Public Perceptions of Deer Management in Scotland

In Scotland, large deer populations are associated with negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts, such as damage to peatlands and forests, agricultural and commercial forestry losses, Lyme disease transmission, and road accidents. Increasing the annual deer cull might help address these negative impacts, but could be ethically controversial. A stratified sample of adults living in Scotland (n = 1,002) responded to our online questionnaire measuring perceptions of deer management, including the acceptability of increasing the deer cull if doing so would help achieve a variety of ecological and social objectives. Overall, respondents indicated that it would be acceptable to increase the deer cull if doing so would serve public interests by reducing negative impacts of deer, with deer welfare, environmental conservation, and public health and safety being the most relevant ethical considerations. Although rural and urban respondents reported significantly different experiences and perceptions of deer, their values (i.e., attitudes, beliefs, and policy preferences) regarding deer management were very similar. Understanding values of the general public, beyond vocal interest groups, can help inform decisions on contentious wildlife management issues.

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Successful Deer Management in Scotland Requires Less Conflict Not More

Frontiers in Conservation Science ◽

10.3389/fcosc.2021.770303 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Hannah Kirkland ◽

Darragh Hare ◽

Mike Daniels ◽

Miha Krofel ◽

Shaila Rao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Spread ◽

Lynx Lynx ◽

Environmental Groups ◽

Eurasian Lynx ◽

Socioeconomic Impacts ◽

Deer Management ◽

Common Definition ◽

Management Interventions ◽

Definition Of Success ◽

Negative Impacts

What would successful deer management look like in Scotland? To some, flourishing populations of native wild deer represent success. But to others, negative impacts such as damage to woodlands and peatlands, agricultural and forestry losses, deer-vehicle collisions, and facilitating Lyme disease spread represent failure. Conflicting interests and incentives among people involved in deer management mean a common definition of success, and therefore clear management targets, remain elusive. While some environmental groups urgently call for an increase in the number of deer culled (shot) each year, other stakeholders aim to maximize deer numbers. Overcoming this governance failure will require clearly articulated, scientifically valid, and socially acceptable socio-ecological objectives to be co-produced by a broad range of stakeholders. Systematic monitoring of deer impacts will also be needed to evaluate the ability of specific management interventions to achieve defined objectives. Reintroducing Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) has been suggested as a means to reduce deer numbers and their negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts. However, evidence of lynx impacts on deer numbers, deer impacts, and social conflicts over deer suggest lynx reintroduction alone would not effectively reduce negative impacts of deer in Scotland, though it could be part of a broader solution. In the short-term, achieving sustainable numbers of deer in Scotland will require a substantial increase in the number of deer culled and effective changes to the way deer management is incentivized, regulated, implemented, and monitored.

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TURNING FARMERS INTO SOCIAL FARMER ENTREPRENEURS FOR DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE

NORDSCI Conference proceedings, Book 1 Volume 3 ◽

10.32008/nordsci2020/b1/v3/31 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Remus Runcan

Keyword(s):

Rural Communities ◽

Low Income ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Physical Work ◽

Healthy Environment ◽

Rural And Urban Areas ◽

Rural Development Programme ◽

Rural And Urban

According to Romania’s National Rural Development Programme, the socio-economic situation of the rural environment has a large number of weaknesses – among which low access to financial resources for small entrepreneurs and new business initiatives in rural areas and poorly developed entrepreneurial culture, characterized by a lack of basic managerial knowledge – but also a large number of opportunities – among which access of the rural population to lifelong learning and entrepreneurial skills development programmes and entrepreneurs’ access to financial instruments. The population in rural areas depends mainly on agricultural activities which give them subsistence living conditions. The gap between rural and urban areas is due to low income levels and employment rates, hence the need to obtain additional income for the population employed in subsistence and semi-subsistence farming, especially in the context of the depopulation trend. At the same time, the need to stimulate entrepreneurship in rural areas is high and is at a resonance with the need to increase the potential of rural communities from the perspective of landscape, culture, traditional activities and local resources. A solution could be to turn vegetal and / or animal farms into social farms – farms on which people with disabilities (but also adolescents and young people with anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, and alexithymia issues) might find a “foster” family, bed and meals in a natural, healthy environment, and share the farm’s activities with the farmer and the farmer’s family: “committing to a regular day / days and times for a mutually agreed period involves complying with any required health and safety practices (including use of protective clothing and equipment), engaging socially with the farm family members and other people working on and around the farm, and taking on tasks which would include working on the land, taking care of animals, or helping out with maintenance and other physical work”

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Suicide ideation among a stratified sample of rural and urban adolescents

Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal ◽

10.1007/bf01876588 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 379-389 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Eric Albers ◽

William Evans

Keyword(s):

Urban Adolescents ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Stratified Sample

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Comparison of Human Health and Safety Loss due to Corroded Gas Pipeline Failure in Rural and Urban Areas: A Case Study in Malaysia

Solid State Phenomena ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/ssp.227.221 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 227 ◽

pp. 221-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Norhamimi Mohd Hanafiah ◽

Libriati Zardasti ◽

Yahaya Nordin ◽

Norhazilan Md Noor ◽

Ahmad A. Safuan

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Human Health ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Quantitative Risk Assessment ◽

Assessment Process ◽

Rural And Urban Areas ◽

Consequence Assessment ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Pipeline Failure

Consequence assessment is an integral part of the risk assessment process. There are many types of consequences loss due to pipeline failure such as asset loss, environmental loss, production loss, and human health and safety loss (HHSL). This paper studies the comparison of HHSL between rural and urban areas due to pipeline failure subject to corrosion. The damage area of the explosion was calculated using Aloha software by considering the details of the selected sites such as atmospheric and topographical conditions. The HHSL was calculated using a mathematical equation of quantitative risk assessment in terms of the number of fatalities or injuries or both. The results of the assessments from rural and urban areas were then compared with one another to identify any significant dissimilarity. This study shows that there was a possibility to improve the decisive value of risk by implementing the proposed approach in consequence assessment in Malaysia.

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Dynamics of grazing rights and their impact on mobile cattle herders in Bhutan

The Rangeland Journal ◽

10.1071/rj16052 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 39 (1) ◽

pp. 97 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kuenga Namgay ◽

Joanne E. Millar ◽

Rosemary S. Black

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Policy Development ◽

Labour Force ◽

Socioeconomic Impacts ◽

Land Use Policies ◽

Land Holdings ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Future Policy ◽

Downstream Communities ◽

The Impact

Seasonal cattle movements have been an important part of the living cultural heritage in Bhutan for centuries. Herders migrate south every winter to graze their cattle on subtropical pastures and to work in orange orchards. They return north to their villages in spring to grow summer crops. However, the practice of transhumant agropastoralism is under increasing pressure on account of changes in land-use policies, climate change and a declining labour force as youth seek alternative livelihoods. This research investigated the impact of changes in land-use policy, with emphasis on the Land Act 2007, on current and future livelihoods of transhumant herders in Bhutan. During in-depth interviews with 24 transhumant herders and nine livestock advisors, and seven focus-group discussions with 64 participants including herders, downstream residents and development agency personnel, perspectives on this issue were gathered. Findings revealed a lack of herder awareness of changes in land-use policies and minimal consultation of herders during policy development. Confusion and uncertainty about the proposed redistribution of grazing rights and restrictions on herd movements have resulted in confusion and resentment and have created conflicts between upstream and downstream communities. Herders with no current alternatives are concerned about their future livelihoods, whereas others are leaving it to their children to decide their future. It is concluded that the motive behind nationalisation of rangeland is noble and timely, but there are flaws in the redistribution plan. Transhumant agropastoralism is already in decline and there is no need to push towards its end through legislation. Transhumant practices could be left to evolve towards what may be their natural end. Sudden stoppage of inter-district transhumance without offering meaningful alternatives to herders could result in negative environmental and socioeconomic impacts. In future, policy development needs to increasingly embrace science and be based on evidence. A genuine participatory process with citizen engagement could avoid the unintended negative impacts likely to be faced by transhumant herders with marginal land holdings, who depend on this production system for their livelihoods.

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An Analysis of Managerial Challenges of Affiliated Credit Unions to Cameroon Cooperative Credit Union League (CamCCUL)

Journal of Scientific Research and Reports ◽

10.9734/jsrr/2019/v22i330089 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Neba Noela Buwah ◽

Chofor Joyvice

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Credit Unions ◽

Credit Union ◽

Primary Data ◽

Chi Square ◽

Rural And Urban Areas ◽

Managerial Decisions ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

Stratified Sample ◽

Corporate Parenting

Aim: This study seeks to analyse the managerial challenges that affiliated Credit Unions to Cameroon Cooperative Credit Union League (CamCCUL) are exposed to. The prevalence of Credit Unions with limited managerial capacities in most Cameroonian communities both in rural and urban areas invites corporate parenting from bigger support and supervisory organizations like CamCCUL. This parenting relationship between CamCCUL and her affiliates presumes superior managerial capabilities to affiliates which in most cases is a misplaced expectation. This is prompted by the fact that these institutions affect a multitude of lives both directly and indirectly. The Agency and Stakeholder theories served as foundation. Study Design: The study adopted a survey and causal exploratory design with both qualitative and quantitative parameters. The focus of the researcher was to explore managerial challenges from the managers themselves and members of credit unions who are better placed to gauge the effectiveness of managerial actions in terms of the service they receive. Place and Duration: This study was conducted between April 2016 and November 2018, involving 138 of the 210 Credit Unions operating mostly in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Methodology: The major instrument for data collection was questionnaire and a pilot study of 50 copies was carried out across various Chapters of CamCCUL. With a population of 210, a stratified sample of 138 was obtained using the Taro Yamane Formula.The primary data was tested to be reliable with a 0.701 consistency coefficient using Cronbach alpha. The study employed Chi-Square as a tool of analysis to measure Credit Unions’ affiliation to CamCCUL and specific Managerial Challenges. Findings: The findings revealed that affiliate Credit Unions to face numerous managerial challenges ranging from structural to resources deficiencies. The most alarming of these problems were the lack of autonomy to take managerial decisions and threats from CamCCUL supervisors. Conclusion: The study concluded that CamCCUL as a league is not operating solely to achieve its mission and has rather kept its affiliated Credit Unions in a tight corner. The researchers recommended that the regulating authorities should render Credit Unions more autonomous where possible. Additionally, there should be well-structured and comprehensive governance policies for the management of all affiliated Credit Unions to comply with.

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Telework during the COVID-19 epidemic in Portugal and determinants of job satisfaction: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-12295-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mafalda Sousa-Uva ◽

António Sousa-Uva ◽

Marta Mello e Sampayo ◽

Florentino Serranheira

Keyword(s):

Work Environment ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Work Life ◽

Health Concern ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Background Telework satisfaction is a Public Health concern, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its determinant factors may be related with the negative health effects of teleworking. However, there is still little research exploring this issue. This study aimed to characterize telework during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Portugal and to identify the major predictors of telework satisfaction. Methods This is a cross-sectional study aimed at all teleworkers working in Portugal, during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. Data were collected through a Google Forms platform online questionnaire distributed by a snowball method on social networks. Descriptive statistics included crude and relative frequency data. The associations between sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health, organization of working time, concentration at work, work-life balance, work disconnection, working conditions, and organizational demands (flexibility and organizational trust based on E-work Life Scale) with telework satisfaction were estimated through logistic regression. Results This study included 1004 participants. Teleworkers satisfaction levels were high (69%). Better concentration at work (OR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.01–2.34); the satisfaction with the balance between work life and extra work when teleworking (OR = 1.79; 95%CI 1.17–2.74); and higher work flexibility (OR = 2.26; 95%CI 1.46–3.49) were good predictors of greater levels of satisfaction with telework. However, its major predictors were the company’s trust in teleworkers (OR = 4.50; 95%CI 2.89–7.02) and feeling good in the workspace at home (OR = 3.72; 95%CI 1.46–9.49). Conclusions Our findings point that work environment and organizational culture play a crucial role in affecting telework satisfaction. More studies are needed to monitor telework satisfaction and its effects on physical and mental health, so that Public and Occupational Health (and Safety) can be able to identify and implement the best interventions that allow promoting individual health and foster a healthy work environment for teleworkers.

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Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction sector: a systemized review

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management ◽

10.1108/ecam-08-2021-0704 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Ayat ◽

Malikah ◽

Chang Wook Kang

Keyword(s):

Content Analysis ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Mitigation Strategy ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Construction Sector ◽

Content Type ◽

Process Improvements ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

The Impact ◽

Safety Guidelines

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought profound changes to all sectors of society including the construction sector. The main purpose of this study is to explore and provide insights into the impact and changes that have occurred in the construction sector due to COVID-19 and to present a mitigation framework to minimize the effects.Design/methodology/approachThe scope of this study is limited to peer-reviewed articles in Scopus or Web of Science indexed journals. A systemized review was performed with bibliometric and content analyses of articles related to the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector.FindingsThrough content analysis, the main topics discussed in the selected articles were grouped into 10 categories. Most of these studies were found to have focused on the challenges, impact, and health and safety at construction sites resulting from the pandemic. The study further identified 39 subtopics through detailed content analysis and organizes them into the categories of negative impacts, positive impacts and opportunities and barriers to COVID-19 safety guidelines in the construction sector. Moreover, the study developed a systematic mitigation strategy based on the recommendations of the literature review to reduce the impact of the current pandemic on the construction sector. The mitigation strategy presents separate set of measures regarding safety guidelines, process improvements, government intervention, psychological support and technology adoption.Originality/valueThe research insights provided in this study are useful for practitioners in guiding them to design effective strategies for addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and future crises. Furthermore, a systematic presentation of the impacts, challenges and mitigation measures in this study will help researchers to identify existing gaps in the literature and explore other aspects of the impact of the pandemic on the construction sector.

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Disease in fisheries and aquaculture

Marine Disease Ecology ◽

10.1093/oso/9780198821632.003.0010 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 183-210

Author(s):

Donald C. Behringer ◽

Chelsea L. Wood ◽

Martin Krkošek ◽

David Bushek

Keyword(s):

Human Health ◽

Wild Species ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Nutrient Quality ◽

Species Management ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Management Approaches ◽

Opening Up

Infectious marine diseases have profound impacts on fisheries and aquaculture through their effects on growth, fecundity, mortality, and marketability. Economic losses have motivated research to minimize the negative impacts of disease on these industries. However, this relationship is reciprocal, as fishing and aquaculture can shape disease transmission. The effects of fisheries and aquaculture on disease are scale dependent, with different outcomes at the population, metapopulation, community, and ecosystem levels. Management approaches are limited in fisheries, and intense in aquaculture, sometimes with undesirable impacts on wild species. Management needs can be particularly intense in hatcheries, where stocks are sensitive and kept at high densities. Increased interest in microbiome–disease interactions are opening up new opportunities to manage marine diseases in aquaculture. Solutions for marine diseases in fisheries and aquaculture may ultimately improve human health by reducing exposure to pathogens and increasing nutrient quality, but could negatively impact human health through exposure to antibiotics and other chemicals used to treat parasites.

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