What's in a (Big) Name? The Art and Agency of a Bornean Photographic Collection

This article concerns the photographic collection of Paka anak Otor, the Bidayuh owner of a ‘mini-museum’ in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and how it became entangled in his claims to status within and beyond his village. Superficially, the situation is easily apprehended via two analogous approaches within photographic theory and Southeast Asianist ethnography, which treat objects and images as representations or bearers of power and meaning. Here I suggest that such approaches end up eliding the action-centred nature of Paka's ‘big name’-making ambitions. In response, I approach his photographic collection through an analytical framework deriving from Alfred Gell's seminal theory, Art and Agency (1998), which has hitherto remained marginal to Southeast Asianist anthropology. I argue that, more than merely symbolising or bearing his ‘big name’, Paka's photographs were agentive image-objects that actively instantiated it. I conclude by asking how such an analytical shift might encourage a reconceptualisation of ‘power’ and ‘objecthood’ in Southeast Asianist anthropology.     

POISON CONTROL—Operation of an Information Center in a Rural and Agricultural Community

The Fresno Community Hospital Poison Control Center has been in operation for about three years, under the sole directorship of the pathologist. All expenses are paid by the hospital. It has served a definite need in the community. As an agricultural and more or less rural community, it shows more poison cases having to do with plants, insecticides, kerosene and fertilizers than do urban communities.     

Mixed infection, Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella britovi, in a wild boar hunted in the Province of Cáceres (Spain)

The etiological agents of human trichinellosis are distributed worldwide in domestic and wild animals. In Spain, two morphologically indistinguishable Trichinella species have been described—Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella britovi—that are perpetuated in both domestic and sylvatic cycles. The present work reports a double natural infection involving these species in a wild boar killed by hunters in the Province of Cáceres, Spain. After artificial digestion of the boar’s muscles, nine larvae/g were collected. These were characterized by multiplex-PCR and Western-blotting using the Trichinella-specific monoclonal antibodies US5 and US9, and both T. spiralis and T. britovi were detected. The mechanism by which this wild boar came to acquire a mixed infection remains unclear.     

Spatial Clustering of All-Cause and HIV-Related Mortality in a Rural South African Population (2000–2006)

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate burden of HIV infection. Knowledge of the spatial distribution of HIV outcomes is vital so that appropriate public health interventions can be directed at locations most in need. In this regard, spatial clustering analysis of HIV-related mortality events has not been performed in a rural sub-Saharan African setting.

Methodology and Results

Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistic was used to identify HIV-related and all-cause mortality clusters (p<0.05) in a population-based demographic surveillance survey in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa (2000–2006). The analysis was split pre (2000–2003) and post (2004–2006) rollout of antiretroviral therapy, respectively. Between 2000–2006 a total of 86,175 resident individuals ≥15 years of age were under surveillance and 5,875 deaths were recorded (of which 2,938 were HIV-related) over 343,060 person-years of observation (crude all-cause mortality rate 17.1/1000). During both time periods a cluster of high HIV-related (RR = 1.46/1.51, p = 0.001) and high all-cause mortality (RR = 1.35/1.38, p = 0.001) was identified in peri-urban communities near the National Road. A consistent low-risk cluster was detected in the urban township in both time periods (RR = 0.60/0.39, p = 0.003/0.005) and in the first time period (2000–2003) a large cluster of low HIV-related and all-cause mortality in a remote rural area was identified.

Conclusions

HIV-related and all-cause mortality exhibit strong spatial clustering tendencies in this population. Highest HIV-related mortality and all-cause mortality occurred in the peri-urban communities along the National Road and was lowest in the urban township and remote rural communities. The geography of HIV-related mortality corresponded closely to the geography of HIV prevalence, with the notable exception of the urban township where high HIV-related mortality would have been expected on the basis of the high HIV prevalence. Our results suggest that HIV treatment and care programmes should be strengthened in easy-to-reach high density, peri-urban populations near National Roads where both HIV-related and all-cause mortality are highest.     

Does Forest Scarcity Affect the Collection and Use of Firewood by Rural Communities? A Case Study in the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil

Many rural communities no longer have abundant forest areas for firewood collection. Based on this scenario, we evaluated how the scarcity of forest environments influences the collection and use of this resource in rural areas. A community located in the Atlantic Forest region of northeastern Brazil, which already lacks forest areas for firewood, was selected for field research. We observed that despite this context of forest scarcity, firewood remains the main source of fuel energy in the community. In total, 27 species of wood were cited, with an emphasis on exotic species in terms of number of citations. The perceived wood quality explained the frequency of plant use, but not the number of consumers. This can be explained by the difficulty of access to some species considered of better quality, because in the studied region, the plants are usually collected in private areas. Efforts in conservation strategies are recommended to encourage an increase in the frequency of use of the available exotic species in order to safeguard the native ones.     

Products of Chlorophyll a Transformation by Selected Benthic Organisms in the Odra Estuary (Southern Baltic Sea)

The transformation of chlorophyll a by two benthic bivalves – Dreissena polymorpha and Mytilus edulis and, for comparison, by the chironomid Chironomus plumosus – was examined. D. polymorpha is a suspension-feeding, freshwater but very salinity-tolerant species, M. edulis a suspension-feeding marine species, and C.␣plumosus a typical detritivorous freshwater species. All three are common in the Odra Estuary. Specimens of the three species were collected from this area in the period 1999–2003. The bivalves were transferred to a compartment on land and kept in tanks filled with water (filtered and unfiltered) collected simultaneously with the organisms, under light and temperature conditions similar to those obtaining in their natural environment. Pigments in the water samples, faeces and pseudofaeces from the tanks, and in the gut content from C. plumosus, were determined with HPLC. The digestion products of the three species were mainly phaeophorbides a, generally thought to originate mainly from zooplankton grazing, and pyrophaeophytin a in minor quantities. The results indicate that the main chlorophyll a derivatives in faeces and pseudofaeces and gut content of the three species were the same as those in the sediments of the Baltic Sea, including the Odra Estuary. Our previous studies have shown that the sediments in this area are richer in phaeophorbides a than sediments from other parts of the southern Baltic Sea. All this suggests that the benthos may play an important role in the transformation of chlorophyll a in the Odra Estuary area.     

Kinetics of Enhanced Substrate Consumption and Endo-β-xylanase Production by a Mutant Derivative of Humicola lanuginosa in Solid-state Fermentation

Summary Industrial byproducts namely canola meal, rice bran, sunflower meal, and wheat straw were used as substrates for endo-xylanase production by Humicola lanuginosemutant TH1 through solid substrate fermentation. The enzyme was secreted extracellularly by both wild and mutant cultures. Rice bran supported the maximum production of endo-xylanase followed by wheat straw, canola meal and sunflower meal. The highest activity was achieved after 72 h of culture and the highest yields from the above substrates were 842, 840, 610 and 608 IU per g substrate consumed respectively. The highest productivity (281 IU flask⁻¹ h⁻¹ corresponding to 5620 l⁻¹ h^-1) of endo-xylanase by the mutant of H. lanuginosa was 1.6-fold more than that produced by the parental organism in solid-state fermentation of rice bran at 45 °C. Maximum specific activity (180 IU mg⁻¹ protein) and substrate consumption rates were significantly more than those reported by previous researchers on Humicola sp. The mutant possessed markedly low accompanying cellulase activity. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the mutant required significantly lower activation energy for enzyme production and higher for thermal inactivation which signified that the endogenous metabolic machinery of mutant cells exerted more protection against thermal inactivation during product formation than that needed by its parental cultures.     

The Sustainable Harvest of Wild Populations of Oshá (Ligusticum porteri) in Southern Colorado for the Herbal Products Trade

Economic Botany - It is a challenge to both use and conserve wild-harvested medicinal plants, especially when it appears they may be threatened by harvest pressure, and there is often limited...     

Wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in crops—more than in pasture areas—reduce aggression and affiliation

Human–primate interfaces are expanding and, despite recent studies on primates from peri-urban environments, little research exists on the impact of agriculture and/or pasture areas on primate social behavior and health. We assessed how crop/pasture areas potentially alter social behavior and health of wild geladas (Theropithecus gelada) frequenting the unprotected area of Kundi (Ethiopia). We predicted that compared to pasture areas, crop areas (i) would be more challenging for geladas (prediction 1) and (ii) would have a greater impact on both aggressive and affiliative behavior, by reducing grooming time and enhancing competition (prediction 2). During January–May 2019 and December 2019–February 2020, we collected data (via scan, focal animal sampling, and video analyses) on direct human disturbance, external signs of pathologies and social behavior of 140 individuals from 14 one-male units and two all-male units. Animals experienced the highest level of human disturbance in crop areas (in line with prediction 1). Individuals from the groups preferentially frequenting crop areas showed the highest prevalence of external signs of pathologies consistent with chemical and biological contamination (alopecia/abnormally swollen parts). We collected 48 fecal samples. Samples from frequent crop users contained the highest rates of parasitic elements/gram (egg/larva/oocyst/cyst) from Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, a parasite common in human settlements of the Amhara region. In crop areas, subjects spent less time grooming but engaged in lower rates of intense aggression (in partial agreement with prediction 2). We speculate that the reduction in social behavior may be a tactic adopted by geladas to minimize the likelihood of detection and maximize food intake while foraging in crops.

     

Ecological footprint simulation and prediction by ARIMA model—A case study in Henan Province of China

Ecological footprint (EF), as one of the sustainable development indicators, has received considerable attention. However, it has mostly been used as a static indicator. The accurate quantitative analysis on its development trend is still rare. Thus, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was introduced to enhance the forecasting capacity of EF indicator. Taking Henan Province of China as a study area, we firstly computed the EF and the ecological carrying capacity (EC) in 1949–2006. Based on the computed results, the simulating process of the ARIMA model and the fitting and forecasting results were explained in detail. The final results demonstrated that ARIMA model could be used effectively in the simulation and prediction of EF and the predicted EF could help the decision-makers make a package of better planning for regional ecological balance or sustainable future.     

Consumption of zooplanktonic organisms by Astyanax fasciatus Cuvier, 1819 (Osteichthyes,Characidae) in Lobo (Broa) reservoir,São Carlos,SP, Brazil

The consumption of zooplanktonic organisms by young and adult fish of Astyanax fasciatus in Lobo Reservoir was studied from October 1978 to September 1979 by analysing the abundance of zooplankton in the gut of fishes and relating it to the variation of the zooplankton community in the lake. To analyse the diet the following methods were used: numeric frequency of occurrence, and frequency rate. Astyanax fasciatus showed a large spectrum of feeding. The young stage feeds mainly on zooplankton and macroinvertebrates (insect larvae) but the adults also consume algae and detritus. Even in relation to the zooplankton the young stage showed a food preference different from that of the adults, selecting copepods over cladocerans, while the adults consumed more cladocerans.     

Correlates of Social Exclusion and Negative Labeling and Devaluation of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Rural Settings: Evidence from a General Household Survey in Zambézia Province,Mozambique

Background

Increased HIV/AIDS knowledge and access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) have been hypothesized to decrease HIV stigma. However, stigma persists as a barrier to HIV services uptake. We studied the relationship between stigma, knowledge and attitudes towards HIV and its treatment, and confidence in the legal system (legal rights certitude).

Methods

We analyzed data from a household survey of 3749 randomly sampled female heads of households in 259 enumeration areas across 14 districts of Zambézia Province, Mozambique. The questionnaire included questions about beliefs, attitudes and behavior towards PLWHA, HIV transmission knowledge, treatment-related beliefs, and legal rights certitude. Factor analysis distinguished two stigma constructs: Negative labeling and devaluation (NLD) and social exclusion (SoE). Multivariable linear regression was used to determine the association between stigma, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, treatment-related beliefs, and legal rights certitude, while controlling for variance in socio-demographics.

Results

A 4-point increase in knowledge about HIV transmission was associated with more than a 3 unit decrease in NLD and SoE stigma scores (p<0.001). Given HIV transmission knowledge, a 25-point increase in legal rights certitude was associated with a 4.62 unit drop in NLD stigma (p<0.001); we did not detect an association between legal rights certitude and SoE stigma. Knowing at least one HIV positive person was associated with lower SoE (−3.17, 95% CI: −5.78, −0.56); no association with NLD (p = 0.1) was detected. ART efficacy belief was associated with higher NLD and lower SoE (2.90 increase and 6.94 decrease, respectively; p≤0.001).

Conclusion

Increasing knowledge about HIV transmission and access to ART are likely to reduce stigma, but neither of the two is a panacea. Raising community awareness of the legal rights of PLWHA might improve the efficacy of stigma reduction efforts. Strategies that focus on specific domains of stigma might be more effective than generic stigma reduction strategies.     

Sulfur chemistry,biofilm, and the (in)direct attack mechanism — a critical evaluation of bacterial leaching

It has been shown (a) that bacterial leaching of metal sulfides apparently requires the attachment of leach bacteria to metal sulfides, (b) that exopolymerbound iron compounds are responsible for or at least considerably increase the rate of the biological attack over the chemical rate, (c) that the primary attacking agent in leaching environments is the ferric iron hexahydrate ion, (c) that thiosulfate is the first intermediate sulfur compound, giving rise to a variety of other compounds including polythionate-containing periplasmic granula, and (d) that we have no idea about the actual concentrations of protons, ferrous/ferric and/or other cations, and sulfur compounds in the reaction space between the bacterium and the sulfide surface.     

Phytoextraction of soil trace elements by willow during a phytoremediation trial in Southern Québec,Canada

The phytoextraction of the trace elements (TEs) As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn by willow cultivars (Fish Creek, SV1 and SX67) was measured during a 3-year field trial in a mildly contaminated soil. Biomass ranged from 2.8 to 4.4 Mg/ha/year at 30,000 plants/ha. Shoots (62%) were the main component followed by leaves (23%) and roots (15%). Biomass was positively linked to soluble soil dissolved organic carbon, K, and Mg, while TEs, not Cd and Zn, had a negative effect. The TE concentration ranking was: Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni, Pb > As, and distribution patterns were: (i) minima in shoots (As, Ni), (ii) maxima in leaves (Cd, Zn), or (iii) maxima in roots (Cu, Pb). Correlations between soil and plant TE were significant for the six TEs in roots. The amounts extracted were at a maximum for Zn, whereas Fish Creek and SV1 extracted more TE than SX67. More than 60% (91–94% for Cd and Zn) of the total TE was in the aboveground parts. Uptake increased with time because of higher biomass. Fertilization, the selection of cultivars, and the use of complementary plants are required to improve productivity and Cd and Zn uptake.     

Variation in timing and abundance of flowering by Delphinium barbeyi Huth (Ranunculaceae): the roles of snowpack, frost, and La Niña, in the context of climate change

Delphinium barbeyi is a common herbaceous wildflower in montane meadows at 2,900 m near the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, and its flowers are important nectar resources for bumblebees and hummingbirds. During the period 1977-1999 flowering was highly variable in both timing (date of first flower ranged from 5 July to 6 August, mean=17 July) and abundance (maximum open flowers per 2Ƕ-m plot ranged from 11.3 to 197.9, mean=82). Time and abundance of flowering are highly correlated with the previous winter's snowpack, as measured by the amount of snow remaining on the ground on 15 May (range 0-185 cm, mean=67.1). We used structural equation modeling to investigate relationships among snowpack, first date of bare ground, first date of flowering, number of inflorescences produced, and peak number of flowers, all of which are significantly correlated with each other. Snowpack depth on 15 May is a significant predictor of the first date of bare ground (R²=0.872), which in turn is a significant predictor of the first date of flowering (R²=0.858); snowpack depth is also significantly correlated with number of inflorescences produced (R²=0.713). Both the number of inflorescences and mean date of first flowering are significant predictors of flowers produced (but with no residual effect of snowpack). Part of the effect of snowpack on flowering may be mediated through an increased probability of frost damage in years with lower snowpack - the frequency of early-season "frost events" explained a significant proportion of the variance in the number of flowers per stem. There is significant reduction of flower production in La Niña episodes. The variation in number of flowers we have observed is likely to affect the pollination, mating system, and demography of the species. Through its effect on snowpack, frost events, and their interaction, climate change may influence all of these variables.     

Harassment and killing of porpoises (“phocoenacide”) by fish-eating Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca)

Endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) are fish-eaters that preferentially prey on adult Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Despite being salmon specialists, individuals from all three killer whale pods (J, K, L) have been observed harassing and killing porpoises (family Phocoenidae) without consuming them. Retrospectively, we identified and analyzed 78 episodes of Southern Resident killer whales harassing porpoises between 1962 and 2020, of which 28 resulted in the porpoise's death (“phocoenacide”). Fifty-six episodes involved harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), 13 involved Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), and the porpoise species was unreported for nine episodes. Southern Resident killer whales often targeted young porpoises that were similar in size to adult Chinook salmon. Both sexes participated in porpoise harassment. Juveniles engaged in the behavior the most; however, their rates of engagement were not found to differ significantly from most other age classes. The behavior was passed through generations and social groupings, as it was first observed in L pod and spread to the other two pods. Killer whales are highly complex animals known to exhibit social learning and cultural transmission of learned behaviors, but the reason(s) for this behavior is unknown. Hypotheses include the social and developmental benefits of play, hunting practice, or displaced epimeletic behavior.     

Nectaropolliniferous Sources Used by Trigona (Tetragonisca) Angustula in Chiapas,Southern México

The nectaropolliniferous flora used by Trigona (Tetragonisca) angustula (Apidae, Meliponinae), was studied by melissopalinological analysis at Chiapas, southern Mexico, in two zones with different altitudes and vegetation (Santa Teresita and Unión Juárez). In both areas monthly samples of honey, pollen, and larval feed were taking for a full year, from a nest established expressly for the purpose. A total of 105 plant species were identified at Santa Teresita, of which only 28 taxa were present in percentages higher than 10; of these, seven taxa are nectariferous, ten nectaropolliniferous and eleven polliniferous sources, of which four taxa are found exclusively in larval food. The values of niche size (H') at Santa Teresita indicated less diversity and availability of sources, in comparison with Unión Juárez, where the evenness values (J') have a tendency toward heterogeneity. At Unión Juárez, a total of 127 plant species were registered of which only 30 taxa were present in frequencies higher than 10%; of these ten species are nectariferous, five taxa are nectaropolliniferous, and 15 species are polliniferous, and of the last category three taxa are found exclusively in brood cells. At Unión Juárez the values of niche size (H') for the three sources are higher than at Santa Teresita, and the evenness (J') values are homogeneous, and showed tendency toward evenness, indicating more diversity and availability in this area.     

Final Disposition and Quality Auditing of the Rehabilitation Process in Wild Raptors Admitted to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Catalonia,Spain, during a Twelve Year Period (1995–2007)

Background

Variability in reporting and classification methods in previous published data of the final dispositions in the rehabilitation of wild raptors makes use of this data limited in trying to audit the quality of the rehabilitation process. Crude as well as stratified disposition rates are needed if quality auditing of the rehabilitation process is to be adequately performed.

Methodology

Final dispositions of 6221 hospitalized wild raptors admitted at a wildlife rehabilitation centre (WRC) of Catalonia during 1995–2007 were analyzed. These dispositions were calculated as the euthanasia (Er), unassisted mortality (Mr), release (Rr) and captivity rates (Cr)., time to death (Td) for dead and euthanized raptors, and length of stay for released (Tr) raptors was estimated. Stratified analyses by main causes of admission and clinical signs were performed.

Results

The disposition for the total population were: Er  = 30.6%, Mr = 19.1%, Rr  = 47.2%, and Cr  = 3%. By main causes of admission, Er was higher in the trauma category (34.2%), whereas Mr was found similar between trauma (37.4%) and non-trauma categories (34.8%). The highest Rr was observed for the orphaned group (77.9%). Furthermore, Cr was low in all the categories (<4%). By clinical signs, the highest Er was found in animals suffering musculoskeletal (37.9%) or skin (32.3%) lesions; Mr was high in infectious/parasitic diseases (66.7%) and in case of neurological symptoms (64.5%). The euthanized birds had a median Td  = 1 day (P₁₀ = 0-P₉₀ = 59) for both trauma and non-trauma categories, and Td  = 36 days for the orphaned young group (P₁₀ = 0; P₉₀ = 596). The median Td in the unassisted dead birds was 2 days for all the categories (P₁₀ = 0-P₉₀ = 31). Finally, the median Tr in the centre was variable among categories.

Conclusions/Significance

Reporting of final dispositions in wildlife rehabilitation should include the crude and stratified rates (Er, Mr, Rr, and Cr), by causes and clinical presentation, as well as Td and Tr, to allow meaningful auditing of the rehabilitation process quality.     

Studies on the Genus Paeonia (1)—Report of Karyotypes of Some Wild Species in China

In the present paper 8 species with 15 populations of the genus Paeonia L. (if P. papaveracea and P. japonica are recognised as species) were collected from Sichuan, Shaanxi and Hebei provinces (see the Appendix for detail of the materials). The micrographs of their somatic metaphase (also Mii in the case of P.veitchii) are shown in Plates 1-4, the karyotype formulae, ranges of chromosome length and classification of karyotypes according to Stebbins (1971) are shown in Table 5: the idiograms in Figs. 1-2, and the parameters of chromosomes in Table 1-4. The essential points are mentioned as follows: (1) Chromosomes of the various species in the section Modan have so far been examined and they are all diploid, the two species in the section Onaepia are also diploid, and thus tetraploids exist only in the section Paeonia. (2) Chromosomes in the genus Paeonia are relatively stable except for the differentiation of ploidy. The karyotypes (Table 1-4) show no differences among different taxa in Sect. Modan and the same can also be said about the taxa in Sect. Paeonia (Table 1). Not only are the karyotypes very similar, but also among the members within either section have the same parameters of chromosomes, and, differences, if occur, are not statistically significant. Between the two sections, however, the situation is different. The arm ratios of the first pairs of chromosomes in Sect. Modan are 1.53, 1.52 and 1.48 (Table 1), but those in Sect. Paeonia are 1.12-1.28 (Table 2-4), 95% confidence limits are 1.46-1.60 for the section Modan and 1.07-1.28 (1.21-1.35 only for PB85078) for the section Paeonia, not overlapping, which indicates that the two sections have differentiated in respect of the first pairs of chromosomes. (3)The population PB85024, which belongs to the P. obovata complex, has a karyotype of 2B (stebbins, 1971), which is a new one in the genus Paeonia. This karyotype is a stable one, for several individuals in the population are uniform in this respect, which shows that Stebbins’ (1971) generalization that all the species in Paeonia have 2A does not hold true. (4) Three populations of P. obovata complex studied in this work from Sichuan and Shaanxi are all tetraploids, and one from Hebei is a diploid. From the present work and the previcus reports, the materials from Japan and Korea, no matter whether flowers are pink or white, are diploids, those from Heilongjiang Province (with both pink and white flowers) (Liu Ming-yuan, personal communication) and from Heibei Province (with pink flowers) in China are also diploids, the one from Sakhalin (pink flowers) is tetraploid, those from Priamur of the Soviet Union are a tetraploid (with white flowers) and a diploid (with pink flowers), and those from Shaanxi (the Qinling Range) and western Sichuan (with both pink and white flowers) are all tetraploids. As far as we have now known, ploidy in this particular complex is correlated with the geographical distribution: diploids are found in the central part, tetraploids occur in the northern limits, and in the south letraploids are the only cytotype. (5) The materials of P. mairei from western Sichuan and Shaanxi (the Qinling Range) are found all to be tetraploids, which shows that two cytotypes, diploid and tetraploid, exist in this species, but the geographical distribution pattern of these two cytotypes is to be revealed in the future investigation.