Socio-economic Role Research Articles

Analysis of anthropogenic disturbance and spatial and temporal changes of bird communities in plateau wetlands fusing bird survey and nighttime light remote sensing data.

Plateau wetlands are essential to wetland research due to their unique geographic location and socioeconomic roles. Birds, as key members of wetland ecosystems, play an essential role in maintaining energy flow and ecosystem stability. With its mountainous and plateau terrain, Yunnan Province serves as a critical migratory route and habitat for birds, housing numerous plateau wetlands. This study applied the HDBSCAN clustering algorithm to identify bird distribution points across Yunnan Province, providing an analysis of community structure and spatiotemporal variations. Nighttime light data was used to assess human activity intensity, allowing for the calculation of net gains and losses to map the impacts of human disturbance on birds. The Spearman correlation coefficient and a wetland-bird association index were calculated to confirm birds' preference for wetland habitats in Yunnan Province. This evaluation of human impact on birds and plateau wetlands over recent years offers conservation strategies and practical recommendations for bird protection and wetland management. This study results indicate that: (1) Birds in Yunnan Province are predominantly Passeriformes and resident species, with Passeriformes representing 52.42% of bird abundance and 62.98% of richness, and resident birds comprising 48.44% of abundance and 61.17% of richness. Bird distribution hotspots are mainly concentrated in plateau wetland and border cities, with minor spatial variations among residency patterns and clear seasonal distribution patterns; (2) Human disturbances have a significant and increasing impact on birds, with a distinct inverse relationship between areas of high human activity and bird habitats; (3) Birds in Yunnan demonstrate a marked preference for wetland habitats, with human disturbances notably affecting wetland edges, especially in urban areas.

Life Cycle Assessment of Pig Production in Central Portugal: Environmental Impacts and Sustainability Challenges

Pig farming plays a crucial socioeconomic role in the European Union, which is one of the largest pork exporters in the world. In Portugal, pig farming plays a key role in regional development and the national economy. To ensure future sustainability and minimize environmental impacts, it is essential to identify the most deleterious pig production activities. This study carried out a life cycle assessment (LCA) of pig production using a conventional system in central Portugal to identify the unitary processes with the greatest environmental impact problems. LCA followed the ISO 14040/14044 standards, covering the entire production cycle, from feed manufacturing to waste management, using 1 kg of live pig weight as the functional unit. The slurry produced is used as fertilizer in agriculture, replacing synthetic chemical fertilizers. Results show that feed production, raising piglets, and fattening pigs are the most impactful phases of the pig production cycle. Fodder production is the stage with the greatest impact, accounting for approximately 60% to 70% of the impact in the categories analyzed in most cases. The environmental categories with the highest impacts were freshwater ecotoxicity, human carcinogenic toxicity, and marine ecotoxicity; the most significant impacts were observed for human health, with an estimated effect of around 0.00045 habitants equivalent (Hab.eq) after normalization. The use of more sustainable ingredients and the optimization of feed efficiency are effective strategies for promoting sustainability in the pig farming sector.

Current Status, Challenges, and Perspectives in the Conservation of Native Honeybees and Beekeeping in Cambodia.

The four honeybee species native to Cambodia-Apis dorsata, Apis cerana, Apis florea, and Apis andreniformis-play a vital role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity through their pollination activities. Beekeeping in Cambodia has primarily developed around the introduced species Apis mellifera. However, it remains underdeveloped compared to neighboring countries, with wild honey collection continuing to play a significant role. Although native bees are not at immediate risk of extinction, their crucial ecological and socio-economic roles, coupled with the threats to their populations, necessitate the urgent implementation of conservation policies. The beekeeping sector in Cambodia faces numerous challenges that hinder its development. These include a lack of documentation and official data, limited access to productive apiaries, inappropriate pesticide practices, insufficient knowledge about bee health, diseases, and parasites, inadequate organization and representation of beekeepers, the high cost of Cambodian honey, and a lack of consumer awareness and trust in local bee products. This paper provides an overview of the status and distribution of honeybee species, along with the production, value chain, and trade of bee products in Cambodia. It examines the challenges of conserving native honeybees and developing the beekeeping sector while proposing strategies to strengthen bee conservation and support the growth of beekeeping in the country. Key recommendations focus on integrating bee conservation strategies with broader conservation goals, such as reducing deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and regulating the consumption of wild bee brood. Key strategies for the development of beekeeping are documenting and conserving bee floral resources and habitats, reducing the use of bee-toxic pesticides, developing research and training capacities in beekeeping, regulating bee imports, and enhancing quality and authenticity testing facilities. Additionally, building capacity among honey value chain stakeholders in areas such as quality control, authenticity, processing, packaging, and marketing is essential.

The Natural Cooperatives in The Muslim World

This study investigates the structure and socioeconomic roles of traditional entrepreneurial communities in the Muslim world by comparing them with modern cooperative models. Unlike Western cooperatives, which emerged to counter market-induced social disintegration, Muslim communities have sustained themselves through kinship networks, shared values, and voluntary socioeconomic justice. These communities exhibit key characteristics aligned with cooperative aims, including family-business integration, mutual financial support, job creation, and community well-being. However, contemporary research on these communities is limited and often outdated, in contrast to extensive studies on ethnic entrepreneurship in non-Muslim contexts. This study advocates for more exploratory research to understand how Muslim entrepreneurial communities maintain social integration, distributive justice, and Islamic values in their socioeconomic frameworks. It proposes research questions on community organization, economic contributions, welfare mechanisms, and modernization impacts, offering a roadmap for future research to inform policies and community development. By examining the resilience and adaptability of these communities, this study aims to enhance the understanding of Islamic socioeconomic models and their contemporary relevance. These findings highlight the distinctive features of these communities as naturally occurring cooperatives, reflecting their unique cultural, religious, and social contexts. This research advances theoretical discussions in Islamic economics, economic sociology, and cooperative studies, while offering insights into fostering economic inclusivity and social cohesion in diverse settings.

Optimising Urban Spatial Structure: The Role of Settlement Systems, Socio-Economics, and Movement Actors in Palopo City, Indonesia

Optimising Urban Spatial Structure: The Role of Settlement Systems, Socio-Economics, and Movement Actors in Palopo City, Indonesia

Albania, Potential for the Development of the Blue Economy

The purpose of this study is to help advance the vision of Albania in the Blue Economy, in the framework of the country's aim to join the EU. I will highlight the gaps in knowledge, the risks and deficiencies that our country has in the development of the economy in this field and the measures that the government should take to solve these problems. The most important sectors in the Blue Economy are: fishing, tourism, maritime transport and plastic pollution. The fishing, tourism and transport industries are the three most powerful industries that provide the highest return on investment, as part of the blue economy. These sectors have an important socio-economic and cultural role for coastal communities. A worrying issue facing these coastal areas is the challenges of marine plastic pollution, which require immediate solutions. I will reflect the specific circumstances of Albania and the opportunities arising from the integrated economic development of the maritime sectors. The main objective is to develop a future for "Blue Albania" and build a long-term innovative plan in these sectors. At the end of the study, I will draw up a clear picture of the economic activities that need to be undertaken to accelerate the development of the blue economy in our country Received: 25 September 2024 / Accepted: 24 November 2024 / Published: 3 December 2024

Assessing Agroforestry Impact on Household Income: A Study of the Bu’u Bei Community Forest (HKm) in Tina Bani Village, Ende, Indonesia

Agroforestry systems play a critical role in supporting livelihoods across East Nusa Tenggara, including in the Bu'u Bei Community Forest (HKm) in Tina Bani Village, Ende District, Ende Regency, Indonesia. This study investigates agroforestry patterns and evaluates their contribution to household income among the 47 HKm member households, surveyed through a census in April and May 2024. Employing both descriptive and quantitative analyses, our research reveals that the agrisilviculture system, characterised by a random mixed planting pattern, dominates agroforestry practices in the village. Path dependency, rooted in long-standing traditions, significantly shapes these practices. Agroforestry contributed significantly to household income in 2023, accounting for 98.87% of total income. However, poor infrastructure, particularly damaged roads, limits market access and reduces the economic potential of these systems. The study emphasises the need for integrated land management approaches that address infrastructure deficits while strengthening the resilience of agroforestry systems. This research provides critical insights into the socio-economic and environmental roles of agroforestry, offering a valuable reference for policymakers and stakeholders committed to promoting sustainable forest management and rural development in Indonesia.

‘Het zijn onze armen’

Since its inception in 1824, the Western Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) has played a key socio-economic role as provider of a range of poor relief strategies. However, the purpose of these charitable efforts was not solely rooted in theological principles. In the nineteenth and twentieth century South African context, poor relief work carried distinct political undertones, particularly surrounding the so-called ‘poor white problem’. A substantial body of literature has emerged surrounding ‘poor whites’ and the political efforts employed to ‘save’ them in the decades before the implementation of apartheid. While the Church’s poor relief schemes are often mentioned as significant in these studies, the Church’s poor relief systems and their development over time remain understudied. This paper identifies and discusses five distinct phases of development of DRC poor relief strategies over the past two centuries (1824-1860s; c. 1860-1900s; 1910-1940; c. 1940-1980s; and 1990-present) and argues that these stages and the practical implementation of the Church’s poor relief efforts has been notably shaped by the contemporary socio-economic and socio-political zeitgeist in which it was embedded.

Dual phosphorus and nitrogen nutrient reduction will be more effective than a phosphorus‐only reduction in mitigating diatom and cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Erie, USA–Canada

AbstractLake Erie, USA–Canada, plays an important ecological and socioeconomic role but has suffered from chronic eutrophication. In particular, western Lake Erie (WLE) is the site of harmful algal blooms (HABs) which are suspected of being driven by excessive nutrient (phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N)) inputs. During 2022 and 2023, in situ nutrient dilution and addition bioassays were conducted at a WLE bloom‐impacted location to investigate whether a nutrient reduction regime would be effective in limiting phytoplankton growth during the June diatom‐dominated spring blooms and August cyanobacteria‐dominated summer blooms. The primary objectives of this experiment were to (1) Determine if a proposed 40% P‐alone reduction would effectively reduce phytoplankton growth and mitigate blooms and (2) assess whether reductions in both P and N are more effective in controlling phytoplankton biomass than exclusive reductions in either N or P. Samples were analyzed for nutrient concentrations and growth rate responses for specific algal groups, utilizing diagnostic (for major algal groups) photopigments. Results indicated that although both 20% and 40% dilutions led to lower phytoplankton biomass and growth rates, 40% reductions were more effective. Our results support the USA–Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement recommendation of a 40% P reduction, but also indicate that a parallel reduction of N input by 40% would be most effective in controlling bloom magnitudes. Overall, our findings underscore the recommendation that a year‐round dual N and P 40% reduction is needed for long‐term control of eutrophication and algal blooms, including cyanobacteria and diatoms, in Lake Erie.

Role Of Socioeconomics, Psychological State, and Attitude Toward Care Giving on Quality of Life of Dependent Patients’ Caregivers in the Northeast of Thailand

Background Caring for patients with dependency is a burden on primary caregivers, which impacts them economically, socially, and psychologically. The perception of caregiving and the psychological state associated with it further contribute to these effects. Objectives This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to study the socioeconomic and caregiving burden factors associated with the Quality of Life (QOL) of dependent patients’ caregivers in the Northeastern region of Thailand. Methodology A total of 1,335 dependent patients’ caregivers aged 18–59 years in the Northeastern Region of Thailand were selected by multistage random sampling to respond to a self-administered structured questionnaire. The Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was performed to identify socioeconomic and caregiving burden factors associated with QOL while controlling the effects of covariates, presenting Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Results Among 1,335 dependent patients’ caregivers, more than half of them had poor QOL (58.05%; 95% CI:39.28 - 44.65). Factors associated with poor QOL were age 46-59 years (AOR=4.30; 95% CI: 2.84-6.51, p-value<0.001), insufficient financial status with debt (AOR=5.89; 95% CI: 3.85-9.01, p-value<0.001), low caregiving knowledge level (AOR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.63-3.64, p-value<0.001), average to low attitude caregiving level (AOR=4.45; 95% CI: 3.30-5.99, p-value <0.001), and having depression (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.93-6.59, p-value<0.001). Conclusion The findings from this study have important implications for healthcare practice and policy—interventions aimed at improving the QOL of caregivers.

Estimation of carbon stocks in the areas of a seasonally dry tropical forest in the Brazilian semi-arid region

In addition to its ecological importance, the Caatinga biome, one of the most extensive seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF) in the world, has a relevant socioeconomic role as it is used as a primary natural resource by local communities. However, inadequate ecosystem management practices have resulted in gradual loss of natural vegetation in this ecosystem. Carbon stock estimation is a parameter that can contribute as a support tool for managing and maintaining the few remaining natural vegetated areas. In this study, we calibrated and validated the CENTURY model to simulate carbon stocks in areas of the Caatinga, in the state of Pernambuco, and compared the predictive capacity of the CENTURY model with available estimates. In the validation dataset, the average for biomass stocks was 33.1 Mg C ha−1, this value is close to those observed in the literature for the region. The model also performed well when estimating carbon stocks in the soil (r2 = 0.79, p = 0.017). Ecosystem modeling combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a promising tool for estimating carbon stocks in the Caatinga, where field sampling campaigns are generally expensive and have scarce research funding opportunities. Furthermore, it also allows the evaluation of the effect of environmental changes on C stocks in long-term studies, which is essential for creating and implementing public policies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem. However, additional efforts are needed to improve C estimates, especially in areas with a strongly negative water balance.

Thirty Years of Research on Ecosystem Services: The Socio-Economic Role of Forest Visits and Foraging in Enhancing Human Well-Being

This paper examines the socio-economic significance of forest visits and the collection of forest berries and mushrooms (FBMs) in the Czech Republic, emphasising their role in enhancing human well-being and contributing to regional economies. Over a 30-year period, data were collected on the quantities and economic values of FBMs, alongside the intensity of forest visits by the Czech population. This study incorporates a detailed analysis of time series data on FBM collection, exploring trends and fluctuations in the harvested quantities and their economic value. A Lorenz curve analysis reveals significant disparities in the distribution of economic benefits, with a small segment of the population accounting for the majority of the FBM-derived value. Additionally, the research investigates the impact of forest visitation on well-being at the regional level, highlighting the relationship between forest access, visitation intensity, and public health benefits. This study also examines visitors’ expectations, motivations, and perceptions regarding an ideal forest for visitation, providing recommendations for effective marketing strategies. Furthermore, the study explores the contribution of FBMs to net income across different regions, demonstrating substantial regional variation in their economic importance. Notably, the analysis shows that the value of FBMs represents approximately 37% of the net income generated by traditional forestry activities, underscoring its significant economic potential. The findings emphasise the potential of territorial marketing strategies to enhance well-being, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions, and advocate for sustainable forest management practices to protect these valuable resources and ensure equitable access to the benefits provided by forest ecosystems.

Active travel in the university setting: Assessing the effects of social behavior, socioeconomics, and spatial location

University campuses are pooling efforts to promote active mobility to reduce their negative impacts on the urban environment, which is significantly influenced by the overreliance on motorized modes of transport. Providing sufficient and safe accessibility conditions for active travel has been highlighted as a crucial strategy for transforming campuses into more livable and sustainable areas in cities. To further explore the likelihood of active mobility uptake at university campuses, this study explored university students’ mobility patterns over time, examining the role of social behavior, socioeconomics, and spatial location factors. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto, Greater Oporto, Portugal, provided the empirical focus for this research. The data analyzed were acquired through surveys of representative samples and spatial analysis over the academic years of 2012, 2017, and 2023. The statistical analysis explained the tendencies and multifactorial influences on travel behavior among university students. Results indicated that travel distance is associated with housing options and travel costs, whereas access to a metro station was associated with walking or cycling. Hence, this study contributed to a deeper understanding of active travel behavior. It provided insights to guide planning practitioners and decision makers in creating integrated transport policy packages that address the barriers and needs of the university community and the surrounding neighborhoods.

A geo-gender-based analysis of human health: The presence of cut flower farms can attenuate pesticide exposure in African communities, with women being the most vulnerable.

The rapid expansion of the cut flower industry in Africa has led to pervasive use and potential exposure of pesticides, raising concerns for local communities. Whether the risks associated with pesticide applications are localised or have broader implications remains unclear. We measured biomarkers of real and perceived pesticide exposure in two Kenyan communities: Naivasha, where the cut flower industry is present, and Mogotio, where the cut flower industry is absent. We measured real exposure by the percentage of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and perceived exposure by assessing hair cortisol levels, a biomarker of stress. Additionally, we conducted a demographic survey to evaluate the health and socioeconomic status of participants, as well as their perceptions of pesticide risks associated with the cut flower industry. Perceived pesticide exposure was more common in Naivasha (n = 36, 56%) compared to Mogotio (n = 0, 0%), according to community surveys. However, Mogotio residents had significantly higher mean hair cortisol levels (mean (x̄) = 790 ng/g, standard deviation (SD) = 233) and percentage of AChE inhibition (x̄ = 28.5%, SD = 7.3) compared to Naivasha residents, who had lower mean hair cortisol levels (x̄ = 548 ng/g, SD = 187) and percentage of AChE inhibition (x̄ = 14.5%, SD = 10.1). Location (proximity to cut flower farms) and gender were significant factors influencing pesticide exposure, with individuals living outside the cut flower industrial complexes being at higher risk. Women in both communities were the most vulnerable demographic, showing significantly higher mean hair cortisol levels (x̄ = 646 ng/g, SD = 267.4) and percentage of AChE inhibition (x̄ = 22.5%, SD = 12.4) compared to men hair cortisol levels (x̄ = 558.2 ng/g, SD = 208.2) and percentage of AChE inhibition (x̄ = 10.4%, SD = 13.1). A heightened awareness of the potential risks of pesticide exposure was widespread within cut flower industrial complexes. This may have led to a reduction in exposure of both workers and non-workers living within or close to these complexes. In contrast, communities living outside these complexes showed higher levels of exposure, possibly due to limited chemical awareness and a lack of precautionary measures. Despite this contrast between communities, women remained the most vulnerable members, likely due to their socioeconomic roles in African society. Monitoring women's pesticide exposure is crucial for providing an early warning system for community exposure.

The Socioeconomic Role of Small and Micro Agricultural Projects in Supporting Sustainable Development in Qalyubia Governorate

The Socioeconomic Role of Small and Micro Agricultural Projects in Supporting Sustainable Development in Qalyubia Governorate

EFFECT OF FRESH COONTAIL LEAF (CERATOPHYLLUM DEMERSUM) WITH GRADED LEVEL BERMUDA GRASS (CYNODON DACTYLON) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, AND BLOOD INDICES OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

The West African Dwarf (WAD) goats play an essential socioeconomic role in the Nigerian economy, hence the effect of 12 weeks of feeding fresh Coontail leaf (FCL) + Bermuda grass (BG) at various dietary levels on WAD goat growth performance and blood indices were explored. A total of 24 WAD goats weighing an average of 6.02kg each were randomly assigned to four treatments of six goats, with two goats per replicate. In a completely randomized form, each treatment was served four experimental diets comprising FCL and BG at Diet 1: Control 100% FCL, Diet 2: 80% FCL + 20% BG, Diet 3: 70% FCL + 30% BG, and Diet 4: 50% FCL + 50% BG, accordingly. Initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and haemoglobin concentration (Hb. The T1 and T4 showed significant (p<0.05) changes in final body weights, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in all haematological parameters evaluated, except packed cell volume (PCV) which had no significant (p>0.05) difference. All blood biochemical indicators indicated significant (p<0.05) differences with total protein, albumin, and urea, except for cholesterol, globulin, and glucose, which were not statistically (p>0.05) different. It is possible to conclude that FCL+BG Can be included in WAD goat diets up to 50% without negatively affecting growth performance or blood parameters.

Feed additives supplementation: a potential strategy to ameliorate heat stress in sheep

Abstract Given a significant climate-flexible and socio-economic role in developing nations, environmental heat stress imposes a major financial impact on sheep production systems globally endangering their production, reproduction, and growth. In this regard, the adverse effects of heat stress on sheep production systems have to be addressed through adoption of effective heat alleviation measures like animal management, nutritional management and genetic interventions of which the nutritional interventions seems to be the most cost effective way to alleviate heat stress. Nutritional manipulation for heat stress alleviation in sheep involves the use of antioxidant supplements (Vitamin B; Vitamin E and Selenium; Selenium; Zinc sulphate and folic acid; Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc; Naringin; Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis; Açai oil and Brown seaweed like Ascophyllum nodosum and Sargassum latifolium). Further, electrolyte supplements (Dietary Electrolyte Balance (DEB); Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate; Sodium hydroxide) have a beneficial effect on thermal responses, respiratory activities, gas exchange parameters, rumen fermentation, blood buffering capacity and acid-base balance. The mineral mixture supplements (Mineral blocks; Mineral mixture and antioxidants; Chromium; Zinc) play a crucial role in increasing the efficiency of antioxidant defence system, immunity-related parameters, production, reproduction, feed digestibility and insulin sensitivity. Probiotic supplements (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cervisiae, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus lactis, Bacillus subtilis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Pediococcus cerevisiae, Megaspha eraelsdenii, Bacillus licheniformis, Aspergillus oryzae, Schizochytrium limacinum, Trichoderma reesei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) improve lactational performance, dietary energy utilization and productivity. The probiotics (live Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharide plus b-glucans) used in heat stress alleviation improve dietary energy utilisation. Furthermore, the vital role of herbal supplements (Rosemary, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Clove, Naringin, Chestnut tannins, Giloy stem powder, Curcumin, Rocket oil (watercress oil), Flaxseed, Cornus, Oregano, Thyme, Chamomile flowers, Moringa oleifera, Betaine) has been highlighted to promote feed intake, antioxidant status, growth performance, feed utilization, reproductive performance and immune response. Effective adoption of nutritional strategies can thus ensure sustainable sheep production in this changing climate scenario.

Environmental controls on bioluminescent dinoflagellate density, in Laguna Grande, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Introduction: Bio bays in Puerto Rico play an important socio-economic role and declines in dominant bioluminescent dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense are concerning. Studies show erratic blooms with is weak correlation to in situ environmental factors. Our study examines shorter field and longer proxy records on dinoflagellate density at Laguna Grande de Fajardo (LGF). Objectives: To quantify temporal changes in dinoflagellate density in a long-term monitoring study, understand how the marine environment modulates those changes, and determine the wider impacts of a fluctuating climate and extreme events on proxies for dinoflagellate density. Methods: Bimonthly samples were collected from 2016 to 2021 at three sampling sites in LGF. Dinoflagellates density was estimated by Sedgewick Rafter counting cells. Environmental conditions were obtained from Rio Fajardo 5007100 station and NOAA buoy 41056. Marine climate and biotic proxies were obtained from remote sensing measurements. Kruskal Wallis, Spearman correlations and cross-correlations in the shorter field and longer proxy records were used to evaluate environmental controls on LGF dinoflagellate blooms. Results: Six years of field monitoring densities found a low period in 2016-2017, frequent and intense blooms in 2018-2021 punctuated by hurricanes. Generally low values were recorded in late winter in contrast with higher values in late summer (Aug-Nov). Light winds and mixed layer response to seasonal warming in the form of high tides and low salinity, were found to sustain dinoflagellate reproduction. Conclusions: Bioluminescent dinoflagellates are vital to coastal tourism and require resource management. LGF results show that: 1) dinoflagellate counts fluctuate widely, 2) fluorescing dinoflagellates are sensitive to environmental conditions because of limited seasonality and narrow physiological range, 3) hurricanes play a role by ‘raking and refreshing’ the coastal lagoon for subsequent biotic reproduction, and 4) intra-seasonal fluctuations of density and proxies relate to air-sea thermodynamic conditions, the salinity budget and sea level.

Sustainability of fishing cooperatives in the Gulf of Mexico: A case study

Small-scale fishing, characterised by small groups of people working with basic technology and little investment, is an important economic activity in regional and global contexts. In Latin America, inland fisheries play a very important socio-economic role, providing food and income to local families, alleviating poverty, and contributing to social well-being. They are often structured as a social cooperative, as a way to ensure productivity. Cooperatives tend to be sustainable, and their performance can be judged from the impact they have on the social, economic, and environmental spheres. The aim of this study was to measure the sustainability of inland fishing cooperatives in Mexico from these three viewpoints. Though cooperatives generally show a medium-high level of sustainability, on account of their historical background and their contribution to social and economic indicators, our results revealed some weaknesses in terms of environmental indicators, which are locked in a negative relationship with economic ones. Social indicators, however, were positively related with the other two. The sustainability of fishing cooperatives today faces various challenges, as political decision-making tends to favour the social and economic dimensions over the environmental one.

EVIDENCE OF BRUCELLA ANTIBODIES IN MILK OF COWS IN THE NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

In view of the socio-economic and cultural roles played by Cow milk in Nigeria, a study was carried out to determine the status of bovine brucellosis in the North Senatorial District of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Six local Government areas (LGAS) from the North Senatorial district of Kaduna State were used for the study. A total of 202 milk samples from apparently healthy lactating cows were collected and subjected to the Milk Ring Test (MRT) between the Months of July, 2013 and January, 2014. From the 202 samples subjected to the MRT, 77 (38.1%) tested positive while 125 (61.9%) tested negative. The highest prevalence was obtained from Kubau LGA (54.8%) while the least prevalence of 20.0% each was obtained from Ikura and Makarfi LGAs respectively. There was however no statistical significant difference in the prevalence rates between LGAS. The high prevalence of Brucella antibodies in the milk of sampled cattle indicates the great public health risk posed to humans in the study area to infection with Bruclla spp. Stake holders in the Livestock sector should be educated on the public health implication of the dis ase in other animal species and humans.