| 1. |
- Ebitu, Larmbert, et al.
(författare)
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Citizen science for sustainable agriculture : A systematic literature review
- 2021
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Ingår i: Land use policy. - : Elsevier. - 0264-8377 .- 1873-5754. ; 103
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Farmers as volunteers in research could potentially provide a rich resource for exploring sustainable agricultural research questions. To discern emerging patterns in citizen science-based studies on topics with relevance for sustainable agriculture and reveal salient challenges and opportunities for conducting such studies, we conducted a literature review of 27 articles from the period 2004–2019 of 250 publications screened from Google Scholar. These articles were thematically grouped under the topics: Soil health, climate adaptation, pest/pathogen monitoring, invasive species, inputs and outputs and pollination. Participants’ characteristics, motivations, study design and project outcomes in the reviewed articles were summarized and discussed. Both observational and experimental studies were represented in the articles, while emerging trends point towards field experimentation and ‘Large-N′ trials by lay farmers. Crowdsourcing lends itself to projects where the main role of the public is local visual observations and reporting, such as in pest/pathogen monitoring. Challenges included methodological issues such as validation procedures, but above all motivation, recruitment, and retention of volunteers. Despite the importance of participatory approaches for deeper citizen involvement for sustainability transitions and for the quality of knowledge outcomes, the role of citizens was overall restricted to data collection. Several of the methodologies proposed would be difficult to implement in low-income countries, and relatively few studies pertained to agricultural concerns of the global South. To lend value to farmers' time, we recommend projects relevant to livelihoods, health issues or local farming problems, accompanied by well-structured data feedback protocols, routing study results back to farmers.
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| 2. |
- Rising, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Spider silk proteins : recent advances in recombinant production, structure-function relationships and biomedical applications
- 2011
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Ingår i: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). - : Springer. - 1420-682X .- 1420-9071. ; 68:2, s. 169-84
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Spider dragline silk is an outstanding material made up of unique proteins-spidroins. Analysis of the amino acid sequences of full-length spidroins reveals a tripartite composition: an N-terminal non-repetitive domain, a highly repetitive central part composed of approximately 100 polyalanine/glycine rich co-segments and a C-terminal non-repetitive domain. Recent molecular data on the terminal domains suggest that these have different functions. The composite nature of spidroins allows for recombinant production of individual and combined regions. Miniaturized spidroins designed by linking the terminal domains with a limited number of repetitive segments recapitulate the properties of native spidroins to a surprisingly large extent, provided that they are produced and isolated in a manner that retains water solubility until fibre formation is triggered. Biocompatibility studies in cell culture or in vivo of native and recombinant spider silk indicate that they are surprisingly well tolerated, suggesting that recombinant spider silk has potential for biomedical applications.
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| 3. |
- Malaluang, Pongpreecha, et al.
(författare)
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Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Reproduction
- 2021
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Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI. - 2076-2615. ; 11:11
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple SummaryBacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics, resulting in the appearance of infections that are difficult or impossible to treat. This ability enables bacteria to survive in hostile environments and can result from exposure to even small amounts of antibiotic substances. Bacteria are present in the reproductive tract of the horse; they can develop resistance to antibiotics, because the animal has been treated for an infection, or due to insemination with a semen dose that contains antibiotics. Bacteria colonize the membrane lining the male reproductive tract and are transferred to the semen during collection. They can cause sperm quality to deteriorate during storage or may cause an infection in the mare. Therefore, antibiotics are added to the semen dose, according to legislation. However, these antibiotics may contribute to the development of resistance. Current recommendations are that antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections and where the sensitivity of the bacterium to the antibiotic has first been established. Therefore, adding antibiotics to semen extenders does not fit these recommendations. In this review, we examine the effects of bacteria in semen and in the inseminated mare, and possible alternatives to their use.Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics following low-level "background " exposure to antimicrobial agents as well as from exposure at therapeutic levels during treatment for bacterial infections. In this review, we look specifically at antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the equine reproductive tract and its possible origin, focusing particularly on antibiotics in semen extenders used in preparing semen doses for artificial insemination. Our review of the literature indicated that AMR in the equine uterus and vagina were reported worldwide in the last 20 years, in locations as diverse as Europe, India, and the United States. Bacteria colonizing the mucosa of the reproductive tract are transferred to semen during collection; further contamination of the semen may occur during processing, despite strict attention to hygiene at critical control points. These bacteria compete with spermatozoa for nutrients in the semen extender, producing metabolic byproducts and toxins that have a detrimental effect on sperm quality. Potential pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa may occasionally cause fertility issues in inseminated mares. Antibiotics are added during semen processing, according to legislation, to impede the growth of these microorganisms but may have a detrimental effect on sperm quality, depending on the antimicrobial agent and concentration used. However, this addition of antibiotics is counter to current recommendations on the prudent use of antibiotics, which recommend that antibiotics should be used only for therapeutic purposes and after establishing bacterial sensitivity. There is some evidence of resistance among bacteria found in semen samples. Potential alternatives to the addition of antibiotics are considered, especially physical removal separation of spermatozoa from bacteria. Suggestions for further research with colloid centrifugation are provided.
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| 4. |
- El-Seedi, Hesham, et al.
(författare)
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Insights into the Role of Natural Products in the Control of the Honey Bee Gut Parasite (Nosema spp.)
- 2022
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Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 12:21
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The honey bee is an important economic insect due to its role in pollinating many agricultural plants. Unfortunately, bees are susceptible to many pathogens, including pests, parasites, bacteria, and viruses, most of which exert a destructive impact on thousands of colonies. The occurrence of resistance to the therapeutic substances used against these organisms is rising, and the residue from these chemicals may accumulate in honey bee products, subsequently affecting the human health. There is current advice to avoid the use of antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and other drugs in bees, and therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of bee diseases. In this context, the impact of nosema diseases (nosemosis) on bee health and the negative insults of existing drugs are discussed. Moreover, attempts to combat nosema through the use of alternative compounds, including essential oils, plant extracts, and microbes in vitro and in vivo, are documented.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Fredman, Peter, et al.
(författare)
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Economic values in the Swedish nature-based recreation sector : a synthesis
- 2012
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Ingår i: Tourism Economics. - London : IP Publishing. - 1354-8166 .- 2044-0375. ; 18:4, s. 903-910
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- This research synthesis reports the main findings from a review of economic values associated with nature-based recreation in Sweden. The purpose of the work was to support policy and to identify areas for future research. Data came from over 150 scientific publications and other public sources. The authors find inter alia a lack of systematic data for several recreation activities (including naturebased tourism), a significant growth in the outdoor equipment industry and a relatively modest economic involvement by the public sector. The information is structured under different categories to illustrate the significance and range of different economic values. The authors conclude that there is a need for more comprehensive and systematically collected data, methodological development and interdisciplinary research.
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| 7. |
- Blomström, Anne-Lie
(författare)
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Viral metagenomics as an emerging and powerful tool in veterinary medicine
- 2011
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Ingår i: Veterinary Quarterly. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0165-2176 .- 1875-5941. ; 31, s. 107-114
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- New diseases continue to emerge in both human and animal populations, and the importance of animals, as reservoirs for viruses that can cause zoonoses are evident. Thus, an increased knowledge of the viral flora in animals, both in healthy and diseased individuals, is important both for animal and human health. Viral metagenomics is a culture-independent approach that is used to investigate the complete viral genetic populations of a sample. This review describes and discusses the different possible steps of a viral metagenomic study utilizing sequence-independent amplification, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics to identify viruses. With this technology, multiple viruses can be detected simultaneously and novel and highly divergent viruses can be discovered and genetically characterized for the first time. This review also briefly discusses the applications of viral metagenomics in veterinary science and lists some of the viruses discovered within this field.
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| 8. |
- Ives, Christopher D., et al.
(författare)
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Human-nature connection : a multidisciplinary review
- 2017
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Ingår i: Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-3435 .- 1877-3443. ; 26-27, s. 106-113
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- In sustainability science calls are increasing for humanity to (re-)connect with nature, yet no systematic synthesis of the empirical literature on human-nature connection (HNC) exists. We reviewed 475 publications on HNC and found that most research has concentrated on individuals at local scales, often leaving 'nature' undefined. Cluster analysis identified three subgroups of publications: first, HNC as mind, dominated by the use of psychometric scales, second, HNC as experience, characterised by observation and qualitative analysis; and third, HNC as place, emphasising place attachment and reserve visitation. To address the challenge of connecting humanity with nature, future HNC scholarship must pursue cross-fertilization of methods and approaches, extend research beyond individuals, local scales, and Western societies, and increase guidance for sustainability transformations.
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| 9. |
- Artois, M., et al.
(författare)
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Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Europe : the risks associated with wild birds
- 2009
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Ingår i: Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics). - : O.I.E (World Organisation for Animal Health). - 0253-1933 .- 1608-0637. ; 28:1, s. 69-92
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The infection of wild birds by highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza (Al) virus was virtually unknown--apart from one instance of the disease appearing in common terns in South Africa in 1961--before the Asian strain of highly pathogenic AI virus (AIV), H5N1, began to expand across the world. Outbreaks of clinical disease in Eurasia have resulted in visible mortality among populations of free-ranging wild birds in a multitude of species. The circulation pattern of influenza viruses in natural ecosystems results from a selection pressure towards strains which are indirectly transmitted by droppings from water birds and contaminated fomites, and which exhibit low pathogenicity. Some of these viruses, of the subtypes H5 or H7, can mutate into highly pathogenic strains after being introduced into domestic poultry farms. The maintenance of highly pathogenic AIV (HPAIV) H5N1 in several parts of the world exposes wild birds to infected poultry, resulting in long-distance virus transmission. There is great concern that these wild birds may, in turn, propagate these HPAIV or introduce them into domestic birds. Rigorous disease control and biosecurity measures to protect poultry farms are the only solution presently available to mitigate such a risk.
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| 10. |
- Estrada-Peña, Agustín, et al.
(författare)
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Scientific opinion on geographic distribution of tick-borne infections and their vectors in Europe and the other regions of the Mediterranean Basin : EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW)
- 2010
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Ingår i: EFSA Journal. - Parma, Italy : European Food Safety Authority. - 1831-4732. ; 8:9, s. 1723 [280 pp.]-
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- This report is the second of a series of two technical assessments of the role of ticks in transmission of animal diseases and zoonoses in Eurasia. A previous published scientific opinion (EFSA 2010a) focused on two diseases- Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and African swine fever in Eurasia. The aim of this report is to provide a general overview of the geographic distribution of tick species which have proven involvement in the transmission of pathogens causing animal diseases and zoonoses in Eurasia.The report provides a review of the geographic distribution of the relevant tick species and TBDs in Eurasia by producing maps of the region that display the occurrences of ticks and tick borne pathogens. Systematic literature review of available publications for the last 10 years and other available literature from the experts were used in the retrieval of the geographical reported cases for the presence of ticks and tick borne pathogens. The report includes a description of the factors that influence the dynamics of the relevant tick species and identify possible high-risk areas in the EU for introduction considering the biological and ecological characteristics of the ticks and their ability to adapt to new areas. Surveillance tools and control measures for ticks were discussed.Findings from this review have provided evidence of the extent of ticks and TBDs in geographical ranges and the existing risk areas that should be considered as baseline information to assess potential risk of these diseases. The report indicates the validity of using available literature to support the presence of ticks and TBDs without further predication using weather and other environmental factors associated with the survival of the ticks. Surveillance tools for the detection of the ticks and their control measures are discussed in this report. The report concluded that animal and human movement play a significant impact on the spread of the ticks and TBDs. Climate changes and flight pattern of migratory birds can influence the presence and spread of the ticks and TBDs, These two factors acting by themselves have not been determined be responsible for the widespread distribution of ticks.
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