Get my head around owls: people perception and knowledge about owls of Andaman Islands

Understanding people’s perceptions and knowledge about birds in an endemic bird area is a prerequisite for bird conservation. This is more so in the case of non-charismatic birds such as owls. In this context, we conducted a questionnaire survey about owls in the North Andaman Island between January 2016 and 2018. We interviewed 203 respondents from six market places in North Andaman tehsil, and collected data on their socio-economic status as well as their knowledge on owls. Although all the respondents were familiar with owls, only 9% of them identified all species of owls in the Andaman Islands. Around 98% of respondents were aware of owl diets, either partly or wholly. We found several superstitious beliefs revolving around owls. Two species, Otus sunia and Ninox obscura were associated with negative beliefs while Tyto deroepstorffi was associated with positive beliefs. Generalized linear model with the demographical predictors showed that positive attitudes towards owls is associated with age (older), education (literacy), revenue villages and temporary houses. We conclude that Tyto deroepstorffi had the highest positive values among islanders and hence, may be considered as a focal species to create awareness about owls and to protect other endemic owls of the Andaman Islands. Awareness programmes targeting younger, illiterate people, and land encroachers may help in conservation of cryptic owl species of Andaman.

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Why do pregnant women prefer cesarean birth? A qualitative study in a tertiary care center in Southern Thailand

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-020-03525-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chitkasaem Suwanrath ◽

Sopen Chunuan ◽

Phawat Matemanosak ◽

Sutham Pinjaroen

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Care Center ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cesarean Birth ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Cesarean Births ◽

Medical Indications ◽

Superstitious Beliefs

Abstract Background Increasing worldwide rates of cesarean section are of global concern. In recent years, cesarean births upon maternal request have become a hotly debated issue. Hence, this study aimed to explore maternal reasons for cesarean preference without medical indications. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted, using in-depth interviews with 27 pregnant women who preferred cesarean birth, attending antenatal care in Songklanagarind Hospital from September 2018 to June 2019. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results Maternal reasons for cesarean preference were classified into six main categories: fear of childbirth, safety concerns related to health risk perceptions, negative previous birth experiences, positive attitudes toward cesarean birth, access to biased information and superstitious beliefs in auspicious birth dates. Most women had more than one reason for opting cesarean birth. Conclusion Several reasons for cesarean birth preference have been elucidated. One striking reason was superstitious beliefs in auspicious birth dates, which are challengable for obstetricians to deal with. Obstetricians should explore the exact reasons why women request cesarean birth in order to prevent or diminish unnecessary cesarean births.

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Is Hay for the Birds? Investigating Landowner Willingness to Time Hay Harvests for Grassland Bird Conservation

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11041030 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1030

Author(s):

Matthew Gruntorad ◽

Katherine Graham ◽

Nico Arcilla ◽

Christopher Chizinski

Keyword(s):

Great Plains ◽

Critical Factor ◽

Information Support ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Bird Conservation ◽

Willingness To Participate ◽

Population Declines ◽

Grassland Bird ◽

The North ◽

Hunting Activity

Birds in agricultural environments have exhibited steep global population declines in recent decades, and effective conservation strategies targeting their populations are urgently needed. In grasslands used for hay production, breeding birds’ nest success improves substantially if hay harvests are delayed until after mid-July. However, few studies have investigated private hay producers’ willingness to alter their harvesting practices, which is a critical factor for bird conservation where most land is privately owned, such as in the North American Great Plains. We surveyed Nebraska hay producers to examine whether livestock production, wildlife knowledge, and hunting activity affects their willingness to alter haying practices for bird conservation. The majority (60%) of respondents expressed willingness to delay harvesting hay to allow birds time to nest successfully. Livestock producers and those more knowledgeable about wildlife were more willing to delay hay harvests, whereas active hunters were less willing to do so. Our findings suggest that a majority of private producers show a high potential for engaging in grassland bird conservation activities. Landowners’ willingness to participate in bird conservation programs and actions could be further encouraged through extension and education efforts connecting hay producers with information, support, and funding for bird conservation.

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Are good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding the cigarettes and other tobacco products act prevalent among rural Indian adults?

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20175800 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 289

Author(s):

Pracheth R. ◽

Varun N. ◽

Ravindra Y. M. ◽

Preethi S. ◽

Tasmiya K. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

Rural Area ◽

Economic Status ◽

Good Knowledge ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Socio Economic Status ◽

Knowledge And Attitudes ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Study Participants

Background: Cigarettes and other tobacco products (COTPA) Act is a legislation passed to curb tobacco use in India by imposing restrictions on tobacco products. This study appraised knowledge and attitudes regarding COTPA Act among adults in a rural area and elicited socio-demographic predictors of knowledge and attitudes regarding COTPA Act among study participants.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2014 on adults (aged ≥18 years) in a rural area of Coastal Karnataka. A pre-designed, pre-tested proforma was used to collect information from study participants regarding their knowledge and attitudes about COTPA Act. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed. A score of ≥4 was good knowledge and ≥3 was regarded as positive attitudes.Results: Nearly 49.14% had good knowledge, while 51.29% displayed positive attitudes. Those belonging to upper and upper middle socio-economic class (Class I+Class II) had higher odds for good knowledge (AOR=2.09, 95% CI=0.82-5.92), when compared to their counterparts belonging to other socio-economic classes. Age ≥60 years (AOR=3.80, 95% CI= 0.30-9.98), education beyond primary school (AOR=2.88, 95% CI=1.24-6.19), upper and upper middle class socio-economic status (AOR=3.68, 95% CI=1.34-7.02) were the key predictor variables for positive attitudes.Conclusions:Nearly half the study participants had good knowledge and positive attitudes towards COTPA Act. High socio-economic status could predict good knowledge, while age ≥60 years, education beyond primary school and a high socio-economic status were the key variables predicting positive attitudes. Educational campaigns can help improve knowledge. Assessment of knowledge and attitude is imperative prior to implementation of policies to ensure effectiveness.

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Knowledge, Practice and Utilization of Dental Services among Pregnant Women in the North of Jordan

The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice ◽

10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1541 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 345-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zain A Malkawi ◽

Reem S Tubaishat

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Educational Level ◽

Dental Hygiene ◽

Periodontal Diseases ◽

Economic Status ◽

Chi Square ◽

Dental Services ◽

The North ◽

Knowledge Practice ◽

Utilization Of Dental Services

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate women's oral hygiene knowledge, practice, and use of dental services during pregnancy in the north of Jordan. Materials and methods Voluntary sample of 154 pregnant women of 18 to 40 years old were invited to participate in the study. They were asked to read a self-designated questionnaire and a cover letter which explained the purpose of the study. The questionnaire addressed self-reported demographics, knowledge, practice and use of dental services during pregnancy. Data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test to determine statistically significant differences across knowledge, practice and use of dental services during pregnancy. Results The sample included 29.3% aged 20 to 24 years old; 33.1% having bachelor degree; and 66.9% were housewives. The majority of study sample 68.2% knew they need dental consultation during pregnancy; however, 39.5% received dental consultation during pregnancy. Majority 62.4% brushed their teeth regularly; however, 73.2% does not use auxiliary dental hygiene devices. Majority 44.5% visited dentist, when they feel pain. Statistically significant association were found between educational level and knowledge about need to dental consultation during pregnancy (p = 0.012); educational level and knowledge about link between pregnancy and periodontal diseases (p = 0.01); and economic status and use of auxiliary dental hygiene devices during pregnancy (p = 0.040). Conclusion Pregnant women brushed their teeth regularly and visited dentist occasionally. Income was significantly associated with increase use of auxiliary dental hygiene devices. Educational level was significantly associated with mothers’ knowledge about the need for consultation and possible link between pregnancy and periodontal diseases. How to cite this article Malkawi ZA, Tubaishat RS. Knowledge, Practice and Utilization of Dental Services among Pregnant Women in the North of Jordan. J Contemp Dent Pract 2014;15(3):345-351.

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Main trends and gaps in studies for bird conservation in the Pantanal wetland

Neotropical Biology and Conservation ◽

10.3897/neotropical.15.e52905 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 427-445

Author(s):

Angélica Vilas Boas da Frota ◽

Breno Dias Vitorino ◽

Josué Ribeiro da Silva Nunes ◽

Carolina Joana da Silva

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Strategic Decision ◽

Scientometric Analysis ◽

Bird Conservation ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Wetland Ecosystems ◽

North West ◽

The North ◽

Interdisciplinary Approaches ◽

Number Of Publications

Birds are considered one of the most well-known groups of animals in the Pantanal, playing an important ecological role in wetland ecosystems. Our aim was to identify the main themes and gaps in current knowledge of these birds, considering thirty years of scientific research to direct future studies. We performed a scientometric analysis based on five platforms with the search words “Aves” and “Pantanal” as well as “Bird” and “Pantanal”. We identified 145 scientific studies, with themes of ecology (64), conservation (23), health (17), fauna (15), genetics (12), geographic distribution (7), and environmental education (7). The number of publications has increased significantly over the years. However, the focus is predominantly on certain Pantanal regions, such as the municipalities of Corumbá in Mato Grosso do Sul state and Poconé in Mato Grosso state. Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and Mycteria americana are among the species with the largest number of studies in the Pantanal, with 12 and 11 papers, respectively. We highlighted the need for new studies in regions such as the north-west and themes such as threatened species and ecosystem services. Integrated knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches can be useful in strategic decision-making and more effective for bird conservation in wetlands.

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Palynodiversity in the Climbers of Andaman Islands, India

Indian Journal of Forestry ◽

10.54207/bsmps1000-2016-7uev2b ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 125-131

Author(s):

Mudavath Naik ◽

J. Kailas ◽

H. Ramakrishna ◽

Boyina Rao

Keyword(s):

Morphological Characters ◽

Andaman Islands ◽

Andaman Island ◽

South Andaman

The present investigation deals with the study of pollen diversity of forty one climbers of forests in South Andaman Island. These 41 taxa belong to diversified families viz. Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Capparaceae, Combretaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Hernandiaceae, Lauraceae, Passifloraceae, Polygonaceae, Malvaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rubiaceae and Sapindaceae. The pollen of these taxaare diversified in morphological characters viz., symmetry, shape, polarity, apertural pattern and ornamentation.

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Syrian Refugees in Jordan: Burden or Boon

Research in World Economy ◽

10.5430/rwe.v11n1p180 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 180 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nafez Ali ◽

Saeb F. Al Ganideh

Keyword(s):

Significant Influence ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Regression Method ◽

Syrian Refugees ◽

Psychological Variables ◽

The North ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Qualitative Technique ◽

High Level

The growing number of Syrian refugees in Jordan broadens the importance of exploring Jordanians’ attitudes toward increasingly protracted Syrian refugees. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which demographic and socio-psychological variables shape Jordanians’ attitudes toward Syrian refugees. The study design is mainly quantitative with a qualitative technique to support and expand upon the study findings. Data were collected from 199 Jordanians over a sixteen-week period in 2015. Quantitative data were analyzed using a hierarchal regression method. The results reveal that attitudes toward Syrian refugees in Jordan are determined by issues such as unemployment and pressure on resources. Income, geographical location and patriotism were found to have statistically significant influence on Jordanians’ attitude toward Syrian refugees. Jordanians who live in the North of the country (large number of Syrian refugees reside in this area), high income Jordanians, and Jordanian with high level of patriotism hold the least positive attitudes toward Syrian refugees.

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Belief in Supernatural Phenomena and Locus of Control

Psychological Reports ◽

10.2466/pr0.1973.32.3c.1159 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 32 (3_suppl) ◽

pp. 1159-1162 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Rick J. Scheidt

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Locus Of Control ◽

Analysis Of Variance ◽

Psychology Students ◽

Attitude Questionnaire ◽

Religion And Science ◽

Male And Female ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Superstitious Beliefs

It is hypothesized that Rotter's I-E variable mediates individual differences in supernatural and superstitious beliefs, with externals exhibiting more positive attitudes toward such phenomena. An approximately equal number of male and female introductory psychology students were selected as externals ( N = 20) and internals ( N = 23) from upper and lower quartiles of the Rotter I-E scale. All Ss were administered an attitude questionnaire assessing beliefs toward several paranormal, occult, and pseudoscientific phenomena. Analysis via a 2 × 2 (I-E Control × Sex) analysis of variance strongly confirmed the hypothesis ( p < .01). Although not predicted, females, regardless of I-E status, were much more favorably disposed toward such phenomena than males ( p < .01). Differences in more general attitudes toward both religion and science are suggested as mediating the over-all I-E and sex differences.

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A STUDY OF THE MAY FLIES (HEXAGENIA) OF LAKE WINNIPEG

Contributions to Canadian Biology and Fisheries ◽

10.1139/f32-015 ◽

1932 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 177-201 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

FERRIS NEAVE

Keyword(s):

Economic Status ◽

Maximum Growth ◽

Economic Importance ◽

Coregonus Clupeaformis ◽

Large Area ◽

Lake Winnipeg ◽

The North ◽

Different Seasons ◽

North Part ◽

Males And Females

The economic status of the May flies (Hexagenia) of lake Winnipeg is discussed. The nymphs are particularly important as food for sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), light-backed cisco or tullibee (Leucichthys zenithicus), goldeye (Hiodon chrysopsis), and sauger (Lucioperca canadense). Two species are present in abundance, H. limbata occulta and H. rigida, but the former outnumbers the latter by a ratio of 7 to 1. Characters are given for the separation of all stages of these species and their habits are described. Eggs of occulta were hatched after artificial insemination. Later development of both species was followed by statistical measurements of nymphs secured at different seasons. The life cycle extends over two years. Sizes at which moults take place are indicated. Maximum growth is in August and is correlated with the amount of phytoplankton in the lake. No growth takes place in winter. The number of nymphs of occulta of 10 mm. and more is estimated at 62,000,000 per sq. kilometre in the southern part of the lake, and 93,000,000 in the neighbourhood of the Narrows. Corresponding estimates for rigida are 4,500,000 and 44,000,000. Both species are scarce or absent over a large area in the north part of the lake. H. occulta shows a 10 per cent, preponderance of females but is probably not parthenogenetic. Males and females of rigida occur in equal numbers. Parasites are noted, but are local in distribution. Occulta is of greater economic importance than is indicated by the numerical ratio between the two species.

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