scholarly journals Population counts and potential impact of two successful invaders in a town of Northern Italy: the case of ring-necked parakeet and Alexandrine parakeet in Reggio Emilia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Andrea Viviano ◽  
Emiliano Mori
Keyword(s):  
Current Trend ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Reggio Emilia ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
Psittacula Krameri ◽  
Pale Colour ◽  
Population Counts ◽  
The City

In our paper, we reported the presence of two alien species in the city of Reggio Emilia, the ring-necked parakeet Psittacula krameri and the Alexandrine parakeet Psittacula eupatria. The ring-necked parakeet is widespread throughout Europe with many colonies known also for Italy, whereas the Alexandrine parakeet has been only recorded in the last 10-15 years and, apart from few individuals in Rome, the breeding population in Reggio Emilia is the largest one in Italy. We carried winter counts following standard methods through counts at roosts. About 78-80 ring-necked and at least 16 Alexandrine parakeets were counted, including also some hybrids between the two species, which were morphologically identified by the pale colour of the shoulders. Although no claims of crop damage are yet reported, parakeets of both species may feed on ripe and unripe persimmons in private gardens, reducing the total fruit production by up to 75-80%. Furthermore, four Savi’s pipistrelle Hypsugo savii have been killed by ring-necked parakeets in early spring 2019. Therefore, the current trend of these species in the town could lead to further expansion into suburban farmland areas, increasing potential conflicts with human activities.

Agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas in the United States: Highlights from the Census of Agriculture

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Rogus ◽  
Carolyn Dimitri
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
The United States ◽  
Land Values ◽  
Local Policy ◽  
Urban Core ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Vegetable Farm ◽  
The City

AbstractUrban agriculture, a current trend in many US cities, is purported to bring enhanced food security, reduction of food waste, community building, open green space in cities and higher property values. However, the literature lacks an understanding of whether urban farming has extended beyond a compelling concept into the practice of farming in the city and peri-urban areas. The exact definition of an urban farm is challenging, since many urban farms have a primary mission of supporting social goals rather than providing food. Use of the USDA definition of farm omits many self-identified urban farms, but the most consistent measure of agriculture is the Census of Agriculture. Using census data, this paper finds that urban farms are smaller than the typical farm, and while the amount of urban and peri-urban farmland declined between 2002 and 2007, the total number of farms increased. Growth in farmland is positively related to land values, suggesting that increases in urban farmland are more likely to take place in population dense, land scarce areas. Spatial analysis of urban and peri-urban farms in the Northeast finds fewer clusters of farms in areas with high land costs. In the most populous Northeastern cities, the farms are more likely to be located in the peri-urban area than in the urban core. Urban farms in the Northeast were more likely to produce vegetables, eggs and goats. Significant levels of vegetable farm clusters were detected surrounding Providence, Boston and Hartford Metropolitan Statistical Areas, which are regions that had no significant level of clustering of total farms. Future analysis, incorporating data from the 2012 census, should provide insight into whether local policy changes have resulted in growth in urban farms and farmland.

scholarly journals Changes in the number of nesting pairs and breeding success of theWhite Stork Ciconia ciconia in a large city and a neighbouring rural area in South-West Poland

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Kopij
Keyword(s):  
Large City ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
White Stork ◽  
City Hall ◽  
South West ◽  
Odra River ◽  
White Storks ◽  
Education And Awareness ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The City

Abstract During the years 1994–2009, the number of White Stork pairs breeding in the city of Wrocław (293 km2) fluctuated between 5 pairs in 1999 and 19 pairs 2004. Most nests were clumped in two sites in the Odra river valley. Two nests were located only cca. 1 km from the city hall. The fluctuations in numbers can be linked to the availability of feeding grounds and weather. In years when grass was mowed in the Odra valley, the number of White Storks was higher than in years when the grass was left unattended. Overall, the mean number of fledglings per successful pair during the years 1995–2009 was slightly higher in the rural than in the urban area. Contrary to expectation, the mean number of fledglings per successful pair was the highest in the year of highest population density. In two rural counties adjacent to Wrocław, the number of breeding pairs was similar to that in the city in 1994/95 (15 vs. 13 pairs). However, in 2004 the number of breeding pairs in the city almost doubled compared to that in the neighboring counties (10 vs. 19 pairs). After a sharp decline between 2004 and 2008, populations in both areas were similar in 2009 (5 vs. 4 pairs), but much lower than in 1994–1995. Wrocław is probably the only large city (>100,000 people) in Poland, where the White Stork has developed a sizeable, although fluctuating, breeding population. One of the most powerful role the city-nesting White Storks may play is their ability to engage directly citizens with nature and facilitate in that way environmental education and awareness.

scholarly journals Spinal Motocross Injuries in the United Kingdom

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596711774864
Author(s):  
Rohit Singh ◽  
Amit Bhalla ◽  
Matthew Ockendon ◽  
Stuart Hay
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Burst Fracture ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Spinal Injuries ◽  
Data Series ◽  
The Past ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Age Range

Background: Motocross is a form of motorcycle racing held on established off-road circuits and has been a recreational and competitive sport across the world for >100 years. In the United Kingdom alone, motocross has grown into a phenomenally ambitious and popular franchise. There are >200 motocross clubs across the country, permitting >900 events annually. Purpose: To assess the current trend of spine-related motocross injuries over the past 5 years. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Data were prospectively collected over 5 years (August 2010–August 2015) at our regional trauma and spine unit, regardless of whether the rider was performing the sport competitively or recreationally. Results: During the study period, spine-related injuries were identified for 174 patients (age range, 6-75 years) who were directly referred to our department following recreational or competitive motocross, with most injuries being sustained within the early spring and summer months, representing the start of the motocross season. A significant number of injuries were in males (n = 203, 94%), with the majority of injuries occurring within the 21- to 30-year-old age group. A total of 116 (54%) injuries required operative treatment. The most common spinal injury was thoracolumbar burst fracture (n = 95), followed by chance fractures (n = 26). Conclusion: This data series emphasizes the prevalence and devastation of motocross-related spinal injuries in the United Kingdom and may serve in administering sanctions and guidelines to governing bodies of motocross. The spinal injuries that occur during motocross have significant capital connotations for regional spinal centers. The recent surge in motocross popularity is correlated with the number of injuries, which have increased over the past 5 years by almost 500%.

scholarly journals Crop Damage from Sclerotinia Crown Rot and Risk Factors in Pyrethrum

Plant Disease ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason B. Scott ◽  
David H. Gent ◽  
Sarah J. Pethybridge ◽  
Tim Groom ◽  
Frank S. Hay
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Crown Rot ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
Current Season ◽  
Canopy Density ◽  
Flower Yield

Sclerotinia crown rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and S. minor, is a prevalent disease in pyrethrum fields in Australia. Management involves fungicide applications during the rosette stage of plant development from autumn to early spring in fields approaching first harvest. However, estimates of crop damage and the efficacy of these tactics are poorly understood; therefore, plots were established in 86 pyrethrum fields in Tasmania, Australia during 2010 to 2012 to quantify these and to identify risk factors for disease outbreaks. On average, commercial management for Sclerotinia crown rot reduced disease incidence 43 to 67% compared with nontreated plots. There was a weak but significant relationship between relative increase in flower yield when fungicides were applied and the incidence of crown rot (R2 = 0.09, P = 0.006), although the mean number of flowers produced was similar regardless of fungicide applications. Flower yield was positively associated with canopy density in spring (S = 0.39, P = 0.001). Moreover, canopy density in spring was linked by both direct and indirect effects to canopy density during autumn and winter which, in turn, were associated with planting date and previous rain events. Modeling canopy density and disease incidence in autumn correctly categorized disease incidence in spring relative to a threshold of 2% in 72% of fields. In a subset of 22 fields monitored over 2 years, canopy density in the autumn following the first harvest had a negative relationship with Sclerotinia crown rot incidence the preceding year (R2 = 0.23, P = 0.006). On average, however, current commercial management efforts provided only small increases in flower yield in the current season and appear best targeted to fields with well-developed plant canopies and Sclerotinia crown rot present during early autumn.

scholarly journals Molecular phylogeny of the South American sheldgeese with implications for conservation of Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and continental populations of the Ruddy-headed Goose Chloephaga rubidiceps and Upland Goose C. picta

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARIANA BULGARELLA ◽  
CECILIA KOPUCHIAN ◽  
ADRIÁN S. DI GIACOMO ◽  
RICARDO MATUS ◽  
OLIVIA BLANK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Data ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Tierra Del Fuego ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
Falkland Islands ◽  
Continental Population ◽  
Population Size Estimates ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Upland Goose

SummarySheldgeese of the genus Chloephaga are waterfowl (Anatidae) endemic to mainland South America and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). Continental populations of three species C. picta, C. poliocephala, and C. rubidiceps breed in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego and migrate northwards to winter in central Argentina and Chile. These continental populations have declined by > 50% in the past 30 years due to direct hunting to control crop damage and by the introduction of the grey fox Dusicyon griseus to their breeding grounds in Tierra del Fuego. The continental population of C. rubidiceps is critically endangered, estimated to be < 1,000 individuals. While no historic population size estimates exist for C. rubidiceps in its wintering grounds, the breeding population in Tierra del Fuego was estimated to number several thousand individuals in the 1950s. In contrast, the C. rubidiceps population in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) is non-migratory and stable with > 42,000 individuals, as is the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) population of C. picta leucoptera with > 138,000 individuals. Here we use sequence data from the mitochondrial DNA control region to quantify genetic divergence between insular and continental populations of these two species of sheldgeese. Chloephaga rubidiceps and C. picta showed significant intraspecific differentiation of 1.0% and 0.6%, respectively. In both cases, mainland and insular populations were reciprocally monophyletic and did not share mtDNA haplotypes. These results suggest that the insular and continental populations of C. rubidiceps and C. picta are genetically distinct and that female-mediated gene flow is restricted. We recommend a reevaluation of the threat category status of the continental C. rubidiceps population, under IUCN guidelines. It is necessary to implement urgent actions for the conservation of this critically endangered population.

scholarly journals Production Technology for Kopyor Coconut Seednuts and Seedlings in Indonesia

CORD ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Hengky Novarianto ◽  
Ismail Maskromo ◽  
Sudarsono
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Population ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Seedling Production ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Brown Dwarf ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Control Pollination ◽  
Alternative Approaches

Kopyor coconut is a naturally-occurring mutant having fluffy solid endosperm in stead of the normal one. Similar type of coconut has been found in several other Asian countries, with their distinct local names, such as Macapuno (Philippines), Makhrao Kathi (Thailand), Dikiri Pol (Sri Lanka), Thairu Thengai (India). It is a delicacy coconut to Indonesian and sells as much as ten times higher than normal coconut. In nature, three types of kopyor coconut exist in Indonesia: kopyor tall, kopyor dwarf, and kopyor hybrid. There are three kopyor dwarf varieties (‘Pati Kopyor Green Dwarf’, ‘Kopyor Yellow Dwarf’ and ‘Kopyor Brown Dwarf’) officially released, and one registered tall variety (‘Puan Kalianda Kopyor Tall’). In general, kopyor fruit yield under natural conditions is only < 25% of the total harvested fruits for both the tall and the dwarf types. Traditionally, Indonesian farmers harvest kopyor fruits at ten  months after pollination while normal fruits at 11 months. They use the harvested normal fruits for propagation; but cannot guarantee whether or not they would produce korpyor fruit. Adoption of kopyor seedling production through embryo culture has been done. However, the seedling production is slow, while the price is very expensive, thus unaffordable to common farmers. Indonesian Palm Research Institute and Bogor Agricultural University have collaborated to develop alternative approaches to increase kopyor fruit production through the production of seedling that would ensure to produce korpyor fruit through control pollination. Initiated since 2010, the activities successfully overcome uncertainty in kopyor seedling production. Moreover, hybridization among local superior coconut varieties and known kopyor one have been done to broaden genetic background of kopyor trait and to develop breeding population for new kopyor varieties in the future. Overview and update of research progress on korpyor in Indonesia are presented in this paper.

scholarly journals Development of Low Carbon Cities: Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Energy Facilities in Irkutsk City

2021 ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
E. Maysyuk
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
City Management ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Urban Energy ◽  
The City

Decrease in greenhouse gas emissions is a current trend in solving the climate change problems. The concept of low-carbon cities is extensively discussed nowadays. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through integrated mechanisms and measures, which comply with socio-economic development and city management. Since a considerable part of the population lives in cities, the utmost goal of the study is to analyze the situation with emissions of the main greenhouse gas, i.e., carbon dioxide, in the urban environment. The major sources of carbon dioxide emissions are stationary energy facilities of different capacities burning fuel. The paper considers the city of Irkutsk as an example of the populated area included in the study on low carbon cities under the auspices of the Social and Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific of the UN - UNESCAP. The first stage of the studies involved assessing the current carbon dioxide emissions from energy facilities of the city through the calculation of carbon dioxide emissions from boiler houses and the city cogeneration plant for 1990. The findings revealed the potential of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from energy facilities in Irkutsk. The paper suggests the basic directions and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the urban energy facilities.

A Strategic Framework for City Marketing

2011 ◽  
pp. 50-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Mishra ◽  
Erik Rolland
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Relationship Management ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
City Marketing ◽  
Location Factors ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The City

City marketing in the broadest term can be defined as the strategic design of the city to satisfy the various stakeholders of the city who often have conflicting goals. This frequently requires an integrated approach that aligns and addresses the expectation of various stakeholders to create vibrant communities. The current trend in globalization, formation of regional trade blocks, and the shift in importance of location factors have increased the intensity of competition among regions and cities. More than ever, cities need to compete and cooperate with each other to attract companies, investments, talent, tourists, and create markets for their products and services. This entails that cities embrace strategic marketing management tools and practices, and utilize e-services such as electronic customer relationship management. The authors propose a broad approach, called strategic stakeholder relationship management (SSRM), which is enabled by information and communication technologies, including Internet, to help the decision makers succeed in designing the 21st Century city marketing initiatives.

Harnessing social media to understand tourist mobility: the role of information technology and big data

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinyan Chen ◽  
Susanne Becken ◽  
Bela Stantic
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Social Media Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
The City ◽  
Media Data

Purpose This paper aims to examine key parameters of scholarly context and geographic focus and provide an assessment of theoretical underpinnings of studies in the field of social media and visitor mobility. This review also summarised the characteristics of social media data, including how data are collected from different social media platforms and their advantages and limitations. The stocktake of research in this field was completed by examining technologies and applied methods that supported different research questions. Design/methodology/approach This literature review applied a mix of methods to conduct a literature review. This review analysed 82 journal articles on using social media to track visitors’ movements between 2014 and November 2020. The literature compared the different social media, discussed current applied theories, available technologies, analysed the current trend and provided advice for future directions. Findings This review provides a state-of-the-art assessment of the research to date on tourist mobility analysed using social media data. The diversity of scales (with a dominant focus on the city-scale), platforms and methods highlight that this field is emerging, but it also reflects the complexity of the tourism phenomenon. This review identified a lack of theory in this field, and it points to ongoing challenges in ensuring appropriate use of data (e.g. differentiating travellers from residents) and the ethics surrounding them. Originality/value The findings guide researchers, especially those with no computer science background, on the different types of approaches, data sources and methods available for tracking tourist mobility by harnessing social media. Depending on the particular research interest, different tools for processing and visualization are available.

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