Unsuitable Environments Research Articles

Ginseng rusty root symptoms result from nitric oxide stress in soil

Ginseng, from the roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, is a widely used herbal medicine in Asian countries, known for its excellent therapeutic properties. The growth of P. ginseng is depend on specific and strict environments, with a preference for wetness but intolerance for flooding. Under excessive soil moisture, some irregular rust-like substances are deposited on the root epidermis, causing ginseng rusty symptoms (GRS). This condition leads to a significant reduce in yield and quality, resulting in substantial economic loses. However, there is less knowledge on the cause of GRS and there are no effective treatments available for its treatment once it occurs. Unsuitable environments lead to the generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated the key indicators associated with the stress response during different physiological stages of GRS development. We observed a significant change in ROS level, MDA contents, antioxidant enzymes activities, and non-enzymatic antioxidants contents prior to the GRS. Through the analysis of soil features with an abundance of moisture, we further determined the source of ROS. The levels of nitrate reductase (NR) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities in the inter-root soil of ginseng with GRS were significantly elevated compared to those of healthy ginseng. These enzymes boost nitric oxide (NO) levels, which in turn showed a favorable correlation with the GRS. The activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase first rose and then decreased as GRS developed. Excess soil moisture causes a decrease in oxygen levels. This activated NR and NOS in the soil, resulting in a production of excess NO. The NO then diffused into the ginseng root and triggered a burst of ROS through NADPH located on the cell membrane. Additionally, Fe2+ in soil was oxidized to red Fe3+, and finally led to GRS. This conclusion was also verified by the Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP), a precursor compound producing NO. The presence of NO from NR and NOS in water-saturated soil is responsible for the generation of ROS. Among these, NO is the main component that contribute to the occurrence of GRS.

Willingness of Park Users to Plant Trees in Public Motor Parks to Improve Environmental Condition in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

The effect of global warming and air pollution have shifted more focus to tree planting as a way to combat climate change and improve the environment. Most Nigerian motor parks are polluted; thus, this study investigated the willingness of park users to plant trees in public motor parks to improve park's environmental condition in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria using structured questionnaires in six motor parks. Questionnaires were randomly administered to 12 drivers, 5 traders and 3 commuters, per Motor Park, making a total of 120 respondents. Study revealed that 60.8% of motor park users were under the age of 50; 100% of drivers were men, whereas women (70%) dominated trading. Drivers (94.4%) and traders (83.3%) use motor parks on a daily basis, but commuters (66.7%) use the park occasionally. Most of respondents (47.2%), traders (56.7%), and commuters (83.3%) stated that the park’s environment is not conducive (unsuitable). Respondents (85.8%) of motor park users indicated that they want a better environmental condition. Chi-square test reveals a significant relationship between respondents' educational status and perceived environmental condition of the motor park. Logistic analysis indicated that traders (0.183) and commuters (0.236) are less likely to be interested in tree planting. Most Nigerian motor parks have unsuitable environments, tree planting is one potential solution for improving the environmental condition. Relevant authorities should develop policies that encourage tree planting and tree planting should be incorporated and implemented in the design of new motor parks.

Synthesis of ultra-porous zeolitic imidazolate Framework-300 under different synthesis conditions for sorption of CO2

We examined here how different ratios of precursors, temperature, time, and synthesis environment affected the crystal structure, texture, and CO2/N2 sorption behavior of the ZIF-300 samples synthesized. We found that a higher bmim/meIm molar ratio resulted in larger particle size, increased pore volume, and higher BET surface area due to a more crystalline structure and well-shaped pore structure. This was attributed to a decrease in the pH of the synthesis solution caused by the higher bmim/meIm molar ratio, which lowered the ζ potential and reduced electrostatic repulsion between particles, leading to the formation of larger particles with a more crystalline structure. Increasing the temperature of the synthesis solution resulted in smaller particles due to a decrease in supersaturation levels and the formation of smaller nuclei. The duration of synthesis had a positive effect on particle size as both growth and aggregation of smaller particles occurred over time. NMP and DMA were found to be unsuitable synthesis environments as they produced large particles with poor gas sorption performance. In terms of texture, ZIF-300 samples synthesized with a higher bmim/meIm molar ratio and at lower temperatures exhibited higher BET surface area and pore volume compared to other samples. Additionally, samples synthesized with a molar ratio of bmim/meIm = 4/1 and 2/1 showed better selectivity for CO2/N2 solubility compared to similar cases reported in previous studies.

Determination of optimal temperature, salinity, and stocking density combinations for larval growth and survival of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid Fujian oyster (Crassostrea angulata)

For nurseries, thriving larvae mean higher incomes. Three factors - temperature, salinity and stocking density - are critical to the success of larval rearing. However, the effects of these three factors on the performance of diploid, triploid and tetraploid Crassostrea angulata larvae have not yet been comprehensively investigated. In this study, the combined effects of temperature (T, 12.0–35.0 °C), salinity (S, 10.0–38.0 psu) and stocking density (D, 0.5–10.0 ind. ml−1) on the accumulated growth rate (AGR) and survival rate (SR) of diploids (DD), triploids (DT) and tetraploids (TT) C. angulata larvae were comprehensively assessed using a central composite design and response surface methodology. The results revealed that suitable temperature-salinity-stocking density combinations significantly increased the AGR and SR of larvae from all three groups, while unsuitable environments (e.g., ultra-high temperature - extra-high salinity -high stocking density combinations or ultra-high temperature - extra-low salinity - high stocking density combinations) significantly reduced the AGR and SR of the larvae, albeit to different magnitudes. The optimal temperature-salinity-stocking density combinations were obtained by model optimization. The maximum AGR and SR of DT reached at 23.6 °C, 26.5 psu and 0.5 ind. ml−1 combinations with values of 17.13 μm day−1 and 64.81%, respectively. The combinations of 24.0 °C - 25.89 psu - 1.99 ind. ml−1 and 25.9 °C - 25.96 psu - 0.5 ind. ml−1 were the optimal breeding conditions for DD and TT (DD: AGR = 13.10 μm day−1, SR = 63.55%; TT: AGR = 10.11 μm day−1, SR = 25.89%). In addition, validation experiments were carried out under the obtained optimum conditions. The AGR and SR of DD, DT and TT obtained from the validation experiments were basically in conformity with the maximum AGR and SR obtained under the theoretically predicted conditions. Moreover, the growth and survival of tetraploids remained lower than those of diploid and triploid counterparts, even under optimal breeding conditions. This means that more attention should be paid to the tetraploids so as to safeguard the succession of this fragile population. The application of the findings of this study will help to improve the breeding efficiency of C. angulata with different ploidies in larval culture.

ROLE OF THE TEACHER IN ACTIVE LEARNING: EFL TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS, PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTATION

The current study was mainly aimed at exploring teachers’ perceptions, practices, and challenges of implementing their role in active learning. The total population of the study were 37 English language teachers in Kambata Tembaro Zone, Ethiopia. Data for the study were collected via a questionnaire and focus group discussion. The data collected via a questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively by using statistical package for social science and qualitative method of analysis was applied for the data gathered via focus group discussion. The findings of the study revealed that teachers lack clear understanding of their role in active learning and they were not properly accomplishing it in teaching the English language. Knowledge, skill, and aptitude gaps among teachers and students and unsuitable school environments were reported as major challenges affecting the implementation of active learning. Awareness creation and capacity-building workshops were recommended for the teacher and students to improve the implementation of active learning in secondary schools in Ethiopia.

Traumatic childbirth experiences, effects and coping: A qualitative study

ObjectiveChildbirth experience and perception of birth are personal. It is important to understand how the traumatic childbirth experiences affected women and for the nursing care that would be given to them. The aim of the research was to determine the childbirth experiences perceived by women as traumatic, how they were affected by these experiences, and how they coped. MethodsThe study was a descriptive phenomenological approach study. The data were obtained through semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the data. The mothers were contacted by using the social media platforms. Sixteen women were included in the research who expressed that they had traumatic childbirth experiences. ResultsIt was determined that women experienced severe fear and pain during childbirth, that they were in unsuitable maternity hospital environments, and that care was not taken for their privacy. At the same time, it was determined that they experienced disorders in the postpartum period connected to their traumatic birth experiences, that they postponed their pregnancy plans due to their fear of childbirth that developed connected to traumatic childbirth or that they did not want to become pregnant, and that they did not receive sufficient support from health personnel. ConclusionIt is necessary to provide privacy during childbirth, to take into consideration the decisions of women, and to provide for their continuous support by midwives.

RNA-seq analysis to identify genes related to resting egg production of panarctic Daphnia pulex

BackgroundThe genus Daphnia switches its reproductive mode from subitaneous egg production to resting egg production in response to environmental stimuli. Although this life history trait is essential for surviving unsuitable environments, the molecular mechanism of resting egg production is little understood. In this study, we examined genes related to induction of resting egg production using two genotypes of panarctic Daphnia pulex, the JPN1 and JPN2 lineages, which differ genetically in the frequency of resting egg production. We reared these genotypes under high and low food levels. At the high food level, individuals of both genotypes continually produced subitaneous eggs, whereas at the low food level, only the JPN2 genotype produced resting eggs. Then, we performed RNA-seq analysis on specimens of three instars, including before and after egg production.ResultsThese results showed that expressed genes differed significantly between individuals grown under high and low food levels and among individuals of different instars and genotypes. Among these differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we found 16 that changed expression level before resting egg production. Some of these genes showed high-level expression only before resting egg production and one gene was an ortholog of bubblegum (bgm), which is reportedly up-regulated before diapause in bumblebees. According to gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, one GO term annotated as long-chain fatty acid biosynthetic process was enriched among these 16 genes. In addition, GO terms related to glycometabolism were enriched among down-regulated genes of individuals holding resting eggs, compared to those before resting egg production.ConclusionsWe found candidate genes highly expressed only before resting egg production. Although functions of candidate genes found in this study have not been reported previously in Daphnia, catabolism of long-chain fatty acids and metabolism of glycerates are related to diapause in other organisms. Thus, it is highly probable that candidate genes identified in this study are related to the molecular mechanism regulating resting egg production in Daphnia.

Blended learning programs in hearing health care in developing countries during a pandemic: Opportunity or disaster?

Introduction: With COVID-19, tertiary education was mostly transferred to online instead of face-to-face learning, as this was the only way to go forward during the pandemic. Blended learning refers to teaching that combine face-to-face instruction with online learning. It has the advantages that students can learn at their own pace through the convenience of online learning and can interact with peers and tutors in face-to-face sessions. For blended learning, the challenges during COVID-19 were even more. The Eduplex Training Institute (ETI) in South Africa, presents blended learning programs in hearing health care for students. Completion of these programs during COVID-19 were specifically challenged since students completed an online theoretical component and had to travel to South Africa to attend face-to-face practical workshops. In Africa, travel restrictions were set in many countries and specific travel to South Africa was prohibited by many governments. This prohibited students from attending face-to-face practical sessions and additional plans had to be made for students to successfully complete programs. Methodology: The purpose of this study was to determine whether students and tutors from developing countries, found blended learning during COVID-19 as a possible way to continue studies. A survey research design was implemented to determine students’ and tutors’ perceptions regarding blended learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges faced and adaptations that had to be made to complete programs successfully. Results: Results indicated that students and tutors felt that it was possible to complete blended learning programs successful during the COVID-19 pandemic but there were several challenges that required adaptations to current programs. Students considered the lack of availability and affordability of internet connectivity as the biggest challenge, followed by the lack of access to personal equipment, unsuitable learning environments and insufficient time for learning as many of the students were working while studying. For tutors the main challenges were that they had to be adaptable – programs could not continue as initially planned. This had specific influence on the timeline of the program as it took students longer to complete programs than the initial time that was allocated. Other challenges included lack of appropriate learning material for the original planned face-to-face sessions that had to be presented in a different manner, lack of appropriate training to design and manage learning management programs, lack of personal equipment and software programs at their home environment and keeping students motivated. Changes that were required to the programs included: use of programs that required little data, ensuring Word documents, PowerPoint presentations and PDF files were downloadable, restricted use of images and graphics, use of pre-recorded lectures and allowing additional contact sessions. Conclusion: Although blended learning in general composes many challenges to students in developing countries, these challenges were even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. Blended learning is however often the only way in which these students can acquire new knowledge and therefore strategies should be implemented to ensure the success thereof. With the combination of dedicated tutors and motivated students many challenges can be overcome, and new plans can be made to result in the successful completion of training programs.

Effect of biochar and nitrogen fertilizers on maize seedling growth and enzyme activity relating to nitrification

AbstractMaximizing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) involves synchronizing the interplay between nitrogen preferential crops and the nitrogen transformation pathways of soil. Biochar may benefit specific N‐preference crops in relatively unsuitable soil environments; however, experimental data are lacking. This study tested eight treatments, consisting of four nitrogen treatments (N0 = control; N1 = NH4Cl; N2 = NaNO3; and N3 = 1:1 ratio of NH4+ and NO3−) each with biochar applied at 0% or 2% (w/w). The results show that biochar and/or nitrogen application enhanced maize seedling biomass and NO3−‐based fertilizer resulted in higher seedling biomass than NH4+‐based fertilizer. With the application of biochar and NH4+‐based fertilizer, maize seedling biomass increased and soil NH4+‐N content was significantly reduced compared with NH4Cl sole application. Correlation analysis and redundancy analysis revealed that SOC content and inorganic nitrogen content were the main factors influencing maize growth and N absorption. Biochar with or without nitrogen fertilizer (except N1 treatment) significantly increased β‐1,4‐glucosidase (BG) activity. Co‐application treatments also resulted in higher vector length, an indicator of C limitation—the increment might add to the risk of microbial C limitation. The activity of ammonia monooxygenase (AMO), a key enzyme in nitrification, decreased with the co‐application of biochar and nitrogen, suggesting the alteration of nitrogen transformation.

Key Considerations When Providing Physical Rehabilitation for People with Advanced Dementia

Dementia is a growing global challenge with numbers set to increase rapidly in the coming years. Evidence suggests that exercise can be effective in improving cognitive functioning, but the evidence does not yet support improvements in other key domains such as quality of life or physical ability. The aim of this study was to explore the key components that needed to be considered when providing physical rehabilitation to people with advanced dementia. The study used a qualitative approach involving semi-structured focus groups with health care professionals who are experts in delivering interventions to people with advanced dementia. As a pragmatic study seeking to inform the development of interventions, a thematic coding approach was used to make sense of the data. We collected data from 20 healthcare professionals who reported that key considerations needed to be considered from both an assessment and an intervention perspective. The assessment needed to be person centred and, with the right people engaged and using outcome measures that were meaningful to the patient. The actual intervention also needed to follow the principles of person-centred care, with emphasis placed on the importance of taking time to build a rapport with the person, but also reducing any of the barriers that would prevent effective engagement, such as unsuitable environments. Our study suggests that while there are barriers and challenges to providing interventions and rehabilitation to people with advanced dementia, appropriate person-centred, tailored interventions can be effective and therefore should be offered.

Perspectives on the Use of Biopolymeric Matrices as Carriers for Plant-Growth Promoting Bacteria in Agricultural Systems.

The subject of this review is to discuss some aspects related to the use of biopolymeric matrices as carriers for plant-growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) in agricultural systems as a possible technological solution for the establishment of agricultural production practices that result in fewer adverse impacts on the environment, reporting some promising and interesting results on the topic. Results from the encapsulation of different PGPB on alginate, starch, chitosan, and gelatin matrices are discussed, systematizing some advances made in this area of knowledge in recent years. Encapsulation of these bacteria has been shown to be an effective method for protecting them from unsuitable environments, and these new products that can act as biofertilizers and biopesticides play an important role in the establishment of a sustainable and modern agriculture. These new products are technological solutions for replacing deleterious chemical fertilizers and pesticides, maintaining soil fertility and stability, and improving crop productivity and food security. Finally, in the near future, scale-up studies will have to provide new information about the large-scale production of these materials as well as their application in the field under different biotic and abiotic stress conditions.

Social issues, crisis, and care coordination: First responders experience responding to people affected by methamphetamines.

Methamphetamines remain a public health problem due to the extensive burden of illicit drug use on society. Callout events in the pre-hospital environment related to methamphetamine use is increasing. In addition, there has been an increase in reported mental health side effects and breakdown in relationships and social networks. Descriptive phenomenology research design was undertakenand data analysed using thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect data exploring the experience of first responders attending callouts to people affected by methamphetamines in the pre-hospital environment. Interviews included paramedics (8) and police officers (10) from across Australia. Overall, participants reported responding to people affected by methamphetamines was complex in nature. Complexity was affected by extensive social circumstances, people presenting in states of crisis, lack of coordinated approach, and unsuitable care environments. The social impact of methamphetamine addiction is extensive. Staff working as first responders have an opportunity to help reduce the social impact and crises, referring people to follow-up care and drug and alcohol support services. Further research is needed to determine if a standardized approach, between first responders and EDs, should be developed to help streamlines services and improve how the individual services respond as a group to people affected by substances.

THE PROBLEMS DURING THE COVID-19 PERIOD: THE DIFFICULTIES FACED BY PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

In this study, the school administrators describe the problems caused by the changing education system brought about by the covid -19 epidemic and the methods they use to solve them. The study was carried out with the screening model, one of the qualitative research methods. The study group of the research consists of twelve people determined by random sampling method. The sample was chosen among the school principals and assistants working in public secondary and high schools. Data were collected with a semi-structured interview form. During the epidemic process, school administrators encountered problems, including anxiety and panic, teacher-student absenteeism, not being ready for distance learning, and unsuitable school environments. According to Observations, the Ministry also provides hygiene materials to each school as a precaution, as well as establishing organizations to relay information regarding the steps to be taken when a positive case arises among students. In this process, it was determined that the education administrators simultaneously provided support to the school administrators. On the other hand, it was determined that financial, technical and expert support was applied in solving the problems caused by the epidemic and this was sufficient.

‘Unsuitable’ environments: a qualitative study of US college youth learning online while sheltering-in-place in spring 2020

ABSTRACT In late April 2020, we asked young adult college students to describe how they were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzes data from the 370 students (52.3% of all students surveyed) who chose to describe their experiences with online learning in their response. Many students, and especially students from marginalized backgrounds (e.g. women and transgender and gender diverse, LGBTQ+, low-socioeconomic position), reported diverse hardships that were induced and/or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic that affected their learning. Most of these adverse experiences were tied to students’ shelter-in-place and remote learning conditions, which we frame as ‘unsuitable environments’, that limited students from engaging academically in the same ways they might have on campus. We situate these unsuitable environments within an intersectional social-ecological model to demonstrate how students’ transformed nested environments impact academic engagement and have implications for equity within institutions of higher education – an ecological disruption whose impacts remain important to evaluate in future research on online learning in higher education.

Differences in functional trait responses to elevation among feeding guilds of Aculeata community.

The response of communities to environmental change is expected to vary among feeding guilds. To evaluate the response of guilds to environmental factors without considering the taxonomic specificities, it is useful to examine Aculeata bees and wasps, which consist of closely related taxa including different guilds, pollinators, predators, and parasitoids. In this study, we evaluated changes in species diversity (SD) and functional traits of each feeding guild along an elevational gradient in a boreal forest in northern Japan. We used yellow pan traps to collect Aculeata bees and wasps at 200–1600 m above sea level. We investigated six functional traits (trophic level, seasonal duration, body size, elevational range, nesting position, and soil dependency) and the horizontal distribution of the species. The SD of all Aculeata, predators, and parasitoids decreased with an increase in elevation; however, the SD of pollinators did not show any specific trend. Although the functional trait composition of all Aculeata species did not show any trend, that of each feeding guild responded to elevation in different ways. Pollinators increased in body size and showed a decrease in seasonal duration with increasing elevation, suggesting that tolerance and seasonal escape from physical stress at high elevations are important for shaping pollinator communities. Predators increased their elevational range and the proportion of above‐ground nesting species increased with increasing elevation, suggesting that the ability to live in a wider range of environments and avoid unsuitable soil environments at high elevations might be important. Parasitoids changed their hosts and displayed variable traits with increasing elevation, suggesting that brood parasitoids have difficulty in surviving at high elevation. The traits for each guild responded in different ways, even if they were dominated by the same environmental factors. Our findings imply that differences in the responses of functional traits would produce different community assembly patterns in different guilds during further climate change.

Students' learning experiences with synchronised emergency remote online education

The global intervention by universities to minimise the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on education compelled many institutions to resort to emergency online curriculum facilitation, especially using virtual platforms. As a result, institutions adopted asynchronous, or synchronous, or both to facilitate knowledge with students. This study explored the reality of students' experiences with contemporaneous (synchronous) online teaching and learning model adopted by a university in South Africa. This study employed an interpretive qualitative methodological design. Data was gathered through an open-ended questionnaire administered to twenty students purposively sampled from a population of sixty-eight rurally resident final year students and focus group interviews with six of the twenty students. Data was analysed using constructs generated from connectivism theoretical framing which served as the compass used to navigate the study. The study revealed digital interaction space to be new to many students, especially those from the deep rural areas of South Africa. Furthermore, institutional readiness was limited, hence lack of support (awareness, resources, etc.) for students at the initial implementation stage of the programme. However, students and university academics were committed, coupled with self-discipline, and through social and academic engagements, benefited from the system. Flexibility, continuous academic interaction with peers, instantaneous authentic feedback and improved proficiency in using online tools were their constructive experiences. Nonetheless, they highlighted concerns of perceptions, bad network and poor connectivity, less cognitive engagement and unsuitable learning environments. The study recommends the introduction of asynchronous alongside the synchronous model of curriculum engagement to enhance the flexibility of learning opportunities.

Staff perspectives on barriers to and facilitators of quality of life, health, wellbeing, recovery and reduced risk for older forensic mental-health patients: A qualitative interview study.

There is a lack of research informing service delivery for older forensic mental health patients. This study explored service provision in forensic mental health inpatient and community services in England, investigating what is required for progress in terms of quality of life, health, wellbeing, recovery and reduced risk, and the barriers and facilitators associated with this. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 48 members of staff working with older forensic mental health patients in secure inpatient units or the community in England. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Two global themes 'What works' and 'What doesn't work' were identified comprising themes representing environmental, interpersonal and individual factors. 'What works' included: positive social support and relationships; individualised holistic patient-centred care; hub and spoke approach to patient care; and suitable environments. 'What doesn't work' included: absence of/or maladaptive relationships with family and friends; gaps in service provision; and unsuitable environments. For older patients to progress to improved quality of life, health, wellbeing and reduced risk, multilevel and comprehensive support is required, comprising a range of services, interventions, and multidisciplinary input, and individualised to each patient's needs. The physical environment needs to be adapted for older patients and provide a social environment that seeks to include supportive families, friends and expert professional input. A clear patient progression pathway is required; this must be reflected in policy and provision.

The performance and microbial communities of Anammox and Sulfide-dependent autotrophic denitrification coupling system based on the gel immobilization

Anammox and sulfide-dependent autotrophic denitrification (ASDAD) coupling system can improve the nitrogen removal, but high sulfide concentration will affect the activity of anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). Gel immobilization technology can enhance the survivability of microorganisms in unsuitable environments. Therefore, in this investigation, gel immobilization technology was applied into the ASDAD coupling system to explore the removal performance and microbial communities. The results showed that the optimal S2−/NO3– was 0.6, under which the best TN removal efficiency was 85.69%. The removal performance of ASDAD coupling system was stable under rapid variations of nitrogen loading rate and sulfide loading rate. Immobilized sludge cubes could attenuate the effects of temperature on AnAOB and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria. Observations of SEM and stereoscope suggested that AnAOB was more likely to exist on the surface of the sludge cubes. Thiobacillus, Candidatus Brocadia, and Candidatus Kuenenia were the main functional bacteria in the coupling system.

Global-Scale Environmental Niche and Habitat of Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) by Size and Sex: A Pivotal Step to Improving Stock Management

Blue shark (Prionace glauca) is amongst the most abundant shark species in international trade, however this highly migratory species has little effective management and the need for spatio-temporal strategies increases, possibly involving the most vulnerable stage or sex classes. We combined 265,595 blue shark observations (capture or satellite tag) with environmental data to present the first global-scale analysis of species’ habitat preferences for five size and sex classes (small juveniles, large juvenile males and females, adult males and females). We leveraged the understanding of blue shark biotic environmental associations to develop two indicators of foraging location: productivity fronts in mesotrophic areas and mesopelagic micronekton in oligotrophic environments. Temperature (at surface and mixed layer depth plus 100 m) and sea surface height anomaly were used to exclude unsuitable abiotic environments. To capture the horizontal and vertical extent of thermal habitat for the blue shark, we defined the temperature niche relative to both sea surface temperature (SST) and the temperature 100 m below the mixed layer depth (Tmld+100). We show that the lifetime foraging niche incorporates highly diverse biotic and abiotic conditions: the blue shark tends to shift from mesotrophic and temperate surface waters during juvenile stages to more oligotrophic and warm surface waters for adults. However, low productivity limits all classes of blue shark habitat in the tropical western North Atlantic, and both low productivity and warm temperatures limit habitat in most of the equatorial Indian Ocean (except for the adult males) and tropical eastern Pacific. Large females tend to have greater habitat overlap with small juveniles than large males, more defined by temperature than productivity preferences. In particular, large juvenile females tend to extend their range into higher latitudes than large males, likely due to greater tolerance to relatively cold waters. Large juvenile and adult females also seem to avoid areas with intermediate SST (~21.7-24.0°C), resulting in separation from large males mostly in the tropical and temperate latitudes in the cold and warm seasons, respectively. The habitat requirements of sensitive size- and sex-specific stages to blue shark population dynamics are essential in management to improve conservation of this near-threatened species.

An analysis of the long-term trends in the records of Friends of the Koala in north-east New South Wales: I. Cause and fate of koalas admitted for rehabilitation (1989–2020)

Context The koala is a threatened species in New South Wales and long-term datasets of koala rehabilitation provide a valuable source of insight into local threats. Aims To examine the long-term trends of the cause and fate of koalas admitted for rehabilitation to assist monitoring the recovery of koala populations and provide a new outlook on the limitations and strengths of rehabilitation records for koala conservation. Methods We used data from long-term records (1989–2020) of the Friends of the Koala wildlife rehabilitation group in north-east New South Wales to identify spatial and temporal trends in 5051 koala admissions. Key results Chlamydiosis was the most common cause of admission, affecting female koalas more often than males. Admissions of female koalas with chlamydiosis showed a two-fold increase over summer, and admissions for motor vehicle collisions and unsuitable environment increased in spring. The rescue locations of admissions show an increasing geographic spread over time, as well as an increasing density of records. Admission body scores were higher in koalas that were eventually released than in non-released koalas. Other main causes of admission were unsuitable environments, dog attacks, abandonment/orphaning and attacks from other species. Conclusions We have produced an analysis and interpretation of a long-term dataset of the relative importance of various threats facing the koala population in north-east New South Wales. However, admissions to rehabilitation do not capture all the landscape-scale problems confronting koalas locally, particularly climate change and habitat loss. Implications We have provided the baseline necessary to detect future changes in the causes for admission, rates of rehabilitation and post-release survival.