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The article explores the concept of ecological biosecurity as a crucial aspect of national security. It emphasizes the need to protect ecological systems to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful biological organisms, particularly zoonotic diseases. The article proposes the use of ecological countermeasures, such as landscape immunity and managing wildlife-human proximity, to minimize the risk of zoonotic spillover. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, risk analysis frameworks, and the inclusion of social science disciplines and Indigenous knowledge in the development and implementation of ecological countermeasures. The article suggests integrating ecological countermeasures into biosecurity policy and draws attention to the success of New Zealand's approach in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. It concludes by emphasizing the significance of ecological resilience and the use of ecological countermeasures in ensuring national security. [Extracted from the article]

This study compared learning and study strategies of students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to two groups: college students with learning disabilities (LD) and college students without disabilities. In addition, strengths and weaknesses within the ADHD group were examined on the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory, 2nd edition (LASSI; C.E. Weinstein & D.R. Palmer, 2002). The LASSI was also evaluated as a predictive measure for academic achievement for college students with ADHD compared to other students. Results indicate that several important differences may exist in the learning and study strategies of students with ADHD versus students with LD and students without disabilities. However, the LASSI may not be a useful tool for predicting academic achievement for college students with ADHD. Interventions for working with students with ADHD are given. (Contains 3 tables.)

The article discusses the concept of lamentation in relation to birds and their migration patterns. It explores the idea that the loss of birds can be a cause for grief and sorrow, and highlights the decline in bird populations over the years. The text also touches on the connection between human nature and the natural world, emphasizing the need for attentiveness to the passing of time and the potential loss that can occur. The article includes various excerpts from a book called "Dawn Songs: A Birdwatcher's Field Guide to the Poetics of Migration," which features different perspectives on the topic. The proceeds from the book support the American Bird Conservancy's Conservation and Justice Fellowship program. [Extracted from the article]

His decision to pursue an affair with his secretary drew an immutable line in the sand between my childhood and the child-adult that I had to become. When I was a young girl, my family would go to South Carolina's Litchfield Beach for a week-long summer vacation. Thomas Hübl, an expert in processing collective trauma, wisely observes that "an integrated history is presence, and an unintegrated history is the past.". [Extracted from the article]

A large study of combustion particle exposures for drivers of diesel-powered trucks was conducted in collaboration with an epidemiologic study of lung cancer outcomes for workers in the trucking industry. Three components of diesel exhaust combustion particles (PM2.5, elemental carbon, and organic carbon) were measured inside the driver cabs of diesel-powered trucks from 36 different trucking terminals across the United States between 2001 and 2005. In-cab particle exposures for drivers assigned to both short and long distance trips were observed, as well as information on the smoking status of the driver, truck characteristics such as age and model, and weather conditions during the sampling session. This article summarizes these findings and describes the relationship between exhaust particles and various determinants of exposure. The results suggest that in-cab particle exposures are positively related to smoking, ambient particle concentrations, truck age, and open windows, with other significant modifying factors such as weather. This study represents the largest and most comprehensive exposure assessment of drivers in the trucking industry, encompassing a 4-year period of observations on diesel and exhaust particle exposures nationwide. The results are relevant not only to the occupational group of truck drivers being examined but also to the general population that live, commute, or work within proximity to diesel-fueled traffic or trucking terminals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their high profile and potentially devastating consequences, bioterrorist acts are relatively unpredictable, rare, and thus far small-scale events. In contrast, biological invasions are occurring daily in the US and have significant impacts on human health, agriculture, infrastructure, and the environment, yet they receive far less attention and fewer resources. Scientists and the US government must work together to implement a comprehensive approach to biosecurity that addresses not only bioterrorism, but also the more common incursions of invasive alien species. This approach should also address the potential for the deliberate use of invasive alien species as agents of bioterrorism. To achieve these goals, it will be necessary for the relevant government institutions to acknowledge and include prevention, early detection, and rapid response to species incursions as central mission themes. In addition, the scientific community, industry, and the public must work together to ensure that the necessary technology and information systems are readily available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study assessment of DNA repair and resistance to Ultraviolet B (UV-B) solar radiation in eggs of western spotted frog complex Rana pretiosa and R. luteiventris species. It measures activity of photoreactivating enzyme photolyase in oocytes of spotted frogs. It also mentions importance of photoreactivation mechanism in species for repair of UV-damaged DNA.

Profiles the life of Robert T. Hill, a Texas geologist. Background information on Hill; Detailed information on his career achievements; Contributions by Hill to the geographic and geologic nomenclature of Cretaceous.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article by Martina Carrete and José Tella about captive-bred birds published in the 2008 issue of the journal.

Truck freight terminals are predominantly located near highways and industrial facilities. This proximity to pollution sources, coupled with meteorological conditions and wind patterns, may affect occupational exposures to particles at these work locations. To understand this process, data from an environmental sampling study of particles at U.S. trucking terminals, along with weather and geographic maps, were analyzed to determine the extent to which the transportation of particles from local pollutant sources elevated observed occupational exposures at these locations. To help identify potential upwind sources, wind direction weighted averages and speed measurements were used to construct wind roses that were superimposed on overhead photos of the terminal and examined for upwind source activity. Statistical tests were performed on these "source" and "nonsource" directions to determine whether there were significant differences in observed particle levels between the two groups. Our results provide evidence that nearby upwind pollution sources significantly elevated background concentrations at only a few of the locations sampled, whereas the majority provided little to no evidence of a significant upwind source effect.

As part of a large epidemiologic study of lung cancer, 55,000 subjects, we have conducted a nation-wide survey of particulate exposures in the US trucking industry. The goal is to differentiate the risks from various types of particulate exposures, such as traffic emissions and general air pollution. We hypothesize that exposures defined by job and work site characteristics can be linked with subjects using their personal job histories. This report covers exposures at 36 randomly chosen large truck freight terminals in the US. Measurements were made of PM2.5, elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) upwind of the terminal (background) and in work areas, and by personal samples. Significant differences in exposure intensity, microg m(-3), were found for work locations and jobs relative to background levels (GM[GSD]) at terminal sites: PM2.5 9.8[2.34], EC 0.5[3.24], and OC 5.0[1.76]. Using EC as a marker for diesel particles, work locations varied significantly: office 0.3[3.7], dock area 0.7[2.89] and shop area 1.5[3.52]), as did job titles (non-smokers): clerk 0.1[9.98], dock worker 0.8[2.13], and mechanic 2.0[3.82]. Cigarette smoking contributed substantially to personal exposures, approximately doubling PM2.5 and OC, but having less of an effect on EC. Large differences were seen across the terminal sites due to differences in local regional air pollution levels from traffic and other sources. We conclude that it will be possible to estimate current exposures of the cohort using an exposure assignment matrix based on job title, work location, and terminal site. This distribution overlaps substantially with the general public's exposure to these sources.

This study analyzed the workplace area concentrations and the personal exposure concentrations to fine particulate (PM2.5), elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) measured during the winter period in trucking companies. The averaged personal exposure concentrations at breathing zones of workers are much greater than those of the microenvironment concentrations. The highest difference between the area (microenvironment) and personal exposure concentrations was in the PM2.5 concentrations followed by the OC concentrations. The area concentrations of PM2.5, EC, and OC at a large terminal were higher than those at a small one. The highest area concentrations of PM2.5, EC, and OC were observed in the shop areas followed by pick-up and delivery (P&D) areas. The area concentrations and personal exposure to PM2.5, EC, and OC in the shop and P&D areas which are highly affected by diesel engine exhaust emissions were much higher than those in the docks which are significantly affected by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engine exhaust emissions. The highest EC fraction to the total carbon (EC + OC) concentrations was observed in the shops, while the lowest one was identified in the offices. The personal exposure of the smoking workers to PM2.5 and OC was much higher than that of the non-smoking workers. However, the smoking might not significantly contribute to the personal exposure to EC. There were significant correlations between the PM2.5 and OC concentrations in both the area and personal exposure concentrations. However, significant correlations between the PM2.5 and EC concentrations and between the OC and EC concentrations were not identified.