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Gender equality is key to achieving the objectives of the United Nation's Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. In patriarchal societies, men's dominance has long overshadowed women's participation in science-related fields, including ocean science. The lack of gender-disaggregated data in ocean science has made it difficult to establish the extent of gender bias across institutions and at all levels. Providing baseline data can help to address the difficulty of women accessing employment opportunities in managing coastal and marine resources. This study aims to fill the gap in gender data in ocean science in Kenya by presenting a case study on gender ratios of ocean science professionals in Kenyan research institutions. Data on the gender composition of staff were collected from a range of local to international ocean research, conservation and management organisations situated in Kenya. The results show fewer women were represented in government agencies than in nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and intergovernmental organisations (IGOs). There was also an underrepresentation of women in senior positions, with only two out of nine directors in government agencies being women. The majority of women occupied junior positions. Further research through in-depth interviews will be needed to establish the reasons for the disparities in representation and career advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory and pot culture experiments were conducted to assess the acute and persistent toxicity of new molecular insecticides against the notorious invasive pest of maize, Spodoptera frugiperda during 2020-2021 at Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Results revealed that, the LC50 value of emamectin benzoate, chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram, flubendiamide and novaluron were 0.05, 4.08, 0.1, 85.89 and 0.91 ppm, respectively for second instar larvae and 0.03, 5.63, 0.02, 162.99 and 0.99 ppm for third instar larvae of fall armyworm. Among insecticides tested emamectin benzoate and spinetoram showed high toxicity to S. frugiperda than other insecticides by registering a minimum LC50 value. But in the persistent toxicity studies, the same insecticides showed less persistence on maize crop. Hence, insecticides like flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole need to be recommended in the early stage of the crop period (within 20 days after sowing) and less persistent insecticides viz., emamectin benzoate and spinetoram should be recommended in the middle stage (25 to 40 days) of the maize crop for the management of S. frugiperda so that the residues may not accumulate in the harvested produce both in the stalk and grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne outbreaks caused by fecal contamination of fresh produce represent a serious concern to public health and the economy. As the consumption of fresh produce increases, public health officials and organizations have pushed for improvements in food safety procedures and environmental assessments to reduce the risk of contamination. Visual inspections and the establishment of "buffer zones" between animal feeding operations and producing fields are the current best practices for environmental assessments. However, a generalized distance guideline and visual inspections may not be enough to account for all environmental risk variables. Here, we report a baseline measurement surveying the background Bacteroidales concentration, as a quantitative fecal contamination indicator, in California's Salinas Valley. We collected a total of 1632 samples from two romaine lettuce commercial fields at the time of harvesting through two seasons in a year. The quantification of Bacteroidales concentration was performed using qPCR, revealing a notably low concentration (0–2.00 copies/cm2) in the commercial fields. To further enhance the applicability of our findings, we developed a user-friendly method for real-world fecal contamination risk assessment that seamlessly integrates with industry practices. Through the generation of heatmaps that visually illustrate varying risk levels across fields, this approach can identify site-specific risks and offer fresh produce stakeholders a more comprehensive understanding of their land. We anticipate this work can encourage the use of Bacteroidales in the fresh produce industry to monitor fecal contamination and prevent future foodborne outbreaks. [Display omitted] • We surveyed the background Bacteroidales concentration, as a quantitative fecal contamination indicator, in California's Salinas Valley. • The Bacteroidales concentration on the commercial fields was very low (0–2.00 copies/cm2). • Our methodology for evaluating the risk of fecal contamination complements the current environmental assessment practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the dynamics of hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity levels in bream, Abramis brama L., with an emphasis on between-sex differences, over a year-long sampling period. Seasonal changes in ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity were observed, possibly related to both internal and external factors. Significant fluctuations were witnessed in spring and summer in males and females, likely determined by changes in sex hormone levels and water temperature. Almost invariable enzyme activity was seen in bream in autumn. Two peaks in ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity were registered in females in winter and early spring, while males demonstrated a gradual increase. Such marked variability manifested in females during an ice-cover period might be associated with the endogenous control of oocyte maturation by the endocrine system. Present study provides a basis for more accurate interpretation of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase induction in bream when using this endpoint in the field studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) could be affected not only by oral health but also by demographic and ecosocial factors. This research aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors that may influence the OHRQoL of 12-year-old children.Methods: A representative sample was selected from Hong Kong. Periodontal status and caries were examined according to WHO criteria. Four orthodontic indices were used to assess malocclusion. Child Perception Questionnaires (CPQ11-14-ISF:8 and CPQ11-14-RSF:8) including four domains, namely oral symptoms (OS), functional limitations (FL), emotional well-being (EWB), and social well-being (SWB), were used to measure OHRQoL. Adjusted OR was calculated by ordinal logistic regression.Results: Totally 589 eligible subjects (305 females, 284 males) were recruited. Males tended to rank higher in OS domain but lower in EWB domain (adjusted OR = 1.89 and 0.67). Mother's education was linked more closely with children's CPQ scores. Higher education levels were associated with better quality of life (adjusted OR = 0.45 and 0.37). Household income showed no effect on CPQ scores. Unhealthy periodontal conditions had a negative effect on EWB and total CPQ (adjusted OR = 1.61 and 1.63). High caries experience only had a negative effect on SWB (adjusted OR = 1.60). Malocclusion affected FL, EWB, SWB and total CPQ: all malocclusion severities affected SWB; only severe malocclusions affected FL, EWB and total CPQ.Conclusion: Males were more tolerant of oral symptoms than females were. Higher levels of mother's education led to better OHRQoL of their children. Unhealthy periodontal conditions affected emotional well-being, while high caries experience affected social well-being. All malocclusion severities had an effect on social well-being; severe malocclusion further caused functional limitations, worse emotional well-being, and hence worse OHRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite landfills having the potential to pollute the environment both during their operation and long after they have ceased to receive waste, they remain a dominant waste management option, particularly in the UK. In order to combat the environmental pollution caused by landfills, risk analysis is increasingly being employed through computer models. However, for a risk analysis process to be successful, its foundation has to be well established through a baseline study. This paper aims to identify knowledge gaps in software packages regarding environmental risk assessments in general, and especially those that have been developed specifically for landfills and landfill leachate. The research establishes that there is no holistic computer model for the baseline study of landfills, which risk assessors can use to conduct risk analyses specifically for landfill leachate. This paper also describes a number of factors and features that should be added to the baseline study system in order to render it more integrated—thereby enhancing quantitative risk analysis, and subsequently environmental risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the successful completion of a risk analysis process, its foundation (i.e. a baseline study) has to be well established. For this purpose, a baseline study needs to be more integrated than ever, particularly when environmental legislation is increasingly becoming stringent and integrated. This research investigates and concludes that no clear evidence of computer models for baseline study has been found in a whole-system and integrated format, which risk assessors could readily and effectively use to underpin risk analyses holistically and yet specifically for landfill leachate. This is established on the basis of investigation of software packages that are particularly closely related to landfills. Holistic baseline study is also defined along with its implications and in the context of risk assessment of landfill leachate. The study also indicates a number of factors and features that need to be added to baseline study in order to render it more integrated thereby enhancing risk analyses for landfill leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Norwegian spring spawning (NSS) herring is an ecologically and economically important fish population in the Norwegian Sea. It was the first of several Norwegian fish stocks subject to a baseline study designed to give a comprehensive account of the levels of contaminants in a fish species from most of its area of distribution and during different seasons. During 2006 and 2007, 800 individual herring were sampled in their feeding areas in the Norwegian Sea in spring and autumn and at their spawning grounds off the coast of Norway during late winter. Metals including Hg, Cd, As and Pb were determined in muscle samples of individual herring, and mean concentrations ± sd (mg kg −1 ww) were: Hg: 0.04 ± 0.03, Cd: 0.010 ± 0.006, As: 2.2 ± 0.6 and Pb: <0.01–0.10. Apart from one sample, no individual herring exceeded the EU’s maximum level for any of these elements, as has been seen also in previous monitoring. Hg and Cd concentration increased with increasing fish age and As concentration varied seasonally, possibly due to uptake during feeding (summer), elimination during starvation (winter) and up-concentration during spawning (spring). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is growing awareness and public concern about environmental impacts of waste management and disposal. Environmental policy instruments have been strengthened and associated governmental programmes have increased in recent years, resulting in high level strategies for waste management. Risk assessment is now an essential tool in the prioritisation of environmental and human health protection. However, regulators need to compare the full range of risks on a sound and consistent basis. Comparing risks from such diverse sources poses a significant challenge, and traditional hazard and risk assessments are no longer sufficient. Consideration now needs to be given to a much wider range of factors if risk assessment is to be used as an aid to more integrated decision-making process. For this purpose, baseline study – the foundation of risk assessment – can play a crucial role. To date limited research has been conducted on the need, parameters, requirements, and constituents of baseline study particularly in the context of how, why, and what information is to be collated in order to render risk assessments more appropriately integrated and complete. To establish the ‘state-of-the-art’ of baseline study, this paper comprehensively reviews the literature regarding environmental risk assessment in general terms, and then proceeds to review work that is specifically related to landfills and landfill leachate, thereby identifying knowledge gaps and shortfall areas. This review concludes that a holistic baseline study procedure for waste disposal sites, which risk assessors could use for carrying out risk analyses specifically for landfill leachate, does not as yet exist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this work is to carry out a baseline study of the uranium-bearing region of Poli in which lies the uranium deposit of Kitongo, prior to its impending exploitation. This study required sampling soil, water and foodstuffs representative of the radioactivity exposure and food consumption patterns of the population of Poli. After sampling and radioactivity measurements were taken, our results indicated that the activities of natural series in soil and water samples are low. However, high levels of 210Po and 210Pb in foodstuffs (vegetables) were discovered and elevated activities of 40K were observed in some soil samples. All components of the total dose were assessed and lead to an average value of 5.2 mSv/year, slightly higher than the average worldwide value of 2.4 mSv/year. Most of this dose is attributable to the ingestion dose caused by the high levels of 210Po and 210Pb contained in vegetables, food items which constitute an important part of the diet in Northern Cameroon. Consequently, bringing uranium ore from underground to the surface might lead to an increased dose for the population of Poli through a higher deposition of 222Rn decay products on leafy vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Leaf-litter ants represent a major component of biodiversity and are excellent bioindicators reflecting the health of terrestrial ecosystems. This study, conducted in an unspoiled forest near the Nouragues Research Station, represents the first inventory of leaf-litter ant diversity conducted in French Guiana, and so can be considered as the baseline dataset for ants in this country. 2. Ants were extracted from the leaf-litter using the Ants of the Leaf Litter Protocol, along an altitudinal gradient at four forest sites, including an inselberg. 3. A total of 196 ant species representing 46 genera distributed over eight subfamilies were collected. Four distinct communities spread over a gradient of diversity were thus identified: the liana forest was the most species-rich (140 species) followed by the forested plateau (102 species), the transition forest (87 species) and the forest at the top of the inselberg (71 species). 4. The discovery of species new to science plus several species recorded for the first time in French Guiana, coupled with the particular context of this area, suggests that the Nouragues Research Station might represent a centre of endemism. Once completed, this leaf-litter ant dataset will contribute greatly to the knowledge of ant biodiversity in French Guiana, and has the potential to progressively become an indispensable tool for country-wide conservation planning programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the most important mosquito vectors of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus. There is growing interest in the control of these vectors using the sterile insect technique in which large numbers of sterilized males are released and compete with wild fertile males for mates. Females that mate with sterile males do not produce viable offspring. A study was performed on the population fluctuations of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus using egg traps in two rural villages with a history of dengue in Chiapas, southern Mexico. Higher numbers of Aedes eggs were recorded in Hidalgo village compared with the village of Río Florido. In contrast, higher number of eggs were collected in areas surrounding Río Florido, compared with those around Hidalgo. Aedes aegypti was the dominant species during the dry season and at the start of the rainy season in both villages. Aedes albopictus populations were lower for most of the dry season, but increased during the rainy season and became dominant at the end of the rainy season in both villages. Aedes albopictus was also the dominant species in the zones of natural vegetation surrounding both villages. We conclude that the efficacy of a program of vector control involving the sterile insect technique could be evaluated in future studies on the isolated mosquito populations in these rural villages, in combination with habitat elimination and appropriate treatment of water sources. Indoor and outdoor ovitraps were placed in 15 randomly selected houses in two rural villages in Chiapas, southern Mexico. In addition, ovitraps were placed in five transects surrounding each village, with three traps per transect, one at the edge, one at 50 m, and another at 100 m from the edge of the village. All traps were inspected weekly. A transect with eight traps along a road between the two villages was also included. Population fluctuations of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were examined during 2016–2018 by counting egg numbers. A higher number of Aedes spp. eggs was recorded at Hidalgo village with 257,712 eggs (60.9%), of which 58.1% were present in outdoor ovitraps and 41.9% in indoor ovitraps, compared with 165,623 eggs (39.1%) collected in the village of Río Florido, 49.0% in outdoor and 51.0% in indoor ovitraps. A total of 84,047 eggs was collected from ovitraps placed along transects around Río Florido, compared to 67,542 eggs recorded from transects around Hidalgo. Fluctuations in egg counts were associated with annual variation in precipitation, with 2.3 to 3.2-fold more eggs collected from ovitraps placed in houses and 4.8 to 5.1-fold more eggs in ovitraps from the surrounding transects during the rainy season than in the dry season, respectively. Aedes aegypti was the dominant species during the dry season and at the start of the rainy season in both villages. Aedes albopictus populations were lower for most of the dry season, but increased during the rainy season and predominated at the end of the rainy season in both villages. Aedes albopictus was also the dominant species in the zones surrounding both villages. The numbers of eggs collected from intradomiciliary ovitraps were strongly correlated with the numbers of eggs in peridomiciliary ovitraps in both Río Florido (R2adj = 0.92) and Hidalgo (R2adj = 0.94), suggesting that peridomiciliary sampling could provide an accurate estimate of intradomiciliary oviposition by Aedes spp. in future studies in these villages. We conclude that the feasibility of sterile insect technique (SIT)-based program of vector control could be evaluated in the isolated Ae. aegypti populations in the rural villages of our baseline study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring water chemistry is influenced by many factors, including geology, climate, vegetation and land use, which determine groundwater residence times and water–rock interaction. Changes in water chemistry can have a profound impact on their associated ecosystems. To protect these ecosystems and to evaluate possible changes, knowledge of the underlying processes and dynamics is important. We collected water samples at 20 locations during 5 campaigns within the water catchment area of the upper Schönmünz river in the Black Forest National Park, Southwest Germany and analyzed them hydro-chemically for their contents of inorganic constituents, organic carbon content, fluorescence properties as well as several physico chemical field parameters and spring discharge. Results show that water chemistry is strongly dependent on geology and that the response of dissolved organic carbon to changes in hydraulic conditions is highly dynamic. Due to increased flow through the upper soil layer during and after rain events, more organic carbon is extracted from the soil and transported with the water. Fluorescence EEM measurements indicate an allochthonous source of this organic carbon. This study can be used as baseline to assess future changes and serve as a supplement to ongoing studies of the spring ecosystems. Unlabelled Image • Generally very low mineralization of spring waters in the Black Forest National Park • Waters from sandstone aquifers and crystalline distinguished based on hydrochemistry. • High TOC and high TDS in water samples from study area are mutually exclusive. • TOC contributes significantly to conductivity in TOC rich samples • Baseline for future studies of hydrochemistry in the Black Forest National Park [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of California's 577 coastal confluences, 278 of these are characterized as bar-built estuaries or coastal river mouth lagoons. Development during the 20th century has led to varying and often extreme levels of alteration to these estuarine systems. Changes to the natural timing and magnitude of riverine flows and modification of the mouth have affected the frequency and depth of marsh plain flooding, as well as the timing of breaching events. This project used standard assessment techniques to document and quantify the current environmental condition of 32 bar-built estuaries of various sizes, distributed throughout California. Estuary lagoon filling/flushing patterns (documented using pressure/temperature loggers) were found to fluctuate most in spring (due to bar closure with continued fluvial discharge) and late fall (due to high wave overtopping events). These spring and fall water level increases led to marsh plain flooding. Marshes were flooded for periods ranging from 9 to 65 days. Sites that supported long summer ponding periods increased hydraulic connectivity with side channels and back water environments and were characterized as having optimal habitat condition using the California Rapid Assessment Method. Bar-built estuaries with lower condition were found to have higher abundance of agriculture and impervious surface within their watersheds. The lowest condition sites had more than 65% impervious surface within the 2 km radius around the bar-built estuary. Also, bar-built estuary systems where bar management occurred (periodic or permanent) were found to have a lower habitat condition and support fewer native plant species. Summer salinity exceeded 25 within portions of thirteen of the 32 estuaries and all but three systems had water within portions of the main channel with salinity below 5. Our findings suggest that water elevations, dissolved oxygen concentrations, salinity and temperature vary widely within bar-built estuaries and thus, management decisions should account for this variability to ensure support for a diversity of endemic species. Image 1 • The CRAM Index score for BBE habitat condition ranged from 33 to 90. • Highly managed BBEs support less variable hydrology and poorer habitat condition. • Variable water chemistry within BBEs provides unique habitats for various species. • Mouth management should be weighed with regards to the needs of a full range of species and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]