scholarly journals Understanding Human–Canid Conflict and Coexistence: Socioeconomic Correlates Underlying Local Attitude and Support Toward the Endangered Dhole (Cuon alpinus) in Bhutan

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuntsho Thinley ◽  
Rajanathan Rajaratnam ◽  
Lam Norbu ◽  
Lungten Dorji ◽  
Jigme Tenzin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Conditional Inference ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Agricultural Crop ◽  
Ecological Role ◽  
Cuon Alpinus

Understanding human–canid conflict and coexistence must focus on documenting human–canid interactions and identifying the underlying drivers of reciprocal human attitude which enables appropriate strategies to minimize conflict and forge coexistence. The dhole (Cuon alpinus), Asia's most widely distributed wild canid, is highly threatened by human persecution and anthropogenic activities. Despite its “endangered” status, its ecological role as an apex predator, negative interactions with humans, and dhole-specific attitude studies are limited, thus hindering the development of a comprehensive dhole-conservation strategy. Here, we investigate the influence of socioeconomic factors of age, gender, income, residency inside/outside a protected area (PA), and other variables (cultural beliefs, livestock loss, and quantity of livestock loss) on the attitudes of local people and support for dhole conservation in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. We conducted a semi-structured questionnaire survey of 1,444 households located within the PA and non-PA from four representative regions in the country. Using R programming, we ran Pearson's chi-square test of independence to test the overall difference in the attitude and support for dhole conservation, followed by recursive partitioning through a conditional inference regression tree to identify its significant covariates with the highest explanatory power. Majority (79.1%) of respondents (χ2 = 488.6; df = 1; p < 0.001) disliked the dhole over those who liked it. More than half (57.7%) (χ2 = 412.7; df = 2; p < 0.001) opposed dhole conservation over those who either supported or remained neutral. Experience of livestock loss to dholes was the primary ( p < 0.001) factor influencing the negative attitude and opposition to dhole conservation, despite an acknowledgment of the ecological role of the dhole in controlling agricultural crop predators. Our study, which is the first-ever survey in Bhutan, solely focused on investigating human attitudes and perceptions toward the dhole, indicating that livestock loss to dholes transcends all positive attitudes to the species and drives a predominant dislike and opposition to its conservation. To improve the attitude and support toward the dhole and to foster dhole–human coexistence, livestock predation by dholes needs alleviation by improving the existing animal husbandry, in conjunction with promoting conservation awareness on this species.

Influence of Anthropogenic Pressures on Groundwater Quality from a Rural Area

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (8) ◽  
pp. 1744-1748
Author(s):  
Catalina Stoica ◽  
Gabriela Geanina Vasile ◽  
Alina Banciu ◽  
Daniela Niculescu ◽  
Irina Lucaciu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Physico Chemical

During the past few decades, the anthropogenic activities induced worldwide changes in the ecological systems, including the aquatic systems. This work analysed the contamination level of groundwater resources from a rural agglomeration (Central-Western part of Prahova County) by biological and physico-chemical approaches. The study was performed during the autumn of 2016 on several sampling sites (four drilling wells, depth higher than 100 m supplying three villages; two wells lower than 10 m depth and one spring). The water quality was evaluated by comparison with the limit values of the drinking water quality legislation (Law no.458/2002) and the Order 621/2014 (applicable to all groundwater bodies of Romania). The results showed that phenols and metals (iron and manganese) exceeded the threshold values in all sampling sites. Moreover, the anthropogenic factors including agriculture, use of fertilizers, manures, animal husbandry led to an increase of the bacterial load, particularly at wells sites.

Transfer of Information Technology to the Arab World

2011 ◽  
pp. 141-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Detmar W. Straub ◽  
Karen D. Loch ◽  
Carole E. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Arab World ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Cultural Influence ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Influence Model ◽  
Beliefs And Values ◽  
Research Questions

The complex societal beliefs and values of the Arab world provide a rich setting to examine the hypothesized influence of culture on information technology transfer (ITT). Two research questions arise in this context: (1) Do cultural beliefs and values affect the transference of information technology in the Arab world? and (2) Does contact with technologically advanced societies impact ITT and systems outcomes? The present study addresses these research questions by conceptualizing and testing a cultural influence model of ITT. In this model, cultural beliefs and values are one major construct while a counterbalancing variable is the external influence of technologically advanced societies. These constructs along with the variable “national IT development” form the conceptual basis for the model. This study is the second part of a program of research investigating ITT. The setting of the study was Arab society, which allowed us to test our “cultural influence” model in, perhaps, one of the more complex cultural and social systems in the world. The program of research took place in several phases. In the early phases, Arab-American businessmen and women as well as Arabs studying in American universities were studied. In the latter phases, the cross-disciplinary research team gathered primary data in the Arab cultures of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the Sudan. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to explore the phenomenon of ITT. This paper reports quantitative findings from the latter phase. Findings suggest that the model has explanatory power. Arab cultural beliefs were a very strong predictor of resistance to systems and thus ITT; technological culturation was also a factor. These results have implications for future theory-testing and for technology policy-setting by responsible Arab leaders. Additionally, there are implications for transnational firms and managers charged with introducing IT in foreign ports, subsidiaries, offices, and plants.

scholarly journals Attitude to the Menopause and Sex amongst Middle-Aged Women in a Family Medicine Clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Folasade Adenike Bello ◽  
Olufunmilola Olutosin Daramola
Keyword(s):  
Family Medicine ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Chi Square Test

Background. Menopause is the expected end of reproductive life. Having a positive attitude towards it has been shown to result in a positive experience, while a negative attitude is associated with negative experiences and symptoms. Traditionally, women often abstain from sex after menopause. The study aimed to determine the level of awareness and perceptions about the menopause and sex in perimenopausal women attending a general outpatient clinic. Methods. Women over 40 years were recruited from the Family Medicine Department of University College Hospital, excluding those who were menopausal. Data analyses were done with chi-square test (p<0.05). Results. Most (302; 86.4%) of the 352 surveyed participants were aware of the menopause. Only 36.1% anticipated associated symptoms. About half (55.7%) were indifferent to menopause onset, while 23% had a positive attitude and 21.4% had a negative attitude, respectively. Younger women were less likely to have a positive attitude to the menopause (p=0.04). There were negative cultural beliefs towards sex. Sexual activity was low and declined with age (p<0.001). Many women would like treatment to improve their sexual activity. Conclusion. Most participants had a favourable disposition towards the menopause, though sexual relationships suffer. Counselling and treatment should be offered.

scholarly journals Studi of Mud Clam Polymesoda erosa (Bivalvia) Conservation Strategy Based on Landscape Character and Anthropogenic Activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Anang Kadarsah ◽  
Krisdianto Krisdianto ◽  
Ika Oksi Susilawati
Keyword(s):  
Landscape Structure ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Anthropogenic Activity ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Abandoned Land ◽  
Landscape Character ◽  
Economic Zone ◽  
The Government ◽  
Recreation Zone

Information on landscape character and anthropogenic activity is necessary to develop conservation strategy, especially for mud clam (Polymesoda erosa) sustainability harvesting. The purpose of this study is to identify the landscape character and anthropogenic activity that influence mud clam conservation strategy in the coast of Tabanio Village, Takisung Sub-District in Tanah Laut Regency. The research discovered seven types of landscape in the coastal area of Tabanio namely human settlements, rice fields, plantations, cemetery abandoned land, offices, and other public infrastructures. Landscape, landscaping, abandoned land and settlements provide the largest contribution (96 %t) in the formation of coastal characters. Related to changes in landscape structure, environmental pollution activity in the form of waste disposal to the landscape is the most frequent activity (91.4 %) related to changes in landscape structure. Destructing collecting, cutting down  and destroying plants and animals in and from the region (87.7%) are the most frequent anthropogenic activities related to the conservation of mud clam in the coast of Tabanio Village. The landscape zonation consists of four i.e : recreation zone, mangrove forest zone, economic zone and distribution zone. The position of each zone tends to clump primarily for the economic zone behind the recreation zone. The core zone  of the landscape design at Tabanio Coast , Takisung District is concentrated in the recreation zone which functions as a meeting place for various communities (fishermen, traders and visitors) and the government workers (village officials and TNI-Polri). Furthermore, the recreation zone also facilitates activities that support coastal economy and tourism. Community assistance programs are required to build the capacity of fishermen and farmers as an effort to achieve a successful mud clam conservation and management in Tabanio Village, Takisung District.

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of land use and land cover dynamics on water quality of Dal Lake, NW Himalaya, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishtiyaq Ahmad Rather ◽  
Abdul Qayoom Dar
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Water Body ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Dal Lake

Abstract A dynamic process like land use, if anthropogenically unsustainable, adversely affects the well-being of the land system. Worldwide, water bodies are facing imminent threat due to unsustainable anthropogenic activities. Water quality and ecology are the two characteristics of water bodies, if not preserved, shall have a direct consequence on the well-being of the human systems. Hence it is essential to understand the causes and consequences of the deteriorating water body systems. The condition is particularly grim in Himalayan water body ecosystems, where unplanned and unchecked urbanization has threatened their very existence. In the present study, the dynamics of land use/land cover (LULC) and its impact on the water quality of Dal Lake in Kashmir Himalaya, India has been assessed. We carried out a detailed study wherein changing LULC is analyzed against the deteriorating trophic status of the Dal Lake using time-series of satellite imagery of the lake’s catchment and its water quality data. Results indicated that the water quality of Dal Lake has remarkably deteriorated due to increased nutrient and sediment loads from the catchment, attributed to significant anthropogenic activities in the catchment. Due to unprecedented LULC changes in the catchment, the forest class shows a significantly negative change since the last four decades (1980–2018), corroborating with the ongoing deterioration of physicochemical characteristics of the lake. The analysis shows an increase in all the agents of eutrophication, such as NO3–N, TP, and COD, from 1990 to 2018. The decrease in forest, agriculture, and floating gardens was observed to show a significant negative correlation with the increase in the decadal average values of the COD, NO3–N, and TP for the same corresponding period. Similarly, a positive correlation was found between the increase in built-up, aquatic vegetation, bare surfaces, and these water quality parameters, establishing a strong relationship between the deteriorating condition of the lake and changing LULC. Our findings indicate that changing LULC of the lake’s catchment is one of the critical factors that has significantly contributed toward the deteriorating ecology and water quality of the Dal Lake. This study shall contribute toward the development of the robust conservation strategy in order to save this urban lake from its untimely death.

Transfer of Information Technology to the Arab World

2002 ◽  
pp. 92-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Detmar W. Straub ◽  
Karen D. Loch ◽  
Carole E. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Arab World ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Cultural Influence ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Influence Model ◽  
Beliefs And Values ◽  
Research Questions

The complex societal beliefs and values of the Arab world provide a rich setting to examine the hypothesized influence of culture on information technology transfer (ITT). Two research questions arise in this context: (1) Do cultural beliefs and values affect the transference of information technology in the Arab world? and (2) Does contact with technologically advanced societies impact ITT and systems outcomes? The present study addresses these research questions by conceptualizing and testing a cultural influence model of ITT. In this model, cultural beliefs and values are one major construct while a counterbalancing variable is the external influence of technologically advanced societies. These constructs along with the variable “national IT development” form the conceptual basis for the model. This study is the second part of a program of research investigating ITT. The setting of the study was Arab society, which allowed us to test our “cultural influence” model in, perhaps, one of the more complex cultural and social systems in the world. The program of research took place in several phases. In the early phases, Arab-American businessmen and women as well as Arabs studying in American universities were studied. In the latter phases, the cross-disciplinary research team gathered primary data in the Arab cultures of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the Sudan. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to explore the phenomenon of ITT. This paper reports quantitative findings from the latter phase. Findings suggest that the model has explanatory power. Arab cultural beliefs were a very strong predictor of resistance to systems and thus ITT; technological culturation was also a factor. These results have implications for future theory-testing and for technology policy-setting by responsible Arab leaders. Additionally, there are implications for transnational firms and managers charged with introducing IT in foreign ports, subsidiaries, offices, and plants.

Isotopic tracer studies of chemical behavior of rare earth elements in environmental and biological sciences

2004 ◽  
Vol 92 (4-6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Y. Zhang ◽  
Zhifang Chai
Keyword(s):  
Biological Sciences ◽  
Rare Earth ◽  
Rare Earth Elements ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Chemical Behavior ◽  
Tracer Studies ◽  
Isotopic Tracer

AbstractRare earth elements (REE), a group of elements with atomic numbers from 57 to 71, have been widely applied in recent years not only in industry but also in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and medicine. Numerous anthropogenic activities make REE to easily enter the environment and finally the human body

A survey of livestock losses caused by Asiatic wild dogs, leopards and tigers, and of the impact of predation on the livelihood of farmers in Bhutan

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Om N. Katel ◽  
Saran Pradhan ◽  
Dietrich Schmidt-Vogt
Keyword(s):  
Household Income ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Livestock Depredation ◽  
Cuon Alpinus ◽  
Significant Negative Impact ◽  
Annual Average Number ◽  
Wild Dogs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Human Wildlife Conflict

Context Human–wildlife conflict is a serious impediment to conservation efforts worldwide. This is also true for Bhutan, where dholes or wild dogs (Cuon alpinus), leopards and tigers constitute a menace to the livestock of farmers. Livestock losses as a result depredation by wild animals is a major cause of conflict with farmers, threatening their livelihoods, and causing a negative attitude that can lead to retaliatory killing of wildlife. Aims To survey farmers and document their livestock losses, as well as estimate the value of livestock losses and the causes of predation. Methods We conducted a questionnaire survey of 147 farming households in three zones of the Toebesa subdistrict of Punakha, Bhutan. Respondents provided information on their farming activities and household income, as well as on predation losses of cattle, goats, pigs, chickens, cats and dogs caused by dholes, tigers and leopards between 2006 and 2010. Additional data on livestock populations and losses were obtained from the Renewable Natural Resources Census at the subdistrict. Key Results The results showed that dholes kill more livestock than do common leopards and tigers, the two other known livestock predators in the study area. The annual average number of livestock killed by dholes was 0.19 per household, which is ~2% of the total household income and ~11% of income derived from livestock. Annual income from livestock contributes 21% to the total annual revenues of farmers in the study area. The practice of allowing cattle to freely range, unguarded, in the forest was identified as the primary factor causing high livestock losses to dholes. Conclusions Dholes are the principal predator in the study area and have a significant negative impact on farmers’ livelihoods through loss of income. Our findings that livestock depredation by dholes was significantly less inside the villages and on farmed plots than in the forests showed that the problem can be addressed by improved husbandry practices. Implications To reduce livestock depredation by dholes, incentives or strategies should be investigated for encouraging farmers to let their livestock graze inside and around villages, which includes stall feeding and tethering, and to cooperatively shepherd them in the forests during the day.

scholarly journals Including the Excluded: Effects of Social Stigma on the Socio-Educational Development of Deaf Persons in Limbe City Council Area, South West Region, Cameroon

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 395
Author(s):  
Patrick Fonyuy Shey, Ph.D ◽  
NLIH CATHERINE NGAH
Keyword(s):  
Educational Development ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
City Council ◽  
West Region ◽  
South West ◽  
Deaf Persons ◽  
South West Region

<em>This study based on the inclusion of Deaf persons in the mainstream investigated the effects of social stigma on the socio-educational development of Deaf Persons in Limbe City Area of the South West Region of Cameroon. The forms of stigma assessed were limited to: cultural beliefs and, labelling. The study made use of a correlation survey design. A sample of thirty-one Deaf persons, sixteenparents and thirty-one neighbours making a total of 78 participants were selected to take part in the study using the snowball sampling technique study. The instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire using Rensis Likert scale of measurement. Data collected were analyzed quantitatively with the use of frequency counting and advanced inferential tests like Chi-Square, Cox and Snell R Square. The explanatory power of the Integrated Value Mapping (IVM) comprising all the two predictors (cultural beliefs and labelling) summarized as social stigma was 96.9% and the variability explained was significant (P=0.000). It was therefore concluded that social stigma has an effect on the socio-educational development of Deaf person since the overall agreement was highly significant (P=0.000). It is recommended that special educators organize seminars or use mass media to educate the public on the need to change cultural beliefs as a means to include Deaf persons in the mainstream society. The government needs to declare sign language compulsory to all citizens so that Deaf persons can have a sense of belonging and maximally socialize wherever they find themselves. This will enable Deaf persons to feel loved and thus cause them to contribute significantly to social progress.</em>

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