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Integrative and Comparative Biology Jul 2021Recent natural disasters and weather extremes are a stark reminder that we live in a climate crisis. Climate scientists and policymakers have asked each discipline to...
Recent natural disasters and weather extremes are a stark reminder that we live in a climate crisis. Climate scientists and policymakers have asked each discipline to anticipate and create mitigation and adaptation plans in preparation for a worsening future. Companion animals both impact and are impacted by the changing climate through their intrinsically linked relationships to human society. In this theoretical paper, we argue that companion animal scientists are well-suited to address climate change issues. We identify several anticipated climate change outcomes, such as an increase in extreme weather events, human migration, disasters, and an increase in human inequity, and connect these outcomes to identified or hypothesized impacts on companion animals and the human-animal bond. We suggest opportunities to reduce climate change impacts on companion animals that include alterations to owner caretaking behaviors and breeding practices, and education of owners and governments on zoonosis and disaster preparedness. Furthermore, building climate resilience through decreasing inequity in companion animal fields is paramount; and we propose that a starting place can be in animal sheltering and other support services. We also summarize how companion animals and owners' caretaking behaviors are impacting climate change through the use of finite natural resources as well as pollution and carbon emissions. We propose that replacement, reduction, and refinement, that guide laboratory animal research, can also be useful to mitigate the effects of companion animals on the environment. We suggest criteria for successful mitigation and adaptation plans to include equitability, sustainability, respect for animals, and measurability. Finally, we end on a call to all companion animal professionals to actively consider their role in mitigating the impact of companion animals on the climate and preparing for the fallout of climate change in their communities.
Topics: Animals; Climate Change; Disasters; Weather
PubMed: 33871032
DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab025 -
Scientific Reports May 2022Wildfire management in the US relies on a complex nationwide network of shared resources that are allocated based on regional need. While this network bolsters... (Review)
Review
Wildfire management in the US relies on a complex nationwide network of shared resources that are allocated based on regional need. While this network bolsters firefighting capacity, it may also provide pathways for transmission of infectious diseases between fire sites. In this manuscript, we review a first attempt at building an epidemiological model adapted to the interconnected fire system, with the aims of supporting prevention and mitigation efforts along with understanding potential impacts to workforce capacity. Specifically, we developed an agent-based model of COVID-19 built on historical wildland fire assignments using detailed dispatch data from 2016-2018, which form a network of firefighters dispersed spatially and temporally across the US. We used this model to simulate SARS-CoV-2 transmission under several intervention scenarios including vaccination and social distancing. We found vaccination and social distancing are effective at reducing transmission at fire incidents. Under a scenario assuming High Compliance with recommended mitigations (including vaccination), infection rates, number of outbreaks, and worker days missed are effectively negligible, suggesting the recommended interventions could successfully mitigate the risk of cascading infections between fires. Under a contrasting Low Compliance scenario, it is possible for cascading outbreaks to emerge leading to relatively high numbers of worker days missed. As the model was built in 2021 before the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants, the modeled viral parameters and isolation/quarantine policies may have less relevance to 2022, but nevertheless underscore the importance of following basic prevention and mitigation guidance. This work could set the foundation for future modeling efforts focused on mitigating spread of infectious disease at wildland fire incidents to manage both the health of fire personnel and system capacity.
Topics: COVID-19; Fires; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Wildfires; Workforce
PubMed: 35585149
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12253-x -
JMIR Mental Health Oct 2023Evidence suggests that digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for common mental health conditions are effective. However, digital interventions, such as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Evidence suggests that digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) for common mental health conditions are effective. However, digital interventions, such as face-to-face therapies, pose risks to patients. A safe intervention is considered one in which the measured benefits outweigh the identified and mitigated risks.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to review the literature to assess how DMHIs assess safety, what risks are reported, and how they are mitigated in both the research and postmarket phases and building on existing recommendations for assessing, reporting, and mitigating safety in the DMHI and standardizing practice.
METHODS
PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE databases were searched for studies that addressed the safety of DMHIs. The inclusion criteria were any study that addressed the safety of a clinical DMHI, even if not as a main outcome, in an adult population, and in English. As the outcome data were mainly qualitative in nature, a meta-analysis was not possible, and qualitative analysis was used to collate the results. Quantitative results were synthesized in the form of tables and percentages. To illustrate the use of a single common safety metric across studies, we calculated odds ratios and CIs, wherever possible.
RESULTS
Overall, 23 studies were included in this review. Although many of the included studies assessed safety by actively collecting adverse event (AE) data, over one-third (8/23, 35%) did not assess or collect any safety data. The methods and frequency of safety data collection varied widely, and very few studies have performed formal statistical analyses. The main treatment-related reported AE was symptom deterioration. The main method used to mitigate risk was exclusion of high-risk groups. A secondary web-based search found that 6 DMHIs were available for users or patients to use (postmarket phase), all of which used indications and contraindications to mitigate risk, although there was no evidence of ongoing safety review.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this review show the need for a standardized classification of AEs, a standardized method for assessing AEs to statically analyze AE data, and evidence-based practices for mitigating risk in DMHIs, both in the research and postmarket phases. This review produced 7 specific, measurable, and achievable recommendations with the potential to have an immediate impact on the field, which were implemented across ongoing and future research. Improving the quality of DMHI safety data will allow meaningful assessment of the safety of DMHIs and confidence in whether the benefits of a new DMHI outweigh its risks.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022333181; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=333181.
PubMed: 37812471
DOI: 10.2196/47433 -
Journal of the Air & Waste Management... Oct 2021Greenhouse gas emissions, driven by population growth and an increasing demand for resource-intensive goods, foods and services, are altering the planet's climate in...
Greenhouse gas emissions, driven by population growth and an increasing demand for resource-intensive goods, foods and services, are altering the planet's climate in ways that threaten the habitability of the planet. Transparent modeling tools and recent literature are used to quantify the mitigation challenge and assess potential remedies. Model results identify mitigation actions needed to have a chance of limiting global warming to 2 C, and how difficult it will be to limit warming to 1.5 C. Since a recent study concluded that there could be "runaway," irreversible warming when global temperatures reach 2 C or higher, this would argue for the importance of limiting warming to 1.5 C, despite the difficulty in meeting such a target. Serious emission reductions must start as soon as possible, involve all countries, include emission reductions in all sectors and for all the greenhouse gases. For achieving the 1.5 C target, and probably to meet the 2 C target, Carbon Dioxide removal (CDR) technologies/practices will need to be operational at large scale. Unfortunately, given their early stage of development, and high projected costs, there is no guarantee that removing CO2 from the air will be practical at the scale needed. For the U.S., a unique model examines key impactful mitigation actions and quantifies the monumental challenge of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Also examined are the different mitigation trajectories needed for developed versus developing countries, how different emission trajectories would affect warming this century, and a summary of the status of R, D&D needs for key technologies. The two most impactful global mitigative actions, are to implement a strong, escalating price on carbon and greatly expanding R, D&D on promising clean energy and CDR technologies.: Humanity continues on its unsustainable trajectory. Greenhouse gas emissions, driven by population growth and an increasing demand for resource-intensive goods, foods and services are altering the planet's climate in ways that threaten the habitability of the planet. Transparent modeling tools and recent literature are used to quantify the mitigation challenge and assess potential remedies. Model results identify mitigation actions needed to have a chance of limiting global warming to 2 C, and how difficult it will be to limit warming to 1.5 C. Since a recent study, concluded there could be "runaway," irreversible warming when global temperatures reach 2 C or higher, this would argue for the importance limiting warming to 1.5 C, despite the difficulty in meeting such a target. Serious emission reductions must start as soon as possible, involve all countries, include emission reductions in all sectors and for all the greenhouse gases. For achieving the 1.5 C target, and probably to meet the 2 C target, Carbon Dioxide removal (CDR) technologies/practices will need to be operational at large scale. Unfortunately, given their early stage of development, and high projected costs, there is no guarantee that removing CO2 from the air will be practical at the scale needed. For the U.S., a unique model examines key impactful mitigation actions and quantifies the monumental challenge of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Also examined are the different mitigation trajectories needed for developed versus developing countries, how different emission trajectories would affect warming this century, and a summary of the status of R, D&D needs for key technologies. It was concluded that the two most important global mitigative actions are to implement a strong, escalating price on carbon and greatly expanding R, D&D on promising clean energy and CDR technologies.
Topics: Carbon Dioxide; Climate; Climate Change; Global Warming; Greenhouse Effect; Greenhouse Gases
PubMed: 34233128
DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2021.1948458 -
Food Science & Nutrition Dec 2023Physical contaminants in food, such as glass, metal, and plastic, can cause significant health risks and economic loss. This study explores these understudied physical... (Review)
Review
Physical contaminants in food, such as glass, metal, and plastic, can cause significant health risks and economic loss. This study explores these understudied physical hazards, aiming to provide comprehensive risk analysis and preventive solutions. Our research identified several key infiltration points in the food supply chain, including raw material sourcing and packaging stages. These hazards can be effectively mitigated by employing advanced technologies like metal detectors and optical sorting machines, along with stringent quality control measures. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders in the food industry, emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance and consumer education to ensure food safety.
PubMed: 38107102
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3727 -
Handbook of Clinical Neurology 2021Antipsychotic drugs are efficacious first-line treatments for many individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. However, their adverse metabolic side-effect... (Review)
Review
Antipsychotic drugs are efficacious first-line treatments for many individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. However, their adverse metabolic side-effect profile, which resembles the metabolic syndrome, represents a significant clinical problem that increases morbidity and limits treatment adherence. Moreover, the mechanisms involved in antipsychotic-induced adverse metabolic effects (AMEs) are unknown and mitigating strategies and interventions are limited. However, recent clinical trials show that nightly administration of exogenous melatonin may mitigate or even prevent antipsychotic-induced AMEs. This clinical evidence in combination with recent preclinical data implicate the circadian system in antipsychotic-induced AMEs and their mitigation. In this chapter, we provide an overview on the circadian system and its involvement in antipsychotic-induced AMEs, as well as the potential beneficial effect of nightly melatonin administration to mitigate them.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Humans; Melatonin; Mental Disorders; Metabolic Syndrome
PubMed: 34225976
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-819975-6.00024-8 -
Journal of Business Continuity &... Jan 2024Cyber attacks have a significant business impact, with the potential to escalate into crises if poorly managed. A recurring pattern is strategic dilemmas that cannot be...
Cyber attacks have a significant business impact, with the potential to escalate into crises if poorly managed. A recurring pattern is strategic dilemmas that cannot be resolved satisfactorily. Some dilemmas are more pronounced, others less so, and therefore often catch decision-makers unprepared, leaving only bad options for decision-making. Something that all dilemmas have in common is that the associated decisions can have a lasting impact on relationships with stakeholders. This paper introduces four recurring dilemmas; shows the typical considerations; lists options for mitigating these dilemmas; and describes the basic requirements for implementing mitigations. The dilemmas and options, in turn, are rooted in the organisation-specific design of: cyber security incident management and response; IT service continuity and disaster recovery management; business continuity management; and crisis management and communication.
Topics: Disaster Planning; Computer Security; Humans; Risk Management; Commerce
PubMed: 38736163
DOI: No ID Found -
Bioscience, Biotechnology, and... Dec 2022Chemical nitrogen fixation by the Haber-Bosch method permitted industrial-scale fertilizer production that supported global population growth, but simultaneously...
Chemical nitrogen fixation by the Haber-Bosch method permitted industrial-scale fertilizer production that supported global population growth, but simultaneously released reactive nitrogen into the environment. This minireview highlights the potential for bacterial nitrogen fixation and mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soybean and rice fields. Nitrous oxide (N2O), a GHG, is mainly emitted from agricultural use of nitrogen fertilizer and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Some rhizobia have a denitrifying enzyme system that includes an N2O reductase and are able to mitigate N2O emission from the rhizosphere of leguminous plants. Type II methane (CH4)-oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs) are endophytes in paddy rice roots and fix N2 using CH4 (a GHG) as an energy source, mitigating the emission of CH4 and reducing nitrogen fertilizer usage. Thus, symbiotic nitrogen fixation shows potential for GHG mitigation in soybean and rice fields while simultaneously supporting sustainable agriculture.
Topics: Greenhouse Gases; Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria; Fertilizers; Agriculture; Nitrogen; Nitrous Oxide; Oryza; Methane; Glycine max; Soil
PubMed: 36354103
DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbac177 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022Software-defined networking (SDN) is a new networking paradigm that realizes the fast management and optimal configuration of network resources by decoupling control...
Software-defined networking (SDN) is a new networking paradigm that realizes the fast management and optimal configuration of network resources by decoupling control logic and forwarding functions. However, centralized network architecture brings new security problems, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks are among the most critical threats. Due to the lack of an effective message-verification mechanism in SDN, attackers can easily launch a DoS attack by faking the source address information. This paper presents DoSGuard, an efficient and protocol-independent defense framework for SDN networks to detect and mitigate such attacks. DoSGuard is a lightweight extension module on SDN controllers that mainly consists of three key components: a monitor, a detector, and a mitigator. The monitor maintains the information between the switches and the hosts for anomaly detection. The detector utilizes OpenFlow message and flow features to detect the attack. The mitigator protects networks by filtering malicious packets. We implement a prototype of DoSGuard in the floodlight controller and evaluate its effectiveness in a simulation environment. Experimental results show the DoSGuard achieves 98.72% detecion precision, and the average CPU utilization of the controller is only around 8%. The results demonstrate that DoSGuard can effectively mitigate DoS attacks against SDN with limited overhead.
PubMed: 35161800
DOI: 10.3390/s22031061 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2020Plants are often exposed to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, cold, and heavy metals that induce complex responses, which result in reduced growth as... (Review)
Review
Plants are often exposed to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, cold, and heavy metals that induce complex responses, which result in reduced growth as well as crop yield. Phytohormones are well known for their regulatory role in plant growth and development, and they serve as important chemical messengers, allowing plants to function during exposure to various stresses. Seed priming is a physiological technique involving seed hydration and drying to improve metabolic processes prior to germination, thereby increasing the percentage and rate of germination and improving seedling growth and crop yield under normal and various biotic and abiotic stresses. Seed priming allows plants to obtain an enhanced capacity for rapidly and effectively combating different stresses. Thus, seed priming with phytohormones has emerged as an important tool for mitigating the effects of abiotic stress. Therefore, this review discusses the potential role of priming with phytohormones to mitigate the harmful effects of abiotic stresses, possible mechanisms for how mitigation is accomplished, and roles of priming on the enhancement of crop production.
PubMed: 33375667
DOI: 10.3390/plants10010037