1%). The most reported treated symptoms were: flu and gastro-intestinal disorders. Plants utilization was associated to: lower age, female gender, marital status, high level of education and social existence of protection coverage. Conclusions Plants use should be based on well-conducted scientific results specifying the mechanism of action of plants, the therapeutic and toxic dose through researches on local plants samples and extracts. Key messages It seems essential to train health professionals on herbal therapy during their studies and practice. The further step after this picture of the herbal medicine use in the Region of Sousse, is to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of their use.

To what extent is social security spending associated with enhanced firm‐level performance? A case study of SMEs in Indonesia

AbstractAlthough the relationship between social protection and enterprise performance is much debated in the literature, evidence is particularly limited in the case of small and medium‐sized enterprises in developing economies. Using census data from 2010 to 2014, this article examines how the provision of social security influenced business performance in Indonesia. The author finds that increased social security spending of 10 per cent is associated with a per‐worker revenue gain of up to 2 per cent. Moreover, profits are not found to decrease with increased social protection coverage, suggesting that increasing worker benefits may be a worthwhile business investment.

What has been the progress in addressing financial risk in Uganda? Analysis of catastrophe and impoverishment due to health payments

BackgroundMonitoring progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) requires an assessment of progress in coverage of health services and protection of households from the impact of direct out-of-pocket payments (i.e. financial risk protection). Although Uganda has expressed aspirations for attaining UHC, out-of-pocket payments remain a major contributor to total health expenditure. The aim of this study is to monitor progress in financial risk protection in Uganda.MethodsThis study uses data from the Uganda National Household Surveys for 2005/06, 2009/10, 2012/13 and 2016/17. We measure financial risk protection using catastrophic health care payments and impoverishment indicators. Health care payments are catastrophic if they exceed a set threshold (i.e. 10 and 25%) of the total household consumption expenditure. Health payments are impoverishing if they push the household below the poverty line (the US$1.90/day and Uganda’s national poverty lines). A logistic regression model is used to assess the factors associated with household financial risk.ResultsThe results show that while progress has been made in reducing financial risk, this progress remains minimal, and there is still a risk of a reversal of this trend. We find that although catastrophic health payments at the 10% threshold decreased from 22.4% in 2005/06 to 13.8% in 2012/13, it increased to 14.2% in 2016/17. The percentage of Ugandans pushed below the national poverty line (US$1.90/day) has decreased from 5.2% in 2005/06 to 2.7% in 2016/17. The distribution of both catastrophic health payments and impoverishment varies across socio-economic status, location and residence. In addition, certain household characteristics (poverty, having a child below 5 years and an adult above 60 years) are more associated with the lack of financial risk protection.ConclusionThere is need for targeted interventions to reduce OOP, especially among those affected so as to increase financial risk protection. In the short-term, it is important to ensure that public health services are funded adequately to enable effective coverage with quality health care. In the medium-term, increased reliance on mandatory prepayment will reduce the burden of OOP health spending further.

Shifting boundaries: taxonomy and site‐based conservation

Shifting boundaries: taxonomy and site‐based conservation

Enteric Fever in Patients of Lahore: Association of Positive Blood Cultures with the Typhidot Immunoassay Tests and Widal Agglutination

Objective: Laboratory study to assess the correlation of existing Salmonella blood culture isolates with Widal agglutinin titers and EIA-based Typhidot immunoassay antibodies as the gold standard.
 Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the department of community medicine KEMU Lahore for six months from June 2017 to November 2018. 2704 blood samples were taken for cultural studies and Widal test in a clinical laboratory among people with symptoms of clinical intestinal fever. Of these, 1497 were isolated from Salmonella; The sera of these patients who did not accompany Typhidot requests were also subjected to spot immunoassay with the informed consent required for bleeding. All sera were stored at 40 ° C until selection.
 Results: Blood of 802 men (53.6%) and 695 women (46.4%) gave 61.85% S. typhi (n = 926), 31.26% S. Para typhi-A (n = 468) and 6, 88% S. Para typhi. n = 103) insulation. Broad agglutinins were detected in 473 (31.5%) of these people. Without detectable "O" antibodies, 1:80 "H" titers (n = 264: 17.6%) were most commonly observed in children's sera (n = 112; 7.4%). Widal H with agglutinin "O" was recorded in 209 (13.9%) corresponding positive blood cultures, and 104 (6.9%) gave a titre of 1: 320 or more. A total of 1,024 sera (58.4%) did not have detectable Widal antibody. Typhidot immunoglobulin spots (57.1%), negative in 856 sera, were detected in 641 samples (42.8%). IgG-free IgM stains without detectable IgM, IgG stains without IgG were also observed in 22 sera (1.47%) and samples producing S. Para typhi-A isolate (n = 8) and S. Para typhi-B.
 Conclusion: S. Para typhi-A has often grown in the last decade, suggesting incomplete protective coverage, probably with a monovalent vaccine. Antibodies against Widal and Typhidot agglutinins were detected in the serum of patients with Salmonella growing in blood in 31.5% and 42.8%, respectively. Widal may be misinterpreted because of possible "lower" agglutinins that have not been inoculated, and the EIA immunoassay is particularly limited only to S. typhi. An ICT based Salmonella serotype three indicator is desirable.

Soil moisture & roads influence the occurrence of frogs in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Urbanization and linear infrastructure are reported to influence amphibian assemblages and populations. In areas undergoing rapid infrastructure development and urbanization, the mounting threats to biodiversity are evident. Although protected area coverage and focus on charismatic species conservation are well recognized, non-charismatic species such as amphibians are far from mainstream conservation actions and policies in Nepal. Studies on pattern and distribution of amphibians are limited, as are the roles of environmental variables in amphibian diversity in the urban landscape. This study was designed to assess the frog species richness and correlates of amphibian occurrence in Kathmandu valley. Visual encounter survey of 161 belt transects was carried out in August 2018. Data analysis used two part or Hurdle regression methods where the richness of frogs was considered a response variable. A total of 10 frog species belonging to six families were recorded. The occurrence of frogs was negatively associated with the dry soil conditions and positively associated with increased distance from roads. Occurrence of frogs along road distance gradient depicts the influence of urban infrastructure in amphibian distribution. This entails consideration of systematic conservation planning for rapidly urbanizing areas.