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Simple Summary: Hunting can have direct effects (i.e., mortality) and indirect effects (i.e., behavior changes, such as shifting away from foraging areas to circumvent risk from hunters) on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Deer populations within the Chattahoochee National Forest of northern Georgia, USA, have declined significantly since the 1980s. Since deer population sustainability is a concern, understanding the potential negative effects of hunting on female deer is important. During the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 hunting seasons, we evaluated the indirect effects of 7 firearms hunts for male deer on 20 non-target female deer. We used GPS locations recorded every 30 min during pre-hunt, hunt, and post-hunt periods to calculate and compare movement rates during the day and night, as well as the size and landscape characteristics of the space the deer utilized. Our results suggest that the low level of hunting pressure in our study area led to no biologically significant changes in female deer movements. To the extent of the findings presented in this paper, adjustments to the management of hunting in our study area do not appear to be necessary to minimize hunting-related disturbances for female deer. However, managers should continue to consider female deer behavior when evaluating future changes to hunting regulations. Perceived risk associated with hunters can cause white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to shift their activity away from key foraging areas or alter normal movements, which are important considerations in managing hunting and its effects on a population. We studied the effects of seven firearms hunts on the movements of 20 female deer in two Wildlife Management Areas within the Chattahoochee National Forest of northern Georgia, USA, during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 hunting seasons. Deer populations and the number of hunters in our study area have declined significantly since the 1980s. In response, hunting regulations for the 2019–2020 hunting season eliminated opportunities for harvesting female deer. To evaluate the indirect effects of antlered deer hunting on non-target female deer, we calculated 90% utilization distributions (UDs), 50% UDs, and step lengths for pre-hunt, hunt, and post-hunt periods using the dynamic Brownian bridge movement model. Data included 30 min GPS locations for 44 deer-hunt combinations. Pre-hunt 50% UDs ( x −   = 7.0 ha, SE = 0.4 ha) were slightly greater than both hunt ( x −   = 6.0 ha, SE = 0.3 ha) and post-hunt ( x − = 6.0 ha, SE = 0.2 ha) 50% UDs (F = 3.84, p = 0.03). We did not detect differences in step length, nor did we detect differences in size or composition of 90% UDs, among the periods. Overall, our results suggest that the low level of hunting pressure in our study area and lack of exposure to hunters led to no biologically significant changes in female deer movements. To the extent of the findings presented in this paper, adjustments to the management of hunting in our study area do not appear to be necessary to minimize hunting-related disturbances for female deer. However, managers should continue to consider female deer behavior when evaluating future changes to hunting regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a consequence of global climate change, sea level rise (SLR) presents notable risks to both urban and natural areas located near coastlines. For developing effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to these risks, it is essential to evaluate the potential impacts of SLR in coastal areas. While substantial research has been conducted on mapping the broad-scale impacts of SLR based on scenarios of Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL), consideration of regional scenarios, systematic classification, and distinct stages of SLR have been largely overlooked. This gap is significant because SLR impacts vary by region and by the level of SLR, so adaptations, planning, and decision-making must be adapted to local conditions. This paper aims to precisely identify the landscape and urban morphology changes caused by the impact of SLR for each foot of elevation increase based on remote sensing technologies, focusing on St. Johns County, Florida, and Chatham County, Georgia. These two counties are both situated along the southeastern coastline of the United States but with completely different urban forms due to distinct historical and cultural developments. Regional forecasting SLR scenarios covering the period from 2020 to 2100 were utilized to assess the landscape transformation and urban changes, incorporating selected landscape and urban metrics to calculate quantitative data for facilitating comparative analyses. This study investigated gradual alterations in urban morphology and green infrastructure both individually and in combination with the effect on wetlands due to SLR. The mapping outcomes of this research were generated by employing comprehensive remote sensing data. The findings of this research indicated that, when the sea level rose to 3 feet, the wetlands would experience notable alterations, and the level of fragmentation in urban built areas would progressively increase, causing most of the metric data to exhibit a pronounced decline or increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has become the greatest public health challenge worldwide. Soon after the appearance of the virus in 2019, intensive efforts to develop vaccines were initiated, and by late 2020, delivery of vaccines for the targeted population as a campaign had started. Aim: Collect information from European Union countries regarding how and to what extent were family physicians (FPs)/general practitioners (GPs) involved in the vaccination campaigns in 2021 and how these were organized at the national level. Method: A short questionnaire was distributed through the secretariats of WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors) Europe and the European Forum for Primary Care (EFPC). Results: In most of the countries, participation of FPs/GPs was compulsory. The vaccination was usually centrally organized by governmental authorities. In the beginning, registration (web-based) of patients was required, mainly at the national level. By the middle of 2021, vaccination on a walk-in basis became available in almost every country for the first immunization as well as for the booster injections. The remunerations of GPs/FPs differed; in some countries, no extra payments were offered. The Pfizer vaccine was used in all countries, while in nine countries, non-European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved vaccines were also given in primary care settings and at vaccination centers. In some countries, professional homepages helped the GPs. The involvement of primary health care (PHC) providers did not correlate to the vaccination coverage of the entire population of the respective countries. It was the highest in the more developed countries with higher living standards, where participation of GPs was voluntary and appropriate financial incentives were offered to them. Conclusions: The vaccination campaign was a professional and logistic challenge and an excellent performance of PCH providers. Experiences gained could be used in the future to manage similar pandemic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) poses a threat to cattle health worldwide, contributing to both respiratory and enteric diseases. However, few contemporary strains have been isolated. In this study, 71 samples (10 nasal and 61 fecal) were collected from one farm in Ohio in 2021 and three farms in Georgia in 2023. They were screened by BCoV-specific real-time reverse transcription-PCR, and 15 BCoV-positive samples were identified. Among them, five BCoV strains from fecal samples were isolated using human rectal tumor-18 (HRT-18) cells. The genomic sequences of five strains were obtained. The phylogenetic analysis illustrated that these new strains clustered with US BCoVs that have been detected since the 1990s. Sequence analyses of the spike proteins of four pairs of BCoVs, with each pair originally collected from the respiratory and enteric sites of one animal, revealed the potential amino acid residue patterns, such as D1180 for all four enteric BCoVs and G1180 for three of four respiratory BCoVs. This project provides new BCoV isolates and sequences and underscores the genetic diversity of BcoVs, the unknown mechanisms of disease types, and the necessity of sustained surveillance and research for BCoVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined whether perception of critical community issues was dependent on respondents' rurality, geographic region, or extension district in the state of Georgia, located in the southeastern United States. A non-probability sampling procedure was employed. A total of 3,374 responses were collected. Five critical community issue themes were analyzed: (1) youth and family development, (2) civic engagement and community development, (3) agriculture and economic development, (4) nutrition education and food availability, and (5) water. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. A series of chi-squared tests of independence were used to test for significant relationships between perception of critical community issues and geographic grouping. Statistically significant differences were observed between all groups (rurality, region, and district). Specifically, significant relationships were observed between all groups and perception of youth and family development and agriculture and economic development. A significant relationship between region and perception of civic engagement and community leadership was observed. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between rurality and water observed. The results indicate that programming efforts should be informed both by proximal communities as well as non-proximal communities sharing common characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An archaeometric approach was applied to the study of the hoard found in the Samshvilde fortress, one of the richest areas of archaeological artefacts in Caucasian Georgia, since it is representative of the historical events from the Neolithic period until the most recent epochs. In this context, four coins dated back to the 12th–13th centuries AD to the reign of King Giorgi III, Queen Tamar, and King Giorgi IV of Georgia underwent different analytical methods to collect information about the technological production process, the probable forge location, and their conservation state. Optical microscope observations provided details about the decorations, the stylistic aspects, and a preliminary evaluation of the conservation state. Portable X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed a composition consisting almost exclusively of copper with a lower amount of tin, lead, and silver. Moreover, degradation products (copper chlorides and sulphates) and cuprite patina were identified. The metal-supplying areas could be related to the nearby Bolnisi Mining District, and the forge location could coincide with the hoard location in Samshvilde, but further data and analyses are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns over both water quality and quantity continue to increase globally. As the need for useable and potable water becomes more of a widespread issue, there is an opportunity to review and consider alternatives to how water is used, consumed, and sustained for future use by the world's population. A review of data across cities within North America shows improvement opportunities in water infrastructure systems. Using water audit and loss control data from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF), an analysis is provided to define opportunities for mitigating water losses among select North American Water Infrastructure systems in the U.S. states of Georgia and California. The research methodology used includes statistical analysis data while grouping utility sizes to identify utility cost opportunities. Variables on water loss and customer cost that have a positive impact on overall and long-term water system sustainability are identified. The analysis shows California, while having firm water guidance and higher rates compared to Georgia, also demonstrates less overall water loss. The results of the analysis are presented, showing comparison characteristics and opportunities for additional change to improve utility funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African swine fever virus (ASFV) mutant ASFV-G-∆I177L is a safe and efficacious vaccine which induces protection against the challenge of its parental virus, the Georgia 2010 isolate. Although a genetic DIVA (differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals) assay has been developed for this vaccine, still there is not a serological DIVA test for differentiating between animals vaccinated with ASFV-G-∆I177L and those infected with wild-type viruses. In this report, we describe the development of the ASFV-G-∆I177L mutant having deleted the EP402R gene, which encodes for the viral protein responsible for mediating the hemadsorption of swine erythrocytes. The resulting virus, ASFV-G-∆I177L/∆EP402R, does not have a decreased ability to replicates in swine macrophages when compared with the parental ASFV-G-∆I177L. Domestic pigs intramuscularly (IM) inoculated with either 102 or 106 HAD50 of ASFV-G-∆I177L/∆EP402R remained clinically normal, when compared with a group of mock-vaccinated animals, indicating the absence of residual virulence. Interestingly, an infectious virus could not be detected in the blood samples of the ASFV-G-∆I177L/∆EP402R-inoculated animals in either group at any of the time points tested. Furthermore, while all of the mock-inoculated animals presented a quick and lethal clinical form of ASF after the intramuscular inoculation challenge with 102 HAD50 of highly virulent parental field isolate Georgia 2010 (ASFV-G), all of the ASFV-G-∆I177L/∆EP402R-inoculated animals were protected, remaining clinically normal until the end of the observational period. Most of the ASFV-G-∆I177L/∆EP402R-inoculated pigs developed strong virus-specific antibody responses against viral antigens, reaching maximum levels at 28 days post inoculation. Importantly, all of the sera collected at that time point in the ASFV-G-∆I177L/∆EP402R-inoculated pigs did not react in a direct ELISA coated with the recombinant EP402R protein. Conversely, the EP402R protein was readily recognized by the pool of sera from the animals immunized with recombinant live attenuated vaccine candidates ASFV-G-∆I177L, ASFV-G-∆MGF, or ASFV-G-∆9GL/∆UK. Therefore, ASFV-G-∆I177L/∆EP402R is a novel, safe and efficacious candidate with potential to be used as an antigenically DIVA vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic vegetable producers in Georgia, USA, utilize a range of amendments to supply nitrogen (N) for crop production. However, differences in soil type, fertilizers and environmental conditions can result in variability in N mineralization rates among commonly utilized organic fertilizers in the region. In this study, the effects of temperature on N mineralization from three commercial organic fertilizers [feather meal (FM), pelleted poultry litter (PPL) and a mixed organic fertilizer (MIX)] in two soil types from Georgia, USA (Cecil sandy clay loam and Tifton loamy sand) were evaluated for 120 d. Net N mineralization (Net Nmin) varied with soil type, fertilizer and temperature. After 120 d, Net Nmin from the FM fertilizer ranged between 41% and 77% of total organic N applied, the MIX fertilizer ranged between 26% and 59% and the PPL fertilizer ranged between 0% and 22% across all soil types and temperatures. Incubation at higher temperatures (20 °C and 30 °C) impacted Net Nmin of FM fertilizer in the Tifton series soil. Temperature and soil type had a relatively minor impact on the potentially mineralizable N of the PPL and MIX fertilizers after 120 d of incubation; however, both factors impacted the rate of fertilizer release shortly after application, which could impact the synchronicity of N availability and plant uptake. Temperature-related differences in the mineralization of organic fertilizers may not be large enough to influence a grower's decisions regarding N fertilizer inputs for vegetable crop production in the two soils. However, organic fertilizer source will likely play a significant role in N availability during the cropping season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An invasive orb-weaving spider from east Asia is now spreading through the southeastern United States; Trichonephila clavata (the "jorō spider") makes large, imposing webs seemingly everywhere, including in urban landscapes, and even next to busy roads. However, areas near roads come with frequent disturbances, including auditory and vibrational, which for many animals, leads to physiological or behavioral changes. Here we tested if varying levels of road traffic affect the prey–capture behavior of jorō spiders in northeast Georgia. We visited roadsides that ranged in traffic density and exposed nearby jorō spiders to a simulated prey (a tuning fork at 128 hz frequency, touched to the web), and recorded whether or not the spider attacked it. Out of 357 total trials across 20 different roads, jorō spiders attacked the simulated prey 59% of the time, but at the local scale, there was high variability in this rate; at some roadsides, over 80% of the spiders attacked, while at others, less than 30% did. When all roads were considered collectively, there was a small but significant (negative) correlation between daily road traffic and spider attack rates. Put another way, spiders near moderate- to heavy-traffic roads were slightly less likely to attack than those near low-traffic roads (51% vs. 65%). Jorō spiders appear to be able to live near roads, but this does come with a cost in terms of prey capture. However, spiders near busier roads did not weigh less than those in other sites, suggesting they may be able to compensate for the disturbance. These findings add to the accumulating evidence around this species that points to its ability to exist in human-dominated landscapes, which will likely aid its spread in the introduced range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellowstriped armyworm (YSAW), Spodoptera ornithogalli, is a polyphagous pest that infests various crops, including cotton, cabbage, corn, blackberry, grape, etc. We documented egg clusters, larvae and adults of YSAW in pecan orchards in Georgia. Until now, there have been no reports of YSAW infesting pecan and its suitability as a host. To investigate the survival, development, and reproduction of YSAW on pecan, we used the age-stage, two sex life table. The YSAW successfully completed its lifecycle on pecan with an 82% preadult survival rate. The preadult duration and mean fecundity were 47.84 d and 1212.55 offspring per female. The population parameters, including intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproduction rate (R0), and mean generation time (T) were 0.1184 d−1, 1.1257 d−1, 430.67 offspring/female, and 51.05 d, respectively. This study confirms that pecan, Carya illinoinensis, is a potential host plant of YSAW and perhaps more widespread damage could be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2007, an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), a deadly disease of domestic swine and wild boar caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), occurred in Georgia and has since spread globally. Historically, ASFV was classified into 25 different genotypes. However, a newly proposed system recategorized all ASFV isolates into 6 genotypes exclusively using the predicted protein sequences of p72. However, ASFV has a large genome that encodes between 150–200 genes, and classifications using a single gene are insufficient and misleading, as strains encoding an identical p72 often have significant mutations in other areas of the genome. We present here a new classification of ASFV based on comparisons performed considering the entire encoded proteome. A curated database consisting of the protein sequences predicted to be encoded by 220 reannotated ASFV genomes was analyzed for similarity between homologous protein sequences. Weights were applied to the protein identity matrices and averaged to generate a genome-genome identity matrix that was then analyzed by an unsupervised machine learning algorithm, DBSCAN, to separate the genomes into distinct clusters. We conclude that all available ASFV genomes can be classified into 7 distinct biotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]