A trait-based analysis of the role of phosphorus vs. nitrogen enrichment in plant species loss across North-west European grasslands

AbstractAnopheles funestus is playing an increasing role in malaria transmission in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where An. gambiae s.s. has been effectively controlled by long-lasting insecticidal nets. We investigated vector population bionomics, insecticide resistance and malaria transmission dynamics in 86 study clusters in North-West Tanzania. An. funestus s.l. represented 94.5% (4740/5016) of all vectors and was responsible for the majority of malaria transmission (96.5%), with a sporozoite rate of 3.4% and average monthly entomological inoculation rate (EIR) of 4.57 per house. Micro-geographical heterogeneity in species composition, abundance and transmission was observed across the study district in relation to key ecological differences between northern and southern clusters, with significantly higher densities, proportions and EIR of An. funestus s.l. collected from the South. An. gambiae s.l. (5.5%) density, principally An. arabiensis (81.1%) and An. gambiae s.s. (18.9%), was much lower and closely correlated with seasonal rainfall. Both An. funestus s.l. and An. gambiae s.l. were similarly resistant to alpha-cypermethrin and permethrin. Overexpression of CYP9K1, CYP6P3, CYP6P4 and CYP6M2 and high L1014S-kdr mutation frequency were detected in An. gambiae s.s. populations. Study findings highlight the urgent need for novel vector control tools to tackle persistent malaria transmission in the Lake Region of Tanzania.

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Plant species surplus in recent peri-urban forests: the role of forest connectivity, species’ habitat requirements and dispersal types

Biodiversity and Conservation ◽

10.1007/s10531-020-02094-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 365-384

Author(s):

Elena Tello-García ◽

Nancy Gamboa-Badilla ◽

Enrique Álvarez ◽

Laura Fuentes ◽

Corina Basnou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

Urban Forests ◽

Habitat Requirements ◽

Forest Connectivity ◽

Dispersal Types

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Invasion landscapes as social‐ecological systems: Role of social factors in invasive plant species control

People and Nature ◽

10.1002/pan3.10217 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Johanna Yletyinen ◽

George L. W. Perry ◽

Olivia R. Burge ◽

Norman W. H. Mason ◽

Philip Stahlmann‐Brown

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

Social Factors ◽

Invasive Plant ◽

Ecological Systems ◽

Invasive Plant Species ◽

Social Ecological Systems ◽

Social Ecological

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The role of accommodation environments in student mental health and wellbeing

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10602-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Joanne D. Worsley ◽

Paula Harrison ◽

Rhiannon Corcoran

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

First Year ◽

Student Mental Health ◽

North West ◽

Human Element ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Physical Attributes ◽

Attachment To Place ◽

Pastoral Staff

Abstract Background Due to the increasing concern over student mental health and wellbeing, attention has turned to the matter of creating environments, communities, and institutions which enable students to flourish. Methods To explore the role of accommodation environments in first year student mental health and wellbeing, eight focus groups were conducted in two universities in North West England and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Three overarching themes were identified: ‘The betwixt space’; ‘Accommodations as vessels to cultivate friendships and communities’; and ‘The importance of accommodation-based pastoral staff’. As attachment to place and relationships with significant others are disrupted by the transition, this leaves young people vulnerable whilst they go through a process to re-attach to new people and a new environment, and loneliness and social isolation were keenly felt during this period. Physical attributes of place that prevent social cohesion further exacerbated feelings of loneliness. Conclusions As it is common for students to withdraw physically and psychologically when they do not form friendships within their flat, accommodation-based pastoral staff have an important role to fulfil. Although these findings demonstrate the importance of the human element within accommodation, designing places that facilitate community, a sense of we-ness, and belonging is crucial.

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